Brasilia, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 08/22/08
Personal Experiences from Brasilia, Brazil
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
In a number of other Latin American cities.
2. How long have you lived here?
3 years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Either somewhat mediocre apartments and very nice houses. Unfortunately, this fosters a two-class system. Many incoming employees lie about family members in order to get a house, sad to say. Commutes are generally reasonable.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
About 30 percent more than in the U.S. at a 1.6 : 1 exchange rate.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Send any liquids you will need with HHE. You can´t get them through the pouch or APO. Things like Listerine are very expensive here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Around US$600 per month full-time, or US$40 per day.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Works well.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Without Portuguese, your life is very limited. Spouses should seriously consider taking the FSI course, if possible. Contrary to what many Hispanic Americans seem to believe, Spanish is less useful than English (and English is not useful).
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Buy a locally produced Civic or Corolla, unless your family is really big. You get to drive a new car and can sell for what you pay 2-3 yrs later. Selling imported cars is possible but this works best if you stay in country for 4 yrs due to tax issues.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
There are house burglaries sometimes. The embassy has a good security network.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
A so-so American school. It reached a low-point several years ago and has been crawling back to respectability.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Yes, but not much savings over U.S. prices with this exchange rate.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families, yes. Singles should avoid this post like the plague, in my opinion.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Brazilians are very tolerant.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Lots of sports opportunities and there are plenty of restaurants.
