Sao Paulo Reports

[QUOTE=MrMatrix;2499370]In United States Charles Schwab Bank debit card has no foreign transactions fees and in UK Starling Bank is the same.[/QUOTE]Ok, in EU you wouldn't call transaction free cards debit cards. What is offered is credit cards (usually visa) without transaction fees on ATM withdrawals.

Some banks offer Visa and Master cards with a limited number of transactions free withdrawals, eg 25 withdrawal p. a. without transaction fees. I guess the transaction fee free package is thrown in as a sales pitch by the bank. Such cards usually have a high yearly fixed cost, typically 150 to 180 euros. They come with all kinds of useless insurances.

The only fully DEBIT card with a transaction fee free package in Europe that I know of is Revolut. But the transaction fee free amount with Revolut is limited to 200 euro a month. Peanuts.

What is Charles Schwab Bank's business model? Do they give a less good exchange rate?

[QUOTE=Sperto;2499325]That's not correct. There are Bradesco ATMs at GRU.[/QUOTE]WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.

[QUOTE=FRobertson;2499420]WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.[/QUOTE]Terminal 2. If you have problem finding just ask some of the airport staff.

[QUOTE=XXL;2499412]Ok, in EU you wouldn't call transaction free cards debit cards. What is offered is credit cards (usually visa) without transaction fees on ATM withdrawals.

Some banks offer Visa and Master cards with a limited number of transactions free withdrawals, eg 25 withdrawal p. a. without transaction fees. I guess the transaction fee free package is thrown in as a sales pitch by the bank. Such cards usually have a high yearly fixed cost, typically 150 to 180 euros. They come with all kinds of useless insurances.

The only fully DEBIT card with a transaction fee free package in Europe that I know of is Revolut. But the transaction fee free amount with Revolut is limited to 200 euro a month. Peanuts.

What is Charles Schwab Bank's business model? Do they give a less good exchange rate?[/QUOTE]The exchange rate is set by the ATM you are using for the transaction.

Starling Bank is similar to Revolut but has no limit on free withdrawals (but you do pay local ATM fees) and better customer service, they have both Pounds Sterling and Euro accounts, Charles Schwab is only dollars but has no limit, no fees and credits back to your account any local fees charged by the bank ATM you used.

[QUOTE=FRobertson;2499420]WHERE?

Last time I was there, I looked all over, and couldn't find one. I'd love to be able to get some cash at the airport next time I'm in town.[/QUOTE]3rd floor next to the Starbucks.

Avoid Banco24 horas ATM, worst exchange rates I ever got.

[QUOTE=Sperto;2499423]Terminal 2. If you have problem finding just ask some of the airport staff.[/QUOTE]Okay I found the reference on the website:

BANCO BRADESCO.

Terminal 2 - Mezzanine – Check-in E.

[URL]https://www.gru.com.br/en/passenger/discover-gru/services-and-facilities/banks[/URL]

[QUOTE=MrMatrix;2499432]The exchange rate is set by the ATM you are using for the transaction.
.[/QUOTE]With my credit cards the exchange rate is the Visa or Master exchange rate, except if you fall into the trap of accepting withdrawal in foreign currency instead of local currency. So I withdraw for example 1000 R, and Visa or Master applies their (good) exchange rate to that back home to convert the 1000 R into euros. No shenanigans with ATM rates or such likes. Maybe it's different in Brazil though, I still have to test Brazilian ATMs. My experience is chiefly with ATMs in Africa.

I am, though, buying things in Sao Paulo with my credit card every day and the exchange rate is the official Visa exchange rate (with 1.75% foreign transaction fee in my case alas).

Power cut today, so we had to get by with one candle and the girl's smartphone and mine as light sources. I was surprised by the pricing system here. I was asked to pay 110 R upfront at reception so I thought this must be a discount price because of the power outage. However, the girl asked for an additional 150 in the room, saying that her money was kept separate from the house's money. This is the first instance of dual payment in a clinica. Prime clinica was 180 R, so cheaper than Abbobora's 150 + 110.

[QUOTE=XXL;2499449]Power cut today, so we had to get by with one candle and the girl's smartphone and mine as light sources. I was surprised by the pricing system here. I was asked to pay 110 R upfront at reception so I thought this must be a discount price because of the power outage. However, the girl asked for an additional 150 in the room, saying that her money was kept separate from the house's money. This is the first instance of dual payment in a clinica. Prime clinica was 180 R, so cheaper than Abbobora's 150 + 110.[/QUOTE]Yes this is normal, Abbobora is like that but the default there is 1 hour, not 30 minutes. And she will spend the full hour with you. In Prime, I think, you get 30 minutes by default.

[QUOTE=Sperto;2499325]That's not correct. There are Bradesco ATMs at GRU.[/QUOTE]You are right, but then I land in International Terminal 3, and T2 is more a domestic one.

[QUOTE=Questner;2499516]You are right, but then I land in International Terminal 3, and T2 is more a domestic one.[/QUOTE]So do I, but it's only a quick walk.

[QUOTE=FRobertson;2499444]Okay I found the reference on the website:

BANCO BRADESCO.

Terminal 2 - Mezzanine Check-in E.

[URL]https://www.gru.com.br/en/passenger/discover-gru/services-and-facilities/banks[/URL][/QUOTE]Thanks good follow-up posting link. Good to know Bradesco is in airport. Video as soon as it starts Bradesco lower LEFT [url]https://youtu.be/li3VvqeK0Dg?t=134[/url]

Also one in city Avendia Paulista 2016 [URL]https://www.google.com/maps/place/Av.+Paulista,+2016+-+Bela+Vista,+S%C3%A3o+Paulo+-+SP,+01310-200,+Brazil/@-23.5588573,-46.6592586,3a,75y,44.52h,87.31t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sfofdcj8mrXfgd4BNNGpCWw!2e0!7i16384!8i8192!4m5!3m4!1s0x94ce582d59bddf9b:0x3bf88731ad618ccb!8m2!3d-23.5582856!4d-46.6594582[/URL]

I have found taxis from the airport to Moema very expensive. In my last trip October last year I actually took the train but it was very inconvenient with luggage and won't do it again.

[QUOTE=Turgid;2499639]I have found taxis from the airport to Moema very expensive. In my last trip October last year I actually took the train but it was very inconvenient with luggage and won't do it again.[/QUOTE]I've paid 50-60 reais for Uber each time I went to the airport and back.

Because of Covid, deciding on the trip was not an easy decision but been working every day for past ten months and just needed it. This was my first time in Sao Paulo and wanted to make this trip report for any newbies visiting this city in near future. You can also check out my trip reports for Rio, Medellin, Cali, Panama City as well.

General.

Mosquitos- Had a same issue in Rio but if you are staying in Airbnb apt with open window balcony, make sure to buy a mosquito spray the first day and spray all over the place (especially the curtain area next to balcony door). Woke up after first night and was raped by these little bastards.

Area of stay- Stayed in Vila Olimpia area where it is considered one of high-end neighborhood. Beautiful skyscrapers and felt safe during all hours and highly recommend.

Travel insurance- Purchased the travel insurance from Seven Corner [URL]https://www.sevencorners.com/[/URL] Make sure to pick the plan under Liaison Travel Plus which covers the Covid medical bills and cost was only about $20 for the whole week.

Flight- My return scheduled flight changed two times during my stay and make sure to check the emails from the air carrier. Understand that time is different, but it would be suck going to airport not knowing the flight has been cancelled.

Copy of passport- Make sure to make a copy of passport so you can use as ID. When entering Scandallo or visiting escorts, front desk usually asks for ID and this makes a huge convenience instead of carrying the actual passport.

Clinica- Highly recommend both Miruna and Abbbora which they are close by around the corners. Miruna and Clinica Brooklin are open on Sundays and expect many guys at the waiting room. It seems all Moema clinicas are charging R230 per HR. And Abbbora will ask R260 for certain girls. Had a little Clinica run with member XXL and one of laughable moment was at Palms Clinica which supposed to be the high-end place with R300 per HR. At Palms, there isn't any girl presentation in person, but you can check out the available girls by using the tablets. It was just funny since the girls from the tablet weren't all that attractive. If I had more time, might of went back to session since the place looked high-end and located in Vila Olimpia where I was staying.

Scandallo- Finally, all these years of hearing about this place and it exceeded my expectation as for the venue goes. Everything was more that I have imagined except for the girl quality. I was expecting all the same quality girls from Instagram that I follow but was disappointed. There weren't any stunners and few pretty ones were always busy with other customers. And, noticed many Asian customers where it was kind of surprising (I know Sao Paulo has major asian population but wow). During my week stay, visited three times and saw many of same girls. On Saturday before 7 pm, entry was R200 instead of normal R150. It has been discussed many times, but pricing before 7 pm, R150 entry (all goes towards to consumption), Room R230 and girls asking R500 to 800. During my visits, the girls accepted R400 happily which was somewhat surprising since heard price was a bit higher.

Connection- This place was too far from where I was staying, almost 40 minutes by Uber. Certainly, more partier vibe than Scandallo. Members mentioned about same owner from Scandallo owning the place and it is probably true since the rooms are identical (all button control setting). If I can remember correctly, the entry was R50, room R120 and girls were asking R300-500. The girls were doable and think it is worthy of visit. The club also have card tables and many people were playing in the back of club with proper chips.

Bahamas Club- Smaller club in Moema. The place is somewhat old and laidback but it was kept in good shape and classy where it reminds of old high-end hotel in New York. There weren't many girls and didn't see any 9-10's. Session with big tits girl there and saw the same girl again at Scandallo next two nights. Since Connection and Scandallo were only place available to my knowledge, wasn't a bad idea to check this place out. Similar to Scandallo price except for entry fee which was too confusing where I just paid R150.

Negative- Not sure why but many of girls had a foul odor smell from their pussy. You do not smell it until change of sex position (touched on the condom to confirm the smell). This happened way too many times even with the girl from Scandallo. This was complete turn off.

Final thought- The trip was decent even with Covid situation. Surprisingly, everyone in Sao Paulo always wear a mask which made me felt safe and the city showed a lot wealth which was different from Rio. There were many fancy cars and people popping bottles at Scandallo and other clubs. As many members will advise, splitting the days between Rio and Sao Paulo isn't a bad idea. Just note that even with killer currency, you will spend some money when visiting night spots such as Scandallo and connection on a nightly basis. If you are thinking about making the trip, just do it.