São Paulo essentials
- Country
- Brazil
- Airports
- São Paulo–Guarulhos International (GRU), plus Congonhas (CGH) and Viracopos (VCP) for domestic flights
- Cheapest time to fly
- May to June and August to November are usually cheapest from Canada; Christmas, New Year, Carnival and the January summer holidays cost the most.
- From the airport
- Airport buses and the Line 13 train link Guarulhos with the city. Allow plenty of time, because São Paulo traffic can be very heavy.
- Time difference
- 1 hour ahead of Toronto (can shift by an hour when clocks change)
- Entry for Canadians
- Canadians need a Brazil eVisa (required since April 2025), applied for online before travel.
Entry rules change, so confirm on the Government of Canada travel advice page before you book.
Visiting São Paulo: what to know
Best time to visit
São Paulo is mild all year because of its altitude. December to March is warm and wet, with heavy afternoon storms; June to August is cool and dry, with chilly nights around 10°C. April to May and September to November are pleasant in-between seasons.
Getting around
The metro is clean, cheap and the best way to avoid São Paulo's traffic. Uber and the local app 99 are widely used. From Guarulhos, airport buses and the Line 13 train run to the city.
Money and costs
Brazil uses the Brazilian real (BRL). Canadian bank cards usually work in ATMs and cards are widely accepted in the cities, but carry some cash for small purchases. Exchanging Canadian dollars in Brazil is difficult, so use a card or bring US dollars.
Where to stay
Avenida Paulista and nearby Jardins are central, close to the metro and to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP). Pinheiros and Vila Madalena are good for food. São Paulo also has a large Arab-Brazilian community, and Lebanese and Syrian food, including halal options, is easy to find.
Good to know
The Government of Canada advises a high degree of caution in Brazil because of crime. Keep your phone and valuables out of sight, use official taxis or ride-hailing apps and check the plate before getting in, and make sure your map app doesn't route you through a favela.
Checked October 2026. Sources: Wikipedia: São Paulo (climate) · Government of Canada: Travel advice for Brazil
Cheapest flights to São Paulo from Canada
Nonstop flights
- From Toronto: Air Canada, to Guarulhos
Our guides for São Paulo
Hotels, tours and more for São Paulo
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São Paulo: common questions
When is the cheapest time to fly to São Paulo from Canada?
May to June and August to November are usually cheapest from Canada; Christmas, New Year, Carnival and the January summer holidays cost the most.
Which airport do you fly into for São Paulo?
São Paulo–Guarulhos International (GRU), plus Congonhas (CGH) and Viracopos (VCP) for domestic flights. Airport buses and the Line 13 train link Guarulhos with the city. Allow plenty of time, because São Paulo traffic can be very heavy.
Do Canadians need a visa for Brazil?
Canadians need a Brazil eVisa (required since April 2025), applied for online before travel.
Which Canadian cities fly to São Paulo?
Viorvo tracks fares to São Paulo from Toronto. Each route page shows the lowest recent fares and the cheapest month.
When is the best time to visit São Paulo?
São Paulo is mild all year because of its altitude. December to March is warm and wet, with heavy afternoon storms; June to August is cool and dry, with chilly nights around 10°C. April to May and September to November are pleasant in-between seasons.
How do you get around São Paulo?
The metro is clean, cheap and the best way to avoid São Paulo's traffic. Uber and the local app 99 are widely used. From Guarulhos, airport buses and the Line 13 train run to the city.
Where should I stay in São Paulo?
Avenida Paulista and nearby Jardins are central, close to the metro and to the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP). Pinheiros and Vila Madalena are good for food. São Paulo also has a large Arab-Brazilian community, and Lebanese and Syrian food, including halal options, is easy to find.