Living in Brazil

"Great place to live; perfect climate; friendly people. Come with a job in view and leave your valuables in your home country. You are going to have the time of your life," remarked one expat who made the move to Rio de Janeiro.

"Before retiring in Brazil, expats should be aware of the different types of visas available. They should also be aware of the tax implications that come with becoming an expat. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the Brazilian culture and language, especially if they plan to be living there for a longer period of time. Furthermore, it is important to research all available options and compare the costs of healthcare, housing, and other necessities in the areas they are considering. Lastly, expats should consider hiring a local lawyer who is familiar with the laws and regulations of their chosen location," explained one expat living in Brazil.

"International Newcomers, wonderful start if you don't know the language at all. Most nationalities have their own clubs and organizations; huge expat community. Excellent schools. Very busy social diary if that's what you want, otherwise enjoy the best part of Brazil: the Brazilians," said one expat in Rio de Janeiro.

"Expats living in Brazil often join international clubs, such as ExpatBrazil, to meet other expats and like-minded people. They also join language and cultural exchange groups, which offer activities such as language classes, book clubs, movie nights, and cooking classes. Additionally, they may join sports teams, local choirs, or community gardens, or join meetup groups related to their hobbies and interests. Meeting people while living in Brazil can also be done by attending any of the many concerts, dances, or carnivals, or by simply exploring local bars, restaurants, and parks," said one expat who made the move to Brazil.

"Peoples lives, no joke, revolve around the beach and sports. You will meet many people by just going to the beach or walking on the beach front and around the Lagoa (lagoon). Brazilians are very easy going; they talk to you all the time and everywhere. Some knowledge of the language is essential. Nobody, outside the tourist industry, speaks any English or any other language for that matter, but Portuguese," said one expat who made the move to Rio de Janeiro.

"Expats and digital nomads in Brazil are generally welcomed with open arms and enjoy an active lifestyle. There are attractive cities such as Sao Paulo, Salvador, Recife and Fortaleza, which offer access to some of Brazil’s greatest attractions, such as its beaches and rainforest. Brazil is renowned for its nightlife and its vibrant culture, which makes it a great destination for travelers looking to experience the country’s many cultures and customs. Expats and digital nomads also benefit from fairly affordable living costs, a strong public transportation system and an improving economic climate," explained one expat living in Brazil.

"There has been crime in our area. Some of this is gang related but it is still a good idea to not wear flashy jewelry, or watches. The same as you would in any big city. We have been the victims of crime twice, both robberies in our home. (one was an attempted robbery)," remarked one expat who made the move to Taiba.

"Crime is an issue in Brazil, with the country having one of the highest crime rates in Latin America. The high murder rate and presence of organized crime gangs have damaged Brazil's reputation. Although Brazil has taken steps to reduce the amount of crime, it is still a major concern in the country and affects everyday life," explained one expat living in Brazil.

"Rich and poor live side by side. Diversity is part of every day life. Brazilians are very tolerant especially in religion, race and culture.The main problem of Rio is the violence. One has to take, just like the Brazilians do, steps to protect one self," remarked one expat living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

"Brazil has a long history of promoting multiculturalism and racial diversity. Brazil is known for celebrating its cultural plurality, especially with regards to its African and indigenous heritages. Despite this celebration of diversity, Brazil still suffers from deep disparities in access to rights and resources, including within the education system. However, many cities and organisations are actively participating in initiatives that promote a more open and tolerant society. The LGBTQ+ community has also seen advancements in rights and acceptance within cities such as Salvador and Rio de Janeiro. In general, Brazil is becoming increasingly accepting of differences, but much work still needs to be done to create a fully equitable and inclusive society," wrote one member in Brazil.

"Brazil is home to some of the most renowned international and bilingual schools. One of the best international schools in Brazil is the Graded American School of Sao Paulo (GRADED) which provides education to students from preschool (known as Píer) to high school. GRADED offers a world-class academic program that encourages the development of global competencies and the mastery of languages, such as English, Spanish, and Portuguese, as well as technology and innovation in the classroom. Another well-known international school in Brazil is the International School of São Paulo (ISSP). ISSP is a non-profit, nonsectarian school that provides an education to students from preschool to high school. At ISSP, teachers and staff use the International Baccalaureate Program to challenge and develop students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. In addition to international schools, Brazil has excellent bilingual schools that provide an education in both Portuguese and English, such as the Escola Mundo Verde (EMV). EMV is a private school that offers Kindergarten to 5th grade with a bilingual curriculum in both Portuguese and English. They also focus on fostering creativity and problem solving in each of the subjects they teach," wrote an expat with kids at in .

"If you are coming to Brazil for a 2-year stint and then head back to the US, this school may not make sense for you. If you are a foreigner living or coming to live in Brazil, consider this school. Apart from everything that I have said above, I can say that we love it and are completely satisfied with our little girl's experience. She actually asks to put on her uniform and go to school every day. There is a level of care, love and concern at this school that is unique," commented one expat when asked about Escola Bloom in Rio de Janeiro.

"There are not many choices of schools here in Brasilia with an American curriculum. Last year this school was terrible. This year with a new headmaster, the school seems to be improving. I still believe it needs alot of improvement with the curriculum. I would say if I had to rate this school, (I can only speak for the lower school) it is adequate, but not great," remarked one expat living in Brasilia with children attending Escola Americana Brasilia.

"The cost of living in Brazil varies greatly depending on a variety of factors such as whether one lives in a large city or rural village. In general, those living in the cities will find housing, transportation, medical costs, and other necessities to be more expensive than those living in rural areas. Groceries, however, are typically the same cost no matter where one lives in Brazil. Additionally, the cost of utilities varies depending on the location and the city," wrote a member in Brazil.

"If a person wishes to have a comfortable lifestyle including a housekeeper and a groundsman, I would say the minimum is $5,000 a month. (US dollars)," commented one expat who made the move to Taiba.

"The cost of living in Brazil varies greatly from place to place, with metropolitan cities like Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro having significantly higher costs of living than other cities in the country. Rent prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Brazil can range from around $300 to $800 USD, with 2 bedroom apartments starting around $400 to $1200 USD. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Brazil can cost around $30 per person, depending on the city," commented one expat living in Brazil.

"In Brazil, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Popular beach destinations include Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro, as well as the beaches of Bahia and Santa Catarina. Parks are also popular, with the Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro being one of the most visited. Sports complexes are also available, with many cities having soccer stadiums, tennis courts, and swimming pools. Additionally, Brazil is home to a variety of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters," remarked one expat in Brazil.

"The weather in Brazil varies greatly depending on the region. In the north, the climate is typically hot and humid, while in the south it is much cooler. The central region of Brazil experiences a tropical climate with warm temperatures and plenty of rainfall. The coastal areas of Brazil are generally warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from mild to hot," mentioned an expat living in Brazil.

"One of the most popular restaurants in Brazil is Porcão Rio's, located in Rio de Janeiro. Porcão Rio's is a Brazilian steakhouse that serves a variety of meats, including beef, pork, chicken, and lamb. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of salads, sides, and desserts. The atmosphere is lively and the service is friendly. Another popular restaurant in Brazil is Maní in São Paulo. Maní is a modern Brazilian restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including traditional Brazilian dishes as well as international cuisine. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere and the staff is attentive and friendly. Finally, one of the most beloved restaurants in Brazil is Zuka in Rio de Janeiro. Zuka is a Brazilian-Japanese fusion restaurant that serves a variety of dishes, including sushi, tempura, and other Japanese dishes. The restaurant has a modern and stylish atmosphere and the staff is friendly and attentive," commented one expat living in Brazil.

"People living in Brazil typically buy groceries and do other shopping at supermarkets, local markets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop online for groceries and other items. Additionally, some people may purchase items from street vendors or small shops," said one expat.

"The process of applying for a visa for Brazil is a fairly straightforward procedure. Applicants must submit to their local Brazilian Consulate or Embassy their passport, a valid visa application form and a valid travel document. They should also provide proof of funds that are sufficient for their travels and current residence documents, such as a birth certificate, utility bill, or a letter from an employer or educational institution, as applicable. In addition, a valid passport size photograph, health report, and a valid yellow fever vaccination, if applicable, will be required. The process of applying for residency in Brazil follows the same basic steps and generally requires the same documents as applying for a visa. More detailed information on forms, processes and fees can be obtained directly from the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy. To apply for residency in Brazil, foreign citizens must submit their passport and visa application, along with additional supporting documents. The documents required include a valid birth certificate, marriage certificate, a valid passport size photograph, a job offer or certificate of acceptance from a Brazilian university, a health report, and a declaration of property located in Brazil. Once all of the documents have been submitted, the applicant will be issued a provisional residency card. The length of time between the application and obtaining the residence card varies," commented one expat living in Brazil.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Brazil can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Private health insurance plans are available, but they can be costly and may not cover all medical expenses. Public health insurance is available to those who qualify, but it may not cover all medical expenses either. Additionally, many medical services and treatments are not covered by either public or private health insurance plans, and these can be expensive," said an expat in Brazil.

"For us, medical insurance in Brazil is cheaper than medical insurance in the USA. I have no deductibles and my insurance cost is about 1/2 of what it would cost me for insurance in the USA. We are in our early 60's and pay about $1,400 per month (for both of us) compared to a similar plan (higher end plan) in the USA at $2,400 per month for both of us. This Brazilian plan has paid in full our complete annual physicals and lab tests and we have had several other visits where the insurance paid 100% with no problems with the insurance company," remarked one expat in Natal.