Guarulhos City Guide

Food is varied with Brazilian dishes like feijoada and pão de queijo. Italian and Japanese food are common. Some restaurants offer vegan and vegetarian options. Late-night eateries like pizzerias and diners are around.

Nightlife is modest with local bars and pubs. It is quieter than nearby São Paulo city.

Coffee culture is strong, with traditional cafezinho widely offered. Specialty coffee is more common in São Paulo city.

A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills and generally expected. Tipping taxi drivers is optional, usually small amounts. Hotel staff and guides are tipped around R$5-R$10 per service.

SIM cards from TIM, Vivo, and Claro can be bought at the airport. Activation often requires a CPF, which is tricky for tourists. eSIMs from providers like Airalo or Holafly are convenient alternatives.

Cleanliness varies by neighborhood. Waste collection is regular.

Some pharmacies and minimarts operate 24/7. Late-night food is mostly fast food and diners. Hospitals operate fulltime; night clinics are limited.

Supermarkets like Carrefour, Pão de Açúcar, and Extra offer international and local products. Fresh produce markets operate on set days, where bargaining is normal. Hours are usually 8 AM to 10 PM, with some closed on Sundays.

Cards are accepted widely in most places, but it's good to carry some cash for small vendors or markets.

ATMs are common in banks, malls, and at the airport. Banco24Horas is widely used. Some ATMs charge fees; withdraw in Brazilian Reais to avoid bad exchange rates.

International schools are mainly in São Paulo city. Local schools available but few with English support.

Digital nomad community is small. Most coworking and community life are in São Paulo city nearby.

Good green spaces and parks for recreation and walks are found throughout Guarulhos.

Parks like Bosque Maia offer safe routes for running during the day. Air quality can vary and affect sensitive runners.

Gyms and fitness centers are common, including large chains and smaller local options.

Tennis courts are available at private clubs and sports centers.

Padel courts exist in some clubs; booking and membership likely required.

Yoga studios and wellness centers operate in Guarulhos, though English-speaking instructors may be rare.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and boxing gyms are available for training.

No skiing available.

Limited water sports locally; coastal options lie a few hours away.

No surfing spots in Guarulhos. Closest surf beaches are on the São Paulo coast.

No diving near Guarulhos. Coastal spots are far away.

Private hospitals in São Paulo city generally have better English support than public hospitals in Guarulhos. Pharmacies are common and provide over-the-counter meds and advice.

Tap water is not recommended for drinking. Use bottled water instead.

Parks like Bosque Maia and Parque Municipal Júlio Fracalanza have playgrounds and kid-friendly spaces, including a pet park and mini city for children.

Brazil legally protects LGBTQ+ rights. Guarulhos is generally safe but less open than São Paulo city. Public displays of affection may get some attention.

Pet-friendly parks like the Pet Park in Parque Municipal Júlio Fracalanza are available. Vet services are accessible.