Moving to Brazil

From the Amazon basin to the beautiful beaches along its northern and eastern shores, South America’s largest country holds much for expats to uncover and experience. Whether heading to glamorous Rio de Janeiro or bustling São Paulo, expats moving to Brazil are in for an exciting experience.

Moving to and Living in Rio de Janeiro
Moving to and Living in São Paulo

Living in Brazil as an expat

Brazil is home to an ever-expanding expat population. With a resource-rich economy and expanding mining, agricultural, and energy sectors, there is an extensive range of job opportunities for expats moving to Brazil. The country is quite economically resilient but also has a somewhat unequal income distribution. Still, this relatively young democracy has become South America’s leading economic power.

Most expats moving to Brazil head to São Paulo, the country’s largest city. The city exudes pulsing energy matched by none other. Brazil’s finance and technology industries are centred in São Paulo, which attracts expats from all over the globe. The result is a truly international city made up of a diverse population. 

Rio de Janeiro is another major expat hub, and abounds with natural wonders awaiting expats, from pristine beaches and lush rainforests to gushing rivers and towering mountains.

Speaking at least basic Portuguese will be essential for expats who want to settle in the country. Without it, they might get frustrated when trying to conduct business and taking care of everyday affairs.

Finding a Job and Working in Brazil 
Doing Business in Brazil

Cost of living in Brazil

In comparison to many popular expat destinations around the world, the cost of living in Brazil is largely inexpensive, especially if you’re earning in a foreign currency like the US Dollar. Conversely, if you’re earning in the local currency, you’ll find you have far less purchasing power and might have a harder time budgeting.

With free healthcare and education available through Brazil’s public systems, expats may be able to reduce their living expenses. Naturally, living in Brazil’s major cities will lead to a higher cost of living, while smaller towns will incur lower fees.

Cost of Living in Brazil

Expat families and children in Brazil

Brazil is a wonderful place for expats to raise a family. The basics are covered: all of Brazil’s major cities have numerous international schools, and the country has an extensive network of both public and private healthcare options available.

When it comes to being out and about with your family, there’s no shortage of fun activities to keep the little ones engaged. Beach outings and forest hikes are popular choices, along with the many festivals you can look forward to.

International Schools in Brazil 
Healthcare and Health Insurance in Brazil

Climate in Brazil

Brazil has five main climatic zones. The weather throughout this vast country varies considerably. Coastal regions boast a warmer climate, while cities such as Brasília and São Paulo experience mild average temperatures. With high levels of humidity throughout the year, the Amazon Basin’s weather is wet and warm all year.

Weather and Climate Charts in Brazil

For the adventurous expat, Brazil holds a world of wonders. New arrivals moving to Brazil will soon settle into the rhythm of this dynamic South American country.

Fast facts

Official name: Federative Republic of Brazil

Population: Around 213 million

Capital city: Brasília

Other cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Fortaleza

Neighbouring countries: Brazil is bordered by Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana to the north; Colombia to the northwest; Bolivia and Peru to the west; Argentina and Paraguay to the southwest; and Uruguay to the south.

Geography: Brazil occupies about half of South America, with a long coastal region to the east. It has a vast and complex network of rivers, including the famous Amazon River. About two-thirds of the massive Amazon rainforest is within Brazil’s borders. The rest of the country has a diverse geographical makeup ranging from plateaus and plains to mountains, hills, and highlands.

Political system: Federal presidential constitutional republic

Major religions: Roman Catholicism and Protestantism

Main language: Portuguese (official). English proficiency is generally low but is more commonly spoken in major business centres and tourist areas.

Money: The Brazilian Real (BRL) is divided into 100 centavos. You’ll need a residence visa valid for at least 12 months to open a bank account. ATMs are widely available, although some only operate during certain hours for safety reasons.

Tipping: A 10 percent service charge is commonly included in restaurant bills and is called taxa de serviço. You can choose to decline this charge, and additional tipping for exceptional service is appreciated but not mandatory.

Time: Brazil spans four time zones: GMT-2 (Fernando de Noronha), GMT-3 (Brasília time, covering most major cities), GMT-4 (Amazon time), and GMT-5 (Acre time in the far west).

Electricity: 110V/220V, 60Hz. Plugs with two or three round pins are generally used.

Internet domain: .br

International dialling code: +55

Emergency contacts: 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire)

Transport and driving: Motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have metro systems, with São Paulo’s being particularly extensive and reliable. Uber operates in over 100 Brazilian cities and is widely used. Smaller cities rely primarily on bus networks, and service quality varies considerably.