What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Brazil. They wrote...
"A common challenge that expats in Brazil face is the language barrier. Despite the widespread use of the Portuguese language, many Brazilians also speak their own local dialects, making it difficult for those just beginning to learn the language. Additionally, Brazilian culture has a strong emphasis on maintaining relationships and an intricate system of protocols and etiquette rules, which can be confusing and difficult to navigate for those unfamiliar with local norms. Additionally, Brazilians value harmony and tranquillity, while expats coming from outside cultures may be less familiar with this emphasis on peace and group concord, resulting in clashes and misunderstandings within conversations," remarked another expat in Brazil.
"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," said a member in Goiania, Brazil.

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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Brazil?
- How do I meet people in Brazil?
- What is life like in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of crime in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Brazil accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Brazil like?
- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Brazil?
- What are healthcare services like in Brazil?
- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Brazil?
- What is the weather like in Brazil?
- Are there good restaurants in Brazil?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Brazil?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Brazil?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Brazil?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Brazil?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Brazil?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Brazil, newcomers to Brazil would love to hear your answer to this question.
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.