Expat Advice: Relationships in Sao Paolo, Brazil

What is the name of the city or town that you are reporting on?

Sao Paolo

What is your current status? Are you single, dating, in a long-term relationship, married or divorced?

Happily married

What is it like in your country of residence for someone with your relationship status (married/divorced/dating)? If you're single, how do you meet other people? Do English-speaking people tend to gravitate to certain parts of your city?

As a matter of fact, it is VERY easy to meet people here regardless of your personal status. Brazilians seem totally oblivious to your background. If they like your smile/tie/car/attitude they will come to you. My lovely wife has the time of her life observing local girls picking on me and appearing genuinely surprised to find out that she actually "objects" lol

Now more seriously you have to be open minded and get out of the "expat getto"

If you have children, what advice would you give to others making a similar transition to your country of residence?

Be extra careful where they hang out. Brazilians truly love children but still it is a fairly dangerous place for "white" little ones. Ours is always escorted by one sometimes two ex-cops we specially hired for the duty.

As for schools, go for the best private available.

If you do not have children, do you generally spend your social time with other expat couples? If not, what else do you like to do as a couple?

We do meet expats on occasion, but generally we try to be with locals as much as possible.

If you are married or in a relationship with a person of another nationality, how has this experience enriched you as a person. What kind of challenges do you face?

My wife is Brazilian, this of course helps a lot blending in the culture. I hugely profit from that facilitation.

What would be the best advice you could give someone with your relationship status that lives in your country of residence? Any other thoughts?

Learn portuguese and stop living like in your birthplace. This is NOT your birthplace.

Remember at all times that you are a guest here, not a conqueror