About swede1284

Status:

Repatriate 

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Norway

Citizen Of:

United States

Dual Citizen Of:

Sweden

Some Forum Posts:

Brazil: Leaving NYC for SP... am I crazy... advice pls!:

Hello To some points I agree with Andy but I want to tell you about a few drawbacks about living in Brazil as well. At least you are thinking about more southern places than where I live ( I am in Fortaleza, earlier Recife and Campinas SP. If you where thinking about North or "Nordeste" I would definitly tell you to think twice about moving here. First of all, Brazil is a VERY expensive country if you compare income vs prices...All imported goods, cars clothing, electronics are outragously high priced. I bought a harley ( for more than double US price) in SP and I now paying over $900 !!! yearly in vehicle tax. In US I would pay around $100 per year. gas price is double from US. Now the worst I see in Brazil, especially in North East is the nearly total lack of understanding what is right or wrong. The word dishonest gets a whole new meaning here. When it comes to rob, steal, cheat nothing is tabu. Collegues at work steal from other collegues, fahers steal from children, Police rob anyone they can get their hands on, your housekeeper that you took so good care of will many times clean out your house litterally... soon chances are that you feel like a walking bank, ready to hand out all you have, a Santa Claus whom every predator will study with hopes of a quick grab. I can count ENDLESS freinds, both foreigners and locals who has been victims of crime. The majority of people dont even bother to call for police after you been victimized. That would only create more problems. I watched a poor woman a few weeks ago PAYING $400 the local Ronda Police to grab some criminals who robbed. without payment they would not lift a finger. I live in a 5 star condominium and 75 yards from the condo gates small children RENT handguns to go out and rob tourists and foreigners...What I am trying to tell you here is simply, the crime is out of control. I have lived in 5 countries including Asia, Europa, Caribbean and nothing compare to what I seen these 5 years in Brazil. There is some positive things with living in Brazil but to bring my children here to this insecurity and fear, very expensive private schhols of poor quality, no... sorry. Needless to say, I am leaving Brazil, most of all for the thoughts of my wife and 2 children's safety. To me, just a piece of safety and security, to not have to worry when I go to the ATM or parking lot, to know that I can let the kids out playing and be safe, this is worth more than anything else. If I had a lot of money and could live in a secure fortress with walls, armored car and armed guards and not worry about living on a Brazillian salary, welll maybe, but then again, what life would this be. Dont get me wrong, there is many wonderful people in Brazil but I know that nobody in his right mind would disagree when I say, Brazil is dangerous, very dangerous place to be. I suspect that your Brazillian wife would recognize some of this words. Now if you have desided to come to Brazil no matter what, try areas in the south where some civilization exists and work ethics and standards are slightly better. I also want to mention that I am NOT a person known to be scared or worried. I have been working in war zones such as Iraq !! I just have responsibilty for my family. Their security comes before anything. Good luck and all the best Stefan

Date Joined:

2/18/2011

Total Posts:

1

Posts/Day:

0.00