Living in Brazil

"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," remarked one expat 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," explained one expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

"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 person 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 in 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 in Praia de Pipa.

"I live in an apartment, no I don't think its typical most live in hostels or share with other students," replied an expat in Rio de Janeiro.

"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," remarked one in Praia de Pipa.

"Brasilia for me; it’s a modern city, I lived there so many years ago, spacious roads, organized transportation, security everywhere specially in shopping centers, night bars on weekends are really full of people and nice beer with a really colder glass, people are more friendly , most of tourists enjoy their weather and cheap food and amenities around the city, I like the food markets with several options and organic products, I left Brasilia in the 90s right now it’s much better organized, I have family and lots of friends, this is the place that I will return and retire Questions let me know, thanks," explained one expat.

"If moving to Sao Paulo know that prices are out of control and that there are lots of hidden costs to renting. I am from Chicago, where I lived in Lincoln Park. 1. Rent, a 2 bedroom apt in Jardins(200 sq meters) will run about BRL 8000/mo. 2. The Next biggest cost is the Condo fee which everyone must pay, about BRL 2000/mo. 3. Next there is the IPTU or the property tax in Jardins expect to pay BRL 600/mo. 4. Then of course you need insurance, expect to pay BRL 250/mo," explained one expat.

"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 person 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," remarked one expat in Rio de Janeiro.

"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," explained one expat living in Brazil.

"1. Bring Everything you can from undies to electronics. Everything is crazy expensive. 2. Bring some winter clothing, ski holidays to Chile are a great escape. 3. Bring Electric Mattress pads, blankets and heaters. There is no heating in Brazilian homes and it gets very cold in the winter. All buildings are cement and the winter is cold and humid. 1. Leave Nothing," said one expat in Sao Paulo.

"We were pretty careful after living overseas to ensure the critical things needed were being shipped and non-critical things were not placed into the shipment. We were more careful this time as we were paying for the move ourselves. A couple things: electricity in the USA is 120v. So knowing that some things will not convert to 240 (North 1/3 of Brazil is 240, the middle 1/3 is 127v and the bottom 1/3 of Brazil is 240), we purchased 2 large power converters to step down 240 to 120v. We also ensured that the converters were able to manage several electrical components at the same time. The one thing we did not bring........Phillips tooth brush heads for our Sonic tooth brushes. And no, we can't find them here," said a person living in Praia de Pipa.

"Before retiring in Brazil, expats should ensure that their pension income will be sufficient to cover the cost of living. Expats should also learn some basic Portuguese to better integrate into the local community. It is best to visit Brazil first before relocating in order to explore the country and to determine if living in Brazil is a good fit for the expat's lifestyle. Obtaining a visa for individuals of foreign nationality is also important; expats should research the different types of visas in order to determine which one will best fit their needs. Lastly, expats should find a reliable real estate agent to help them find a suitable home in Brazil," remarked one in Brazil.

"Foreigners in Brazil may work in a variety of fields, from teaching and hospitality to trade and engineering. Many foreign workers are employed in business and management, or as sales and marketing professionals. Other popular jobs for foreigners include consulting, software development and IT, as well as finance and accounting. Additionally, various jobs in the arts, entertainment, and media are available for those looking for a unique foreign work experience," said one person in Brazil.

"This is a problem in Rio. Most banks/finance and insurance companies have now moved to Sao Paulo. Left are oil industry (very large), some shipping, tourism. Jobs mostly to be found through personal contacts. Life in Rio is not very cheap, as most foreigners tend to believe," remarked one expat in Rio de Janeiro.

"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," explained one expat.

"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," said one person in Brazil.

"Expatriates in Brazil appreciate the unique blend of cultures that create a rich and diverse atmosphere. They enjoy the casual and friendly atmosphere, and the vibrant and colourful local music, dance and cuisine. They also appreciate the country's warm climate and stunning natural scenery. Expats enjoy the laid-back attitude towards life in Brazil and appreciate the openness of the Brazilian people to different cultures. Furthermore, many expats appreciate the openness and willingness to adopt the latest and most modern technologies, allowing them to stay connected with their home cultures and developments," explained one expat.

"In my case, trying to adapt from the North american mentality, where we worry most about making more and paying bills and relaxing more. It has to do partly with the fact that life for many Brazilians is much harder than middle class North Americans experience," remarked one expat in Fortaleza.

"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," remarked one 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)," explained one expat.

"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," said one person 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 in Rio de Janeiro.

"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," commented one expat when asked about in Brazil.