What do I need to know before moving to Brazil?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Brazil, they said...
"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 another expat in 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," wrote a member who made the move to Brazil.
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Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Brazil?
- How do I meet people in Brazil?
- What is life like in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of crime in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Brazil accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Brazil like?
- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
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- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Brazil?
- What is the weather like in Brazil?
- Are there good restaurants in Brazil?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Brazil?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Brazil?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Brazil?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Brazil?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Brazil?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do I need to know before moving to Brazil?
If you live in Brazil, newcomers to Brazil would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.