Moving to Brazil

"Most expats should expect to learn at least some of the language, as Portuguese is the most common language spoken in Brazil. Cultural norms and etiquette vary considerably from place to place, so it's important to familiarize oneself with what is generally accepted in the part of the country they intend to move to. It's important to get vaccinated against some of the common diseases found in Brazil, such as yellow fever, dengue fever and malaria, as these are all present in certain areas. Crime levels vary significantly and can be higher in some parts of Brazil, so it's important to research the local area to gain an understanding of any potential risks that may be involved. Depending on one's type of visa, healthcare may not be readily available, so it's essential to purchase appropriate health insurance. Opening a bank account is a good idea, as this will make transferring and receiving money easier. Finally, securing housing before arriving is usually easier than trying to find accommodation upon arriving in Brazil," remarked one expat in Brazil.

"Brazil is a very big country, with many beautiful places, all having their advantages and disadvantage. Violence and lack of infrastructure are very common in many big cities. If you are looking for someone safe and well developed, move to Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Camboriu, Itapema, Porto Belo for example are fantastic places to live. They feel more European, it's safe to live there and the infrastructure is good. Get in contact if I can do more to help," said one expat in Brazil.

"The south of Brazil is completely different. I lived in Balneário camboriu for one year and I loved it so much that I decided not to live in Europe and I will live down the south of Brazil. We might live in Balneário camboriu or Floripa or another city. We work online so we can move around until we decide. I can go for walks on my own at night at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and there's lots of people around. Santa Cararina in general is an amazing place. A lot cheaper than Europe and the US and the conversion rate is better for us right now," remarked one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"We started in 2006 researching the internet for property to the north of Natal in Rio Grande do Norte State. After finding some villa's just completed and for sale located to the north of Natal we then made contact with the real estate agent in Natal and made dates to visit. While there we heard of Praia de Pipa, Brazil and did more internet research at the hotel and made contact with the company building Pipa Beleza Resort. After driving down and visiting the resort we bought the last villa available for sale in 2007," remarked one expat in Praia de Pipa, Brazil.

"I choose Jardins because it is one of the few places where you can walk to the pharmacy, supermarket ect. The downside is that I spend 3 yes three hours a day to and from the office (7 km each way).. My office is in a commercial area and living there would be depressing," said one expat in Sao Paulo.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Brazil is to use online rental platforms, such as Airbnb, Olx, and Quinto Andar. You can also search on classified ad websites like Classificados and Rentalia, or real estate listings by city on websites like ZAP. Additionally, you can make use of other online marketplaces such as Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace and Fazenda. If you prefer more traditional methods, you can find listings of rental properties in local newspapers or contact a real estate broker to help you find a place. Additionally, you can find a wide array of furnished and unfurnished rental apartments and houses listed in popular Brazilian cities on websites such as VivaReal and Imovelweb," remarked one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"There are 41 units within the resort, mostly owned by foreigners. There are a few owned by Brazilians but the others are mostly from Europe or UK. Each of the units vary in size but 150m2 is about average for the villas with 2 stories. Ours has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms and a roof veranda that includes a Jacuzzi. Pipa Beleza Resort is one of the leading and most modern resort in the area and several more have or are being built as we speak," said one expat who made the move to Praia de Pipa.

"The average cost of housing in Brazil is typically high, and the level of cost is dependent on the specific city or region. In more affluent cities and regions, housing can be significantly more expensive than in places with a lower median income. Additionally, rental prices can vary greatly depending on location, size, and amenities offered," said one expat in Brazil.

"We bought a home. We saw our property on the internet and the agent met us at the hotel the day after we landed. We looked at 5 or 6 as I recall. We found one we liked, obtained our tax card (CPF) and spoke to a lawyer who handled both the house purchase and our immigration. With the vendors, and agents we went to a cartorio and signed an official contract," said one expat in Taiba.

"The decision to buy or rent a home in Brazil depends on a number of factors, including your budget, your job situation, and your goals for the future. It's important to look at your situation closely and consider all the pros and cons before making a decision. Renting may be a better option for those who aren't sure how long they'll stay in Brazil, need more flexibility, or don't have the resources to take on a large financial commitment. Buying a property may be beneficial in the long-run and can be a good investment if you plan to stay in Brazil for a long time. It's also possible to buy a home and live in it while renting out part of the home to cover costs. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Brazil is a personal one, so it's best to evaluate your individual situation before making a decision," said one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"When moving to Brazil, it is important to pack appropriate clothing that can keep you cool in hot weather, such as light t-shirts and cotton shorts. Sun protection such as sunscreen and sunglasses are also essential if you plan on spending time in the sun. Additionally, it is prudent to bring some form of insect repellent, as Brazil is home to many insects. An umbrella, raincoat, and comfortable walking shoes will also make your travels more pleasant. Lastly, although Brazil offers a wide variety of restaurants serving international cuisine, it is a good idea to pack your favorite snacks and spices to remind you of home," commented one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"Yes. Here they call "gaiolas" to the bird cells, and the word gaiolas in Spanish is "spank the monkey, hehehe," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"I did so many silly things here. I constantly say something wrong. Once in the beginning here in Curitiba, I went grocery shopping. I was looking at the meat and couldn't read the package. I wanted beef cubes. I thought the word on the package said mule so I tried to get someone to help me. I wanted beef, not mule. The butcher could not understand my portuguese - I was asking what animal the meat was from. In the end I pointed and said "mooooo" and he laughed and nodded "Sim, mooooo."," said one expat in Curitiba.

"Brazil is an attractive destination for expats, due to its vibrant culture, stunning beaches and diverse wildlife. The cost of living in Brazil is very low compared to many other countries, making it a great place to live and work. The country also has a number of modern cities, with excellent infrastructure, and a variety of businesses, making it possible for expats to pursue their careers. The country also offers a wonderful climate, with year-round sunshine and warm temperatures, making it a great place to explore and simply relax. Lastly, the friendly people and lively atmosphere of the country attract many expats to move to Brazil," remarked one expat in Brazil.

"Healthcare services in Brazil are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is known as the Unified Health System (SUS) and is funded by the government. It provides free healthcare to all citizens and permanent residents, including foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare varies from region to region, with some areas having better access to resources and better quality care than others. Expats in Brazil can use the public healthcare system, but they may need to pay for some services. Private healthcare is also available and is often preferred by expats due to its higher quality of care. Private healthcare is usually more expensive than public healthcare, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage and access to better facilities," commented one expat living in Brazil.

"Brazil does have a National Health Care program and my wife and I have taken advantage of this service for relatively minor health issues. But it is a national health care program that must be funded by the government with many cities such as Rio de Janerio unable to fund many of these clinics and public hospitals to the degree that they should be. We are retired and our health issues are relatively minor but we feel strongly about having a paid for medical insurance plan. This plan pays for annual physicals that include treadmill stress test, visit with cardiologist, Urologist, blood tests and a personal consultation with your doctor about the results. Mine lasted nearly a full hour. We looked for a doctor who spoke English and was very good in his/her field. We chose a private practice doctor in Natal, Brazil who performed his studies under the direction of Dr. Christian Bernard in South Africa. So my advice.......live in or near a big city such as Natal, Brazil, spend some time talking with insurance agents about doctors and qualifications in your area and do not depend only on the national social medicine programs. Purchase private medical insurance. Mine is from AMIL who's parent company is United Health Care," commented one expat who moved to Natal, Brazil.

"Brazil has a comprehensive public health system, providing free medical care to all citizens. Private health care is also available, and is often of a higher quality than public health care. Brazil has a large number of hospitals, clinics, and medical centers, and many of them are well-equipped and staffed with experienced professionals. Brazil also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, and centers for the treatment of infectious diseases. In addition, Brazil has a number of medical research centers, which are dedicated to researching and developing new treatments and technologies," wrote one expat living in Brazil.

"Compared to the US, is cheap and for "normal" health problems as good as if not better than the US, however, I have been away from the US for such a long time, my opinion may be very relevant," commented one expat who moved to Goiania.