GRU - Sau Paulo
 

There is no GRU forum in FT-Airports so I guess this is the best place.

In addition to the fingerprinting & photo's, be prepared for even more delays at GRU. The Federal Police are on strike...this affects immigration & security. When I left GRU Friday evening, the lines were unbelievably long...longer than any lines I saw after 9-11 in the US. It took almost four hours from getting in line to arriving at the gate. I fly DL, but all the airlines are affected. I and a few others watched as CO left several folks behind. I'm sure the others did too. If you are flying to GRU, plan for several extra hours both coming IN and OUT.

They have become a bit more hi-tech at immigration...gone are the hand held cameras and actual ink fingerprints. They have copied te US model with digital prints & webcams...although you still have to see two different agents to be processed. One for the ID, and one to actually get stamped.

FlyerTalkers from Brazil:
Please keep us posted about the situation at GRU.
Who will be fingerprinted ...? Only US Americans? What is with pax from Euro-land, can they bypass the fingerprinting?
Where to I get the docs for immigration .. on the plane from the US? Or do I have to fill them out at the GRU "zoo"?

USA passport holders (regardless of originating country) are sent to a seperate line where they are fingerprinted & photographed. They are not doing this for any security purpose, but simply because the US is doing it to Brasilian citizens.

You should get them on the plane. If you are not a US passport holder your trip will be faster, as you will be ahead of any americans. You will still have the horrible lines when leaving Brasil however...




[This message has been edited by Pointfreak! (edited Mar 15, 2004).]

You should get them on the plane. If you are not a US passport holder your trip will be faster, as you will be ahead of any americans. You will still have the horrible lines when leaving Brasil however...
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Thanks for the reply. I will be early at GRU .... when the strike is still going on

Stumbled on this thread today.

Operations have beoome regular in Sao Paulo, which means that US citizens will be finger printed and will have their photo take, in line with what US govt does to Brazilians, or in fact, any US visa holder.

No more delays getting in/out of the country.

Sad to inform that the delays are back since today in the main international airports and from tomorrow throughout the system. Negotiations between Fed Police and Government have come to a halt.

Passengers should allow 3 hours to clear immigration. Good news is that airlines, so far, are holding the flights to be sure everyone is on board.

The strike ended
 

I came back yesterday - No strike ... it took only minutes to pass security and customs.

Supposedly the strike ended 2 Fridays ago, or at least they brought in temps. I made it out in 15 mins, easy as cake.

Let’s put this strike into perspective. These guys already make R$5000 (a little less than ($1700) a month. That’s a very good salary in Brazil, especially for someone who just sits on their ... and stamps passports all day. You can live very well with that kind of money. They are asking for R$8000 (about $2700) a month, which is more than a lot of doctors make.

The Brazilian minimum wage has just been increased to R$260 ($87) a month. Tens of millions make this wage or less. :rolleyes:

Wow... :eek: Are these just immigration officers...???? Why are they paid this kind of money?

The work for the government and civil servants make a lot of money in Brazil. It's probably the best job you can get over there.

I may have an opportunity to go to Sao in about a month to a month and a half. My hubby will be conducting business during the day, so I'll be on my own.

I do know some basic Spanish, realizing that the language is Portuguese, so am wondering if that'll be a help. I've been to several places around-the-world; but never to South America.

I don't mind spending the money, if I'll have fun, and get to see and experience new things I've not had the opportunity to before. However, if it's going to be too dangerous to "experience" Sao, or if there's not really enough to do for a female on her own, for about a week; I'd rather spend the money elsewhere.

Any information y'all can provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

TxSkyGal

Yes, basic Spanish will help you. I too only know basic Spanish. Last year I worked in Belo Horizonte. Work was conducted in English. In my experience I noticed that when I spoke Spanish, the Brazilians understood what I was saying. However, when they responded in Portuguese, I had some difficulty (and sometimes a lot of difficulty!) in understanding them. I found the Brazilians wonderful, and they were all so patient and helpful when I tried communicating with my basic Spanish.

Okay folks, Sao Paulo, or not? Is it easy to make excursions elsewhere in Brazil w/out too much expense as an unacompanied female?

I'd love any and all info on GRU that y'all could provide!

TIA!

TxSkyGal

What kind of traveler are you? If you are into shopping and dining out (or nightlife in general), Sao Paulo may be a blast, otherwise you may want to spend your time elsewhere.