Moving to Brazil might sound appealing because, at some point in your life, you just want to live a laid-back life and enjoy little things, right? The most bio-diverse nation that has the longest continuous coast in the world is the perfect spot for everybody looking for a change. However, like every place in the world, there are some positive and negative things to consider before you pack up the bags and move.
Getting as much information about the country you want to travel to and someday maybe live in is more than essential, especially if you plan to live as an expat during the pandemic. Brazil’s importance is rising on the global stage, and so is the number of people who want to try their luck precisely here. For many, this land represents only the Carnivals, Copacabana coastline, soccer, mild climate, and the rainforest. However, there’s so much more this South American Jewel can give you. So, when relocating overseas, make sure you do your homework first and check our guide.
What Expats Can Expect When Moving to Brazil From USA
There are many things to consider when an average American is moving to Brazil. It’s one of the top world’s destinations for tourists, and its history began long before the Europeans arrived on this giant land. The Portuguese ships reached the 16th century the Rio Janeiro’s coasts, and until the 1800s, these lands were colonies.
Nowadays, there are over 200 million residents, making the Brazilian territory the fifth largest and sixth most populous nation in the world. And not just that, but it’s full of natural wonders, like the Amazonian rainforest situated right in the heart of the territory. This land, completely different from other countries, occupies half of the South American continent.
Tips for Living Abroad in the Jewel of South America Every Expat Should Know
Making this kind of change in life isn’t the easiest thing to do, right? You need to answer many questions, such as how to live in another country, when to start gathering all the documents when relocating abroad. Also, you need to figure out the cost of living and whether your budget meets it, and finally how to stay in touch with your friends.
Keep in mind that these are only some of the things to consider when you decide it’s time to live overseas. You’ll face many more challenges, like cultural shock and the language barrier. Brazilians speak Portuguese, which makes them the only nation in South America, although such a big territory is surrounded by countries where Spanish is the main language. So, don’t be surprised if most Brazilians can’t understand you when speaking English. That’s why you should start learning a language even before you settle in the new place.
Learn Some Portuguese and Check the Job Market Before You Move to the Land of Palm Trees
As mentioned above, English is rarely used here, and many can look at you strangely if you try to talk in your native language. So, it’s best to get some tips for learning a new language right after you find a reliable overseas shipping company with all international moving services needed – from packing services for your belongings to the storage facilities where you can keep them for some period of time.
The main problem for the US citizens is precisely the Portuguese language and not being able to talk in English, and if you want to work here, without knowing at least some basics, you won’t be able to find a job. The job market is very competitive here, and unless you managed to find work before you move, you’d probably be returning to your home sooner than you expected. However, those who have skills in engineering, finances or high-tech, and speak the language, won’t have a hard time finding a job.
If you want to start learning Portuguese right away, check out the video below, and pick up some useful hacks.
Some Facts You Should Know About the Largest Country in the Latin and South America
The first thing that crosses your mind when someone mentions this amazing country is Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, all those colorful carnivals, soccer players Pele and Neymar, extraordinary waterfalls, tropical beaches, and the Amazon rainforest. But, did you know other interesting facts? Here are some of them that are good to know before the international move:
- Most of the territory is located in the southern hemisphere,
- The name comes from a tree named Brazilwood,
- The biggest city is Sao Paulo, and the capital is Brasilia,
- Sao Paulo is considered the most populous city in the Western and Southern hemispheres.
- The Brazilian currency is Real (R$), and $1 is around 4R$,
- The territory has many geographical features, from desert to rainforests and mountains,
- You’ll find here more plants and animals species than anywhere else in the world,
- They are one of the biggest exports of coffee in the world,
- National day is September 7th,
- There are 72 national parks,
- Soccer is the national sport, and an interesting fact about FIFA 2018 was that people got time off from work to watch matches,
- The Brazilian flag is not special just because of its colors but because it represents the culture and symbols of the country. Saying on the flag “Ordem e Progresso” means “Order and Progress,” and it’s their motto.
All the Documentation You Need to Gather Before International Moving
When you’re in the middle of an international move, besides learning a new language and all the local’s customs, figuring out what to pack when relocating abroad, you need to organize the whole process first. There’s no better way to do it but to make a relocation abroad checklist that will keep you updated on every task you have to finish and give you enough time to gather all documentation needed for this international move.
Explore Which Type of Visa Suits Your Needs Best
The US citizens will need a valid passport. If planning on traveling with your furry friends, ensure it has a valid passport/veterinary certificate and rabies vaccination.
There are two types of visas expats can apply for:
- Temporary visa (VITERM) – people who plan to work and live here but have already signed a contract for temporary employment with a Brazilian employer. It is valid for two years, and you can’t change jobs in this period. So, asking your employer some important questions, such as if a company can help you with anything, is essential.
- Permanent visa (VIPER) – many expats are applying for a permanent visa instead because they can change their jobs without losing the permit to stay in the country.
The Main Cities That Draw Expat’s Attention
It’s completely normal to ask yourself if Brazil is safe and can you live there safely, no matter the reasons for your relocation, whether you got a great job opportunity or you’re relocating for love. You probably heard many different stories about the crime rate and the whole situation in that region, but you should know that all countries have their ups and downs. The situation here is getting better, especially when it comes to voting and crime rates.
It’s hard to make a decision when it comes to picking between cities because even the smaller ones have so much to offer. Let’s start from the biggest – Sao Paulo. If you’re coming from places like Los Angeles or others where traffic is always a problem, then here you’ll feel at home. The strange thing is that you’ll notice this metropolis is cheaper, but the urban and hectic feeling won’t be lost. Rio de Janeiro is a gate city for everyone who wants to visit this land. It’s because of its diversity – there’s a rainforest and amazing beaches. According to some surveys, this city is one of the most visited spots in the Southern hemisphere.
Although many think that the capital of this territory is Rio de Janeiro or even São Paulo, because of their reputation in the world, they’re not. The capital is Brasilia, and it’s located in the northwestern part of the region. The name came from the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. It is a classic political center, unlike the cities we mentioned above. In fact, if you’re looking for a city with a lot less chaos and noise, it’s the area you should consider as one of the best places to live abroad.
There are also other smaller cities, such as Macaé, Fortaleza, Recife, and Porto Alegre, which you shouldn’t overlook because you might find precisely what you’ve been looking for.
How Much Money Is Enough for Comfortable Living in Brazil
Knowing the cost of living when relocating to this outstanding area is more than necessary because you have to ensure all the expenses will meet your pocket. Many expats are deciding to rent here. And the average price you’ll pay for renting expenses will depend mainly on the location. The bigger cities like Rio and Sao Paulo will, naturally, be more expensive, but some services will still be more affordable than the USA standard due to the low labor costs.
The upper-middle-class family will have on average 10,000R$ monthly salary here, which is around $1,900. Even though the average household income is lower than in the US, we all know that one of the biggest stressors when relocating is money. So before you start planning the whole process (even though everything is cheaper here), ensure you have some money aside. This will help you lower the relocation stress.
Find Out How the Healthcare System Works in Metropolis and Rural Areas and What are Most Common Health Risks
Everyone who lives in Brazil legally has free access to medical healthcare. However, public healthcare has a bad reputation for a very long hold period, so it’s best to check private insurance and healthcare systems. This stands for the bigger cities, but in the smaller and more rural places, the situation isn’t the same at all because medical care sometimes isn’t available.
Before packing up your bags make sure you are vaccinated because there are also some common health risks. So yellow fever and hepatitis A and B vaccines are more than recommended if you plan to stay longer.
What Level of Education Will Brazilian Expats Get?
Expat children can enroll in public schools if they achieve adequate Portuguese skills and pass the adaptação exam. If they do, the public school is free of charge. If you’re relocating with your family, we all know that sometimes the change is very hard on the little ones. That’s why there are many private schools your kids can go to and have an excellent education.
Car and Other Means of Transportation – What Is Like Driving in Brazil
Many expats are deciding to buy a car, although cars here are costly to buy due to high taxes. So, to avoid car shipping to Brazil, you can just buy or rent one here. Brazilians have a big road network, and it’s only natural that cars are the most used vehicles for transportation.
However, before you sit behind the wheel, inform yourself about some traffic regulations. For example, the speed limit is around 18mph in residential areas while it can go up to 60mph on highways. Also, foreigners can drive here when they turn 18.
How Will Brazilian Lifestyle Boost Your State of Mind
When relocating across the world and finding one of the best countries to live in, you should learn some of their culture and lifestyle. Living in Brazil means you don’t have to hurry anywhere because the main rule here is that it’s OK to be late for any kind of meeting. So, embrace the laid-back lifestyle and enjoy the slow pace.
Get To Know the Rich Culture and Different Food You’ll Get to Enjoy
The culture shock might overwhelm you because it’s so different from yours. But, you can always find expat communities where you can even speak English until you feel free enough to talk with Brazilians. Until then, you can enjoy the vibrant culture – dancing carnivals and recognizable beats of bossa nova and samba.
If you’re one of those people who love to try something different, then Brazilian cuisine will leave you speechless. The national dish is feijoada and you must try once you settle in. Watch the video below that will guide you through Brazilian culture.
Let the Reliable Overseas Moving Company Take Care of Your Transition
Relocating overseas is a challenging event, and doing everything to make it easier is an essential step. From figuring out what kind of container for each cargo to checking all storage options, it can get pretty frustrating for some of us. That’s why you should hire a trustworthy relocation company and let them do all the hard work while you gather all the necessary information about the area you’ll call home.
