More about Santos (Sao Paulo)
Why Cruise to Santos (Sao Paulo)?
Visit the Coffee Museum and try a Brazilian cappuccino in the onsite cafe
Beware of pickpockets
Explore museums and hit the beach in Latin America's largest port city
Santos (Sao Paulo) Cruise Port Facilities?
The full-service terminal offers several cafes and snack bars, stores, tour desks, currency exchange, Internet access and ATM's.A statue of Our Lady of Fatima, elected by the harbor workers as their patron saint, sits at the entrance to the port. While the "Old Town" of Santos is within walking distance of the port and has been "revitalized," visitors should still exercise caution.
Good to Know?
Don't wear flashy jewelry. Pickpockets in the area have been known to rip necklaces, bracelets and rings off tourists.
Getting Around?
By Shuttle: Many of the cruise lines offer shuttle buses into town, stopping at a central location like the Praiamar Shopping Center.
By Taxi: Taxis line up outside the cruise terminal. They are metered and can take you on the 10-minute drive into the center of town or further afield. If you're interested in taking a taxi to Sao Paolo, be sure to negotiate a price first; about $200 roundtrip is the going rate.
Currency & Best Way to Get Money?
The local currency is the Brazilian real. Many shopkeepers and taxi drivers take U.S. dollars. There is a currency exchange in the main cruise terminal as well as several ATM's near gate L. Check xe.com and oanda.com for current exchange rates.
Language?
Portuguese is the national language of Brazil and is spoken in Santos. Some locals, who work directly with tourists, speak English.
Where You're Docked?
The port of Santos covers 8.7 miles, though the cruise operations are concentrated in the Concais Terminal. In the high season, there can be a half-dozen or more ships in port, and generally it is necessary to take a shuttle bus from shipside to the cruise terminal.
