Sao Jose dos Campos City Guide

You’ll find classic Brazilian dishes, steakhouses, Japanese spots, and fast food. Vegan and vegetarian plates are improving. Delivery is popular, and some diners keep late hours.

A mix of bars and some clubs—main areas are Jardim Aquarius and Vila Ema. The vibe is more relaxed than party-driven.

Padarias (bakeries) serve decent coffee everywhere. Third-wave shops and roasters are on the rise, though still few compared to São Paulo or Rio.

A 10% tip is included in many restaurant bills. Not mandatory elsewhere, but small tips are appreciated for good service.

Buy SIM cards at official carrier stores or mall kiosks (Vivo, Claro, TIM). You’ll need an ID and a CPF number. eSIMs work with some phones.

Central and new districts are clean and tidy. Waste collection and recycling are steady.

Some 24-hour pharmacies and convenience stores exist. Late-night food is mainly by delivery after midnight.

Larger supermarkets stock basics plus some international goods. Fresh markets open on set days. Most people shop at Carrefour, Extra, Pão de Açúcar, and Nagumo.

Card payments are accepted almost everywhere. Cash is still handy for market stalls, small shops, and some buses.

ATMs are easy to find in banks, malls, and supermarkets. Major Brazilian banks are present. Foreign cards may face fees.

Most local schools teach in Portuguese. Notable schools include Anglo, Objetivo, and Colégio Embraer. English-language or international schools aren't common, but some exist in Greater São Paulo.

There’s a tech scene and some nomad presence due to many startups, though café meetups and coworking events are less frequent than in São Paulo. The community is small but growing.

Great access to parks and nature, with shaded trails and plenty of places for walking or picnics.

Running is popular, especially in parks and along the river. City air is usually clear, and group runs are common.

Several chain gyms and local options. Most offer classes and modern equipment.

Tennis courts can be booked at clubs and some gyms. Check each club for guest policies.

Padel courts are growing in number, mostly in bigger sports clubs.

Yoga and meditation studios are found across the city. Drop-ins are often welcome.

You’ll find BJJ, Muay Thai, Judo, and Taekwondo academies with drop-in options. BJJ is especially popular.

There’s no snow or skiing in São José dos Campos or Brazil.

Kayaking or paddleboarding can be done in city parks. Larger-scale water sports are found at the beach.

Surfing is possible on the North Coast beaches, about 1.5–2 hours away. Best for day or weekend trips.

Diving and snorkeling are good on the São Paulo coast (Ilhabela/Ubatuba), not in the city. Trips take 1.5–2 hours.

Emergency and private hospitals are available. Private clinics tend to have better service and a higher chance of English-speaking staff. Pharmacies are everywhere and offer basic help.

Tap water is treated and fine to drink, but many locals still choose filtered or bottled water.

The city is welcoming to families, with parks, playgrounds, museums, and baby supplies easy to find.

The city is safe and generally welcoming to LGBTQ+ people, though less vibrant than big cities. Some inclusive venues are around.

Dogs are welcome in many parks and most apartment buildings. Vet clinics and pet shops are common. Check rental rules for pets.