Pros and Cons of Living in Brazil

Last updated on Nov 27, 2021

Summary: Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats and digital nomads have to say about the pros and cons of living in Brazil.

What are the pros and cons of living in Brazil?

Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Brazil responded:

"The best thing here is the weather.I do not miss the cold. I really like the cost of living and the landscape here: beaches one side, mountains on the other. Culturally it's much quieter than I'm used to with very little in the way of cultural offerings," remarked another expat in Vila Velha.

"I like the social scene, with bar/butecos, good live music, and good ingredients available to cook the food I like. I like that it is nearly 1st World in development, having worked in several countries in Africa. As an ecologist, I love the biodiversity in the city and country. I don't like selfish people but have them in my country as well. I don't like dishonest people, but have them in my country as well. I wish it was warmer here in the winter, but it is not so bad. I don't like social inequality but it too exists in my country," explained one expat in Belo Horizonte.

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What do expats in Brazil appreciate most about the local culture?

"I love history. It shows what humans are capable of when they work together," remarked another expat in Goiania.

"I appreciate the more laid back approach to things. I also enjoy the fact our lifestyles are healthier here compared to London. The geography of Brazil is amazing. I look out of my window and I can see a massive green mountain and the weather is nearly always good (even now its winter). There is plenty to see and do in Rio if your short on money which is cool. Lapa is great for live samba and lively bars. Its a really colorful and interesting place. The beach is so easy to get to and its so nice to go and relax there whenever you feel like. I love being tanned instead of pasty white! I know there is allot to experience here in the future," explained one expat living in Rio de Janeiro.

What do expats find most challenging?

"Jetinho Brasilero is a social concept that tries to makes a great deal of bad social behavior appear cute. I don't do any of these things because in polite societies we have rules of behavior. If you accept Jetinho Brasilero as normal, then your frustration will become acquiescence and you can never truly be happy here," remarked another in Goiania.

"Seeing trash all over the road. People cannot seem to appreciate how beautiful this place really is," explained one expat.

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.