Brazzil

I would imagine that some hard core, red neck, Americans here will yell at you for saying things like that but thank you for the compliment to our Brazil. Just keep away from Brazilian politicians and, well, from the “too nice” Brazilians and the rest would be fine.

I would suggest to anyone thinking of follwoing this cult person who """wants to build a closed commuinity"" that they read the local newspapers in Brazil first. I have been to the above city many many time visiting reletives. Gas is not cheaper then here in fact at last look it was over $5.00 a gallon. Its impossible to travel anywhere outside the city with out running into the local police who are always putting up road blocks for ""beer money" if your an american expect to pay dearly for the ""beer money"".
Crime is very bad and you can not lay on the beach without getting accosted at least 50 to 60 times in a couple of hours from people selling everything from themselves or the babies. You can not drive down a city street and stop a stop sign without having 10 kids whating to wash you windows and if you dont pay expect to get your car keyed as you pull away. Its not the land of milk and honey while maybe for people with the money to pay the police, and build themselves a save place to go to to not see whats its really like.

LOL...when I read these types of articles I can only laugh and think...."he'll see."

I could address every single point he has raised and show him exactly how he is wearing "jizm" blinding glasses. And that's exactly what it is. He found himself a brazilian girlfriend. So he travels to brazil, Joao Pessoa nonetheless, I'll wager anyone 1000 dollars it's where his girlfriend is from, lol, and thinks, "wow, look at this, the beer is so cheap, and look at all the girls, everyone is looking at me and paying attention to me because I'm "different" and everyone is laid-back, relaxed. No rat race, everyone just "chillin'".

Here is reality;

You finally save enough cash that you believe will give you a good "start" in your new life in brazil, and once again, João Pessoa?? With all due respect, but that place is a s**thole even for brazil. But, it's where you're going because your chick is from there. So, maybe you've even convinced a couple friends to "invest" with you in this new venture of creating a "gringolandia" in joão pessoa.

First you go to open a bank account in brazil, you find you cannot unless you have a permanent visa. How to get a permanent visa, marry the girl. So, one and a half years after marrying a brazilian (and you teaching english and making 15% of what you did in the U.S.) you get your permanent visa and open your bank account. You open up a little company and by this time you have gotten the first good taste of the brazilian beurocracy via your marriage, opening up a business and bank account, and soon start to think, "why do they send me from one dept. to another and then back again, it's as if these people don't know what they're doing or where I'm supposed to go, and the lines are outrageous, and most of these places don't have A/C and it's frickin' 100 degrees in here, and why would they need that type of document or this one". You'll spend weeks accomplishing tasks that you are accustomed to accomplishing in a little more than an afternoon in the U.S. Much of it doesn't make sense to you, and justifiably so, as you've been raised to think about problems and situations logically, and that's where you're making your mistake.

So you start your way on your new project, naturally you need to hire architects, accountants, lawyers, and naturally buy land. Well, as soon as your white gringo-ass walks in the room the peoples eyes "light up" as if you've just walked into a village of cannibals immediately after lent and on a Saturday.

EVERYONE, including professionals, the architects, lawyers, everyone, you will discover afterwards, either charged you too much, or tried to charge you too much for the services they were rendering, and in some cases you've discovered that you were outright robbed and even some of these "professionals" aren't even qualified, or have the proper documentation or licenses, education, etc. You'll find out that for most of your "new friends and neighbors", that this is their right, to screw you, actually anyone, out of as much cash as is possible, and if you're a gringo all the better, you're like a sheep in the wolf's den.

So, your depending on your girlfriend for "help" in these areas and also with portuguese because she's brazilian, but she doesn't know jack-s**t about construction, but hey, I'm a general contractor in the states, lol.

So you buy your piece of land, first you had to transfer money here from the states, and you need to justify this money with banco central, it will take days to liquidate after it arrives, you will need the help of an accountant and possibly a lawyer, once again, another beurocratic system that truly boggles the mind how it exists and how people put up with it. Your accountant makes you aware that since you are making a foreign investment in brazil you don't have to pay any taxes on it entering the country....wooopeee, BUT, you will need a legal receipt or nota fiscal for EVERY CENTAVO that leaves your business account, and this account needs to be up to date and in order on a monthly basis. You find out later as well that you will be required to pay 148% taxes on your GROSS profit.....yeah, I know, don't ask.

So, you buy the land, you think you got a good deal, let's say you pay 200,000 reais for the land, which today, with the devaluation of the dollar, is not that cheap, it's 100,000 dollars. And, guess what....NO FINANCING...or, if you do finance.....50% per YEAR INTEREST.....LMAO!! You're not in the good 'ole USA anymore Bucky, no more 5% per YEAR....we're now talking per MONTH, and when the bank finally gives you a credit line in your checking account you'll pay up to 12% per MONTH for it(!), afterall this is Brazil, this tropical wonderland you've so accurately described, don't worry, be happy. If you miss a payment for more than 90 days, they'll take the land, pronto, no big deal.

So you pay out your 100K american in cash, but guess what, the owner of the land refuses to put the real price on the land title, he says he's only going to put 50K reais, you don't agree, but everyone, including your lawyer tells you "its how things are done here, jeito brasileiro, "praxe", now what to do? How do I justify this money going out of my account? 200K went out, but I only have a receipt for 50K??

So, you talk to your accountant, he tells you that you can "buy" a nota fiscal, a fake one of course, but it's going to cost you 10% of the value of the receipt, it doesn't matter that the immoral f**k who sold you the land created this expense, he's not paying s**t...so 150,000 x 10% you need to give your accountant 15K reais, in cash. Ok, you're learning the "system". You've just participated in fraud to the umpteenth degree as well as tax evasion, but hey, all in the name of a "better life".

In the meantime your girlfriend got pregnant, even though she told you she was on the "pill", you got a kid on the way, and the money you brought with you is dwindling, but you have a piece of land, your architectural projects will be done soon, thats another expense thats not cheap, but you'll "get by".

In the meantime you find out the architect didn't know his ass from a hole in the ground, have to replace him and start from scratch. Also the cash you paid him, it's lost, gone. And you didn't even get a "nota fiscal" from him, you received one from one of his other business', a gas station, for 30K reais, lol, quite a lot of gas and oil changes, but that's business in brazil, buy a tire for 100 dollars and receive a receipt for 50 dollars worth of donuts.

So anyway, you get a new architect, more cash, but he's good, the project needs several revisions, also you now need to get engineering projects done, another expense.

Finally the projects are done, you've gotten between 5-10 topographical maps/surveys done, because the land is never "defined" correctly on a land title, your architectural projects and engineering projects. So you enter the "prefeitura" or city hall to get your building approvals. Also, your land is near the ocean so it's considered "terra da marinha" which naturally is governed by a federal agency, IBAMA, so you have to enter your projects with them as well and get their approvals.

Just getting to this point it's taken you 2 years. During the last couple years you've greased more hands than jiffy lube as people that appear to have a 2nd grade education whom have an influential uncle have put them in a position in the local gov't. where you need their signature, for whatever, can be for something trivial, minor, they'll call you up and say, "we have a little problem, but it can be resolved, come down to my office this afternoon." And that's where the "cerveja" comes in, or bribe, however you'd like to characterize it.

Now for real the fun. Now you need the "real" permissions, from city hall and the federal environmental people. Your architect enters the projects, shortly after your lawyer calls you. "Hey, they want to have a meeting with us down at city hall." So you go, and once again, here it comes, the "cerveja", but this time it's not just a round or two, it's a f**king truckload of cerveja. What can you do? They've got you by the balls, you've already bought land, you've already got tons of money, time, effort, frustration into this project, you have to pay.

Two weeks later, your lawyer calls you again, IBAMA wants a meeting.....you get the point right? Same s**t.

Now, the above story is a true one, only the values of cash can be multiplied by many times. And I don't want to hear, "well, you've just had some bad luck, it's not like that for everyone",because I meet with foreign investors numerous times per year, Spanish, Portuguese, and English whom have already invested here, and have projects here. EVERYONE of them, without exception, have had these same experiences of beurocracy and corruption.....EVERYONE without exception.

Any person, especially a gringo, that has lived here in brazil for a while, and reading the above article just has to laugh. Obviously some young guy with some big dreams and a brazilian chick that's got his dick in a knot at the moment. Many people may say, "how negative, who are you to tell him what's going to happen to him". If I can convince him from taking hard earned money in the U.S. and "investing" it here, or/and getting it stolen, all in the name of frustration and vein, it's will be the best advice and lesson that he has ever learned or may ever learn.


Just a few points to illustrate how full of s**t, but it's not his fault, he's jizm blinded, this guy is.

Gasoline. It comes out to 5 DOLLARS per gallon in brazil. You weren't buying GALLONS in brazil bucky, you were buying LITRES. Today a litre of gasoline in brazil is around 2.53 reais/litre, or $1.25 per LITRE....there are nearly 4 litres in a gallon, actually 3.8, do the math.

Things are "cheap" in brazil? For who? For you? You make dollars, you're an american, tell that to the 80 million making less than 2 dollars a DAY in brazil. If one has a job for 2000-3000 reais per month in brazil they have a VERY good job, but MANY make 500-800 reais per month, try living on that. By the way, one question Richard, and be honest, how much is your brazilian girlfriend making in brazil? Does she have a job?

As far as your ranting about "terrorism", its just that, a rant. The U.S. gov't has some of its people so ape-s**t scared about terrorism that we've agreed to give up some of our constitutional rights, its ridiculous. The United States, of ALL the WARS we've been in throughout our history has been attacked ONE time in the continental U.S......ONCE on 9-11, and we weren't even in a war.

Once Bucky spends a few 24 hours here in brazil, gets to know the "system", sees firsthand the gross injustices of distribution of income, poverty, crime, prostitution, etc, that exist in epidemic numbers in this country he'll learn to appreciate what he's got/had in the U.S.

Ask yourself one question, if it's such a paradise in brazil, and its so bad in the U.S., why are all these brazilians doing whatever they can to live illegally in the U.S? They don't even care if they're legal, they just want out of brazil.

"Think Brazil... we are and we're glad as we are going to realize our dream. Why not realize yours as well?"

This guy sounds like he’s in his honeymoon phase here in Brazil - ah, I remember that too about 7 years ago. Everything was brighter, nicer, friendlier, etc. It’s a shame the honeymoon phase usually ends abruptly.

I give him 4 more months before he pops his first synapse, and 8 more months before he starts hitting the bottle like there was no tomorrow.

Soon after that, I suspect he’ll be bitching and moaning about the heathen Brazilian crooks to anybody who’ll care to listen. And no one will. His Brazilian friends will have taken him for everything, and moved on.

But all the power to you. As they say, “the dream never dies, just the dreamer”. Sadly in Brazil, both dreams and dreamers are snuffed out daily.

here,here-the moral of the story is guard yor cash with your life,as it is extremely difficult to earn it here!
BEWARE..................

quote:

"After Discovering João Pessoa I'm Moving to Brazil and Bringing My Friends".

Please, go yourself, but don't f**k your friends as well, they'll all you have after things go to s**t in brazil. Don't take them under with you!

quote:

"cash
here,here-the moral of the story is guard yor cash with your life,as it is extremely difficult to earn it here!
BEWARE.................."

Some folks get pissed off when I make some remarks about brazil, they shoot back, "but its like that in the U.S. too!" And most of the time its in defense of their pride, they don't know what the f**k they're talking about in particiular to the reality in both places. But I have to say, the above quoted statement is right on the money. NEVER in my life have I seen such people in MASS, and people that one would think would be moral, honest, because they're "professionals", but never have I seen such NUMBERS of people here in the northeast of Brazil that are constantly looking to ENROLAR or steal, take advantage of someone, whatever you want to call it.

Gotta love this guy......is he in partnership with that other damn Yankee dreamer Robbing Sparky? They´ve both got that same "like hey, I´ve like just discovered this really cool like place called Brasil.." attitude. Yet again looks like he´s also trying to promote some sort of business too. This time however it seems to be some kind of Cult for him and "some friends and a few choice others"??? Like who? the High Priest and some sex slaves??
As was said before, once the honeymoon period is over....crash!
He´d better get used to hearing "é brasil cara"! Those dollars are going to disappear quicker than you can say "how much!!!?"
As that the saying goes...you can cover a turd in chocolate but eventually it´ll still taste like sh*t...please excuse the language here.
Good Luck!
Silas

I do love listening to Brazilian “just of the boat” neophytes. Those that on first glimpse see the country as if it is some undiscovered jewel hidden away from the rest of the world, where everyone is happy go-lucky and there’s not a care in the world. I bump into them every now and again here, and listen with amusement. I always say, let’s talk again in 6 months. Few survive, those that don’t usually run back to their countries of origin, bitter, bewildered and more importantly broke. That said, good luck. The few that do survive usually do OK, but they are under no illusion what so ever of where they are now, and none see it as paradise.

and now, the dollar is 2-1, things aren't all that cheap here in brazil when one considers that you basically can't finance anything unless you're willing to pay a minimum of 3% interest per month. Electroncis and cars are anywhere from 50% to 200% more expensive than the U.S. And these big expenditures, once again, need to be paid in CASH, "a vista", or the banks will own you to the tune of 56% interest rate per year, and they just lowered it to that, the lowest it's been in TWELVE years, big news here, lol. Now you can divide a t-shirt 12 times "sem jurors" on your cartão, but when you really need something financed, something expensive, say hello to the highest interest rates in the WORLD...bar none!

Really, i dont know what image of Brazil they sell to US, but it is far from truth.

As someone said:
"I could address every single point he has raised and show him exactly how he iswearing jizm blinding glasses"

You say the economy here is going well, i tell you it would be 10 times better if people that control economy were worried about the country and not about stealing public money to themselves.

"I am telling you folks, Brazil is looking better and better everyday."

Richard, why dont you tell that to everyone in Brazil living below the poverty line? Why dont you go to the "favelas" and tell people how great their lives are and that they should thank god they dont live in a 1st world country.

People will sadly try to take advantage over you becasue you are not from here. For your own sake, i hope your wife is with you because she loves you.

Anyway good luck, and good riddance at the end, hope the good moments last long, because the bad ones post honey moon certainly will.

"Let's be honest, when England, Spain, Italy and places like that were once an option they have been all but taken off the table due to people being frightened of terrorist attacks in these places."

Oh yeah, jolly 'ol England was just fine "on the table" when the IRA were conducting their bombing campaigns there in the 1980's, Spain had "no problem" when the Basque insurgency was going full swing and Italy was just fine when the Red Brigade was killing people.

Ignorance, inexcusable ignorance...

As far as terrorism is concerned, is an american safer in the U.S. or in Brazil? Hamas and Hezbollah are in Foz Iguacu, Brazil, known fact. Think that law enforcement and the protection of americans would be greater in brazil, or the U.S.?

Don't know how comfortable I'd feel living in an "american" community in brazil where Hamas and Hezbollah are operating and would have easy "access".

"Don't know how comfortable I'd feel living in an "american" community in brazil where Hamas and Hezbollah are operating and would have easy "access"."

I´m more worried about João, the glue sniffing social misfit brought up on a steady diet of violence and apathy putting a cap in my ass for 5 reais, than I am about the big bad Moslem terrorists in Brazil.

ok fellas I've got it all figured out...........DO NOT BUY A HOME !!!!! Rent a home in Brasil ! it is so much cheaper, now the fun part begins, you will need to go to an orphanage and find the oldest single girl with no kids, hopefully an acceptable looking 16 - 18 year old, you'll have to make believe you are her retarded uncle, so they can't pick up on the gringo accent since DUH !!! is universally known as being retarded, she is caring for when the lease paperwork is signed or not since most owners will just rent out for $ 300 - 400 reals in a descent neighborhood in most cities and towns in Bahia with just a wink, so you'll have to drool on occasion while she wipes your mouth dry, but it will all be in her name to lessen your exposure, she will have no family to bleed your bank account dry hence the orphan part, now there is no guarantee as how long you can keep this up but rest assured you'll be able to stretch your moolah a whole lot more and be less exposed to the red tape lying rip off con artists in Brasil. Hell with all the $$$ you will save you can get your babe a new set of jubblies. There you have it mates, a sure fire way to avoid all the legal crap and government theives.

"If I can convince him from taking hard earned money in the U.S. and investing it here..."
Who the hell do you think you are? All of you bitter, toxic, internet saturated, information age-yuppie larva, spoiled, know-it-all brats!!! You really are pathetic sons-a-bitches! I mean seriously...don't you kids have somewhere else to play? Please tell us you have something to do with your time than rant and rave and salivate everytime someone writes an article with something nice to say about Brasil! Just admit who you really are...Brazillians who are so fed up with your own country, without any plan or knowledge of what to do about it...who got completely f%$#ed in Brazil and now you can't wait to tell everyone about it because you want everyone else to be as miserable as you! Life is what you make of it jackass, and not even you can tell anyone how or where to live it. And spare us your cover-up as a concerned experienced world traveller who's just trying to save the poor dumb foreigners from a bad trip! This guy Richard is obviously an older guy looking to retire somewhere else than the U.S. He's probably worked his ass off his whole life, and made a nice nest egg (which is something you young jack-offs will only dream of doing by the time you reach your 60's or 70's) and now he wants to do what he has the absolute right to do...whatever the hell he wants and wherever the hell he wants to do it and with whomever he wants!!! You try making a commitment to something important, something worth sacrificing for and working hard for and then sit back and let some punk critizise you because you found a beach to spend your afternoons on getting oil rubbed on you by your young girlfriend. I say more power to Richard and anyone like him, because his life already sounds a lot better than yours!

The post on the problems of doing business in Brasil is right -on, but even after you pay all of the bribes and start building the project, getting Americans to buy into a foriegn property is a difficult concept. Americans like to go where everyone speaks english, or in the case of mexico, where there is a large enough American community established. I suggest that our business plan should be changed to advertise your condo project in Europe and make sure when they come over to view it, you have the girls ready to do some pleasing!

I see nothing wrong with other folks telling this guy to take a hike and warn others that Brazil is not the promised land........better to be warned than be taken for a fool along with your $$$, it's hard enough to earn it here in the states only to have a bunch of crooked bastards rob you of it when you reach 65 and realize you have to go back home to get a job in McDonalds and sign up for MediCare. Brazil is a wonderful country but there are many pitfalls and thieves in waiting.

quote:

" I suggest that our business plan should be changed to advertise your condo project in Europe and make sure when they come over to view it, you have the girls ready to do some pleasing!"

I'm the one that wrote the third post, that actually already has a project here, and that's what we're doing, marketing it to europeans, for several reasons, some of which you mentioned.

BLA BLA BLA BLA!! We can almost see the veins bulging out of your red forehead! I bet you're one tough customer aren't you old-timer? Got some knowledge to share with us young jack-offs do you??

"Just admit who you really are...Brazillians who are so fed up with your own country, without any plan or knowledge of what to do about it...who got completely f%$#ed in Brazil and now you can't wait to tell everyone about it because you want everyone else to be as miserable as you!"

Well you naive, dumb-for-your age, go nowhere, done nothing geriatric bag of bones, I think most of the posters are actually Americans who have already been where Richard thinks he's going and it ain't pretty. So why don't you tell us all why it's such a great idea to move off to Brazil with your "nest egg" and drag your friends along with you? Come on Mr. Ratchet, share with us your wonderful home owning anecdote from Brazil. Thought so you dickless wonder!

I would question whether his friends have even been to Brazil before having decided to enter into the communal lifestyle in some gated community that resembles a giant neon sign reading "GRINGOS HERE - Lock and load at the gate". Each of us is actually trying to do Richard a favor so why don't you go piss off and replace your pacemaker battery gramps.

Hey Richard - wait until something goes wrong in your dream home and you need some "skilled labor" to rectify the problem. I know, skilled labor is an oxymoron in Brazil but you're going to find out all about it firsthand. Wait until your first plumber or contractor shows up for a job and starts borrowing YOUR tools to do a job he has supposedly been doing half his life. Then you'll get to correct his shoddy work anyway . . . Have fun!!

I told you that the RED NECKS would invade this thread!!

LOL

Mr. Conti, that is life here at Brazzil.com!

We can see that the pinhead Brazilian contingent is in attendance as well.

LOL - that was f**king hilarious - no really, we're all f**king rolling here! No go laugh yourself back to your novela mmkk?

I transfer $ from the U.S. (Hawaii) bought land in a remote island in the Northeast and a house in the South. No problems man! Now I happily commute between my (formerly) good Hawaii (too overpriced and crowded now) to a remote place where the only danger is stepping barefoot on oyster shells (ouch!).
Mr. Conti, go for it!
"Your fears will make you foolish." (Lawrence of Arabia).

where is your lovely island in the NorthEast, so I can transplant myself there and be your handyman with my wife and 4 children.

It's remote man. Diesel generator, flying parrots, capuchin monkeys, and the occasional anteater. Got internet and satelite though!
Aloha...

So what kind of drug are you smuggling into Hawaii from Brazil - coke? Hope that gets you a Colombian necktie someday. . . and as for

"flying parrots"

WOW Keol - Flying Parrots!! That's great!! As far as I know there is only one flightless parrot in the world which inhabits New Zealand (and you're far too stupid to know that) so what made you think that there was any other kind than those that fly?

Lamentably you have internet too but here's hoping you step on that oyster shell, get infected and drop dead soon . . . Take care now!

"I transfer $ from the U.S. (Hawaii) bought land in a remote island in the Northeast and a house in the South."

Why do I not believe you own anything but a pair of Havaianas . . . ?

LIE ON LIE!

"I think most of the posters are actually Americans who have actually been where Richard thinks he's going and it aint pretty..."
Well if this is the truth, then you guys are more pathetic than I thought. I mean, at least if your were Brazillians complaining and sending warnings about your own country...that would make a little sense. But to be Americans who were robbed on vacation, caught dysentary while backpacking, or got burned on a business deal gone sour...then just get over it, forget Brazil and move on? Ah, but you can't can you?! That's why you stay glued to this website...because deep down you can't get the country out of your rotten system, you probably pay your cable company extra for a satellite dish that picks up Globo...you can't wait for the Copa do Mundo to start, you still fantasize about getting laid in Rio, and you've got 3 months left on your tourist Visa and you're calling your Visa card to extend your limit so you can get those TAM tickets! If the majority of the negative posters here are really Americans...then please grow up, get over it and find another country to bash. No matter how much jawin' you do, no matter how overly dramatic you warn foreigners, no matter how much space you waste citing Brazillian 'beuracracy' issues...guess what? People will still spend vacations in Brazil, wealthy investors will still buy property in Brazil, senior citizens will still retire in Brazil, and old wrinkled balding fat pasty Americans will still get laid in Brazil!! So sorry to tell you that you won't change even 1 single mind with your foreboding trash talk! The world keeps getting smaller, while you're running out of usefull things to say. Take a vacation dude, stay far far away from Brazil. I hear North Dakota is nice this time of year!

Plenty good stuff there for the red neck band!

I will piss in your diesel generator, cook your flying parrots, and molest your precious capuchin monkeys and occasionally kick your anteater, load virus' in your PC and pee on your satelite dish till it rusts. Then off to the next gringo.

Don't forget the four bull mastiffs struting on the island...
Aloha nahenahe wahine...

I am really getting fed up with some of the shameless promotional crap that this site has begun to put here. This latest installment is so far removed from actual journalism and is even over board for a public relations piece. Its like a used car salesman is trying to get people to invest in Brazil, but he writes with the grammar of someone with down syndrome and the giddyness of a 13 year-old girl writing in her diary after her first kiss.
-And people on this thread wonder why there are negative comments?!-
It makes me suspect that they're in on this dispicable scheme to get naive cash-rich gringos to head to Brazil in the hopes it will better the economy without telling them the drawbacks of severe "shysterism" and possible death.
Just like goin' to Sleezy Ed's Used Cars; Sleezy Ed is telling you why that Ford Pinto is such a wonderful car- a good smooth ride, dependable and it sips gas. But he doesn't want to mention the fact that the floorboard is rusty and could fall out at any time, or that the engine overheats after 30 minutes of usage. And Sleezy Ed certainly won't tell you about what happens if you get rear-ended.

I could read in these comments a lot of Americans with their prides really hurting. I am brazilian-american, experienced in both sides and am back to Brazil.
BraSil does have a lot of problems, specially bureaucracies...and still represents a better place to live in since you invest all your life in Los Angeles and are stolen twice, flee to Mississipi a hurricane gets your ass, expect some help from government...no s**t..you can´t afford life in NY, so try your second nationality...and With All problems...it´s working better than all my life in this US! Welcome to Brasil, With problems, But Better.

Poor guy grew up in the US and can't even write in english. "prides" doesn't work unless your talking about lions. I'm sorry I like brazil but that could have been one of your problems in the US.

"invest all your life in Los Angeles and are stolen twice"

I hope you don't won't to get into that american/brasilan debate...over crime do you? Or let's say murder? Corruption? Prostitution? Money laundering? Income Distribution? Opportunities? Poverty? Slave Labor? Impunity? These are just a few things that braSil is a world leader in or one of.

yeah, this piece is unbelievable drivel, makes Sparks look like a genius (but wasn't this guy and his girlfriend, complete with hairy chest featured in one of her articles?!?), but it was worth it if only because it provoked the third post, which was a fine piece of writing.

Actually, in Rap's opinion, the bashers are in fine form and acceptably polite and even kind to this somewhat pathetic article writer. This is new and welcome. The guy really deserves to be raked slowly over churrasco, but I fear we all know that is probably going to happen literally, so there is no need for anyone to do it figuratively.

You are an American and come to this site to just attack Brazil.

"That's why you stay glued to this website...because deep down you can't get the country out of your rotten system, you probably pay your cable company extra for a satellite dish that picks up Globo...you can't wait for the Copa do Mundo to start, you still fantasize about getting laid in Rio, and you've got 3 months left on your tourist Visa and you're calling your Visa card to extend your limit so you can get those TAM tickets!"

You sound really well versed in the Brazilian scene there old timer. You like them there TAM tickets do ya? You're slow right? I mean half retarded? You gotta be. Besides that, you just can't seem to get away yourself can you? Just can't help yourself . . . You don't want to come back but you think someone here might give a flying f**k what you think. Trust me windbag - nobody gives a f**k so why not just go try and be clever with the rest of the nursing home crowd mmkk?

For me this was what firmed it right up though: you are that scuzzy American in Copacabana trolling for p**as . . .

"People will still spend vacations in Brazil, wealthy investors will still buy property in Brazil, senior citizens will still retire in Brazil, and old wrinkled balding fat pasty Americans will still get laid in Brazil!!

We can only assume that your fat, pasty white ass is using that shriveled little dick to contract some STD while I write this. God only knows what kind of nasty Baranga (no your Brazilian friends weren't saying "nice catch" in Portuguese when you brought her by to meet them) Good for you mate!! So keep on Jawin' (by the way what Confederate time warp did you just drop out of??) JAWIN'?? Ok Uncle Jessy - thanks from all us in Hazard County. Now time for your enema isn't it? Later dickhead!

If you want to do business sucessfully in Brazil, you must do as the Brazilians do:

Step 1: Make some good friends that you can really trust (preferably powerful ones). This is the hard part.
Step 2: Do your business in confidence. No one is going to screw with you if they know that your friends can hand them their ass for a necktie.

That's all there is to it.

One would never know it from reading the posts on this site, but there actually are honest, scrupulous, ethical, and friendly Brazilians, who make worthy life-time friends. Most Brazilians respect and admire the U.S. and its people. By and large, Brazilians are among the nicest people on the planet (and I'm saying this with the experience gained from spending time in more than 25 countries). It's the 10% that aren't that give the rest a bad rep**ation.

Face it, there are good and bad people in every country of the world, it's only the proportions that vary.

Your task as a visitor to Brazil it to embrace the good people, and avoid the bad ones.

in tha path of hurricanes? man, o man...

It's the 10% that aren't that give the rest a bad rep**ation.

I think you have your numbers reversed. I would agree that there are some fine upstanding Brazilians here, but I´d place that number at 10%. The rest are just filthy ignorant thieves.

I wouldn't say most, but without question there are some lovely brazilian people. And I would more agree with the above post than yours in respect to the numbers, I would say that unfortunately, the good brazilians are in the minority.

I try and justify the actions of even the unscrupulous people in brazil, the poor ones that steal your car or rob your house thinking that possibly they had not much of an alternative if they wanted to feed their families, but still, it isn't an excuse and justification for millions of people to have this type of behavior.

Unfortunately the people of brazil are poor, and of course I'm speaking generally, but anytime you have a country, and especially a large country such as brazil, where statistical figures are in the 30-40% population range of those making less than 2 dollars a day, that situation is going to breed crime. As one poster above stated, "it's very difficult earning a good wage in brazil." Let's say a wage of 5,000 reais per month, this is not easy, not only do you have to have a good education, pass difficult examinations, but you have to be lucky as well, OR, you have to have a relative in a powerful position that uses his influence.

With a minimum wage of 170 dollars per month, which is at that figure primarly due to the gross devaluation of the dollar in the last 6-8 months, is dreadful to say the least. Brazil has one of the lowest, if not THE lowest minimum wages on the planet.

Most of all it's education, the federal gov't. has no interest in educating everyone, as they know that when the majority of brazilians are educated, things will change here, naturally. Those truly in power will lose their power and the people will become wealthier, the middle class will explode, poverty will be signifantly reduced, new jobs and even new industries (for brazil) will be created, there will be no more 350 reais minimum wage per month, which was increased to 350 from 300 just last month. There are an estimated 12 MILLION school-aged brazilian children that are NOT in school. What are they doing? Working, or robbing, stealing, begging, hustling, because their families are living in conditions of "miseria".

Brazil is one of the most heavily taxed countries on the planet. The average tax paying brazilian, if he pays his taxes correctly, works 5 months of the year just to pay taxes. Small to medium sized business are taxed at 148% of their GROSS profits....how is that possible? One has to pay 48% more than he actually brought in?? What does one have to do? Take out a loan at 56% per year to pay taxes and expenses?? And just where is all this money? It's certainly not in the infrastructure in the northeast.

The "system" in brazil is designed to BANKRUPT you, that is why EVERYONE cheats on their taxes in some form or another, and it's quite understandable as to why. The very system is flawed. A system of apathy towards corrupt politicians that have slogans like "roubo mas fez" steal but gets things done. It's either steal and get things done or simply steal. A police force and justice system that is based on "conhescimento", or who you know. A labor force that is based in nepotism, especially for those good paying jobs. Just this year they finally made it a crime for judges to have their families in other positions of the federal gov't. Most all of whom never passed any sort of entrance exam required for everyone else and the position itself. Now what about everyone else, the politicians and those in powerful gov't. positions BESIDES judges....there is still a ways to go.

As far as brazilians attitudes towards americans and the U.S. there are a "few" who still like the U.S. and it's people. But MANY simply do not like americans, and because of the actions of the american gov't., not because of what some american did to him/her. The Lula gov't. has been combative towards the U.S. gov't. ever since he began to run for political office over a decade ago, saying he would re-nig on the debt to the IMF, not being able to understand and empathise with the terrorist attacks on 9-11, having a policy of "reciprocity" for the new identification process that was put in place for ALL foreigners. Groups that want to stir anti-american sentiments with outrageous conspiracy theories saying that the U.S. is going to attack brazil for the amazon, or its agua doce, actually sending generals to north viet nam to meet with their military and discuss the strategy they had vs. U.S. in the 60's and 70's during the viet nam war. Balking at the FTA and a leader in attempting to get the EU and U.S. to rid themselves of farm subsidies, all the while never contemplating removing the 50-100% tariffs on electronics or automobiles and also subsidizing their own agriculture industry in the form of low-interest "loans" that are available only to farmers.

Then you have the situation with brazilian illegals in the U.S. The second largest population of illegals in the country, and many brazilians are angry when they get denied a tourist visa, whether they have honorable intentions or not, it's quite understandable why a gov't. would deny a countrys people in mass that has the 2nd largest propensity for obtaining tourist visas and "overstending" their stay, trying to put it nicely. All the while the police force, especially in minas gerais, knowing allows 800+ coyote companies to exist, now selling their smuggling services for up to 15,000 dollars a head.

As far as staying away from the "bad" people and gravitating towards the "good", that's a difficult if not impossible task, unless we start marking people with scarlett letters.

I´m an Aussie, been here 3 years don´t have a Brasilian girlfriend, (wife wouldn´t let me) and live a fairly simple life compared to most expats and trying to make a living by teaching etc. In my humble experience, Brazilians are like natural survivors and as a result will steal, cheat and lie at any opportunity, they really just can´t help it. I´m sorry but that´s what I´ve experienced and even the locals themselves will claim you can trust Brasilians. I´ve never, ever heard a fellow Aussie tell me that you can never trust Aussies, or even someone from Europe say this about their people. Here in SP every Brazilian "friend" I have has advised me at some point not to trust Brazilians!
Have you ever met a Brazilian person that understands the meaning of remorse or regret or even shame? No, because they just don´t think like that. They´ll always blame someone or something else for every misfortune. Why do you think that corruption is so endemic here? It´s because everyone thinks that as everyone else must be at it they are justified in participating too. No blame, no shame.
Apologies to Brazilians reading this but I´m sure you won´t give a damn anyway. Gotta take Brasil as it is, if you don´t like it then you can leave, right.

Typo error meant to say.....
"even the locals themselves will claim you can NOT trust Brasilians...."
it´s a Brazilian PC so it´s prone to these things....

Well, have to say that I enjoyed your comment while being a little disappointed at the same time.

I'm an american that has been living in northeast brazil for 8 years. I've made several trips to Rio, Sao Paulo, and further south, to Florianopolis, Rio Grande do Sul, etc. And always had much better experiences there in the south, than here in the north-northeast in regards to respect, consideration, etc. Was truly hoping for there to be a significant difference down south as I've considered moving down there, but from what you're saying, it pretty much sounds like the same s**t. Although the everyday inconsiderate and rude actions by many in some of these places in the northeast is truly mind-boggling.

I have to say your post is "spot-on" in my experiences here. I've "almost" NEVER heard a "desculpa", they are VERY rare, even when someone does something that is blatently disrespectful, they have no shame, and pretend as if what they did simply didn't happen or as if its "normal".

What I love is when you talk to some about this, especially over the internet, you either have your die-hard brazilian lovers or brazilians themselves that try and equate this type of behavior with the states, or europe, as if it happens there as well and is accepted. Without question, it is one of the most difficult parts for many brazilians in getting accustomed to the U.S. If you don't respect other people, places, property there, you will have a problem with someone.

Looks like that there are a lot more people than I thought posting on this site that don't know really know Brazil and how to live in it.

Hints: try learning to really speak Brazilian Portuguese, well enough that people mistake you for a Brazilian, and try getting out of Rio & Sampa.

"Hints: try learning to really speak Brazilian Portuguese, well enough that people mistake you for a Brazilian, and try getting out of Rio & Sampa."

I would have agreed with you about a few years back when my Portuguese was spotty at best. Yet as the years go by and my fluency increases exponentially, understanding 100% of the conversations only makes matters worse and you can see the ignorance for what it truly is.

Folks I had spent a lot of time with when I stumbled to understand them, I’ve given up on totally now that I understand every word. There’s just not a hell of a lot to communicate with knuckle dragging simpletons. At first, giggling through simple gestures to communicate while drinking a pinga was all good fun, now I find the general chit chat amongst the majority trivial, littered with historical untruths and simply put, dreary.

Don´t get me wrong. I do have a few good mates; well educated, well versed on international politics and well grounded in reality. I cherish them dearly and would have gone mad if I didn’t get to meet at least a few Brazilians who can freely talk about a number of subjects that don’t have to do with futebol, bundas or “oh those nasty Americans”. However, they are tough to come by. And yes, I will agree with the poster who says, "even educated ones will tell you to be careful with whom you place your trust".

"... a lot more people...don't know really know Brazil and how to live in it" I bet you´re a Brazilian! Or maybe you´re married to one?
You see that is exactly the attitude of the Brazilians isn´t it......I can just hear a local smugly saying "well, it´s YOUR fault, you probably don´t understand the way we do things here.....etc" I´ve had it said to me a few times I can tell you...always seems to be used as some sort of justification not to complete a job properly or to overcharge or give really, really s**tty service.

I totally agree with the previous posts and yes, I do speaka da lingo and have travelled all over. Brazilians everywhere in Brazil are just naturally damn rude and inconsiderate. Just walk down the street, go into a shop or take the metro or bus.
And it is true too, everyone says that you can´t trust Brazilians (well, except for the person saying it, of course). Many times someone will say this then try and convince you that they are the exception and reel off lots of endless yarns illustrating their honesty. They always turn out to be the same in the end. Anyone else had this?
Silas

Honestly I'm shocked that anyone would submit such rambling, poorly-written article (i'm being kind by using the word "article). Have a little pride, and at least have some one proof read it. I won't even begin to address the content of the "article", because, quite honestly, it would be offensive to assume anyone would actually buy this trash.

"Learn how to write
Written by Guest on 2006-05-03 10:50:45
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Honestly I'm shocked that anyone would submit such rambling, poorly-written article (i'm being kind by using the word "article). Have a little pride, and at least have some one proof read it. I won't even begin to address the content of the "article", because, quite honestly, it would be offensive to assume anyone would actually buy this trash."

Yikes - look who's talking...

are a peopple of few words; "Myself, Me and I."

Their success hasn't gone to their head - just to their mouth.

Butcher George Bush, The Number-1 Terrorist in the World

keol

Man I thought it was all in my head about the crazy way those Brazilians think but it is right on, they have this BS sense of entitlement that it is an obligation to rob , cheat, steal and con you cause if they don't someone else will, and if you catch them doing it they act as if " oh well, you got me, so can you give me $$$ as a loan so I don't have to steal behind your back ? " Sorry for the brazilians reading this actually no I'm not sorry cause even my Brazilian friends here in the states tell me they can't stand their own countrymen.

Keol ya ole dawg, here again i see. It´s yer bud G.W!! Howz that tranny operation goin? I hear they´ve already cut yer pecker off, so it´s just a matter of waiting for them there dnag hormone shots to take effect, and ya´ll be able to give out again on the streets of Copa! Suure hope all goes well fer ya, I know your Bob´s hambuger gig didn´t pan out, with ya raiding the till an all - but no worries a few jabs up the ass by tranny loving square heads, and you´ll have ample dosh to feed yer 12 rabid youngins!

Cheers Georgy Boy

No, 15th generation American, born & bred in the good ol' USA, and married likewise. Sorry to disappoint you.

Maybe you guys need to be a bit more discriminating in who you associate with.

The fellow who wrote this article is an old fart, with lots of money. He #1) lives in one of the most expensive parts of the US, next to New York, and San Francisco. He #2) is starting a community. Alot of the gripes said her are that of regular people like myself. This guy has money to play with, money to blow and money to help dry his dishes. This guy will come to Brazil, find out how difficult it is to do any business there, spend loads of cash, find out his 20 year old girl friend is using him, and he will go home. I feel bad for him, but due diligence is worth it. He's a sad old man trying to have a little fun. Oh well, he will blow hundreds of thousands of dollars and go home . . . poor guy. I hope he still gets to see his grandchildren.

Well, it was interesting when it began, and it was nice for a while...but this site needs to drop off the edge of the net world! This has become nothing more than some underground pirate newsper, with no regard for relevant content nor basic grammer! On top of that, they have this open forum which should be an intellectually stimulating extension of the material introduced by the authors.Instead, it has become a twisted battlefeild in cyberspace where those filled with hate and fear argue with those filled with idealism and the love of travel! There are so many good websites devoted to serious topics, not only about Brasil, but about world travel and world issues...that I cannot imagine wasting one more click on Brazzil.com. Those of you, Brazillian...American...or whomever, who live in Brazil or travel to Brazil...and enjoy it; I urge you to never visit this site again, you will find nothing here of value and any argument you post will not change anyone's mind. Just as those who post warnings and hatred for Brazil will not change anyone's mind! Let these poor people fester within their fear and bitterness, and let them only speak to one another...sharing their utopian view of a world where no one should ever dare venture far from their safe home...where people should be afraid of any one who is different...where people hide behind closed doors, cursing the sunlight when it shines through their curtains. Those of you who love Brazil...tourist, native, or ex-pat...know why you love it. Don't ever let any sorry pessimist change your view! These people will still be hiding in their dark rooms, with their eyes blinded by a monitor and their fingers calloused by punching too many keys spelling curse words...while you and I drink the best beer in the world, eat the best food in the world, while taking in the best beaches in the world, enjoying the company of the happiest and most generous people in the world.

Never be ashamed of where you're from...it wasn't your choice & you do the best you can.

Never be ashamed of where you went...the world is a book, and to not travel is to only read one page (St. Augustine)

Signed,
An American living in Brazil and loving every day! (I know this is what pisses all you posters off, as you would like nothing better than to see foreigners fail...the way you all failed!) But too bad! You keep your misery and this website...maybee that's all you have!

I thought my dream bubbble butt Brasilan mamacita was all mine, till I paid a neighbor a block away without her family knowing, to keep an eye on her. Well she wound up being a little slut but her family still swears she's Mother Teresa's first born virgin child, when the gringo cats away the brasilian bunda will play. She still e-mails me for $$$, sorry honey, I will utilize her on my next trip there and bang the crap out of her ass while cursing her out in english, " Take it bitch, take it like a freakin' whore you little cum slut ! "

quote:

"Looks like that there are a lot more people than I thought posting on this site that don't know really know Brazil and how to live in it.

Hints: try learning to really speak Brazilian Portuguese, well enough that people mistake you for a Brazilian, and try getting out of Rio & Sampa."

First of all, I speak fluent portuguese, but, by my appearance, and my accent, everyone knows that I'm a foreigner after the first 30 seconds of conversation, and I speak excellent portuguese. Certainly no one is going to mistake me for brazilian, even if I live here another 40 years and speak perfect portuguese.

Secondly, "how to live in brasil", would really like to hear how one is "supposed" to live in brasil?

So far, from my eight years of experience, one must be very cautious in letting others know he has money. You must live below your means, live very modestly, don't buy an expensive car, and I'm talking about one of 50,000 reais or over, which in the U.S. is a "normal" car, not wear jewelry, anything other than plastic or silver plated that is, keep to yourself, don't trust anyone and always have the presumption that a stranger being nice to you is out to rob you or enrolar. For if people know you have cash your family and yourself are ripe for a kidnapping.

Never insult or speak derogatory about the brazilian gov't. or brazilians, or the beurocracy, or anything pertaining to life in brazil, even though you live there, contribute and participate, as a foreigner you don't have that right, according to the brazilian mindset....look at what happened just this past monday in the states with the 1+ million ILLEGALS "demanding" their "rights"(?), if that happened here in brazil with 8 million illegal argentinians burning brazilian flags and waving the argentinian flag in every major brazilian city you can rest assured there would have been bloodshed.

So is this how a foreigner is "supposed" to live in brasil???

No wonder millions are trying to flee!

George Bush is a monkey, but I like to have sex with primates.

Keol

Do you guys know that I was in the last film John Holmes ever made???

Keol

I make 20 salario minimos per month! Lula gives one every time I suck him off!

Keol

Did the move,"still working on the project" . Is it easy, no. Would I change anything if I could go back, yes. There is a saying in this forum, that says it all..."Brasil is not for pussys"I would be scared to live here at 70 years old. I love Brasil(and my hot girlfriend), but the "fairy tale" of living here forever, has defiantely changed some......

After 3 years, you've had a good taste. Not sure exactly what your business experiences are, but I can tell you from experience, if you ever have a significant amount of cash, and are looking to invest, buy property, build homes, apts, start your own business, BE CAREFUL!!! There are masses just waiting for this very "opportunity". Matter of fact, you'd have a much better chance at the tables in Vegas.

Will someone please tell me why there is no good Pizza in Brazil? For Christ sake...the word Pizza has ZZZ's and BraZZil has ZZZZ's. Why don't they put suace? Why do they put ketchup? And for God's sake man...why do they put CORN???!!! Corn! for crying out loud! The Italians who first introduced Pizza to Brazil must be turning over in their grave..or rather...sliding in their olive oil! True Pizza is a sacred culinary art form and the Brazillians mock it! How can anyone live in a country like this??? God forgive me! I'd sell my soul for a Little Ceasars large pepperoni right about now!!!

What happened to you dude? Had too many family vacations in Disney World?? Your first mistake was to think living anywhere would be a fairy tale! Don't blame Brazil...s**t happens all over this green and blue ball. You're scared to live in Brazil when you turn 70!? Man, just hope and pray you even make it to 70...then you can bitch about what friggin' country you ended up in.

After having read the above “fantasy” article and the “reality” posts following, there is not much more to add. It is a beautiful to have a dream place that is better than the U.S. unfortunately the third world is the third world and if you are from the first world how will moving to the third world make your life better?

Even if you had a million dollars and have lived in Brazil for a few years it would be no different than if you are teaching English in Brazil to win your bread. The fact is the third world remains the third world.

If you like 3rd world life rich or poor, Brazil is probably the best country for you! In fact a more logical article would be how to live in the 3rd world and be happier that living in the 1st world.

If you are moving to Brazil consider that the cost of meals is cheaper than the U.S. now here is a good reason to move to a 3rd world country!! But then again think about how this is offset after having your SUV plated with body armor and bullet proof glass!

Here you can have as many full time maids as you can afford, whereas in the U.S. you
are to cheap to hire one. But then again this is offset by the fact your Brick and Cement House needs 8 foot walls surrounding it with razor wire on top.

People are nicer here in Brazil. Offset by the fact you learn the nicer ones are going to be the ones who are going to screw you eventually.

No terrorism or natural disasters in Brazil, offset by corruption, slums, slum lords, filth, the uneducated, poverty, lack of respect, lack of manners, on and on.

Brazil is like sweet wine to your lips, but gives you one hell of a stomach ache. I suggest moving to Cuba the communist in Brazil say that it is way better than the U.S. and you can take that to the "Banco" my friend!

LOL...good post above! Spot-on!

I agree with all the great things Brazil has to offer, people, natural beauty etc. The only concern I have to being a foreigner in someone else's country. Just listen to the hatred of the U.S.A on this site and consider the political moves happening right now in Bolivia and Venezuela. Can a foreigner even purchase property in Brazil?

Sniff Sniff!! Someone hand me a Kleenex . . .

I just finished your post and I'm getting all misty now!! That was so moving. I think you really reached a lot of people in here today with THAT ENORMOUS CROCK OF f**kING MELODRAMATIC BULLs**t!!
Well those "curse" words should make for about 5 callouses don't you think?

OH by the way Mr. "Grammer" (f**king retard!!) here is a list of all the grammatical and/or spelling errors in your post:
"pirate newsper"
"battlefeild"
"Brazillian"
"maybee"
"Those of you, Brazillian...American...or whomever, who live in Brazil or travel to Brazil...and enjoy it; I urge you to never visit this site again, you will find nothing here of value and any argument you post will not change anyone's mind."
WTF was that BTW?? It was a sentence fragment however. The semicolon was not needed either.

OH I just have to repeat this one - "Grammer" LOL!
Come on, you have to admit it's pretty funny how you misspelled GRAMMAR while lecturing the rest of us about our lack of attention to grammar!!!!

Adios moron. Here's to your greatest adventure of all - mastering your own native language while refraining from lecturing others about their lack of ability. f**king a*****e! Ouch - don't worry - just another callous!

Had a girlfriend and thought she was the one, not so, just a gold digger as well as her family, smiling at me all the while I was being robbed in one way or another. Everyone with their hand out and telling me of an opportunity to make boatloads of money in a bakery, computer store, real estate, bread and coffee shop etc etc etc..........and that was in Colombia where my mom is from................went to Brazil to visit family I never met from my fathers side and it was the same damn thing. I give up.............gonna go to the Appalachians and find me a barefoot toothless country girl and raise rabbits.

Sampa has great pizza, better than almost any place in the U.S. To make it even easier, try any place in the Bexiga near central Sampa, or in Villa Madalena.

yes, you can purchase property, you just can't open a bank account unless you have a permanent visa, lol. And you can't open a business either, unless you have a brazilian partner or someone who has a permanent visa in brazil.

There's a joke in Brazil that goes something like:

God had just finished making the world, and one of his assistants says "Look here there are tornados, here earthquakes, there tidal waves. But look at Brazil, it has none of those things. It doesn't seem fair". To which God replies, "Oh, but wait until you see the people that I'm going to put there".

Good Pizza?????, you be here to long gringo you go home now!!!

I dry out the paper thin crust that they use, and use it for 3-ply toliet paper!

OK, fine. If you're in Sampa try this place...

http://www.bairrovilaolimpia.com.br/HTMRESTAURANTES/HPSALIBE/Bacio/bacio.htm

That is, if you don't want everything to "end up in pizza". :-)

If you are thinking about moving to brazil consider this…..

THERE IS NO MIRICLE WHIP HERE!

But the good news is they have mayonnaise!

BTW remember to bring lots of your preferred lubricant for your CU!
You are gonna need it!