×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
An Expat Talks About What It is Like to Move to Sao Paulo, Brazil, Report 45521 | Expat Exchange
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

An Expat Talks about Moving to Sao Paulo, Brazil

Submitted by bethbanks

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

Sao Paulo

Name three things that you wish you had brought and three you wish you had left at home.

1. Bring Everything you can from undies to electronics. Everything is crazy expensive.

2. Bring some winter clothing, ski holidays to Chile are a great escape.

3. Bring Electric Mattress pads, blankets and heaters. There is no heating in Brazilian homes and it gets very cold in the winter. All buildings are cement and the winter is cold and humid.

1. Leave Nothing

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers
Get Quote

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Get Quote

What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?

I am sorry to say that after 14 years in Brazil my advise would be don't move, please reconsider. As my dentist (Brazilian) recently said, "Sao Paulo is a cruel city". I hear his comments with a heavy heart. I have grown to love Brazil but the prices, lack of infrastructure, noise, traffic and now protests and violence have taken their toll.

What type of housing do you live in? Is this typical for most expats in your area?

I live in an apartment. I cannot recommend a house due to security concerns. None of my Brazilian coworkers live in single family homes and my employeer recommends against it. Almost all apartments are built for families not for singles.

How did you choose your neighborhood and find your home or apartment?

I choose Jardins because it is one of the few places where you can walk to the pharmacy, supermarket ect. The downside is that I spend 3 yes three hours a day to and from the office (7 km each way).. My office is in a commercial area and living there would be depressing.

Oliveira Lawyers

Learn MoreGet Quote

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Oliveira Lawyers

Connect

Oliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.

Are your housing costs higher or lower than they were in your home country? What is the average cost of housing there?

If moving to Sao Paulo know that prices are out of control and that there are lots of hidden costs to renting. I am from Chicago, where I lived in Lincoln Park.

1. Rent, a 2 bedroom apt in Jardins(200 sq meters) will run about BRL 8000/mo.

2. The Next biggest cost is the Condo fee which everyone must pay, about BRL 2000/mo.

3. Next there is the IPTU or the property tax in Jardins expect to pay BRL 600/mo.

4. Then of course you need insurance, expect to pay BRL 250/mo.

AGS Worldwide Movers
AGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

AGS Worldwide MoversAGS Worldwide Movers

AGS Worldwide Movers can move you to and from anywhere in the world.
Get Quote

Contribute to Brazil Network Contribute
Help others in Brazil by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Brazil.

Oliveira Lawyers
Oliveira Lawyers

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides