Overnight in GRU between connections
Aug 16, 2024 | 6:12 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA, UA, SQ, VA, QF, AF, BA
Posts: 2,885
Overnight in GRU between connections
I will arrive on Latam from SCL around 22:30 which I think is Terminal 3.
The next morning, I have Azul on a separate ticket to Cuiaba then Alta Floresta at 05:10, I think it's Temrinal 1.
By the time I clear passport and customs, will probably take over an hour. I don't have any lounge memberships but would I have access to pay per entry at a lounge? I need to hang out somewhere safe for 4 hours or so.
I would also need to either change money or use an ATM and can use either a Wise card or cash exchange. Which would be better to withdraw 5000 BRL to pay for an eco-lodge that doesn't take credit cards?
The next morning, I have Azul on a separate ticket to Cuiaba then Alta Floresta at 05:10, I think it's Temrinal 1.
By the time I clear passport and customs, will probably take over an hour. I don't have any lounge memberships but would I have access to pay per entry at a lounge? I need to hang out somewhere safe for 4 hours or so.
I would also need to either change money or use an ATM and can use either a Wise card or cash exchange. Which would be better to withdraw 5000 BRL to pay for an eco-lodge that doesn't take credit cards?
Aug 17, 2024 | 1:54 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
Programs: Former 13 Yr 1K, Million Miler, *G, Azul Diamante, JJ, Global Entry, CLEAR, H.O.G. Life Member
Posts: 1,514
I will arrive on Latam from SCL around 22:30 which I think is Terminal 3.
The next morning, I have Azul on a separate ticket to Cuiaba then Alta Floresta at 05:10, I think it's Temrinal 1.
By the time I clear passport and customs, will probably take over an hour. I don't have any lounge memberships but would I have access to pay per entry at a lounge? I need to hang out somewhere safe for 4 hours or so.
I would also need to either change money or use an ATM and can use either a Wise card or cash exchange. Which would be better to withdraw 5000 BRL to pay for an eco-lodge that doesn't take credit cards?
The next morning, I have Azul on a separate ticket to Cuiaba then Alta Floresta at 05:10, I think it's Temrinal 1.
By the time I clear passport and customs, will probably take over an hour. I don't have any lounge memberships but would I have access to pay per entry at a lounge? I need to hang out somewhere safe for 4 hours or so.
I would also need to either change money or use an ATM and can use either a Wise card or cash exchange. Which would be better to withdraw 5000 BRL to pay for an eco-lodge that doesn't take credit cards?
Aug 18, 2024 | 2:34 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA, UA, SQ, VA, QF, AF, BA
Posts: 2,885
You are correct on the terminals. There is a connector bus that runs between all the terminals. After clearing Customs in Terminal 3 you will be on the ground floor. Go outside and cross the second island dividing the traffic lanes (if I remember correctly) to wait for the bus. Terminal 1 has one lounge, the W Lounge which is open 24 hours from what I have read. If you have no lounge memberships, cost is BRL 180.00. It isn't large, but no idea how busy it would be at the time you would be there. As for money exchange, haven't used a Wise card personally, but credit cards are pretty much accepted everywhere else other than the eco-lodge you are going to stay at. You can use a debit card to withdraw Reais from an ATM, just don't accept the offered conversion rate as it will continue the process and give you a better exchange rate. There is also a limit on how much you can withdraw at one transaction. Be cautious of skimmers at the ATM. Of course credit and debit cards with no foreign transaction fees are the best.
I have seen report that ATMs only give a small amount of BRL at a time, like 1000-1200.
Maybe it would be better if I brought cash from Australia to exchange at the airport. I know airport money changers aren't great but at that time of night I wouldn't be able to get into town. Is there anyway to find out the rates for cash exchange at the airport?
Aug 18, 2024 | 5:46 am
#4
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Virginia and Vitoria, ES Brazil
Programs: Former 13 Yr 1K, Million Miler, *G, Azul Diamante, JJ, Global Entry, CLEAR, H.O.G. Life Member
Posts: 1,514
Thanks for the information. Hopefully I can get into that W Lounge.
I have seen report that ATMs only give a small amount of BRL at a time, like 1000-1200.
Maybe it would be better if I brought cash from Australia to exchange at the airport. I know airport money changers aren't great but at that time of night I wouldn't be able to get into town. Is there anyway to find out the rates for cash exchange at the airport?
I have seen report that ATMs only give a small amount of BRL at a time, like 1000-1200.
Maybe it would be better if I brought cash from Australia to exchange at the airport. I know airport money changers aren't great but at that time of night I wouldn't be able to get into town. Is there anyway to find out the rates for cash exchange at the airport?
Oct 14, 2024 | 2:33 pm
#5
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,031
Definitely bring money before you land. Also, I always do the walk. After a long plane, better to walk and it really isn't that far.
Oct 21, 2024 | 6:14 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2004
Programs: AA, UA, SQ, VA, QF, AF, BA
Posts: 2,885
Reporting back, the free terminal shuttle closes 23:59-04:00. It was packed like sardines but I jammed my way in otherwise I would have been stuck with an overpriced taxi. Airport cambio was really bad and I didn't use them. Theres a 24 hour ATM that mentions Bradesco and a few other banks which gives 1000 BRL max and 24 BRL fee. But the rate confirmed in my Wise app was pretty much mid market so this is definitely the way to go.
W Lounge is accessed in departure area after security and is 24/7. I paid 180 BRL for 3 hours but was able to sneak 4 hours before they chased me out. Probably because it gets busy at 4am.
i
W Lounge is accessed in departure area after security and is 24/7. I paid 180 BRL for 3 hours but was able to sneak 4 hours before they chased me out. Probably because it gets busy at 4am.
i