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," 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.

"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.

"Do lots of research as it is available on line. Include in your research a local attorney who speaks English and is a member of either Briton's legal Bar Association or the ABA in the States. It is always nice when the local attorney is licensed in one of those countries because unethical practices could get them barred. With their membership in one of the Bar Associations there should be available info on whether any complaints have been filed against them in the past. These local attorneys act very much like the Title companies in the States. They do all the research to ensure free and clear property and titles. Make sure that you visit the area and the home to ensure it is what you hoped it to be. I would also recommend staying at least 2 weeks and spend time knowing the area. THE MOVE: Moving from the UK or USA is probably not a big deal. However, to get your household goods into Brazil.....well that's another matter. For instance, the USA moving company needs a 3rd party in Brazil to facilitate receiving your container and moving it to your new home. They will need paperwork that to us seems highly unusual and bureaucratic. Brazil is after all a highly bureaucratic place to live and if you haven't lived here then your in for a surprise. One of the documents that I needed was my original boarding pass from the airline that I flew from Miami to Recife. The 3rd party Brazilian company stated that without the boarding pass to prove how I arrived in Brazil then the container could not be received in Brazil (my federally stamped passport and my federally stamped Entry Card does not count). The boarding pass along with a number of other paperwork had to be notarized at one of the local Cartarios and returned to the 3rd party company. It will require several hours of standing in line to get 5 minutes of work completed. If your moving to Brazil this is how they do things and all the complaining from me or you will not change it. With all this said, I will say now that after all the standing in line waiting, jumping through hoops and getting mad, after returning home to our villa and seeing the sunset from our roof top........PRICELESS," said one expat in Praia de Pipa.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Brazil.

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

"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," said one expat in Brazil.

"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.

"In the USA buying property of any type on or very near the ocean is way out of our price range. We bought this one to include a complete furnishing package and its built against a State park where future construction is limited due to the park. So the villa was much cheaper than in the States for a house of the same size. Because we bought our in 2007 I keep looking on the net for houses in the area and for pricing. $150k to 200k (USD) for a similar villa is the average cost as of this week. Electricity costs are high as they are everywhere in Brazil due to the lack of infrastructure," said one expat who made the move to Praia de Pipa.

"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 living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

"Housing costs are expensive, I don't know much about it though, but cheaper than London," said one in Rio de Janeiro.

"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," replied a member 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," commented 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.

"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."," explained one expat living in Curitiba, Brazil.

"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," wrote 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," said one expat living in Natal, 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," offered one expat living in 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 living in Goiania.