Do People in Baixada Santista Speak English?
Baixada Santista is a metropolitan area located in the Sao Paulo state of Brazil. It comprises of nine municipalities: Santos, Sao Vicente, Praia Grande, Cubatao, Guarujá, Itanhaem, Mongagua, Peruíbe and Bertioga. As a tourist attraction, Baixada Santista is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and rich cultural heritage. However, if you’re planning to visit or move to this region, you may be wondering if English is widely spoken.
English Language in Brazil
Before we dive into the language situation in Baixada Santista, let’s take a brief overview of the English language situation in Brazil. As the official language of Brazil is Portuguese, English is not the primary language spoken in the country. According to the data, only 5% of the Brazilian population speaks English fluently. However, considering the vast size of this country and its involvement in international trade, the English language has been gaining popularity over the past few years.
The State of Sao Paulo and Its English-Speaking Population
Sao Paulo is one of Brazil’s most developed and populous states, and it has a higher percentage of English speakers compared to the rest of the country. According to research, approximately 1 in 10 people in Sao Paulo state speaks English fluently.
English Speaking in Baixada Santista
Now coming back to our original question, do people in Baixada Santista speak English? The answer is, to some extent, yes. Like other developed and popular tourist destinations worldwide, locals and businesses understand the importance of English and try to make their best efforts to communicate with non-Portuguese speakers. However, the communication barrier still exists compared to more prominent cities like Rio De Janeiro and São Paulo. It means that while people in Baixada Santista may speak enough English to communicate with tourists, it’s a good idea always to have some basic Portuguese vocabulary rather than to rely entirely on English.
Areas of Baixada Santista with More English Speakers
There are some areas within Baixada Santista where English is more commonly spoken than in other places. The city of Santos, which is the largest and most developed city in Baixada Santista, is known for having a higher percentage of English-speaking residents. As the city receives a high volume of foreign travelers, businesses catering to tourists such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants often have staff members who speak English. Similarly, Guarujá, another popular holiday destination, is known for its larger percentage of English speakers.
Tips for Non-Portuguese Speakers Traveling to Baixada Santista
If you’re a non-Portuguese speaker planning to explore Baixada Santista, here are some tips that would be helpful:
Learn Some Basic Portuguese
Knowing some basic Portuguese phrases can make your travel more comfortable and enjoyable. It will help you to interact with locals effortlessly and also make you feel more comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings. Learn some basic phrases like “olá” (hello), “obrigado” (thank you), “por favor” (please), and “tchau” (goodbye) can go a long way.
Download Translation Apps
Download a translator app on your phone that can help you translate phrases and conversations on the go. There are plenty of free apps like Google Translate that can help you with translations.
Stay in Tourist-friendly Areas
To make your travel hassle-free, try to stay in tourist-friendly areas where people are more accustomed to interacting with non-Portuguese speakers. As mentioned earlier, areas like Santos and Guarujá are more popular tourist destinations and therefore more English speaking locals.
Be Patient and Polite
In general, Brazilians are friendly and hospitable people. They tend to appreciate any effort you make to speak their language, even if it’s only a few phrases. Don’t be discouraged if people you encounter do not speak English fluently or are shy to communicate. Be patient and polite, and you’ll find that people are more than willing to help out.
Conclusion
Overall, the situation with English language in Baixada Santista is positive, especially in tourist-friendly areas. While Portuguese is the primary language spoken in Baixada Santista, many locals and businesses have a basic understanding of English to communicate with non-Portuguese speakers. It is always a good idea to learn some basic Portuguese phrases when traveling to Brazil, but you can undoubtedly have a comfortable and enjoyable trip without it.
An Insider’s Guide to Santos: Beyond the Tourist Spots
If you are planning a trip to the Brazilian coast, you might want to consider a visit to Santos. Although overshadowed by neighboring Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, this charming city has plenty to offer discerning travelers. From history to culture, great food to friendly locals, Santos is worth exploring. Here is an insider’s guide to some of the hidden gems that make Santos special.
Local Attractions: Hidden Gems in Santos
While tourist attractions like the Aquarium and the historic Coffee Exchange building are worth a visit, Santos has much to offer beyond the usual sights. Why not explore Chico Xavier Square, where local musicians often play live music? Or learn about the city’s rich immigrant history at the Doutor Jorge da Silva Museum? For some relaxation, there’s the quiet Engenho dos Erasmos park, a former sugarcane plantation turned ecological sanctuary.
Dining Spots: A Gastronomic Tour of Santos
One of Santos’ greatest attractions is definitely its food scene. The city has a reputation for fresh seafood and delicious traditional dishes. A great way to sample some of the best is to visit the Mercado Municipal, where vendors sell fresh fish and seafood, exotic fruits, and sweets. For a sit-down dinner, Bar do Toninho has some of the best moqueca, a local seafood stew, and Bar do Gomes is known for its tasty pastel de camarão, fried shrimp pastels.
Fun Fact: Santos has a rich coffee culture, being the port through which most of the country’s coffee exports were made, so trying a good cup of coffee here is a must-do activity.
Cultural Experiences: Celebrating Santos’ Traditions
Santos has a unique cultural scene, enjoying one of the old Carnival expressions in Brazil, called “Bloco do Urso,” a massive parade with live bands and colorful costumes. For a visit outside of Carnival season, tourists must check when the “Baile na Ilha Porchat” will happen, on the famous Ilha Porchat venue. Opt for exploring art, museums of the coffee or sugar industry, or why not, do a cooking class in a local barbecue house.
Local History: Santos’ Fascinating Past
Santos has a rich past that has shaped the city into its current form. One such event is the Santos Coffee Exchange Building, once the site of Brazil’s coffee trade. Another place to visit is the Coffee Museum where you can discover the whole coffee-making process and Brazilian customs around the bean. Don’t forget the Casa Martim Afonso, the oldest residential building in Brazil, which belonged to the first governor-general and founder of Brazil.
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Unique Santos Experiences
Ready for something different? Consider visiting the Portal da Felicidade or “Happiness Portal,” a street painted with colorful murals where people take photos all day. For a more tranquil expedition, contemplate nature at the “Jardim Botânico Municipal” and “Parque Estadual da Serra do Mar,” where you can see lush landscapes and local flora and fauna. For those looking for adrenaline, try sandboarding at Itaipu Beach, where hikers and walkers can take some trails on the hills to get some excellent views of the ocean and jungle conjoined.
Santos may not be as well known as some of the other cities in Brazil, but it has plenty to offer. From hidden attractions to scrumptious food, vibrant culture, and rich history, you’re sure to fall in love with Santos. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and explore Santos today!
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