The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Renting a car in Sao Paulo, Brazil's largest city, can be an excellent way to explore the bustling metropolis and its surrounding areas. At Bookingautos, we understand the importance of finding the perfect vehicle for your needs. This ultimate guide will help you navigate the car rental process in Sao Paulo with ease.
Choosing the Right Car
When selecting a car in Sao Paulo, consider the following factors:
City traffic: Opt for a compact or mid-size car for easier navigation through busy streets
Fuel efficiency: Choose a fuel-efficient model to save on gas costs
Safety features: Ensure the vehicle has essential safety equipment
Comfort: If you plan on long drives, prioritize comfort and space
Rental Requirements
To rent a car in Sao Paulo, you'll typically need:
A valid driver's license (held for at least one year)
Passport or national ID
Credit card for the security deposit
Minimum age requirement (usually 21, but may vary by company)
Navigating Sao Paulo
Driving in Sao Paulo can be challenging due to heavy traffic and complex road systems. Consider these tips:
Use a GPS or navigation app to avoid getting lost
Be prepared for toll roads, especially when leaving the city
Familiarize yourself with local traffic laws and signs
Park in secure, designated areas to ensure your rental car's safety
Popular Destinations
With your rental car, you can easily explore Sao Paulo's attractions and nearby destinations:
Visit the iconic Ibirapuera Park for a day of relaxation and culture
Take a day trip to the beautiful beaches of Santos
Explore the historic center and its diverse neighborhoods
At Bookingautos, we compare offers from all major car rental companies in Sao Paulo to ensure you get the best deal. By following this guide and using our services, you'll be well-prepared for an unforgettable driving experience in Brazil's most dynamic city.
Video Guide to Must-Visit Locations
Parking Your Rental Car in São Paulo
Finding parking in São Paulo can be challenging, but several options are available for rental car users. Here are some recommendations:
Parking Garages
Shopping Centers: Many malls offer secure parking for a fee.
24-hour Garages: Located throughout the city, these provide safe, round-the-clock parking.
Street Parking
Look for Zona Azul areas, which are designated street parking zones. Purchase tickets from authorized vendors or through mobile apps.
Hotel Parking
If staying at a hotel, inquire about their parking facilities. Many offer valet services or have agreements with nearby garages.
Park and Ride
Consider parking at metro stations on the outskirts and using public transportation to navigate the city center, avoiding traffic and parking hassles.
Always prioritize safety and be aware of local parking regulations to avoid fines or towing.
Good to know
Most Popular Agency
Alamo
Most popular car class
Compact
Average price
29 € / Day
Best price
21 € / Day
Average cost for 7 days of rent:
January
€262
February
€230
March
€218
April
€226
May
€253
June
€298
July
€277
August
€650
September
€622
October
€692
November
€575
December
€765
* The average cost of renting a car in Sao Paulo (Brazil) for seven days. The data is calculated based on car bookings for the previous 365 days.
A percentage showing the monthly occupancy of the fleet of available vehicles. During August, there is a maximum demand for car rental, which entails a decrease in the range of cars available for order. You should take care of booking a car in Sao Paulo (Brazil) in advance, this will allow you to get the preferred option on the most favorable financial terms.
The best time to rent a car in Sao Paulo (Brazil) is November. This month, rental prices are minimal, below the annual average by 34%, and start from €17 for a Compact car.
During the summer months in Sao Paulo (Brazil) there is a significant increase in demand for convertible rentals. This causes an increase in prices and the limited choice of such cars. A day of rental Audi A3 Convertible will cost you €139.
Bookingautos offers a wide range of cars of any class. In Sao Paulo (Brazil) you can rent a convertible, SUV, sedan, minivan, as well as a business class car. Our rental fleet consists of new cars manufactured in 2024 year.
The cost of renting a car in Sao Paulo (Brazil) depends on the car class, rental period, as well as the season of the year. For long-term rentals, rental companies provide good discounts. During the high season, in the summer months, the rental price is much higher than in winter. For example, a daily rental of Ford Focus or another budget car in the spring will cost about €17 per day. If you decide to rent this car for a week, then for each day you will have to pay about €23. The daily rental of middle-class cars, Ford Fusion, Ford Foxus Estate, VW Tiguan will be on average €39-€57. In Sao Paulo (Brazil) convertible rental price starts from €76. Luxury cars can be rented for €139, and the cost of renting the most expensive, exclusive models can exceed 550€ per day.
In recent years in Sao Paulo (Brazil) the demand for electric rental cars has been growing steadily. Their popularity is due to the presence of numerous free parking lots and recharging stations. You will be able to rent VW E-Vision in Sao Paulo (Brazil) by selecting start and end dates of the rental in the search filter.
Documents required for car rental
Driving license
Credit card
Voucher
Passport
Attention!
A valid international driver's license is required!
TOP-10 car rental Tips:
Download Google maps offline
Download the map in the Google Maps mobile app in advance. Select the desired area, type "OK MAPS" in the search box and start the search. Then wait for the map to save. Ready! Navigation will work even without an internet connection - thanks to the GPS function. It is present in all modern smartphones. You can not only find the desired address, but also build a route. And all this is free.
Book a car in advance
Sao Paulo (Brazil) is a popular tourist destination, so car rental is consistently in demand. The earlier you book a car, the more options there will be and the lower the prices will be. Choose transport online at least 6 weeks before your visit. Better yet, do it as soon as you start planning your vacation. If plans change, you can cancel your booking without penalty up to 48 hours before it starts.
Which car to choose for rent
The compact model is relevant for city trips in Sao Paulo (Brazil). It can be VW Up or Ford Focus. Mountain routes require a more powerful four-wheel drive vehicle - Ford Foxus Estate or similar model. You can order an SUV for just €35 per day;
What you need to pay attention to at the time of receiving a car
Before picking up, you are required to carefully inspect the car and point out to the rental company manager for scratches, damage and defects, such as dirty seat upholstery. You should check the ignition and the fuel level in the tank. You need to know the conditions for returning the car - where exactly, with what amount of fuel to return the car.
The rental agreement must include a telephone number to contact the rental company. It is designed so that customers can get help in emergency situations, such as when a car breaks down or in the event of an accident. A call to the rental company should be done first, even before the arrival of the police.
Insurance recommendations
Rental companies in Sao Paulo (Brazil) may offer different insurance options. They differ in price and set of options. Here are the basic types:
Third Party Liability (TPL)/Third Liability Protection (TLP). This is a third party liability protection. If you are the culprit of an accident, the insurance will compensate for the costs of the victims for you.
Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). This is to protect your vehicle from any damage. She works with a franchise. This is the amount that you will have to pay in case of damage in any case. The company will cover anything over the limit. The insurance does not cover theft.
Theft Insurance (TI)/Theft Protection (TP)/Theft Waiver (TW). This is car theft protection. Operates with a franchise.
Super Loss Damage Waiver (SLDW)/Theft Protection+Collision Damage Waiver (TP+CDW). Full protection against theft and damage, even if you are the culprit of the accident.
Personal Accident Insurance (PAI). This is medical insurance for the driver and passengers.
If you want to save money and choose the cheapest insurance, carefully inspect the car upon receipt. Make sure the machine is not damaged.
Fuel Policy
When renting a car, you should pay attention to the fuel policy of rental companies. Often, when renting, tourists have to pay the cost of a full tank of fuel. This option is suitable for long-term rentals and long trips. But if you're only renting Sao Paulo (Brazil) for a day or two, or if you're only planning short trips, such as to a small island, then you probably won't need a full tank. You can get acquainted with the fuel policy in the "Important information" section of the car you have chosen.
Mileage without limits
Before renting a car, you should check with the rental company if there is a limit on the daily mileage for a car. Typically, tourists use a rental car to travel not only around the city, but also to travel to neighboring cities and even countries. If such a restriction exists, it is recommended to choose a rental option where there is no limit. In this case, the total cost of mileage will be lower, since you will not have to pay extra for exceeding the mileage. On our site, in the search results, check the filter "Unlimited mileage" to see the offers you need.
Compare conditions of different rental companies
When choosing a rental car in Sao Paulo (Brazil), you should carefully read all the terms of the rental. This is due to the fact that different companies may differ not only in rental prices, but also in conditions for limiting mileage, the cost of additional services, and the amount of the deposit. To compare rental conditions, it is convenient to use the search and booking system on our website.
Which rental company to choose
It is recommended to rent a car in trusted companies, that is, in those whose services you have already used. You can also focus on the rating of our site, which is displayed next to the name of the company in the search results.
Ceteris paribus, preference should be given to larger companies that have a high level of service and a large selection of cars. The best rental companies in Sao Paulo (Brazil) are sixt with an average rating of 9.8 points and budget (rating - 9.7).
Getting a car at a rental office
You should show a voucher and personal documents. A manager draws up a lease agreement. The deposit is blocked on the card.
Before leaving the rental, turn on the ignition, find out the amount of fuel and compare it with what is written in the contract.
Inspect the car carefully. Point out to the manager any paint chips and scuffs. The employee must record the damage. Take a photo yourself: they should show the defect, the number of the car and the employee of the rental company. This will help to avoid problems when returning the car: it will prove that it was not you who torn the upholstery or scratched the fender.
Our main advantages
24/7 support in all popular languages
Change or cancel within 48 hours for free!
No additional fees
Car rental reviews: Sao Paulo (Brazil)
Based on 8255 reviews
Rate 4,8/5
Based on 8255 reviews
Tony
4,8
Without a doubt, I will continue to use Bookingautos on a regular basis. Thank you very much for your assistance!
Michael
4,7
Excellent value for money. The pick-up process was a little confusing, but I would use it again!
Luna
4,5
The search was very simple to use, the price was really low, and there were no problems with the rental car company.
Jody
4,9
Everything proceeded as expected. The complete coverage compensation really worked.
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