About Merlin

Currently Lives:

Dalls, TX, United States

Citizen of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Brazil: websites on rio:

I've lived in Petropolis for about 3 years and in Rio now for the past year. Pretty familiar with the expat scene... Feel free to ask specific questions and/or contact me privately at MerlinBrasil at Fastmail.fm Regards, Merlin

Brazil: physicians in Brasil:

Hi again, Anne I'd suggest going directly to your local consulate. The relevant agency would be under the Ministry of Health (Saude). Other than that, I have no contacts in that particular area. Health care here goes from the sublime to the ridiculous :) When I went to a local clinic in this somewhat prosperous town of 300,000 the beds and wheelchairs and much of the equipment looked like surplus from WWII, if not WWI... and the conditions were less than 'antiseptic'. My wife, on the other hand, used to work for a hospital in Belem and said the conditions and equipment used there were top notch. They cater to the wealthy clientele.... go figure :) I've also seen news reports of state-of-the-art health care equipment, CT Scanners and the like, warehoused in the hospital because nobody knows how to use them OR they don't have the budget to afford staff who do. Fascinating country, all things considered :) Regards, Merlin

Brazil: auto shipping to Brasil:

Nice area, Fortaleza. Hate to rain on your parade, but you are *NOT* bringing your Jeep Wrangler, nor any other car with more than 0 miles on the odometer, into Brasil. If you bring in a new car (0-km), expect to pay duty of up to 100%. Getting the idea that they protect their Auto Industry? The good news is that there are good new and used vehicles available. Mercedes, etc. Lots of 4-WD vehicles here, but 4WD is rarely used, at least in the Rio Area. At least in the Rio area, there are fantastic deals to be made on very well maintained used vehicles. You get a *lot* for your dollar. But deal only with reputable dealers. Lots of "fake paper" floating around with stolen cars, etc., so it pays to have a local friend help you. Confirm my info with any Brasilian Consulate or one of their many websites...... then start advertising to sell your car. Sorry, but it's just one of the many joys involved with living in Brasil :)) Regards, Merlin

Brazil: Almost there:

I'll be leaving for Brasil from Dallas in just about a month. Plan to arrive in Rio, then find a house in Petropolis. If you've never been there, it's gorgeous. Dealing with the consulate in Houston was a bit of a hassle, but that's all in the past. Now in the process of finding a way to move my possessions from here to there. For those who don't know, you can NOT bring a used vehicle into the country unless you are a TOURIST. Having a Permanent Visa, it's simply impossible. If anyone wants to discuss anything regarding my move, I'd be open to advice. Regards, Geoff

Brazil: Owning A Business in Brazil:

Jelstar, Contact me directly at gbarnes@compuland.com.br or gbarnes2000@earthlink.net Regards, Geoff

Date Joined:

4/2/2002

Total Posts:

5

Posts/Day:

0.00