We recommend that our guests arrive by Wednesday, October 1st to allow enough time to rest after your trip and enjoy some free time before the wedding. This will help you feel refreshed and ready for the big day!

If possible, we suggest booking a direct flight and considering an overnight flight to minimize travel time and ensure you arrive feeling well-rested.

To find the best flight options and prices, I personally recommend using the Skyscanner app. Make sure to select GRU (Guarulhos Airport, São Paulo) as your destination.

For your flight, my personal recommendation is to choose Delta or United Airlines. LATAM is also a great option for flights to São Paulo. Your flight will arrive at Terminal 3 at Guarulhos Airport (GRU), where you can easily grab a taxi at the exit to reach your accommodation.

Passport: A valid passport is required for all travelers entering Brazil. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.

Visa Requirements:

Starting April 10, 2025, US citizens will need a visa to travel to Brazil.

You can apply for an e-Visa through the portal https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/. The process is easy, and quick and if the requirements mentioned below are met, in a few days you will receive the e-Visa on your e-mail.

All requests for e-Visas must be made through the portal https://brazil.vfsevisa.com/

For other questions, send an email to visa.miami@itamaraty.gov.br.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Valid Passport (signed, valid up to the end of the travel to Brazil, 2 visa pages free)

Visa application form (completed online)

Passport-style photo (2” x 2”, white background)

E-visa fee payment (US$ 80.90)

Key points about the Brazil eVisa:

Processing time: Generally within 5 business days.

Eligible citizens: Currently, only citizens from the United States, Canada, and Australia are eligible for a Brazilian eVisa.

Validity: The eVisa is valid for multiple entries within a period of up to 10 years for US citizens and 5 years for Canadian and Australian citizens.

Application process: Apply online through the designated Brazilian government website.

Weather Forecast:

In October, Brazil is in the middle of spring, so you can expect warm, sunny days with mild temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). While it’s generally pleasant, evenings might be a bit cooler, so it's a good idea to layer up for comfort.

Packing Suggestions:

For comfort and style, we recommend lightweight, breathable fabrics to keep cool during the day. Women might want to bring a sun hat or sunglasses, while men could opt for a lighter suit or shirt. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, especially if you'll be walking on grass or uneven terrain. While the dress code is elegant, consider bringing a light jacket or shawl for the evening when temperatures dip.

Currency Exchange:

The local currency in São Paulo is the Brazilian Real (BRL). Exchange rates can fluctuate, so it's best to check the current rate before you exchange money. ATMs are widely available, and most credit cards are accepted in major businesses, but it’s always good to carry some cash for smaller shops or places that don’t accept cards. You can exchange currency at the airport or at local exchange offices.

Tipping Culture:

Tipping is customary in Brazil, but not mandatory. For restaurant staff, a tip of around 10% is generally included in the bill, but it’s optional. For other services, such as taxi drivers, hotel staff, and bellhops, tips are not usually required—it’s up to you.

For our wedding, tipping is not required as we have already taken care of it for all staff, including the bar and service team. Feel free to enjoy the day without worrying about gratuities!

Customs and Traditions:

In São Paulo, people are warm and friendly, often greeting with a handshake or a hug among close friends. Punctuality is valued, though guests may arrive a bit later to social events. It’s polite to greet others with "Bom dia" (Good morning), "Boa tarde" (Good afternoon), or "Boa noite" (Good evening), depending on the time of day.

Language:

While many people speak English, especially in tourist areas, Portuguese is the official language. A few useful phrases:

Olá (Hello) or Oi (Hi)

Por favor (Please)

Obrigado/Obrigada (Thank you – "Obrigado" for men, "Obrigada" for women)

Desculpe (Sorry)

Quanto custa? (How much does it cost?)

Learning a couple of phrases will be appreciated!

Medical Information:

São Paulo has excellent healthcare facilities. Some of the nearest hospitals include Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz and Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein. There are pharmacies along the street of the hotel, many of which are open 24/7. It’s recommended to have travel insurance for added peace of mind during your stay. Currently, there are no mandatory vaccines required to enter Brazil.

Emergency Numbers:

Local Police: 190

Fire Department: 193

Ambulance: 192

Emergency Medical Assistance (SAMU): 192

Embassy (US): +55 11 3250-5000

Make sure to have these numbers saved in case of emergencies.

Since your hotel is located at Avenida Paulista, you'll be in one of the safest and most vibrant areas of São Paulo. This region is well-patrolled and popular with locals and tourists alike, with many restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions nearby. However, it's always good to take some precautions, such as staying alert in crowded places.

Stay in well-lit areas: Avenida Paulista is a busy, well-lit street, so it’s generally safe, but always stay alert, especially at night.

Transportation: Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are readily available in the area, and your Uber app should work smoothly here. The Metrô (subway) also runs through the region, offering convenient access to other parts of the city.

Keep your belongings secure: Avenida Paulista is a popular area, so be sure to keep your personal items close and stay mindful of pickpockets, especially in busy spots. Avoid walking around with your phone in hand to reduce the risk of theft.

Emergency contacts: Keep local emergency numbers handy, and let someone know your plans if you’re heading out to less familiar areas.

Enjoy the vibrant area and stay safe while exploring São Paulo!

Although we weren’t able to secure a room block due to the complexity of the hotel policies, we've carefully selected three of the best options for our guests. All three are located on the same street, just a few steps apart, in the heart of São Paulo, at Alameda Santos, near Avenida Paulista.