CIGNA Expat Health Insurance
Private Messages Friends Invite My Jobs My Properties My Profile My Tips

Brazil Expat Forum

Also moving to floripa with my wife from ipatinga

Post New Topic
turtletooned
11/14/2016 11:31 EST

Hello,
Thank you for the help in advance. I am trying to prepare to move to Floripa. In Sept I married for the first time at 35, a lovely girl from Ipatinga. I speak zero Portuguese. And for the exact reason I haven't dedicated time to learning is why I want to move, there's just absolutely no time!!!

Having done quite a bit of research about where my wife is from I keep coming back to the Floripa/Santa area. She didn't think I was serious about wanting to move there. The idea of getting away from the hustle of the United States is very attractive. Also raising a child in a place where family values still exist. I've never encountered people that take care of each other as much as Brazilians.

We plan on moving end of January/Beginning of February. We will stay in Ipatinga and travel to Floripa a few times over 2 months to decide exactly where we will live and what we will be doing.

Below are things that we could use some help with. Any advise would be great! As well as safe transportation for our Siberian Husky. She's already a city dog used to being inside in the ac.

-Shipping container for our belongings
-Safe transport for our dog or airlines that can accomodate her
-Freight for a larger, heavy toolbox
-Contacts and help networking with Brazil and S. Americas auto/racing enthusiasts
-Contacts with Floripas Marinas and yacht clubs
-Recommended classes for Portuguese lessons
-Recommended websites for home searching
-Places my wife should consider looking for work. Possibly somewhere in need of translators.

I am a performance engine calibrator. I specialize in tuning very high horsepower engines. Primarily Porsches but some others as well. With the exception of Nissan GTR's all are German manufactured as well speed boats.

In addition I design and manufacture Milspec wiring harnesses. These were originally meant for military applications. Land, air and sea. They are now used all over for professional auto racing, commercial airliners and cruise ships.

I build them for auto enthusiasts that demand the best and also for boats. Salt water boats suffer from extreme wiring issues about every 3 years. These wire harnesses will last the lifetime of the boat. I am hoping with all the boating in the Floripa area, my services would be of use.

I'm sure it will take me quite some time to network with my industry in Brazil. Fortunately a decent percentage of my work can be done remotely with a good internet connection. I hear sometimes internet can be difficult in Brazil, also very expensive.

Since I am fully aware that I will probably not be able to continue my profession at its current level, I am interested in starting light manufacturing of these harnesses.

I understand importing is almost impossible and/or more expensive than it's worth. Where as exporting isn't a issue at all. I am interested in possibly manufacturing my harnesses for export to the US and in S. America. 90% of the materials I use are already in Brazil.

Anyone that has insight to business operation, laws, procedure, taxes etc would be greatly appreciated.
For those that are interested in what I primarily do now feel free to click the instagram link. There isn't too much content on there because I am trying not to generate more work than I can handle. I have always just been word-of-mouth. However that's obviously going to be changing considering I am leaving the country and will need to increase the remote work load.

I hope that this forum can aid in my transition and that one day I can help someone like myself here.

Thank you for taking the time to read my introduction. I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life.

Turtle Tooned (@turtletooned) • Instagram photos and videos
See Instagram photos and videos from Turtle Tooned (@turtletooned)
WWW.INSTAGRAM.COM

Post a Reply

00abuse

pensadenos
11/14/2016 16:15 EST

Turtletooned......I am an American living in Praia de Pipa, Brazil and moved here 18 months ago. More and more of the American airlines are restricting pet travel with very few allowing a pet to fly in the cabin. The rules are now this; temp at the department and arrival airport cannot exceed 85 degrees at either location in order for a pet to travel in cargo hold. I ended up using this company to take care of all pet paperwork and pet shipping from Chicago to Natal via Sao Paulo.....it wasn't cheap but Debbie did an outstanding job. We were delayed leaving MIA for Natal by 1 week. Debbie shipped my dog from Houston to LA where she kept him for the week and then shipped him back to Houston and then Brazil. Debbie talked the airline in shipping my dog to LA and back to Houston at no charge due to her frequent business. She took pix of Onyx and sent them several day each week and did an outstanding job in keeping me updated with photos and info. She also coordinated the Brazilian "catch" who picked up my dog and then transferred him to the airline that flew him from Sao Paulo to Natal. I, and Onyx had no problems with how they did their business. I'll save you all of the "are you sure you want to do this" type questions and only say that Brazil is not a country for old men. You must want to be here and have the capacity to deal with business, business concepts and lack of customer service like it was back in the 1960's! The internet is an issue here in Brazil as they lack infrastructure or companies that truly perform good customer service and grow their business. I got fiber optics 3 months ago at a cost of R$120 per month for 10 mb download. That is better than the 5mbps I had but having 10 mbps means that I am paying for 10 and maybe getting 3-7 and on weekends only getting .25-2 mbps. It's one of those frustrations you will have until you get adjusted and then thankful for the days that you can stream a Youtube video without constant buffering. Business wise...........you are on your own! This is not an easy country to do business in as the Chinese found out over the past few years. I do wish you luck with that one!

Debbie H. Rogers
Pet Travel Specialist

All Pet Travel
866.359.7387, toll-free
520.622.5252, phone
520.203.0242, fax
debbie@allpettravel.com
http://www.AllPetTravel.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllPetTravel

Post a Reply

00abuse

expat health insurance from CIGNA

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

Learn More Get a Quote

pensadenos
11/14/2016 16:16 EST

Turtletooned......I am an American living in Praia de Pipa, Brazil and moved here 18 months ago. More and more of the American airlines are restricting pet travel with very few allowing a pet to fly in the cabin. The rules are now this; temp at the department and arrival airport cannot exceed 85 degrees at either location in order for a pet to travel in cargo hold. I ended up using this company to take care of all pet paperwork and pet shipping from Chicago to Natal via Sao Paulo.....it wasn't cheap but Debbie did an outstanding job. We were delayed leaving MIA for Natal by 1 week. Debbie shipped my dog from Houston to LA where she kept him for the week and then shipped him back to Houston and then Brazil. Debbie talked the airline in shipping my dog to LA and back to Houston at no charge due to her frequent business. She took pix of Onyx and sent them several day each week and did an outstanding job in keeping me updated with photos and info. She also coordinated the Brazilian "catch" who picked up my dog and then transferred him to the airline that flew him from Sao Paulo to Natal. I, and Onyx had no problems with how they did their business. I'll save you all of the "are you sure you want to do this" type questions and only say that Brazil is not a country for old men. You must want to be here and have the capacity to deal with business, business concepts and lack of customer service like it was back in the 1960's! The internet is an issue here in Brazil as they lack infrastructure or companies that truly perform good customer service and grow their business. I got fiber optics 3 months ago at a cost of R$120 per month for 10 mb download. That is better than the 5mbps I had but having 10 mbps means that I am paying for 10 and maybe getting 3-7 and on weekends only getting .25-2 mbps. It's one of those frustrations you will have until you get adjusted and then thankful for the days that you can stream a Youtube video without constant buffering. Business wise...........you are on your own! This is not an easy country to do business in as the Chinese found out over the past few years. I do wish you luck with that one!

Debbie H. Rogers
Pet Travel Specialist

All Pet Travel
866.359.7387, toll-free
520.622.5252, phone
520.203.0242, fax
debbie@allpettravel.com
http://www.AllPetTravel.com
https://www.facebook.com/AllPetTravel

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/14/2016 17:36 EST

Thank you so much for your insight. Much of what I had expected but it is good to hear it directly from someone. I will check out the pet information as this is a great concern.

Thank you again,
Garth

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/14/2016 19:34 EST

Turtle
I lived in Camboriu SC for 3 years 2002-2005, love the area and Floripa. Great place to live.

I ended up marrying a sweet woman from near Recife in the NE. She has visited Camboriu too and loves it too.
Warning; Brasilian women WANT to stay near Mama and her family, period. I think I could convince my wife to move to the south of BR , better than moving back to the US.
2 hour flight vs 8 hour

Sao Paulo is HUGE with custom cars of all kinds, HUGE. That is your market. Other places not far from Floripa where interesting cars are hot ; Curitiba (great city), Porto Alegre RS, Floripa is right in the middle of these. Lot of antique custom cars.
Try marketing in BR and exporting elsewhere. TRY to do it yourself without hiring anyone because 'employees' in BR can cost you dearly.

You will learn Portuguese like I did, on the street. I'm not very grammatically correct but people understand me. At 3 years part time, my brain all of the sudden caught up to listening and understanding Portuguese. Now I can understand most everything I hear.
I'D surely FORGET bringing most STUFF from the US. It's NOT worth it and you will find household and furniture in BR a LOT MORE exciting than ANY furniture you have in the US AND surrounding yourself with things from BR will make your life more exciting. Bring your clothes and dearly loved tiny stuff and sell the rest or donate it to charity.

CARS ; easy to buy. All you need is a CPF and an address. I always bought my cars (6 of them) in SP. Best selection of everything, cheaper too. Lots of competition.
You can buy something dependable for as little as R$4000, beaters for R$2500. So many great cars you've never seen in the US. I like FIATS myself, good resale and real durable. Many 1.0 liter twin cam 4 cylinders. Palio Weekend, Brava, Stilio etc.

BIG cities generally have nice marinas ; RIO, SP coast, Floripa has a nice one just south of the airport. Can be clickish with upper middle class types.
Big raceboats most likely central SP. Hard to break into any area of your expertise because Brasilians are very smart and high tech in the things you do.
Brasil is thought of 3rd world by many but BR is as up on all things as any place and sometimes ahead.

You can buy an internet USB modem from various providers ; TIM, OI and others and do month to month. Not super fast but ok. Never had cable internet so don't know anything about it. Living online might be expensive but casual internet won't be so bad.

There are many job websites in BR, your wife can search them. Floripa is a college town, has a lot of BR tourism.

Usual places to buy things online ; Cars, furniture, real estate, household, etc - OLX.com.br , MercadoLivre.com.br
Some areas have craigslist

Be VERY careful with who you trust, your wife can hopefully keep you out of trouble
Do everything legally through the cartorio.
Good luck, GUY

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/14/2016 20:46 EST

Thanks again for alot of useful information. Its good to know cars are popular in the big cities. Although I do see some difficulty ahead of me in pursuing my current career in its current capacity, However I would not think it would be competitive at all. I deal with the absolute smallest % of the automotive enthusiast. I will be bringing skills, knowledge and products to the table that very few have ever seen and none if any are aware or educated on. I would think the struggle that lie ahead of me would be knowing the right people, having them comprehend what I offer and gaining their trust. However I have struggled significantly in researching where to locate groups, Forums, FB Groups, or even some underground scene of some sort. If you have any more insight on the subject I am certainly all ears.

Questions about internet. How slow is slow? I do remote engine calibration world wide and internet speed is always the most difficult hurdle.

Post a Reply

00abuse

CIGNA Expat Health Insurance

Choosing an expat health insurance provider is an important decision. Get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA. With Cigna Global Health Options, you can create an international health insurance plan that's perfectly tailored for the needs of you and your family.

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/16/2016 21:22 EST

Hey, don't remember the speed but go to TIM , Oi, Claro websites or do a search for Brasil internet. Never had cable internet, just USB modem. Tried many times to find an open account in highly populated Recife but never found an open signal.

Had another idea on your car biz, go to OLX or MercadoLivre and do a search for antique, racecars etc, then call the sellers to network with them. You will find TONS of interesting antique cars in Rio Grande do Sul, Curitiba and of course central Sao Paulo.
Saw a PBS show on low riders and a group from SP shipped their cars to the states for a big show. LOTS of hydraulics.

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/18/2016 01:47 EST

Great!! Thank you so much for the help!

Hydraulics!! LOL. Flashback

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/20/2016 03:51 EST

Great. Thanks. Where are you from in Florida

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/20/2016 09:59 EST

Clearwater FL
Going to Recife next FEB for 6 months when my wife graduates from college, then back to FL with her
NO opportunities for her as a teacher in BR. She makes more up here in 2 months than most BR make there in a year !

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/21/2016 00:48 EST

I was born in Morton Plant Hospital. I grew up and my parents still have the house 4 blocks away in Harbor Oaks on Druid Rd.

I get the feeling you haven't had the greatest experience in Brazil?

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/21/2016 00:48 EST

I was born in Morton Plant Hospital. I grew up and my parents still have the house 4 blocks away in Harbor Oaks on Druid Rd.

I get the feeling you haven't had the greatest experience in Brazil?

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/21/2016 00:48 EST

I was born in Morton Plant Hospital. I grew up and my parents still have the house 4 blocks away in Harbor Oaks on Druid Rd.

I get the feeling you haven't had the greatest experience in Brazil?

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/21/2016 00:48 EST

I was born in Morton Plant Hospital. I grew up and my parents still have the house 4 blocks away in Harbor Oaks on Druid Rd.

I get the feeling you haven't had the greatest experience in Brazil?

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/21/2016 08:21 EST

Small world ...... I grew up on Redington Beach then moved to Largo. Been to a couple other states but always return for the great beaches and cheap living.
In a lot of ways I love Brasil but there are many things about the people hard to deal with. The middle class and upper class are the most arrogant people on the face of the earth, especially in the north. They think that if they have a little money they are royalty. I used to make US$15k a month on merchant ships and had other people in my building making R$3000 a month with an attitude they were better than everybody else. They are very dishonest, that's how many of them got their money. I've had landlords remove a refrig from my apto and never return it, I've had lawyers take my money to process a perm visa and do nothing. I've had landlords refuse to fix things that broke in the apto, I'm talking about A/C units, refrigs, NO water, etc. claiming they don't have the money but the next week are flying to Miami.
Dishonesty and thieves are everywhere. ........ The best person I met was a porteiro at my apto in Joao Pessoa, dirt poor but high quality person, #1. OR some German or Italian friends in Camboriu. First class people.
The funny thing is that as a gringo you'd think they target you but that is not correct, as my wife says, they cheat and steal from each other just as much .......
IF you had a place that was isolated and left for the US for a few months, your place would be broken into and cleaned out .... WHO needs this ?
IF I ever went back to BR to live it would be in the south; Florianopolis, Camboriu, Porto Alegre, Curitiba. Would NEVER live in the Nordeste again in any perm state. Right now my wife is finishing up her school so I have to stay there for now. She recognizes that there is nothing in BR for her, lousy poorly paying jobs few and far between.
So many Americans go to Brasil thinking it's paradise and return home after a couple years with their tail between their legs. VERY few stay longer.
For me there are too many things I can't do down there, usually because it is cost prohibitive ; own a nice sailboat (20X the cost of ones here), buy and sell cars, Fly small airplanes. Unless you are rich, you can't afford these in BR. After a while I missed these simple things and felt deprived. ONE important thing I learned after a while .... is that you can only go to the beach so much then it's becomes boring. You need to have a full life.
Right now it's cheap for us with the exchange rate, it's taking off right now 3.35. When I left in 2007 it was 1.6. When I went back in 2014 it was 2.3, and when I left 6 months later it was 3.2. Tourism died for years when it was 1.6.
Brasil is a sexy fun place, you just have to be real careful.

Post a Reply

00abuse

sohelsaheen
11/21/2016 11:46 EST

Thanks a lot for this article about Brazil. I was in Porto Alegre and I have some experiences too. I think this country named Brazil is just a joke. My Brazilian friends used to tell me that the Brazilian elites have founded this country for their consumation only. The others have no chances there.It is almost impossible for a full life in Brazil for a foreigner.The maximum of Brazilain people are living below poverty level and the people are on average DISHONEST. The living cost is very high in compare to the average earnings and so it is unafordable.The people are never transparent in any aspect of daily life. Normally the illusive foreign people are ended up in misery.Brazil is a hard reality and difficult nut to eat.

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/21/2016 12:20 EST

YES you hit upon another point about Brasilians - they are NOT transparent. They are very closed private people. They don't want you knowing anything about their life. It does come across as being arrogant and rude.
Unlike here in the US where most people will tell you their life story after 10 minutes and are friendly and open.
Then you mention this current bunch of political thieves who want to eliminate everyone's safety net and put the money in their pockets.
Pretty disgraceful.
Whereas Lula and Dilma did a lot to help the poor with educational training so they could get better jobs, etc.
We better start looking for a remote island to live on, the rest of the world is turning to merda.

Post a Reply

00abuse

aaronbennis
11/23/2016 08:55 EST

A spot-on post, re: the realities about Brazil. The tragedy being that Brazil has the potential of being one of the top 20 goto" business, and tourist destinations on the planet. Unfortunately the power (so-called "educated) elite of Brazil are far too stupid to realize that potential. That human failing seems to be a symptomatic (high crime and immoral behavior) pattern consistent with Roman Catholicism dominated societies. Sigh.

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/23/2016 10:21 EST

Like I said, Brasil can be a sexy and fun place for sure.
The dishonesty factor is just to high it does not make sense to make Brasil a long term choice. OF course a fun month long vacation will leave you oblivious of the country's problems unless you are robbed or murdered.

Not sure of the Catholic church connection but for sure it's a 'LATIN' part of culture.
Knew a woman who worked at a bank on a US military base in Italy. Every time she went back to the US for vacation she returned to her rented apto stripped of everything she owned.
They (LATINOS) obviously prey on foreigners but do the same to each other too.

Another factor is the abysmal quality of govt and banking offices.
Many Brasiiians sit in their bank (Banco do Brasil) all day to get their account straightened out.
I tried to fix my checking account at HSBC in another nearby city through my local HSBC branch and waited 3 months and it never got fixed. In the US, fixed in 15 minutes.
Try getting a driver's license in BR. It takes MONTHS. In the US you can have one in an HOUR or less.

In any case, any long term ideas of living under these situations in Brasil are just not worth it. NO reason to do it.

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/24/2016 13:44 EST

I am sorry that your experience is so bad there. I hope mine is quite different. I am aware of the negatives. I do have a positive outlook however. There are bad people everywhere. The US is full of it as well. The thing that attracts me more to Brazil, is unlike the US they knowingly admit they're wrong and faults. Where as here in the US we act like were the Lords right hand man when we are just secretly the devil himself. They don't pretend to be good. They know what they are and own it.

Where I live in Philadelphia there is a large foriegn community in whats called the NorthEast. Many Brazilians and Russians. My best friends here are Russian. Never thought that would be the case. But they take care of thier friends and family. All of the Brazilians I have become friends with are by far some of the nicest people I know. When I first met my wife I noticed immediately the family values she had. Never goes a day without calling, makes sure they need for nothing. They are poor and always have been. But I assure you they are happy and are not in need. This is very attractive to me. I am so used to needing to have this and that to be considered "normal" here. I instantly realized that I myself was lacking more and more as years went on the family values that they have and I learned a lot from her. It made me wonder why her family was so different than a typical american family. She always expressed to me that as a kid no matter how little they had, she got everything she ever wanted. The best swimming lessons, summer camp, church trips etc. She just told me her Father would go work harder to make it happen. As a adult she recognizes this and is eager and willing to return the kindness and love she had as a child. This...... Just doesn't exist here. I know people here that sue their own family, fight about wills and are quick to put their loved ones in a nursing home. Kids have no idea of worth here. A pair of $100 Nike's is expected. Where did this mentality come from and how will we ever be the great respected country we were once. Football stars sit during the pledge of allegiance before a game, this is what we have come to. Maybe, just maaaybe with the recent political change there could be a slow turn in a different direction.

I am quite aware that I am probably one of the very few that have moved to Brazil with my political views. And this is nothing that needs discussed as I do not care what others views are. I can quite easily be friends with those that have a completely different outlook.

I have been researching like crazy the areas, crime, GDP, tourism, growth and so on. I kept returning to Santa Catarina regardless of the fact my business belongs in Sao Paulo. I am already used to traveling as it is in the US for work. I don't see any reason to live somewhere that isn't peaceful for work. I do not have a need to be at a place daily for my job.

What I am looking for is quality of life. The governments state has never effected me in the US and I cant see it doing so there. The only thing I foresee being a issue is the extreme import taxes and high prices for certain things. I hope that my interests and profession some how over the time gets me passed these hurdles.

Here I have been able to circumvent quite a bit due to the "its not what you know, its who you know" mentality. I have a odd feeling that this is more true in Brazil than here.

Then again I could be completely wrong about everything said and this turn into one big disappointment. But deep down I do not believe that will be the case.

Thank you again however for all the information. It certainly supports what I have been learning specifically related to regions of the country.

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/24/2016 13:44 EST

I am sorry that your experience is so bad there. I hope mine is quite different. I am aware of the negatives. I do have a positive outlook however. There are bad people everywhere. The US is full of it as well. The thing that attracts me more to Brazil, is unlike the US they knowingly admit they're wrong and faults. Where as here in the US we act like were the Lords right hand man when we are just secretly the devil himself. They don't pretend to be good. They know what they are and own it.

Where I live in Philadelphia there is a large foriegn community in whats called the NorthEast. Many Brazilians and Russians. My best friends here are Russian. Never thought that would be the case. But they take care of thier friends and family. All of the Brazilians I have become friends with are by far some of the nicest people I know. When I first met my wife I noticed immediately the family values she had. Never goes a day without calling, makes sure they need for nothing. They are poor and always have been. But I assure you they are happy and are not in need. This is very attractive to me. I am so used to needing to have this and that to be considered "normal" here. I instantly realized that I myself was lacking more and more as years went on the family values that they have and I learned a lot from her. It made me wonder why her family was so different than a typical american family. She always expressed to me that as a kid no matter how little they had, she got everything she ever wanted. The best swimming lessons, summer camp, church trips etc. She just told me her Father would go work harder to make it happen. As a adult she recognizes this and is eager and willing to return the kindness and love she had as a child. This...... Just doesn't exist here. I know people here that sue their own family, fight about wills and are quick to put their loved ones in a nursing home. Kids have no idea of worth here. A pair of $100 Nike's is expected. Where did this mentality come from and how will we ever be the great respected country we were once. Football stars sit during the pledge of allegiance before a game, this is what we have come to. Maybe, just maaaybe with the recent political change there could be a slow turn in a different direction.

I am quite aware that I am probably one of the very few that have moved to Brazil with my political views. And this is nothing that needs discussed as I do not care what others views are. I can quite easily be friends with those that have a completely different outlook.

I have been researching like crazy the areas, crime, GDP, tourism, growth and so on. I kept returning to Santa Catarina regardless of the fact my business belongs in Sao Paulo. I am already used to traveling as it is in the US for work. I don't see any reason to live somewhere that isn't peaceful for work. I do not have a need to be at a place daily for my job.

What I am looking for is quality of life. The governments state has never effected me in the US and I cant see it doing so there. The only thing I foresee being a issue is the extreme import taxes and high prices for certain things. I hope that my interests and profession some how over the time gets me passed these hurdles.

Here I have been able to circumvent quite a bit due to the "its not what you know, its who you know" mentality. I have a odd feeling that this is more true in Brazil than here.

Then again I could be completely wrong about everything said and this turn into one big disappointment. But deep down I do not believe that will be the case.

Thank you again however for all the information. It certainly supports what I have been learning specifically related to regions of the country.

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/24/2016 13:50 EST

As you all can tell, I seriously struggle with posting on this site. Sorry for all the DUPES

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/24/2016 16:45 EST

Understand where you are.
TRY IT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS !

I will say that those Russians and Brasilians who live near you are there for a reason, not in Russia or Brasil. Next time ask one of your BR friends when they went to BR last time and would they consider moving back ? Brasilians here tell me it's been 10 years since they visited and NO WAY would they move back.
Ask your wife about this one ; MANY BR siblings screw their parents out of their homesteads and steal the money. Very common.
The yuppies in BR have had all those perks you talk about as kids.
Know a family who just spent R$10k on a high school graduation party. Sounds like you have not encountered this kind of Brasilian - they are mostly in SP, RIO and even in the Nordeste big cities. They will treat you as you don't even exist. Pretty ugly people.
The new heads of the govt there are all criminals charged of crimes against the govt. They managed to throw out the democratically elected govt and take over. Since, they are not being recognized by other countries and can't even get foreign loans because they are considered 'invalid' govt officials.
This is not going to be good for the country. They plan to destroy all the social plans made for over 12 years that helped the poor become middle class. What you will end up with is what BR had for years, a small group of wealthy crooks and the rest poor with no future.
My wife tells me many public buses in Recife are boarded many times per day by armed thugs and rob everyone. It's only going to get worse.

IF you had asked me in 2002 if I wanted to live in BR full time, I would have said yes, it's great there. I did own a condo on the beach in the north and loved it. Had a Toyota Banderante and a Palio Weekend wagon, and a dune buggy.
Times change and BR is just in a big downturn right now. Things are nothing like they were in 2002.
The reai also changes radically over time and that affects US dollars if you are receiving them.
Went to BR when it was 5:1, (2001) left when it was 1.5:1 (2008)
Prices have TRIPPLED from 2002 to today, hotels R$50, now R$200.

Read all you can online about BR : BRAZZIL.COM etc. He's from SP and has lived in LA for 20+ years and runs this site.
Pretty honest articles on what is happening down there.

MY best advice is to visit BR for 6 months at a time. That will give you enough time to see what life is like there vs being a tourist.
GOOD LUCK

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/25/2016 00:11 EST

One more thing to think about ;
I am not very much interested in politics either but if BR is in turmoil over it's own politics AND I could get shot and killed on a public bus going to the grocery store - IT'S something I need to take the affect of 'politics' seriously.
A good friend of mine is a Prof of English in the south of BR- POA , he had a student one time who ended up on the front page of the newspaper - SHOT and KILLED leaving school getting into his car - for his new tennis shoes ! That was in the 90's but shows you not much has changed in BR.
MY theory is that I've made it THIS FAR, I'm 64. Like Obama says - DON'T DO STUPID SHYT !

Post a Reply

00abuse

turtletooned
11/25/2016 20:15 EST

Again, I want to make sure you know I appreciate all and everyones information. All of this does sound quite terrible.

In regards to my foreign friends... None of the Russians return. However several of the Brazilians do. But I do not think the reasons are they hate the US. From what I know most just miss their family.

One thing I am fully aware of is Brazil is a HUGE country. I hope that I am not being overly optimistic in regards to the idea that the entire country can not be terrible. You certainly have me alarmed and on my toes.

My wife has wanted to move back for some time. She has told me for the most part that her city is extremely poor, There is not much crime there. But there is some. And the biggest issue is jealousy of others that do have things. So I will lay very low while visiting there while we look at our options in Santa Catarina.

There seems to be a few cities that are referenced to often when speaking of how terrible the country is. Is there any information about great places?

Post a Reply

00abuse

FloridaGuyinBrasil
11/25/2016 23:13 EST

Aaron
You know what I am talking about ! Where are you living ?
Doesn't matter WHO you are or where you are from.
I am sure some professional and educated people can find good industy or even govt jobs, assuming they are totally fluent in Portuguese. People do get transferred to BR from companies overseas. I'm not saying NO ONE can make a life in BR.
But to think someone who can't speak a word of PORTUGUESE , thinks he can break into business in BR is dreaming.
Don't say - I TOLD YOU SO !

Post a Reply

00abuse

microcarnut
1/28/2017 17:37 EST

Hi- I just read your post in ExpatExchange regarding your move to Brazil. I live in the state of Ohio in the USA. I'm also have automotive interests but instead of high performance I'm into high fuel mileage vehicles. A Brazilian manufacturer named Gurgel made the Br-800 which is powered by an 800cc flat 2 cylinder watercooled VW type engine called the Enertron. They were manufactured from 1988 to around 1991. I would be interested in importing those cars or the Enertron engines to the USA. Since they are over 25 years old the EPA & DOT exempt them from their regulations. If the business of purchasing and preparing vehicles or parts for export interests you please contact me. There may be other Brazilian vehicles I could import into the USA such as motorcycles, other micro cars or utility vehicles. The current USD to Real exchange rate could help make this business especially lucrative. Thank you for your time and best wishes to you and your fiance. -Jim Hixon

Post a Reply

00abuse

soie76
3/18/2017 20:48 EST

Hi!
Though this post has been around for a few months but I am still posting here. I am in Floripa and have a small group of foreigners that live here and getogether and help each other network. You can contact me or join : " Gringoes in Floripa " on facebook. Floripa is a good choice. Let me know if we can help you settle in better. Welcome !

Post a Reply

00abuse

ThomasH
3/27/2017 05:44 EST

Hi - a good place to get some basic information is "The Brazil Business" that sends you mails with information in English on every aspect you need to know something about. There is a lot you need to know if you think about starting a company in Brazil.

Post a Reply

00abuse

Expatriate Health Insurance

Get a quote for expat health insurance in Brazil.

Mail Forwarding to Brazil

Mail Forwarding to Brazil.


Expat Tax

Expat Tax Preparation, Expat Tax Professionals


International Moving Companies

Moving to Brazil? Find a moving company.

Join Today (free)

Join Expat Exchange to meet expats in your area or get advice before your move. It's FREE and takes 1 minute!

Copyright 1997-2017 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal