How to Make Friends in São Paulo

So you’ve followed our guide on how to make multilingual friends in São Paulo and dipped your toes into the vibrant community of free language exchanges, cultural meetups, and international trivia nights. Maybe you’ve even swapped WhatsApps after a spirited round at Pub Quiz SP or traded book recommendations at O Rolê.

But now what? How do you go from “Hey, nice to meet you!” to “Let’s grab coffee next week!”—especially in a city as dynamic (and sometimes overwhelming) as São Paulo?

Here are some practical steps and cultural insights to help you turn a fun meetup into a lasting connection.

1. Follow Up, Don’t Flake

In São Paulo’s fast-paced social scene, a follow-up message can make all the difference. Send a quick note the day after an event:

“Hey! It was great chatting with you last night—want to grab a pastel and coffee sometime next week?”

Be casual, but be specific. Suggesting a concrete plan helps turn small talk into shared time.

2. Create a Mini Routine

Attending one event is great—but showing up weekly turns you from a guest into a regular. Try to make one recurring meetup part of your routine. You’ll naturally deepen connections just by showing up consistently.

Pro tip: Invite someone new you met at Multilingo on Thursday to join you at Talk Talk Speaking Club on Sunday.

3. Start a Group Chat (or Join One)

If the vibe is right, I suggest starting a small WhatsApp group with people you have clicked with. Use it to share event updates, language memes, or quick hangout invites. São Paulo’s social life runs on WhatsApp—don’t be shy about jumping in.

4. Mix Languages and Activities

One of the best things about multilingual friendships is the flexibility to blend culture and language learning with daily life. Suggest meetups that go beyond the language exchange format—invite your new friends to a food market, a samba night, or a walk in Ibirapuera Park. These mixed-language moments are where true friendships bloom.

5. Respect the Pace

Friendship expectations can vary across cultures. Some people are eager to make fast friends, while others take longer to open up. Be open, but not pushy. Consistency and kindness go further than intensity.

6. Explore Other Interest-Based Communities

Once you’ve built some rapport through language exchanges, consider branching out to interest-specific groups—like hiking clubs, book circles, or food tours. Many of the people you’ll meet at cultural meetups also attend events hosted by groups like InterNations, Brazil Nuts Hash House Harriers, or Girl Gone International.

Bonus Tip: Bring a Plus-One

Introducing new people to the events you attend not only enriches your network—it shows you’re invested in the community. And who doesn’t love a friend who brings more cool friends?

São Paulo is a city that rewards curiosity. Keep showing up, keep saying “yes,” and keep the conversations going—on and off WhatsApp. With time, your calendar will fill with meaningful connections that reflect the city’s cultural richness.

Ready to expand your circle again? Revisit our original article to learn when and where the events are happening: How to Make Multilingual Friends in São Paulo

Stay curious. Stay open. And don’t forget to bring your best “Oi, tudo bem?” to the next event.