Campinas City Guide

You’ll find Brazilian BBQ, feijoada, cheese bread, and tropical fruits. There's good international variety like Italian and Japanese. Vegetarian and vegan options are growing. Some late-night spots, mainly weekends.

Campinas has a lively nightlife, especially in Cambuí and Barão Geraldo, with bars, pubs, and clubs for different tastes.

Strong coffee culture with quality coffee widely available. Third-wave shops and local roasters are growing.

Restaurants often include a 10% service charge; additional tipping is optional. Taxis usually round up fare. Small tips for other services appreciated but not expected.

Buy SIM cards at malls, mobile provider stores, and some pharmacies. Major providers are Vivo, Claro, and TIM. Physical SIMs are common; eSIMs less so. Registration usually needs passport and CPF (tax ID).

Cleanliness varies. Central and affluent areas are generally clean; some outskirts less so. Waste pickup is regular.

Some pharmacies operate 24/7 on a rotating basis. Convenience stores are often open late or all night. Limited 24/7 food options mostly fast food.

Supermarkets have some imported products. Fresh open-air markets are common on certain days. Stores often close or reduce hours on Sundays and holidays.

Cards are widely accepted in most shops and restaurants. Cash is needed for small vendors and some public transit.

ATMs are best found inside bank branches like Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco, and Caixa or inside shopping malls. Expect fees for international cards.

American School of Campinas offers English instruction. Local private schools mostly teach in Portuguese. Early applications recommended for international schools.

Community is small but growing, with some meetups and events mostly tied to tech and startups. Co-working spaces act as hubs.

Good access to parks, especially Parque Portugal and Bosque dos Jequitibás. Shaded paths and running options are common.

Popular running spots include Lagoa do Taquaral. Safe during the day, less so at night. Local running groups available.

Many gyms available across the city.

Tennis and padel courts available in clubs and public facilities with coaching and equipment rentals.

Padel courts are common at private clubs and condos.

Several yoga studios offering various styles with drop-in and memberships; English instructors may be rare.

Many dojos offering BJJ, Muay Thai, Boxing, Judo, Karate, and Taekwondo with local competitions. Drop-in classes common.

No skiing areas nearby.

Limited water sports; some paddle boating on Lagoa do Taquaral.

No surfing in Campinas. Nearest breaks are 2-3 hours away on the coast (Guarujá, Maresias).

No local dive sites. Certifications may be available, but practical dives happen on the coast.

Private hospitals like Vera Cruz and Albert Sabin offer better care and may have some English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are common and many have pharmacists giving basic advice.

Tap water is treated but better to drink bottled water, especially if sensitive.

Many parks with playgrounds, family-friendly cafés, and baby supplies stores. Attractions include zoo, natural history museum, pedal boats, and shopping mall entertainment.

Fairly accepting city with some safe spaces and an annual Pride. Discrimination is rare but possible.

Pet-friendly options are expanding with parks, clinics, and accommodations allowing pets. Vet care is good.