Moving to Sao Paulo, Brazil

Last updated on Apr 20, 2023

Summary: Many expats are attracted to Sao Paulo, Brazil due to its vibrant culture, diverse population, and exciting nightlife. The city is also known for its excellent job opportunities, making it a great place for expats to find work. Additionally, Sao Paulo is home to some of the best universities in the country, making it an ideal destination for those looking to further their education. Before moving to Sao Paulo, it is important to be aware of the city's high cost of living. Additionally, the city is known for its traffic congestion, so it is important to plan ahead when commuting. It is also important to be aware of the city's crime rate, and to take necessary precautions to stay safe. Finally, it is important to learn some Portuguese before moving to Sao Paulo, as English is not widely spoken.

What do I need to know before moving to Sao Paulo?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Sao Paulo, they said:

"Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil and is known for its vibrant culture, diverse population, and bustling nightlife. Expats should be aware that the cost of living in Sao Paulo is high, and it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, the city is known for its traffic congestion, so it is important to plan for extra time when commuting. Expats should also be aware that Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, so it is beneficial to learn some basic phrases before moving. Finally, Sao Paulo is a large and diverse city, so it is important to research the different neighborhoods to find the best fit for your lifestyle," remarked one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"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," explained one expat living in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

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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.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.