Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 06/12/17
Personal Experiences from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have lived in Europe and the Middle East.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. Around 15 hours with connections in Houston, Miami, Atlanta, Panama, etc.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Loud, dated, poorly designed and poorly maintained. However, the neighborhood is very walkable, and I'm near the beach.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Variety is pretty good. Local staples are cheap, but high-quality or imported items are very expensive. Real ice cream (made with cream and not vegetable oil) is US $10 / pint.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Napkins, trash bags, granola bars, 100% DEET, sunscreen, gluten-free flour, tea candles, craft beer, tuna, spices... pretty much everything shelf-stable is cheaper and better if you can import it yourself duty-free.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Brazilian food, French food, Portuguese food... there are a few good restaurants at the upper end of the price range, but mediocrity is surprisingly widespread.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
There are occasional pantry moths, ants, cockroaches, and mosquitoes bearing lethal diseases. Local housing code prohibits sealing an apartment that has gas appliances, so apartments here have large holes in the wall without so much as screens. We covered ours with plastic and tape, but there are myriad other little gaps.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
US diplomatic pouch works pretty well. I receive Amazon purchases in 2-3 weeks.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We pay about $40 per day for one day a week of cooking and cleaning. People with kids often have full-time help, although that comes with more cumbersome legal requirements. Not everyone is happy with the quality, but we have been very pleased.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There are plenty of gyms around, but we've been happy to just go running down by the beach.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Everyone has their cards cloned here. Use your cards, but monitor your bank statements closely.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I can't imagine living here without Portuguese.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Uber is pretty reasonable and the metro is great. Buses work pretty well, too, but are occasionally subject to robberies and few expats use them.
2. 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?
Many people without kids don't bring cars and do just fine. I only missed having a car for weekend road trips.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Costs are similar to in the US, but the quality is lower. Customer service is equally Byzantine. It can take a few weeks to set up.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Local provider.
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?
I don't know any spouses who work on the local economy.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Dress is less-formal. Only lawyers wear suits. All but the fanciest restaurants have patrons in shorts and flip-flops.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Almost everyone gets mugged. You will constantly watch your back and think about what you carry in public. Some robberies are violent. We regularly hear gunshots. That said, we have been safe so far.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
High-quality medical care is available. Lifestyles here tend to be healthy, but everyone seems to have more respiratory issues than normal. Not all tap water is potable, and local food safety practices are questionable.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
They are good at food labeling here, especially gluten. However, they do cook with a lot of nuts.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
The weather here is great. There are occasional big rainstorms, but it's warm enough to sunbathe on the beach year round, and when it gets hot, it's still nice out at night. If you're not used to hot climates, though, you will learn to pay special attention to hydration and shade during the summer.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Brazil is an amazing place to travel and Brazilians are very warm people, but expats spend a lot of time complaining about the food and level of service. Feeling the unfulfilled potential can be frustrating, but it is a great experience for those ready to see it as such.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
It's easy to meet people on the beach, or anywhere really.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There are plenty of parties in Rio, although expat friends who have dated here are sometimes frustrated - it can feel like a very small town. Brazil is generally kid-friendly. Parents with small children can cut in lines, and plenty of businesses cater to children.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
We have found Brazilians to be very accepting.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Trips to colonial Ouro Preto and to see wildlife in the Pantanal. Every sunset from the beach. New Year's Eve in Copacabana. The topography which never gets old. Dear Brazilian friends.
6. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is a lot of hiking in the city, some charming not-yet-quite-revitalized historic neighborhoods, and no end of places to explore outside of town (if you can get out).
7. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
There's a bit of art, handicrafts, and interesting furniture, but it is generally mediocre and expensive. Your best bets may be soapstone cookware, handmade jewelry, naive paintings, leather items, and old furniture.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The beach, the warm climate, street music, and the general practice of leaving work on time.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Don't try to travel by bus or car on a local holiday.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Flashy jewelry. Camping gear - few parks welcome campers. Winter clothes.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen, sunglasses, flip-flops, hat, swimsuits, shorts, running shoes
