Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 09/19/19
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've lived in a variety of locations around the world.
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?
Midwest US; 9-12 hours; connections through Houston, Atlanta, or Miami. Travel to/from Rio is easy. The top 3 US airlines all fly there, as do many of the large European airlines.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two to three 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?
Housing is phenomenal. Our apartment was very large, very near the beach, and very near the Metro. Of course, you will get people who complain about anything. So, if you think housing will suck in Rio, then housing will suck in Rio. If you think housing will be good in Rio, housing will be good in Rio.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
You can buy all of the necessities in Rio. Some people would ship in virtually everything, and I don't understand why as all the basics are readily available. It might be a brand with which you are not familiar, so you might have to use something other than Charmin. You might not be able to buy chocolate chips, but you can make your own; buy Meio Amargo chocolate bars and chop them into chunks.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Peanut butter. You can purchase peanut butter in Brazil, but Brazilian peanut butter is very different. There are some stores that occasionally have limited selections of American peanut butter (and other American products such as pancake syrup), but not always.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Food snobs will probably disagree, but I think the selection is good. Good Italian food; good Portuguese food. Brazilian beef is phenomenal; go to Garota de Ipanema for picanha. Brazilian hamburgers are very good.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Unusual? Given that Rio is in the tropics, no.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Pouch/DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Teenagers satisfy this requirement.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Walk along the beach. No need for a gym.
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?
Some people will tell you that 'everybody gets their credit card or debit card cloned'. Not so. Credit cards are very safe to use. All of the large Metro stations have ATMs, and they are relatively safe. Not all ATMs in all banks will accept US debit cards; you might have to check around. It is best to do cash withdrawals during the day, and not at night.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need Portuguese.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
No.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Metro is safe and reliable. Buses are driven like bumper cars; be wary. Buses have been known to run red lights.
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?
Do not bring a large car. You will normally not need a car within the city, but it's helpful to get out of the city. And do get out of the city.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Getting internet installed is easier than getting it turned off. We had a pretty good internet/cable package for less than $100USD/month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Vivo. They offer a package with five SIM cards for a family; we paid about $150-200USD/month, and never ran out of data.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Brazilians LOVE dogs. You will see dogs groomed better than their owners.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Make your own. Find a children's home or shelter. Clean a beach. Volunteer to teach English.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Top hat and tails would be overdoing it, but a LOT of Brazilians wear Havaianas everywhere.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes. There is danger. Keep your head on a swivel at all times.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Use bug spray.
3. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot and humid. In the winter, it might drop to the 60s. Briefly. If it gets down to the 70s, Cariocas start wearing hats and scarves.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
EARJ - good.
2. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
You can learn capoeira.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Fair number of expats, primarily in the oil industry.
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?
Meet people. Talk to them.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
4. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Picanha. Caipirinhas.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Mukluks.
3. But don't forget your:
Shorts.
