Moving to Sao Paulo, Brazil

"I am sorry to say that after 14 years in Brazil my advise would be don't move, please reconsider. As my dentist (Brazilian) recently said, "Sao Paulo is a cruel city". I hear his comments with a heavy heart. I have grown to love Brazil but the prices, lack of infrastructure, noise, traffic and now protests and violence have taken their toll," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and bustling nightlife. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Sao Paulo is high, and it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, the city is known for its traffic congestion, so it is important to plan for extra time when commuting. Expats should also be aware that Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, so it is beneficial to learn some basic phrases before moving. Finally, Sao Paulo is a large and diverse city, so it is important to research the different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle," said one expat in Sao Paulo.

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Sao Paulo is to use online rental websites such as Airbnb, VivaReal, and ZAP Imoveis. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in Sao Paulo by location, price, and amenities. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Sao Paulo. They can provide you with more information about the area and help you find the perfect place to live. Finally, you can also search for rental properties in Sao Paulo on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. Many landlords post their rental properties on these platforms, so you can easily find a place to live in Sao Paulo," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"I live in an apartment. I cannot recommend a house due to security concerns. None of my Brazilian coworkers live in single family homes and my employeer recommends against it. Almost all apartments are built for families not for singles," remarked one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"Expat homes and apartments in Sao Paulo are typically modern and spacious, with large windows and balconies that offer stunning views of the city. Many expat homes and apartments come with amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and cable TV. Expats can also find homes and apartments with access to swimming pools, gyms, and other recreational facilities. Security is also a priority in Sao Paulo, with many expat homes and apartments featuring 24-hour security guards and surveillance cameras," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"The cost of housing in Sao Paulo can vary greatly depending on the area and type of housing. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Sao Paulo is around R$2,000 to R$3,000 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around R$7,000 to R$10,000 per square meter," commented one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"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," remarked one expat in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Buying a home in Sao Paulo can be a great investment, as the city is a major economic hub and real estate prices are expected to continue to rise. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Sao Paulo, which is higher than in many other parts of Brazil. Renting a home in Sao Paulo may be a more cost-effective option, as it allows you to enjoy the city without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting gives you the flexibility to move to a different part of the city if your needs change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Sao Paulo should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," commented one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"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," replied a member in Sao Paulo.

"When moving to Sao Paulo, it is important to pack items that will help you adjust to the climate and culture. Pack comfortable, lightweight clothing that is suitable for the hot and humid climate. Bring items that will help you stay cool, such as a fan, sunglasses, and a hat. Make sure to bring a good pair of walking shoes, as Sao Paulo is a large city with plenty of walking opportunities. Additionally, pack items that will help you adjust to the culture, such as books about the city and its history, and items that will help you learn Portuguese. Finally, don't forget to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport and visa," commented one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"It is important to be aware of cultural differences when visiting Sao Paulo. It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to be mindful of the language barrier. Avoid making assumptions about the culture or people, and be sure to dress appropriately for the occasion. It is also important to be aware of the local customs regarding physical contact, as it is considered inappropriate to touch someone without their permission. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding tipping, as it is not customary to tip in Brazil. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs regarding public displays of affection, as it is considered inappropriate to show affection in public," remarked one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"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.

"Sao Paulo is an attractive destination for expats due to its vibrant culture, diverse population, and excellent job opportunities. The city is home to a wide variety of international companies, making it an ideal place for those looking to further their career. Additionally, Sao Paulo offers a low cost of living, making it an attractive option for those looking to stretch their budget. The city also boasts a wide range of entertainment options, from world-class restaurants to lively nightlife. With its temperate climate and stunning natural beauty, Sao Paulo is an ideal destination for expats looking to experience the best of Brazil," said one expat.

"Healthcare services in Sao Paulo, are a mix of public and private systems, catering to the diverse needs of the city's population. The public healthcare system, known as the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, or SUS), provides free medical care to all citizens, including primary care, specialized care, and hospital services. However, the public system often faces challenges such as long waiting times, overcrowding, and limited resources. In response to these challenges, many residents of Sao Paulo opt for private healthcare services, which offer a higher quality of care, shorter waiting times, and better facilities. Private hospitals and clinics in the city are well-equipped and staffed with highly trained professionals, making them popular choices for those who can afford them. Some of the most renowned private hospitals in Sao Paulo include Hospital Albert Einstein, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, and Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz. In addition to hospitals and clinics, Sao Paulo also has a network of pharmacies and drugstores that provide medications and other healthcare products. Many of these pharmacies operate 24 hours a day, ensuring that residents have access to essential medicines at all times. Overall, healthcare services in Sao Paulo are diverse and cater to a wide range of needs. While the public system provides essential care to all citizens, the private sector offers more specialized and high-quality services for those who can afford it," said one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Medical services in Sao Paulo, are quite diverse, with both public and private healthcare systems available to residents and visitors. The public healthcare system, known as SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), offers free medical care to all citizens, including emergency services, primary care, and specialized treatments. However, the public system can be overcrowded, leading to long waiting times and limited resources. On the other hand, private healthcare in Sao Paulo is of high quality, with numerous private hospitals and clinics offering a wide range of medical services. Many of these facilities have state-of-the-art equipment and highly trained medical professionals, often with international experience. Private healthcare can be expensive, but those with private insurance can access these services more easily. In general, Sao Paulo has a well-developed healthcare infrastructure, with many pharmacies, laboratories, and medical facilities available throughout the city. Medical professionals in Sao Paulo are typically well-trained, and many speak English, making it easier for foreign visitors to communicate their needs. However, it is essential to have proper health insurance coverage to ensure access to the best medical services in the city," offered one expat living in Sao Paulo.