Tuesday, October 18, 2011

TRANSPORT - Paying for the bus in São Paulo

BILHETE ÚNICO

This is a rechargeable card that allows you to travel in as many as 4 buses in the period of three hours, using the same fare. It can also be used in the subway system; in case you paid for a bus fare within a 2 hour-period, the subway fare will be reduced to R$ 1,65 (instead of the regular R$ 3,00). When purchasing the card for the first time, you must charge a minimum of R$ 15,00 (5 bus trips) - the card itself has no cost.

- Where to get your Bilhete Unico:
Several shops will display a sign like this:


Subway stations have selling points that look like this, where you may also recharge your card. Long lines are common at the main stations.


Most places will not sell the card, but recharge it, at least. Look for the logo with the words RECARGA AQUI or RECARREGUE AQUI.
One convenient place to recharge your card (you may try buying it also, but it will not always be available) are “Casas Lotéricas” (lottery shops) that look like this:




If you finally got yours and it is properly charged, then board the bus, approach the turnstile and place the card like you see on the picture below. A green light should then flash on the top of the equipment, allowing you to pass to the back of the bus.


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