Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 10/05/19
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, we have also lived in South America and Asia.
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?
West Coast: USA 24 hours of travel to get home.
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?
Beautiful apartment on a quiet street, old but nice. Close walk to beach, stores, restaurants, etc.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Excellent vegetables and fruits available all year, groceries are equal to if not more expensive than the US.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Not much, you can basically get most items you want. If you want kid snacks from the States you will have to purchase those. We just bought local and were fine.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pizza delivery is common, otherwise restaurants in Rio aren't really take out or delivery oriented. (you pay for to go containers). Rio is more a sit and eat, take your time restaurant environment.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Readily available recommended to NOT hire full-time due to local laws and regulations. We have part-time help.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Many gyms available and quite expensive, around US $125/month.
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?
Widely accepted, fairly safe to use if they bring the credit card machine to the table. Don't let your card be taken out of your sight.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
No idea...
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Very few Brazilians speak English. Best to learn Portuguese. Classes are available but I have no idea the cost.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes, the city is not disability friendly Sidewalks are small rocks/bricks, easy to trip on, tons of tree roots, holes, etc. Not easy at all for someone with a physical disability.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, safe and affordable.
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?
We have a car at post and it helps at times but isn't necessary.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes it is available, takes around 3-4 weeks to get...
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Use a local provider, it is cheap and fairly good service.
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?
Very much. People from rio LOVE their pets, particularly dogs. Restaurants have dog water bowls everywhere and people love talking about their dogs.
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?
Local salaries are low...most partners don't work or just volunteer. Brazil is difficult to work in the local economy if you are not fluent in Portuguese.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Kind of...not a lot.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Beach casual: formal dress is never required unless going to a wedding.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes, lots of muggings, robberies, etc. You have to be aware at all times of your surroundings.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical are is good, not excellent but good. Dentistry is good.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Great air quality.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Lots of mold due to humidity issues. Restaurants in Rio won't pay much attention to your allergies even if you tell them what your allergy is. It might be a "tudo bem" and yet you still receive the item you that will cause you an allergic reaction.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
None that I am aware of.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot almost all year long, January and February are miserable, the rest of the year is lovely. Some "cold" weather in the summer months (winter in Brazil) June, July & August.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Our children attend the American School (EARJ), and in my opinion, it is the worst educational experience they have ever had. Due to our children mostly Brazilian teachers, and nearly 80% (my understanding) of the students being Brazilian, the common language at the school is Portuguese. Many classes (PE, sometimes math, etc.) are taught in Portuguese so that the majority of students can understand the curriculum.
The school is located right next to Rocinha, the largest favela (shanty town) in the city, and it even has bulletproof windows. The school was closed last year for 4 days following fighting between the cops and gangs (with a shooting) on campus one evening. Every school bus has a guard on it to ensure safety, and I could go on and on about the issues I have with the school. If you have younger children EARJ is probably ok for you, middle school and above I do not think should go to EARJ. The school was also closed last year for 4 days following fighting between the cops and gangs (with a shooting) on campus one evening. Every school bus has a guard on it to ensure safety, and I could go on and on about the issues I have with the school. If you have younger children EARJ is probably ok for you, middle school and above I do not think should go to EARJ.
There is a British school and a German school but they are a bit of a drive from housing.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
EARJ says they have a special needs program but in speaking to the staff, they I really don't think they do . They might give your child extra time on a test, but that is about it. I should say that my children did not require the special needs program, but I had a friend whose children received services from the school and the services were quite limited.
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?
Preschools are available in Portuguese, they are pricey but nice. No after school care provided at EARJ due to safety concerns with the favela. After school activities and weekend activities are often canceled due to gun shots being fired.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, swimming at local clubs, martial arts, beach volleyball, etc. Lots of activities for children. Brazil is a very child-oriented country.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large but disconnected.
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?
I would recommend joining a gym, or a beach class, etc. Brazilians are extremely warm and friendly people who given time will become a fabulous social group for you and your family.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Excellent for singles and couples, ok for families. The school is the biggest negative for us and not sustainable for when our children get to middle school.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Excellent for LGBT. Large gay community in Rio. The current mayor is horrible, but hopefully the times are changing...
5. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
It is relatively easy. Brazil is still fairly racist (read some interesting articles as they say they are not), but people with darker skin are definitely not treated the same as people with light skin. My partner is darker skinned, I am fair, the treatment is definitely different.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Stated above...racism is the issue Brazil doesn't want to discuss in my experience.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Beach, northeast, Paraty, Tirar Dentes excellent travel within Brazil while you live here.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
No, items are expensive and not much that is appealing for purchase. Some gemstones if you travel inland.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Beach lifestyle, walking lifestyle, relaxed, clean air, friendly people.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
I wish we had known how bad we would find the American School to be.... we wouldn't have bid on this post had we had known.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No because of the school. We love Rio, but the school makes the post a negative for us.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Fancy clothes and nice jewelry.
4. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen and patience!
