What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Brazil. They wrote...
"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 another expat who made the move to Fortaleza, Brazil.
"A common challenge that expats in Brazil face is the language barrier. Despite the widespread use of the Portuguese language, many Brazilians also speak their own local dialects, making it difficult for those just beginning to learn the language. Additionally, Brazilian culture has a strong emphasis on maintaining relationships and an intricate system of protocols and etiquette rules, which can be confusing and difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with local norms. Additionally, Brazilians value harmony and tranquillity, while expats coming from outside cultures may be less familiar with this emphasis on peace and group concord, resulting in clashes and misunderstandings within conversations," explained one expat living in Brazil.

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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Brazil?
- How do I find a place to live in Brazil?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Brazil?
- What is the average cost of housing in Brazil?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Brazil?
- What should I pack when moving to Brazil?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Brazil?
- Why do people move to Brazil?
- What are healthcare services like in Brazil?
- What are medical services in Brazil like?
- What are typical rents in Brazil?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Brazil, newcomers to Brazil would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.