Make sure you have a visa (for Americans) and that your passport is signed.

Call Credit/Debit card companies ahead of departure and notify them of your trip to Brazil. 
Failure to do so, may cause your card to be blocked when you try to use it in Brazil.

Bring $300-$400 or Euros in cash.  You can use ATMs if you need more cash.  ATMs are called "Caixa Electronica" in Portuguese.  You will see "Banco 24 Horas", which is also a nationwide ATM chain.

Have some "ones" for the international flight (if on a US airline) to pay for your beer or drinks.

Your carry-on bag should have items to use for freshening up upon arrival in São Paulo.
 (depending on latest security measures)

A pen to fill out forms: Entry and Customs. These forms are given to you on the plane prior to landing.

Follow the flow of passengers.  Long walk until you reach the stairs going down to the Passport Control.

Usually a long line.  Will take 30 minutes to an hour.

Passport Control official will stamp your passport and the form, returning a copy to you.  Don't lose this copy!

Proceed to baggage claim.  Free baggage carts available.  Only three carousels.

Near baggage claim, you will see a Duty Free store. You can park your baggage cart their where it will be watched.  Only thing you might wish to purchase is Whiskey as a gift for Brazilians you may be visiting. 

Leaving Duty Free enter the Customs line with your passport and Custom Form in hand.

Once you pass through Customs you will enter the terminal area at the ground floor level.

In front of you, there will be an elevator; goes to the departure area. 

On the left are escalators. These take you up one floor to the Departure area of the terminal.

On the Departure floor you there are numerous airport shops:  McDonald's, Pizza Hut, money exchange places "Cambio", internet service, etc. Change $200 to Brazilian Reais.

Bathrooms:  Portuguese-English:    Men: masculino or ELE   Women: feminino or ELA

Learn About Brazil