Key Facts

Official Name: Federative Republic of Brazil

Capital: Brasilia

Continent: South America

Population: 209,288,278

Official Languages: Portuguese

Religions followed: Roman Catholism

Currency: Brazilian real

Time Zone: Amazon Time Zone: UTC- 4.00, Fernando de Noronha time zone: UTC-02.00, Brasilia time zone: UTC-03.00

Country Tel Code: +55

Living in Brazil

Brazil is a hotspot for expats. It is the largest country in South America. It was a superstar economy during the global recession of 2009.

Brazil has a resource-rich economy. With mining, agriculture and manufacturing sectors blooming, the job opportunities for expats have increased.

It is a home to the famous Amazon river. Brazil occupies about two-thirds of the massive Amazon rainforest.

Its diverse landscape ranges from plains and mountains to hills and plateaus.

Its capital Brasilia, with its beauty, has found its way into the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Cost of living in Brazil is high.

It would be more convenient for you to live in the country side than the main city. However, it would limit the access of certain goods and services.

Besides services, everything else is expensive in Brazil. Labour, here, is quite cheap.

For managing the food cost, the best thing you can do is to go for local food. Eating homemade food is the best way to manage costs. Grocery shopping from the local markets also helps save money.

Public healthcare is cheap but the service isn’t as good.

Private healthcare sector of Brazil is the most expensive in Latin America.

Brazil is the breeding ground for health tourism destination. A lot of foreigners visit Brazil for getting a cosmetic surgery done.

Safety in Brazil is a big concern. Here are some tips that will help you

• Do not show off your expensive jewellery and equipment.
• Avoid using ATM at isolated places. Use ATM which is within a hotel premises or convenience store.
• Be careful while moving around. Make sure that no one is following you while you leave or come back home.
• Carjacking and holdups are common when you get stuck in traffic. Keep your car doors locked and windows closed at all times.
• Mugging is common so beware. Here are some quick ideas on how to deal with a situation like this.

The broadband facility in major cities of Brazil is readily available and fairly reliable.

Brazil ranks among the top 10 countries in the world in terms of total internet users. The internet cost is directly proportioned to offered speed. Higher the speed, higher the cost.

However, to lower the cost, bundle internet service with television or fixed landline telephones.

Moving to a new country, it is natural to experience culture shock.

• Learn basic Portuguese to communicate in a social setting. Brazilians will appreciate your efforts.
• Machismo culture is common in Brazil. So women must be ready to deal with these gender issues.
• Brazil has a relaxed attitude towards punctuality. So expecting Brazilians to arrive on time for social events will only leaving you disappointed.

Before moving to a new country, it is always good to know what makes it unique. Here are some interesting facts about Brazil

• Brazil derived its name from the brazil wood tree.
• Brazilians are Soccer fanatics. A soccer stadium in virtually every city is proof.
• Brazil is the birthplace of Samba music.
• The Amazon River of Brazil is the second longest river in the world and the largest river by volume.

Politics in Brazil

Brazil is a democratic, federative republic country. It is divided by states and a federal district. Brazilian citizens votes elect it’s legislative and executive representative.

This is why it’s called ‘Republic’, ‘Presidential and ‘Federated’

The citizen elect the head of the state in a general elections every 4 years.

President of the republic is the head of the state and government.

Economy of Brazil

The economy of Brazil is the ninth largest economy in the world by nominal GDP. It is the eighth largest by purchasing power parity.

Its economic growth decelerated in 2013 and the country entered a recession in 2014.

In 2017, however, the economy started to recover, with a 1% GDP growth in the first quarter.

Buying and renting property in Brazil

Renting property in Brazil is a struggle. This is because the duration of the lease is available for only two to three years.

These long-term leases have documentation as added hurdles, because these papers require longer processing time.

The Brazilian Identity Card known as Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas or CPF is a must for signing a lease. The time taken to finalise these papers runs into many months. The Rental prices are also expensive.

Two to three months of rent is the total amount of deposit to be paid in advance. The utility services such as electricity bills, property taxes etc. are to be borne by the tenant.

Jornal do Brasil, O Globo in Rio and O Estado de Sao Paulo are the Portuguese language newspaper where you can search for rental properties.

Online property portal also has details about rental properties. However, never commit or pay money without visiting the property.

What are the types of accommodations available?

Apartments, condominiums or houses in gated communities are the different varieties of accommodations available in Brazil. The rented apartments or houses are unfurnished. These are without light fitting and kitchen appliances.

Schools in Brazil

The social and other structural problems have plagued Brazilian public education system.

The quality of education in Brazil is not considered to be very good. Most schools have classes in Portuguese.

This language barrier makes expats opt for international schools rather than local schools.

‘Ensino Fundamental’ is the first 9 years of education. This elementary school is for children between the ages of 6 and 14.

Ensino Medio, the secondary school is for the children from 15 to 18 years of age. This level is optional for children.

Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro has private and international schools.

Most international schools have British or American curricula. Though some also go with French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese.

International Baccalaureate diploma is also offered by some of them.

The private schools follow the Brazilian local curriculum. These schools are cheaper compared to international schools.

Weather in Brazil

The climate of Brazil is as varied as its terrain. The country encompasses of six climatic regions such as

• Tropical rainforest
• Tropical wet and dry
• Tropical monsoon
• Semi-arid
• Humid Subtropical and
• Subtropical highlands

Sao Paulo and Brasilia enjoy mild weather with average temperatures of 20°C range.

Rio de Janeiro, the coastal regions and cities have a warmer climate. The temperature there can reach close to 40°C in summer.

The subtropical climate in the south implies that summers are hot and winters can get chilly.

From July to August in subtropical regions, you may find yourself waking up to morning frost.

The temperature in Amazon Basin hovers around 32°C with high levels of humidity.

From November to May, the equatorial Amazon gets a lot of rains. If you intend to visit this region then June and October are the best months. Despite being the driest months do not forget to pack a raincoat.

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