Brazil delivers a plate of long sandy beaches, colorful carnivals, pleasant people, and a fresh start. Days in the sun, exploring the Amazon rainforest, and partying at many festivals. There’s always something going on in Brazil.
Are you ready to begin your new life?
1. Learn the language
It’s recommended to work with a native speaker and take classes. You’ll want to learn Portuguese when you move to Brazil to experience everything the right way.
2. The cost of living in Brazil
A single person living in Brazil should expect an estimated monthly cost of R $4,606, which equals USD 988.68.
Living in Brazil isn’t going to break the bank; it’s a relatively cheap area. Sometimes items like clothes can be more expensive, but you’ll be set in terms of rent, food, and entertainment!
3. Universal access to medical care
Brazil offers public healthcare as a universal right to its residents and foreign nationals. Although this is excellent news, the healthcare system is mainly underfunded, resulting in fewer facilities, equipment, staff, and long waiting lists.
It’s no surprise that most expats sign up for private health insurance with a private sector, which is at a much better standard. You’ll find private healthcare cheaper in Brazil than in other countries. Why not read more about it here?
4. Nearly half of South America is Brazil
Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world. Can you believe that nearly half of this continent is Brazil? That means the equator and the Tropic of Capricorn stretch through the nation, and it’s the only nation to have this.
So if you’re planning on visiting all of Brazil, you might want to save up a lot of holidays. At least you’ll never be able to say, “I have nothing to do here.”
5. Prepare for an expressive culture
Culture shock pending!
Its carnival aesthetic of passion, magnificence, and splendor isn’t just in its festivities but in the people too. A Brazilian citizen may hug you during the first meeting, kiss your cheeks, and speak enthusiastically.
Many Brazilians aren’t afraid to speak what’s on their mind; they are open books and will often interrupt you if they are passionate about a particular topic, with vibrant and robust communication.
Brazilians are amicable and humble people with an astounding appetite for life. If you’re more on the shy side, look at the positive, it’ll be easy to make friends in Brazil!
6. The weather in Brazil
Brazil’s land carpets 3.3 MILLION square miles. So, as you can imagine, the weather from North to South will differ immensely.
The majority of Brazil sees a lot of sunshine all year round, but certain places in Brazil are hotter and colder. Belem is hot, sticky, and humid all year round, and the state of Santa Catarina has some cooler days.
7. Festivals and Carnivals
If there’s one thing that Brazilians can all agree on, they know how to party. From children learning how to walk to the elderly not wanting to walk again, everyone participates in the famous annual carnivals, celebrations, and festivals.
Stuffed to the brim with enthusiasm, passion, and glory, Brazilians will dance, sing, and drink the day away at festivals. The most well-known carnival is called Carnival, hard to forget that one! You can expect costumes, face paint, and an eruption of bright colors, glitter, and confetti.
It’ll be like you’re back at college again with a whole week’s worth of partying, and even the weeks leading up to the carnival are freckled with street parades. Then, of course, there must be a post-carnival party! You have to ease the carnival blues somehow!
8. Brazilian food and drink
Brazilians are very serious about food, don’t try to argue it. They love their lunch and eat it as if it’s the only meal they’ll have that day, or maybe even that week.
Lunches in Brazil are gigantic, so you might want to skip breakfast. Popularly, people eat in lunch places known as per-kilo restaurants that are priced depending on your plate’s weight. Commonly, locals will have a shot of caipirinha before lunch to inflate their hunger.
Then they’ll dig into heaps of beans, rice, meat, and salads, followed by a traditional pudding-like flan called pudim (shown above). Brazilians rarely use their hands to eat their food, and for snacks like bread, they’ll use a napkin. They’re also very polite eaters, who will wait until the whole table receives their food before eating their own.
9. Football is life…
The father of Brazilian football, Charles Miller, is a known name in Brazil as the person who returned from England with a notebook of rules and two balls, introducing Brazilian locals to a game called ‘football.’ Football is more than just a game in Brazil, it’s their heritage, heart, soul, and lifestyle.
Brazilians love coming together and celebrating their country, whether in victory or loss. Not to mention that some of the best players and heroes of football come from the Brazilian pitch.
10. …and they love coffee
There are probably 2% of Brazilians that don’t drink coffee, and they’re the mouths that are too young to drink it. Coffee is the foundation of a Brazilian citizen. Don’t be surprised if you see a Brazilian bleed coffee.
The signature coffee in Brazil is Cafezinho, a small cup of filtered black coffee served extra hot with a lot of sugar. The Cafezinho is absorbed regularly. You’ll probably find a coffee in a Brazilian hand as much as you’ll find a phone in the hand of an American millennial.
11. Visas and permits
There are many different types of visas that you may need when moving to Brazil. Firstly, if you’re to become a Brazilian employer, you will need a work visa.
If you are traveling for business meetings or any other business-related intentions, you’ll require a business visa. A visa holder can only stay for 90 days with a work or business visa. If you’re planning to spend more time in Brazil, you’ll need to get a new visa through a visa application website.
A tourist visa is only needed for those staying for less than 90 days in Brazil. For extended work, you’ll need a residence visa and permit.
Permanent visas are granted to people married to a citizen of Brazil. You must also want to live in the country for two years.
12. Brazilian culture and social customs
The Brazilians are very laid back. They don’t care if you’re late. You should be late; it would be rude to turn up on time! It’s punctual in turning up late and embarrassing on time. Maybe if it’s for employment opportunities, you should be on time, just in case.
Brazil runs on coffee. They don’t run on time.
13. The education system in Brazil
Even with Brazil’s economic growth improving, many public schools are chronically underfunded and are typically taught in Brazilian Portuguese. For this reason, many expats send their children to private schools or international schools, and thankfully there are plenty to choose from.
There are many schools in the famous cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. Luckily for Americans traveling with children, many international schools focus on American curricula. Private schools are cheaper than international schools, so other expats prefer this.
14. Job opportunities for expats
If you’re moving to Brazil, you’re going to need some source of income. It’s tough for foreign citizens to seek employment in Brazil. This is because Portuguese is the language widely spoken, and without the language, you’re unlikely to secure a job.
There are foreign companies in Brazil that are more likely to take on international citizens. Another job that is highly sought is to teach English at schools. Large cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have an incredibly high demand.
15. Bribery and other forms of corruption
Unfortunately, bribery is widespread in the Brazilian lifestyle, especially among those with a higher power. A common form of corruption is the embezzlement of funds. Up to three years ago, maybe more, there was a case in which nearly 100 police officers were arrested in Brazil for accepting bribes in exchange for providing service to criminals.
It’s also common for corruption scandals to involve many politicians in Brazil.
16. We cannot forget the Amazon Rainforest
Corruption scandals have never stopped Brazil from being a beautiful country. For starters, AHEM, the Amazon Rainforest, is here!
The 55 million-year-old rainforest covers 60% of Brazil. Breathtaking trails, stunning waterfalls, unforgettable scenic vistas, and gorgeous animals. It’s an absolute must-see if you are traveling to Latin America.
17. Housing and accommodation in Brazil
Where you choose to live will depend on your personal goals. It’s more expensive to live in major cities, but public transport is more costly in quieter areas. A private apartment in Brazil typically costs $700. A great idea is to Airbnb crawl until you find a place you could imagine yourself living in.
18. High crime rates, income inequality, and poverty
South American countries like Brazil have incredibly high crime rates and poverty. The lesser kept criminals target people to earn a living through drug trafficking and other illegal activities. The horrific income inequality then leads to a vast amount of violent crimes.
19. Getting around in Brazil
As it’s a Portuguese-speaking country, most Brazilians speak Portuguese and not English. It can be pretty challenging to ask for directions or help if you’re lost in Brazil.
The subway is much safer than using the buses to get around Brazil, but the metro doesn’t operate at night. Another cheap mode of transport is to get a taxi, but it’s advised to call a taxi service rather than pick one up off the street.
Outside major cities, the road conditions in Brazil are poor and unsafe, especially for people not used to the roads and their way of driving. So it’s best to stick to public transport if you can help it.
20. They have one of the largest economies in the world
The Brazilian economy is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. The growing economy amounted to roughly $1.44 trillion in 2020.
Brazil’s progress improves by adding value to service industries, but its high crime rates and taxes weaken it.
21. Beautiful beaches and historic colonial cities
Brazil is soaked in rich history, with many ancient towns to visit. You’ll go back in time as you walk through the streets of Salvador, Olinda, or Mariana.
Of course, you will want to visit the best beaches in the hot weather. Some luxury beaches include Trancoso, Barra Grande, and Barra da Lagoa.
FAQs
What is São Paulo known for?
Known as the wealthiest city in Brazil, people visit Sao Paulo for its art, museums, and architecture.
What is so special about Rio de Janeiro?
The location and people alone make it so unique. But so does its art, architecture, scenery, and culture. The city is an icon.
Why does Brazil have four time zones?
Brazil needs different time zones because of its size.
What is the quality of life in Brazil?
You will find a beautiful life regarding people, places, and performances. But in terms of income, health, and education, you may need to work harder for this.
Final Thoughts
Brazil is just getting better and better. Their economy is rising, their parties are booming, and the people are thriving. Why not join in? You’re invited!
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