Expat Advice: Living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?
Rio de Janeiro
How long have you lived there?
5 years
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
International Newcomers, wonderful start if you don't know the language at all. Most nationalities have their own clubs and organizations; huge expat community. Excellent schools. Very busy social diary if that's what you want, otherwise enjoy the best part of Brazil: the Brazilians!
In terms of religious, racial, economic and cultural diversity, are the people of this city or town diverse? Are they accepting of differences? Describe.
Rich and poor live side by side. Diversity is part of every day life. Brazilians are very tolerant especially in religion, race and culture.The main problem of Rio is the violence. One has to take, just like the Brazilians do, steps to protect one self.
What are the main industries in this city? What types of career opportunities commonly exist? How do most people find new jobs?
This is a problem in Rio. Most banks/finance and insurance companies have now moved to Sao Paulo. Left are oil industry (very large), some shipping, tourism. Jobs mostly to be found through personal contacts. Life in Rio is not very cheap, as most foreigners tend to believe.
If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them.
Great place to live; perfect climate; friendly people. Come with a job in view and leave your valuables in your home country. You are going to have the time of your life.
Moving to Brazil soon?
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aaronbennisWebpage question: If a friend of yours was thinking of moving to this city or town from far away, what other advice would you give them? Reply comment from another poster: "Great place to live; perfect climate; friendly people. Come with a job in view and leave your valuables in your home country. You are going to have the time of your life." My comment: The (romantic) Bossa Nova Era depicting the "safe" Carioca life, in the City of Rio de Janeiro (50 years ago), never existed, and never will. The poster who stated that "You are going to have the time of your life" needs to either dispense with the "bull", or get a grip on the realities. Foreigners (without Brazilian contacts) , who are not (themselves) "street-savvy" back home, should visit Brazil, via Travel Agency organized package tour, ONLY. These words to the wise should be sufficient.
aaronbennis"Rich and poor live side by side. Diversity is part of every day life. Brazilians are very tolerant especially in religion, race and culture." My comment: Rich and poor people do NOT live harmoniously "side-by-side" in any country, anywhere on this planet, and especially in Brazil's multitude of gated, armed security-guard protected neighborhood communities. Please STOP posting your obviously "rich-person's" fantasy notions regarding the realities of life in "the river", for the average paranoid Carioca. It really is not nice to mislead people. Thank you, :-)
