Flying into São Paulo rewards those who plan ahead. Book 6–10 weeks out to avoid the Carnival and December holiday surges, when fares can spike 40–60%. The city suits culture-hungry travellers, serious food lovers, and business visitors equally well. Domestic connections from GRU are frequent and affordable. BNPL options are strongest for Brazilian residents, though international providers cover most inbound routes comfortably.
What works well
- World-class food scene
- Excellent hub connections
- Great BNPL coverage
What to watch
- Book early Dec–Feb
- Visa rules changed
Guarulhos runs three terminals and a fair bit of queueing, so budget extra time before that domestic connection. The upside is choice: nonstops from Miami, London, Frankfurt, Lisbon, Paris and Buenos Aires land daily, which is why this is one of South America's busiest gateways. Mind the visa rules, since Brazil has brought back requirements for US, Canadian and Australian passport holders, and check the Polícia Federal site before you pack. Once you land, a mid-range churrascaria meal running under USD 20 a head goes a long way toward making up for the immigration line.







