Brazzil

Great article Robin Sparks and true.

Lets hope Brazil is prepared for the negative side of mass migration as the overall view must be balanced.

The Government should monitor this with interest because in the long run, it may cause resentment to Brazilian nationals.

There is alway two sides to everything.

I am American (US). I have lived in the Philipines, Thailand and now in Germany. I currently plan to retire in Brasil in 5 years. That is when I think I will have the money and retirement age. Wish I could go now.

As I see it Brasil should be not be called a 3rd world country as in many ways it is ahead of Europe. The Brasil downside is control of crime. Funny thing I feel safer in Brasil than in Arizona where I last lived in the US.

Robin,excellent article.

Here is something that might interest visitors of this site...

www.brasilworldwide.com

greetings from Paraty...

M.

and start living it can be different than expected, especially for an older american that has had most everything in short order his entire life. Don't expect that here! Also, in contrast to the states, don't expect to get a 30 year mortgage on a home with a 6% annual interest rate, more like a 10 year mortgage with anywhere from 2-6% interest rate per month! Any place where there are SIGNIFICANT problems in education you have all that goes along with that. Don't get me wrong, Brazil is a nice place to visit, but living here is a different story.....be prepared! It may be different for those coming here to retire, as they can sit back and sip their caipiroskas, but if you plan on coming to Brazil and doing something, starting a business, etc., well, you'll get to know the beaurocracy in this country which is amongst the worst on the planet. Be prepared to do things the "brazilian way", which is most often not the LEGAL way. When you do buy your little "sitio" be prepared to accept a title for anywhere from 20% to 50% of what you actually paid. Be prepared to not be able to go to the doctors office and the bank in the same day because there's simply not enough time in a working day to do both. Be prepared, especially in the northeast, to deal with the general attitude of disrespect and inconsideration not only for others(any and all, they dont discriminate) but for the very place in which they live, not to mention the growing anti-american sentiments that have exploded here over the last 4 years, but in all fairness, throughout the world. My advice to all, from an American that has been here 6 years and has made and making a significant foreign investment. Don't sell the farm in Nebraska!!! Take $25,000 and come here and live a year, then you'll have a decent "taste" of what it's all about.

you're right about the portuguese, several groups, one huge portuguese group in particular, is practically buying the coastline in the state of Bahia. But I have to comment on one of your statements..."access to quality healthcare"?? There are SIGNIFICANT issues in access to quality healthcare here, especially in the northeast. When you go to Institute do Coração in Sao Paulo you'll see people from all over this country there, and it's because they don't have acess to quality healthcare where they live. In many instances they've travelled from the other side of the country. 2500+ miles!

My buddy here extracts silver from used "fixer" solution used to develop X-rays, I've went with him on his rounds to the public hospitals here in this state and several neighboring states in the northeast. You want to talk about seeing pictures from a National Geographic magazine in real life??

It's quite disgusting these people come to Brasil to sit on their but and not really contribute anything.

Not true... Look at Florida, getting most of its revenues from retired northerners.

For the most part, these people bring new money into the local economy and use essentially no social services at all. Everyone wins!

keol

One thing that the writer did not mention was crime
I have inlaws living in Brazil and they live the life of crimals
by that I mena the crimals are out side in the street while the other people live behind closet gates afraid to go out at night. Living in fear every day is a daily occurance in Brazil cities. You can not drive anywhere or even go to the movies without getting robbed
All of my inlaws have been robbed at least once.
Let me live here in small town America. At least when I leave my house I know it will still be there when I get back

hate to say this, but many of your statements are just plain ignorant. As one poster stated above, "buying a house", well get ready to pay "a vista", that's in full, with your own money, no loan, unless you want to pay the AVERAGE interest rate in brazil which is now 29% anually. Believe there is an article about just that right here on this very site today! Highest interest rates in the world...bar none!

American corporations moving to other countries...now why do you think that is? To maximize profits of course!! Do you think they're going to export their american workers and pay the same wages...of course not! SOME of management may be moved, but the vast majority of employees will be natives, so they can pay a minimum wages of $150 per month instead of paying $150 every two days. They can put 5 workers in the place of every position and still reduce their costs by 50% in comparison to the states. As far as the american salary going 10 times further?? Where is that? Electronics here are anywhere from 200% to 500% more expensive than in the states, imported cars are 200% more expensive, and don't think you're going to get that 0% interest for 60 months and not pay your first payment until month 13!! Once again, another "a vista" purchase.

And as one of the above posters mentioned, violence and crime. Leave your rolex's at home, don't buy an expensive car, change your habits of "the way" you present yourself. Be prepared to live behind a gate and locked doors at all times, even in small cities, unless you want to live in an apartment, which is what the rich do here for security reasons, and then you have all that goes along with "apartment living". Being a "gringo" you'll stand out enough, many won't even have to open their mouth to be discovered. The threat of kidnapping and murder are real threats here, they're not just stories you read in the news.

the devaluation of the dollar!! A year ago $10,000 would get you 30,000 reais, today it will get you 20,000.

whites can't run from jewish/zionist talmudic oppression!!

Well if you think “it is a country overflowing with natural resources and on its way to becoming a first world country. “ Someone has apparently been smoking happy weed!
A recent British study concluded it will take Brazil 304 years to be equal to a 1st world country.
Exports have been a big boon to the economy, but it alone will not bring about first world conditions, even if China buys all that Brazil produces.
In fact in another 5-20 years Brazil might become a prime target for invasion by China for the things China will need the most Food and women!

As for the average American retiree wanting to retire here, I do not think that the average American would. There is a reason why there are few Americans here now!
A single retired person moving here would need a minimum of R$5,000.00 per month to keep him in a comfortable style enough to be a benefit above living in the U.S. Then he would be isolated because of age, language barrier, education level
etc. Retiring here under current conditions is only for the brave or mentally unbalanced whatever the income. However being pushed out of America because of medical cost etc. is a big factor for moving south, but staying here is another thing.

Apparently you are just "re-visiting" Robin because as the accurate posting above pointed out, the disadvantages may likely outweigh any benefits for those considering the jump to Brazil. I will throw my hat into the ring and offer a few more liabilities and/or elaborate on what the previous poster already stated:

Much of what Americans enjoy is access to technology - Plasma TV’s, the latest Mac laptop, latest I-pod, latest 4-wheel drive - you get the point. . .First, all those things in Brazil are 1-2 generations behind what Americans have come to expect. THEY ARE 3 X THE PRICE (and there is always that moment of anxiety when you open the package and wonder if it's a cheap knock-off) and you can forget customer service or support. That may not register for many of you but for someone who places a great value on access to these things, it feels like living in Siberia.

With Brazil's increasing "prosperity" has also come the downside of having a powerful currency. The Real is starting to flex its muscles and that is not a good thing for anyone but Brazilians travelling overseas. The currency is going to continue to strengthen as they (the govt) invite more foreign inflows of investment dollars, not less. Big cities like Rio and SP are already well on the way to dispelling the myth that Brazil is much cheaper on the whole. The truth is that day to day living in Brazil is only slightly cheaper than it is in many parts of the US. My wife happens to be Carioca so I have spent a good deal of time there. I spent 3 weeks in Rio for Reveillon and cannot remember the last time we spent so much money in such a short period of time. Dinner for two is almost as costly as it is in the US and I'm not sure all Americans are prepared to feast on rice 3 times a day.

I tried to buy an apartment in Floripa once. I gave up on that when I realized that every single person I dealt with had lied at some point during the negotiation process. Every “agent” wanted the entirety of the money transferred into their personal accounts before "signing". I CANNOT UNDERSCORE THAT POINT ENOUGH! The number of aging Americans who would be "taken" would be staggering. It is still a culture rife with corruption and that is something many of us have never come to terms with. I have never been "shaken down" by a cop in any part of the world except Brazil (and I have spent significant amounts of time in Mexico and Russia). I have had my Credit and Debit cards cloned. I have been overcharged for having light skin countless times . . . The point is here that you can rarely, if ever, take anything at face value in Brazil.

In addition, your offhanded statement to the effect that America has become a neo-colonizer of Iraq leaves some room for debate as I’m sure the majority of Americans would like nothing more than to see us escape with under 10,000 US casualties at this point. You aren’t trying to ingratiate yourself with the PC crowd with a self-effacing tactic like that are you? I don’t agree with our newfound status as the “Genghis Khan” of the tyrannical set but I fail to see where that has anything to do with your assertion that life in Brazil is great for baby boomers. Oh and yes Brazil has been dealing with China in a big way and has been losing jobs ever since. China has gotten into their knickers like they have most countries. Lula has realized the error of his ways and is now backpeddling, trying to find a way to reverse his foolish policy of allowing China to dump cheap goods on the Brazilian market . . . But I digress.

My point is that there are definitely some advantages to living in Brazil. I have spent well over one year of my life living in Sao Paulo (if you call that living), Floripa and Rio. I know the country well (have been to every state except 2), speak the language with relative ease and appreciate the music, culture, most of the food, and certainly the laid back nature of the Brazilian povo. Overall Brazilians are absolutely wonderful people. You would be hard pressed to find a more hospitable, warm not to mention beautiful people anywhere but the major problems rest with the ultra-corrupt, ultra-inept government and it’s overwhelming bureaucracy.

One thing I have recognized however is that the humble, laid-back lifestyle is coming to an end in Brazil. The stress associated with rampant crime and an emerging collective consciousness that prizes physical beauty and money above all else has made Brazil a climactic alternative to the United States but many of the things people find so detestable about America are increasingly present in Brazil. Take a trip to the local shopping mall and see Brazilians spending like there is no tomorrow. Plastic surgery for 15-year-old girls and a culture that suffers from deep-seated racism no matter what many would have you believe. I challenge you to drive around any major city and find a billboard sporting a black model. Whites and black mixing is still viewed with suspicion. I dated a black Paulista and the stern looks we received were much more severe than anything I would expect in the US despite our rep**ations as clansmen!! Think about it critically and objectively, and certainly don’t take Robin’s word for it, as she is just re-visiting.

If you really want an affordable lifestyle in a beautiful city with much, much less crime come to Buenos Aires. I have been here 8 months (5th time in the country) after having bought an apartment and find it an excellent alternative to anyplace in Brazil! My Brazilian wife loves it here and as any Brazilian can tell you Brazilians are not terribly fond of Argentines.

My friend's Dad just retired to Bahia after receiving his retirement Visa from the Brazilian Consulate and he LOVES Bahia. He retired two years ago and was living in Bahia but as an American without permanent residency status in Brazil he had to return to the United States every six months. I don't know why folks on this message board are trying to damn Brazil and folks who want to move or retire there. I myself am seeking to retire to Bahia and I've been there and fell in love with it in 2003. Bahia may have it's problems but it certainly beats living the the United States and paying exorbitant prices for everything. Also, a lot of African Americans are moving to Bahia and really love the dynamic African culture that is still alive in Bahia as opposed to the United States. I as an African American wouldn't want to live in Argentina as there is no Black presence there.

yeah, I visit Salvador 3 times a month, and see the groups of black americans that think they're "coming back to their heritage" by travelling to Bahia. The negro bahians laugh at you!! If you want to "get in touch" with your culture, go back to Africa, not to Bahia!! And I don't see anyone "damning" brazil here, only speaking from their personal experiences and the reality that exists!! Wait until you LIVE there for 5+ years, then get back with me!

"whites can't run from jewish/zionist talmudic oppression!!"



GOTCHA ADOLF!

Because you are African American (or black as most people without hypersensitivity to race and color still refer to the actual color of your skin), you probably had an entirely different experience than us European Americans (or whites) as we are more commonly known. (Sorry I have never nor will I ever refer to someone as African American until blacks recognize me as European American - it's all so ridiculous - but I digress).

Your experience was much more agreeable for you as Salvador has an overwhelmingly black population and the not-so-subtle racism felt by whites in Salvador makes for an altogether unpleasant time for us. Yes I know that must seem preposterous to you but I have honestly only met one or two white people who really enjoyed themelves in Bahia. I personally found Salvador to be one of the most horrible cities on earth with some of the most unfriendly, racist people I ever saw. I can already read your mind - "I must be with the Clan" or "You must be a racist yourself in order to evoke that response from them", etc, etc. The funny thing is that I spent most of my time there hanging out with a black (or African-European) guy from Switzerland who had only recently migrated there from Tanzania. HE thought the people in Bahia were boorish and racist himself. He also commented that they were the most unfriendly people he had ever met - and that included the ultra-friendly Serbians and Macedonians that now inhabit his adopted town in Switzerland.

I went to Bahia with every intention of enjoying myself while immersing myself in the African culture - funny thing, all I found were hostile blacks who looked at me like I was trespassing on their turf yet weren't to proud to beg for money every 30 seconds (AND THAT IS NO EXAGGERATION!!) People who have been to Bahia back me up here. Has anyone been panhandled anywhere else in the world like they have in Salvador? Otherwise the caphoeira was about the only redeeming thing.

The last poster was right - go there and live for 5 years before you rush to judgement on Salvador. I think you could be unpleasantly disappointed over time. I hate to admit it but the blacks in Salvador generally do laugh at you behind your backs or only pretend to make a connection right before hitting you up for 5 reais. . . I have to ask - what is dynamic about the culture in Bahia? - is it the stagnant economy, crushing poverty or rampant crime that intrigued you so much? I think black culture is as alive in America as anywhere as a matter of fact. Personally rappers and the glamorized thug life make me want to puke, but punk white kids from sea to shining sea want to be gangster rappers and wear diamond encrusted dollar signs while rolling in an Escalade. Or isn't that something that appeals to you . . . ?

By the way my black friend Gary from the UK absolutely loved Buenos Aires (so much that his intended stay of 2 weeks turned into 5 months) as the Argentinian people went out of their way to connect with him precisely because they have so little African influence there and were genuinely interested in his experiences. I would say that is a good thing in any culture. . .

I went to Salvador for my honeymoon; my first real trip in Brazil now after many years and many travels within Brazil, Salvador carries my worst experience. I found Salvador
to be one the best tourist organized city, however I was never able to shake the panhandlers, they followed my wife (Brazilian) and I around from a short distance and with every opportunity asked over and over for Dollars, in every case I had to give a few reais to get rid of them.
In a packed Lacerda elevator I was accosted by an angry panhandler because I said não to his request for dollars, he went in a rage, my wife tried to defend me saying I was not a typical Gringo, that I live here, he said all gringos have dollars and should give!!
I would have appreciated the situation more if he would have robbed me at gun point, than caused a violent verbal attack in a crowded elevator.
I loved the food, culture and the uniqueness of the city and its history and I would love to return someday, however it is last on my list, because of the abuse to tourists and the general uncomfortable “feeling in the air” that I felt, it is the worst I have experienced in any city in Brazil to date.
Other than my uncomfortable experience, I can not imagine from what I know at this point why any retiree would want to retire in Bahia or at least a typical retiree for that
fact perhaps it is a “Macumba loving colored gringos dream” or perhaps it makes a low income Gringo feel more powerful in a low income state? There are better states, cities in Brazil to retire in, why Bahia???? And if you are black why would you be more comfortable in Bahia? Brazil is full of black people!

Because you are African American (or black as most people without hypersensitivity to race and color still refer to the actual color of your skin), you probably had an entirely different experience than us European Americans (or whites) as we are more commonly known. (Sorry I have never nor will I ever refer to someone as African American until blacks recognize me as European American - it's all so ridiculous - but I digress).

Your experience was much more agreeable for you as Salvador has an overwhelmingly black population and the not-so-subtle racism felt by whites in Salvador makes for an altogether unpleasant time for us. Yes I know that must seem preposterous to you but I have honestly only met one or two white people who really enjoyed themelves in Bahia. I personally found Salvador to be one of the most horrible cities on earth with some of the most unfriendly, racist people I ever saw. I can already read your mind - "I must be with the Clan" or "You must be a racist yourself in order to evoke that response from them", etc, etc. The funny thing is that I spent most of my time there hanging out with a black (or African-European) guy from Switzerland who had only recently migrated there from Tanzania. HE thought the people in Bahia were boorish and racist himself. He also commented that they were the most unfriendly people he had ever met - and that included the ultra-friendly Serbians and Macedonians that now inhabit his adopted town in Switzerland.

I went to Bahia with every intention of enjoying myself while immersing myself in the African culture - funny thing, all I found was hostile people who looked at me like I was trespassing on their turf yet weren't to proud to beg for money every 30 seconds (AND THAT IS NO EXAGGERATION!!) People who have been to Bahia back me up here. Has anyone been panhandled anywhere else in the world like they have in Salvador? Otherwise the caphoeira was about the only redeeming thing.

The last poster was right - go there and live for 5 years before you rush to judgement on Salvador. I think you could be unpleasantly disappointed over time. I hate to admit it but the blacks in Salvador generally do laugh at you behind your backs or only pretend to make a connection right before hitting you up for 5 Reais. . . I have to ask - what is so dynamic about the culture in Bahia? - is it the stagnant economy, crushing poverty or rampant crime that intrigued you so much? I think black culture is as alive in America as anywhere as a matter of fact. Personally rappers and the glamorized thug life make me want to puke, but punk white kids from sea to shining sea want to be gangster rappers and wear diamond encrusted dollar signs while rolling in an Escalade. Or isn't that something that appeals to you . . . ?

By the way my black friend Gary from the UK absolutely loved Buenos Aires (so much that his intended stay of 2 weeks turned into 5 months) as the Argentinian people went out of their way to connect with him precisely because they have so little African influence there and were genuinely interested in his experiences. I would say that is a good thing in any culture. . .

i dont think we or bahians are that unfriendly, but you are entitled to have opinion . though why you spend hours writing about it on this site i dont understand.

Why did you comment? Goes without saying that no one thinks they are unfriendly, an outside opinion is of
value even to the one offended.
Bahians for the most part are probably
as a friendly as any one, but then again not all are! Your comment does not really show enthusiastic support for Bahians in General, it would not hurt if you spent a little time supporting your comment for those who are interested in the subject at hand. Since you seem to live there why do you give your two cents and tell why us why you moved there and why other foreigners wouldor should?

I agree with your general presentation about Brazil, espescially about racism, and the lack of Black models, but I find your assertion about Bahia a bit too general. I AM AN AFRICAN AMERICAN, (the reason we use that term is not to put whites or anyone down but to identify ourselves with the part of the world we came from) Having been to Bahia several times, I find the people of Bahia to be extremely nice and open. I frankly did not receive any hostile treatment except from some people who were shocked to see a Black person in a luxurious car, or some of the folks staying at the Pestana where I stayed. As for begging, please, you find that all over the world including downtown Los Angeles. As for relocating to Brazil, sorry, until the country revamps its corrupt police system where the poor can be killed without fear of retribution, and pass civil rights laws that ban racial discrimination, I will stay in the greatest country on earth, the United States of America,God Bless America.

As for begging, please, you find that all over the world including downtown Los Angeles

What you say is a fact!
However, being followed singled out and being intimidated to give money, especially and specifically dollars is a whole new ball game!

Similar but more violent situations on the beaches of Rio have been shown on local TV here, interesting to see a man and wife, white in color, German tourist running for their lives on the beach, then being mobbed by a dozen teenage kids in broad daylight on copacabana beach.
Anyone who says Salvador or Rio is like everywhere else has not lived in Brazil long enough to see the day to day routine!

300 km's north of Salvador and travel to salvador EVERY month, sometimes 3 times a month. ANYONE that says people begging for money in the states even enters the same reality here in Brazil does not know what to hell he's talking about!! I should know after living here 6 years. You can't do ANYTHING without people asking you for money. And this isn't only in the big cities, I live in a small city, and at nearly ever stop light you have people, normally children, at times as young as 4 years old in the street begging for money. They even come into the malls!

Now please, I know there is begging in big cities in the states....but it's not even close to the numbers and frequency of which occurs here. But that's to be expected in a country where 30+% of the population make less than 2 dollars a day!

I just love when someone says something negative about Brazil someone has to shoot back with something negative about the states. They couldn't be more different, they are completely different REALITIES. Americans should pray to god every single night and thank him for having the priviledge of being born there!

The article is rather too rosy. Actually, I think much of the author's magazine (www.escapeartist.com) sounds way too rosy. It's amazing how few things go wrong in the stories told therein...

Having said that, I know quite a few foreigners (Europeans, mostly) living in Brazil. Many lead happy lives, have accomplished stuff, etc. I even know a Portuguese man who went from the proverbial rags to riches -- from locksmithing in the street as a 14-year-old after arriving from Portugal to owner of a pretty robust business.

I found the African-American's post pretty sobering in that racial discrimination struck him so quickly. Anti-racism laws do exist in Brazil, but the country's "soft" racism is alive and well under its radar.

... the author is pipe-dreaming. Brazil has one of the most hostile business environments on earth (for hard data, see www.doingbusiness.org).While some individual expats and companies could certainly make it big (Santander Hispano and Telefónica come to mind), America certainly beats Brazil in this department. The southern younglings will continue going north, rather than the other way round.

I lived in Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil for four years as an employee of a Brazilian company. My salary was about 42% of what it had been in the US. I received no raises during the period leaving at the same salary.

Health care was provided by a health care network identified by the company. There was no insurance company involved. When I had hernia surgery near the end of my last contract, I was told that it would be covered by prearranged medical fees and a 90% hospital reimbursement but when it cam time to reimburse, I was told the company had changed its mind and had decided not to reimburse despite the fact that had given me authorization in writing two months before the surgery took place.

They then gave me 30 days to leave the country or my severance package would turn into a pumpkin. A lady in Human Resources told me that the company felt secure in that I would not be able to purse a claim in court since the time to process a claim is now running about two years. The attorneys want money up front– there are no contingency cases plus they want a contingency cut I they win so they can’t lose but you can.

Cost of living? Our own HR department estimated that Sao Jose dos Campos is about 95% the cost of Phoenix, overall. Food and clothing from the street markets is cheap. Everything else is more expensive than in the US: cars, real estate, insurance, gas, etc. Combine that with a salary that is 58% lower and your standard of living ain’t nuthin to write home about.

Crime? You bet. I ‘ve stepped over dead bodies lying on the sidewalk on Sunday morning, I’ve had friends murdered (and I didn’t have that many to begin with) I‘ve never gone anywhere without being panhandled. My apartment was invaded by several gun-wielding bandits who got the drop on the doorman and then forced my maid and her son who were just arriving to lay face down on the floor in the lobby, while they cruised through the building looking potential kidnap victims (thank God I was still at work). The police arrived the next day to take a report. No one was ever arrested or charged but often the police provide protection for a piece of the action, which might or might not have been the case here.

Brazil has some of the best geography on the face of the earth and there are some Brazilians who are open and friendly but they are in the minority. From my own experience, since my job required that I travel, I found the poorer and person and the smaller the town both correlated favorably to producing a favorable experience. I always went out of my way to try to treat everyone I met with the utmost degree of politeness and respect. Anyway if worked for me. I avoided big cities as if the they carried the plague. I had to go to Sao Paulo and Rio at times but kept those visits a brief as possible.

I had a car but didn’t drive it except locally or in rural areas. Never to the big cities. During those instances, I preferred to hire a cab which allowed me to keep a lower profile and not have to deal with the maze of poorly marked city streets. On a couple of occasions when it was necessary for me to drive, I used a combination of a street map and a hand-held GPS so I would at least have some idea as to where I was, even if it was only approximately. The proliferation of one-way streets ensure that you will not be able to return on the same route.

Brazilian drivers were the worst I had ever encountered in terms of generally ignoring traffic regulations. Those same drivers would have probably felt right at home if they had inadvertently ended up on a demolition derby tract, probably not even noticing the difference (I’m being factious, but just a little).

My advice to any potential emigree is to consider smaller town and to avoid tourist destinations. Get a license so that you can legally buy and keep a gun at home. Hire a full-time live in housekeeper/gardener, so that you can leave home once in a while without coming back to find that you’ve been cleaned out. Alarms are a waste of money here; however owning several very large unsocialized dogs could be a real plus. Surround yourself with an electrified fence is a practical idea.

Consider a non-descriptive car but with armor plate and run-flat tires (it will double the cost of the car but it will add tremendously, especially if you have a family. at you find you must travel to places you’d really prefer not to visit. Never leave home without a cell phone either and always tell someone you trust where you’re going, the time you expect to arrive and the time you think you’ll return. Fill the tank before you leave. Use a neighborhood gas station and make an effort to be on good terms with the pump jockeys (buy them all Christmas presents for instance). Car insurance runs about 10% of the car on an annual basis. Buy full coverage but don’t expect that same level of coverage as you would in the US. If you’re stopped by the police they ‘will’ find something wrong with your car. There first words are not, “May I see your driver’s license and registration?” but are “Do you have any money?” Usually R$100.00 or so will resolve your “problem.”

No one trusts anyone, so expect that you will have to “prove” everything. For example if you move, and want to tell your bank that you have a new address that will require some ‘official document’ such as a new utility bill before they will make the change (unless you “know” someone at the bank).

Brazilians for the most part consider themselves well informed in many areas in which if it were not for misinformation, they would have no information at all. For its entertainment value, ask a particular talkative Brazilian to comment on international affairs, monetary policy, politics or Brazilian history. If you have some knowledge of the topic being discussed you’ll have a hard time just keeping a straight face. And these are not the poor and wretched from the favelas but graduates from local universities. I found the amount of ignorance among the “educated classes” to be absolutely it amazing.

College grads for example who do not know the number of states in the country, the name of the current governor, etc. Basically many don’t even know what an elementary students knows in the US. It’s so sad it’s funny. But wait till some one who has been to Disney World for a week or two begins to tell you what’s wrong with America. Not that there aren’t plenty of things that could be mentioned, as were far from perfect but invariably what you hear is straight from a old Fidel Castro diatribe. You know what they say: If you repeat a untruth often enough, soon everyone will believe it. For example, you will soon learn that the US has already annexed the Amazon as the fifty first state along with other assorted bull s**t.

Get used to lying and being lied to. You’ll be cheated on almost any transaction you can imagine. When the business people are caught in the act they are not even embarrassed in the slightest. They’ll just give you a big grin and say “deculpe-me”. Based on my own experiences, I would estimate that many bars and restaurants add another 10 to 20% in profits this way.

Despatches are fixers who for a price can help you avoid the red tape and do things with the government that you could not do on your own because what you want to do is illegal. I’ve been told by other Brazilians that up to 60% pf government business is conducted in this ‘jetinho’ manner.

Food is bland and there is very little variety. Usually there is no pepper shaker ion the table so that should give you a clue. Most food fall into three categories: 1 Italian, 2. Brazilian barbeque or 3. Bean and rice variations, with the latter predominating the first two. It’s great if you can live without eating beans and rice three times a day otherwise you may find that the local menus leave a lot to be desired. For the most part, the quality of food is not up to what would be considered minimum American standards. Quite often you will find foreign objects in the food such as small rocks in rice or dried tomatoes. So be careful when you bite into anything. There is not much pride taken in the preparation or serving so if you don’t expect it you won’t be disappointed.

The main problem with Brazil is the large number (but fortunately not all, remember what I said about poor people and small towns) of Brazilian who feel that their main purpose in life is to bust your balls. Unfortunately, the ass holes seem to predominate so you can never really let your guard down.

My best advice is to find a location that appeals to you aesthetically and then buy enough land to insulate yourself from the stupid things that your neighbors are likely to do. Find some Brazilian friends that you can tolerate ( it may require some looking) and then treat them like gold.

is right on the money!! What I want to know is why many brazilians when you talk to them about these experiences they respond as if you've just had "bad luck", lol. Why is it that time after time I hear the exact same experiences from most all foreigners, especially americans, that come to brazil to live?

I just recently, on Feb. 1st, had a close friend come up "missing". The police found his truck torched in the middle of the highway 2 weeks ago, there have been no ransom demands, he has more than likely been murdered. If so, this will be my 2nd friend in 4 years. The first happening 4 years ago to an american that had been living here 27 years when he arrived at home to find 5 thieves in his house and his son tied up. They quickly shot him 3 times, once in the middle of the forehead, once in the chest and once in the gut.

Driving, once again, the above poster is "spot-on". WHEN you get pulled over, because you will, they have frequent blockades or checkpoints in which the federal and local police stop cars at random to check and see that all their documents are "in order", if everything is not 100%, they'll even check to see that the fire extinguisher that is in all cars in brazil is not over the expiration date, which is good for one year, you'll then go through a process where they appear to be giving you a ticket. When they see that you have no problem with this then normally you'll always have the officer stop writing the ticket and say, "vamso resolve isso com amizade"(let's resolve this with "friendship") in other words, he's asking for a bribe.

If you plan to travel any distance whatsoever, DO NOT TRAVEL AT NIGHT!! There are animals that stray into the roads frequently, there are robberies, they put trees in the middle of the road where you must stop and once stopped men appear with guns, this is most likely what happened to my friend and few weeks back in the state of Pernambuco. You'll be travelling on a stretch of road that is "good" so everyone is driving 60-80 mph, then without warning you come to a stretch in the road(2km's until 20 km's) of road that if FULL of HUGE potholes, potholes that severely damage your car. I just got back from the south of bahia, a 900 km trip and busted 2 tires, bent 2 wheels, and one pothole was so big that the radiator was pushed up and now the hood is not closing correctly. At the end of the day it will cost me over 1,000 dollars (2,200 reais) to fix everything.

Did you know that the city with the most bullet-proof glass sold and installed in the world is Sao Paulo Brazil?

You'll be ran off the road by huge 18 wheelers that are in your lane and when they pass you they're honking their horns and gesturing to you like you're in their lane!

Food, they're are many excellent restaurants, especially in the larger cities, but what you have to be careful of is cleanliness!! My 2nd year here I contracted hepatitis and was sick for 8 months and lost 35 pounds. I'm currently sick and have diarrhea once again after going to a "churrasco" last night and it was obvious that they were simply "reheating" the meat that was prepared 8-9 hours earlier for lunch, I ate very little after seeing much of the meat had a "gray" color, but in all likelihood was from the potato salad that I'm certain was never refrigerated, imagine, making a mayonaise dish and leaving it "sit out", food poisoning in a dish! But many and most don't do this out of "maldade", bad intentions, they do it out of ignorance, they simply don't know any better! I had diarreah here my first 6 weeks more often than I had in 34 years in the U.S. Tap water is undrinkable and can be dangerous if drank, so imagine, you're bathing and washing your food in this same water that is unsafe to drink! Yet another brazilian paradox as many will tell you that america will invade brazil for it's agua doce(fresh water), which it has the highest pctg. on earth, 10%, but you can't drink it out of the tap! As one of the above posters mentioned, when you live in anyplace where there are significant problems in education, you have all the problems that go along with that, and they permeate every single facet of everyday life.

You have to love some people that attempt and paint places like brazil as some tropical paradise. The land of "milk and honey" and beautiful women everywhere, just sit back and sip your caipirinha and look at the beautiful sunset over the backdrop of pao de açucar, sugarload mountain. Until the poor from the favellas arrive on the "tourist" beaches of copacabana or Ipanema and start attacking and robbing the tourists.Or dealing with the people either begging for money or trying to sell anything and everything, you CAN NOT relax, they won't allow you. Or the thousands upon thousands of prostitutes in every city, that when they see you're a gringo, you're a target, and if you decide to indulge, be careful, because it can be a robbery in the making. You can't even make it to your hotel these days, they're waiting for you at the airport, did you hear about the bus of 33 Brits that got hijacked on the route from their airport to their hotel?? Took everything except their underwear, lol.....Bem Vindo Ao Brasil!!!

I agree with the two previous posts! You really have to live here in Brazil to appreciate how different it is. Many Brazilians do not like the way it is here, but do not openly complain about it for the most part depressing talk only depresses. Why depress your self when there is virtually no escape in your lifetime from the mess here.

The success to being able to live here is to become like a Brazilian. Complain as much as
possible about the United States while avoiding talking about how bad Brazil is, because lets face it nothing is going to change here. Maintain your negative energy on Argentineans, North American and the like, while having an ear to ear grin, bursting in happiness, dancing and singing because Brazil is so great! Alegria!!!

Yes Brazil is full of happy, smiling people, beautiful people, but this is psychological
maintenance to an otherwise hopeless situation. The first few months an American, Mexican, or any other foreigner moves to Brazil he/she is in heaven. Then as one begins
to see how Brazil really operates, the school of reality takes over.

You might say to yourself it is amazing how Blacks and Whites get along so well here, while in the U.S, there is so much discrimination. As time passes you realize that most black people here individually make if lucky $100.00 a month, this being so a black family needs to be a minimum of 6 people in one shanty to survive day to day. If you took a black Brazilain and sent him to the U.S. and if he only lived off of social assistance he would be living like the middle class in Brazil do. The only social assistance here is panhandling.

Amazingly if you live here you will meet some of the happiest black people in the world, never complaining about their situation always happy and dancing full of “Alegria”.
The poorer you are the more “Alegria” A flip side comparison to whining, materialistic,
discriminating Americans who never seem to get enough, have enough and are fat and ugly.

It is great to be white here in Brazil with so many non white people, so happy to
clean your home, tend your garden, cook your meals, hand wash and iron your clothes never complaining type people!
As a white American I have found this hard to get used to from the get go, but as I become more Brazilian I find this to be my right, I no longer feel guilty when I pay
the UNEDUCATED maid her $20.00 for a 8 hours of weekly work that she does in one day. Or the $200.00 for the full time UNEDUCATED maid who works for a relative in the countryside, actually they are making a little bit more than they were 6 years ago and they got a job! What a pity they will never own a car in their lifetime. Alegria!

There are some very educated and well informed people posting on this subject.

I agree with the majority of the posters having lived here in Bahia on and off for 1 year it is a terrible god awfull s**t hole and I cant wait to get back to the fresh air of Europe.

You'll be travelling on a stretch of road that is "good" so everyone is driving 60-80 mph, then without warning you come to a stretch in the road(2km's until 20 km's) of road that if FULL of HUGE potholes, potholes that severely damage your car.

I have had the same experience, this is an understatement, I have seen sink holes that elephants could hide in, normally the truck drivers cut a tree from the roadside to stick in the holes as a marker. Just because you see a 6ft tree sticking out of the middle of the road from a distance does not mean it’s a bandit roadblock and you are going to be robbed, it is there to save your life!
However if you take the 500km stretch of the Anhanguera from Sao Paulo to just across the border into Uberaba, Minas Gerais, be happy to drive 120kph + on a highway of glass! But then again there are 8 toll booths going and 5 returning, around a total cost of R$75.00

Roni Biggs (famous english train robber) once lived in brazil after living a long time in rio he became sick as most people do later in life. given the choise of brazilian hospitals or an english prison. he picked prision. i think that says it all dont you?

Why are you driving a car in Brazil ? The public transport system is very good. The national coach services are excellent and there's always Gol. If you go to anywhere and be American you won't get on with the place. Try fitting in and acting more like a Brazilian. When in Rome springs to mind. What's the point of an electric fence ? Put a barrier there and people will try to break it down. Try apartment living, but in a middle class district. I spend a lot of time in Brazil working for an NGO in a favela. I've never been robbed, though of course I've heard gun fire. Brazil can be whatever you want it to be. It's not perfect, but where is ? Brazil has plenty of redeeming features. Whilst there are lots of Brazil ex-pats they aren't all rushing for the exit. And Brazil is not so bad that there's a mass Brazilian movement for improving the country. Are they actually that bothered ?

I visit Brazil at least 3 times a year. I , and American, do plan to retire here. Since
I am already in my mid 30s and have not started a serious retirement plan, I know
that trying to live 30 years after working in the US is not going to be easy (or possible for some).
So my plan is to retire in Brazil after my career in the legal profession.
Each year I make more and more contacts with Brazilians to ease my transition.

. . . then after I visit Brazil for the 3rd time I fly off to Candyland on my Purple Unicorn and we sip tea with the Lilliputians and talk about more of our fantastic plans for the future because we made evermore contacts with the Brazilians who will ease my transition into self-delusion and misfortune!! Sounds like a great plan. Since you have not started a serious retirement plan it appears you are well on your way to a comfortable life in Brazil - Good Luck!! After all you can buy 10,000 kilos of oranges for 2 Reais and everyone lived happily ever after . . .

LOL...well, because I have one?? And when you want to travel to cities where there are not even airports you must take somekind of transportation there, at a minimum a bus. Once again, another brazilian paradox, you can have a car but it's just not smart to travel in it!!! As one above poster mentioned, the only roads here that are worth a s**t are privately paid for, by toll roads!! Where is all this tax money going to that I pay not only when I purchase my car, but every year when I have to renew the registration??? Where is all this money going in fines??? Not only that, but I enjoy driving, and if I feel like pulling off in some small little city and passing the afternoon I would like to have that option....is that too much to ask? Obviously so.

Within the last couple months in the state of Minas Gerais there was a tiny bridge that collapsed, no longer than 40 meters long, I believe shorter. The situation was causing huge problems for the farmers in the area as the trucks could not make it to their farms. The farmers in the area chipped in and paid for a bridge....with their own money!! And afterwards started charging cars and others 5 reais a piece for crossing the bridge, to recoup their money. Since, the federal gov't. has declared that the farmers have acted illegally in charging a "toll". LOL!!! What were they supposed to do??

It's incredible how only people who have never lived in Brazil for an extended period of time imagine Brazil being such a wonderful place to live. I've lived in Brazil for a number of years,and I can say from experience that this article is incredibly misleading. Brazil is not cheap!!! Nor is it safe or even friendly. Someone is always there searching for an opportunity to take advantage of the "gringo". The bureaucracy is overwhelming. Just try to start a business in Brazil. You'll see what I mean. And please, I really don't want to hear another "the crime isn't any worse than any large city in the US"....bull crap!!!!!! It is far, far worse...an entirely different league of crime (Brazil had over 50,000 murders last year to the US' 16,400, even though the US has 150 million more people). Yes, Brazil may be worth visiting once or twice, but living here is anything but "paraiso".

When you better get a Ph.D. in CYA....covering your ass!!! Because if you're not familiar with the "jetinhos" here you'll be calling the Embassy trying to get a seat on the next military airplane back to the states because you don't have the cash for a ticket!

To all the potential "I want to retire in Brazil" idiots...you might want to take a look at Brazilian tax laws on foreign pensions and retirement distributions. Besides the free-falling dollar, you're also going to have to dish out a nice chunk to your friends in Brasilia.

Buddy, I've been here since 2000 and my partners and myself have invested 2,000,000 dollars in the last 18 months. I can sit and tell stories for HOURS!!!

On a conference call around 6 months ago with my partners one said, "bud, normally people take dirty money and launder it, we're taking clean money and making it dirty!!" And that's exactly what one must do to invest money here in Brazil. You'll find yourself participating in fraud quicker than Carl Lewis runs 100 meters. And one MUST do this because you're never going to buy a piece of land or real estate with any type of value and receive a title with the REAL value.....NEVER. And any company, pessoa juridica, that is making a foreign investment, investimento do estrangeiro no brasil, MUST justify each and every centavo that LEAVES his pessoa juridica. So when one buys a piece of real estate for 500,000 reais but receives a title for 100,000, how does one justify the other 400,000? Well, you then have to BUY a "nota fiscal" or legal receipt. So the corrupt, illegal, and immoral business practices that are normal everyday business here, CREATES an expense for you and you've done nothing wrong. The receipt you'll have to purchase will be at least 5% of the value of the receipt. Do you think the seller compensates you for this???? LMAO!!! Corruption and immoral attitudes are a part of everyday life here. The way they see it, and I can understand, the gov't. screws us, so we'll screw them....now how are things ever going to change?

The above posts are absolutely accurate. Simply put, if you can't make it in the US or Europe, you won't make it in Brazil. Brazil is no escape...you'll end up actually trying to escape from it.

Why Americans Should Move to Brazil.

Well, as a few of my brazilian buddies say, the only things that are worth anything here in brazil are the women, fruits, and the weather(in the northeast). Other than that, I could write a book on "Reasons to stay away from Brazil". And a foreign woman coming here to Brazil to live...what a nightmare. I like brasileiros, but I sure as hell wouldn't want them dating my mother, sister or daughter!!! They have to be amongst the most "safado" men on the planet. 99.9% of the ones I know if married have girlfriend(s). And the ones that have steady girlfriends have others as well. Why do you think people are so jealous here, brazilian women know well about the safadeza of brazilian men, and of course their cheating with someone, so the men are jealous of the women. I've never seen a place where their is so much infidelity. Monogamy is certainly not valued here by most, and this in the country with the largest catholic population in the world!

I AM NOT IDIOT TO DO IT.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

There is a master slave mentality here, probably something left over from the Portuguese of old, you better get use to being one or the other. The family unit is tighter here than in the U.S. but in my opinion it is only because the economy forces it, however it is an improvement. You do not see people leaving home at 18-21 years old. Marital fidelity is optional, the ones who can afford to have girlfriends and the smart “girlfriends” make written contracts.

If you pay your taxes and go through proper Government channels for everything, you will be known as a dumbass Gringo. If you F_ck the government out of its due or pay someone to do the bureaucratic necessities it will be done faster and cheaper and you will be know as a Smart Gringo. If it is needed to pay off someone, do so without hesitation otherwise you will regret the alternative.

If you throw your trash on the street you will be like everyone else, if you throw your trash in a waste basket no one notices your sacrifice. Spitting on the side walk is okay.
Adjusting your dick in your underwear in public is manly. When you stand in a line get as close to the person in front of you, occasionally hitting that person with your shoulders as you talk to the person behind you. If there is a gap between two people standing in line
and you are able to fit in between them feel free to take that spot.

Right of way for people walking on a sidewalk does not exist, you move over or they run into you. In the supermarket park your cart always in the middle of the isle, while you select something from the shelf. Stockers in the supermarket stock during the daytime, you are in there way!, so if you are hit by a box or your foot is run over by their cart they will give you the evil look. After you unload your cart or hand basket at the check out, it is the person behind you who is now responsible to move it.

If coming to Brazil it is better to empty your head of all etiquette, it does not work here.
When a woman passes on the street you are required to turn your head around and stare at her ass for a minimum of 30 seconds, if standing you can stare until she is out of sight. Entering/exiting buildings, trains and the like the one who is exiting does not necessarily have right of away. People in apartment buildings have dogs, dogs s**t on the sidewalk every morning like clockwork, all the streets are carpeted with fresh turds, if you can Samba no problem, if you cant you will be cleaning your shoes in the running water along side the curb.
If these trifle things do not bother you, then you are going to really enjoy it here!

I'm trying to determine whether the author of this article is on crack, or is simply looking for self promotion through mis-information at the expense of a bunch of naive american idiots. Probably a combination of the two.

Robin Sparks has traveled to over 23 countries in seven years in search of the perfect expat haven.

Make this one #24 and still searching..

Off the top of my head the Grand Cayman
Islands might be a better heaven, at least they speak English there?

The trade between the 2 countries is not as high as you many read or think.

Between the 2 countries the trade is around ONE FIFTH of the trade between the USA and China.

Despite Brazil has a trade surplus with China, they restrict some of China exports to Brazil.
Brazil has never been a trading partner with reciprocity and fairness. They just love to...export, nothing else !

Other wrong ideas you read here and there and almost everywhere is the country with the highest number of cattles ! It is not Brazil but....CHINA ! Brazil is "only" the world biggest EXPORTER. And their biggest cattles export is RUSSIA !

ON the grains production, China produces around 500 millions tons, but need around 520 million tons. Dont believe one second that Chinese grains production will not grow.
Overtime they will import less.
No one remmbers, but China was a net exporter of grains...not so long ago !

Finally on residing in Brazil, it quite amusing that it becomes fashionable, ONE MORE TIME.
This trend is quite regular on every booming brazilian economic cycle and is forgotten when the economy goes down.

Afterall the brazilian economy has been called a BOOM AND BUST economy.
Then after a boom there should be a bust...by definition !

Everyone who believe that this country is on a sustainable growth has 95 % chance of being wrong.

On every past booming economy, brazilians said this time is the good one.
Well, everytime they were wrong !
At every peak, obviously, they had 20 good reasons to explain why "this time" was different. But one simple hidden reason proved them wrong everytime : MISMANAGEMENT !!!!!!

AND FOR THE TIME BEING NO ONE CAN SAY THEY MANAGED PROPERLY THEIR ECONOMY.

Although they reduced their foreign debts, they replaced it by issuing far more LOCAL debts. They increased their local currency debts by a stunning 21 % IN ONE SINGLE YEAR
(2005) and at a far higher interest rate than the one they BOUGHT BACK !!!.
NOT A GOOD MANAGEMENT, BUT SIMPLY AN
AUTOGOAL !!!!

FINALLY the average interests rates of 29 % iIS DEAD WRONG DESPITE THE ARTICLE THAT PUBLISHED THIS NUMBER. kNOWING THAT BRAZILIAN STATISTICS ARE TRUNKED AND MANIPUILATED HERE ARE THE REAL ONES :

on February 1st 2005, the average lending rate on personal loans to individual customers was at 5.41% per month, down from 5.42% p.m. a month earlier. This was a cut of just 0.19%! Of the ten banks surveyed, HSBC cut from 4.97% to 4.91% p.m. and Banco do Brasil from 4.85% to 4.80% per month.
The average overdraft interest rate meanwhile in the same comparison fell from 8.31% per month to 8.28% per month, a drop of just 0.36%. HSBC cut its average rate on this credit modality from 8.47% to 8.37% p.m., Banespa from 8.50% to 8.40% p.m. and Banco do Brasil from 8.03% to 7.99% p.m.

QUITE A DIFFERENCE FROM WHAT ARE THE GOVERNMENT NUMBERS!

Between the 2 countries the trade is around ONE FIFTH of the trade between the USA and BRAZIL.......not China !

I'm thinking about moving to brazil . can I find work

If you go to the state of Alagoas they have jobs galore!!!! Are you willing to work 60-80 hours per week in 95 degree F weather and cut sugar cane for $140 US a month?

I'm thinking about moving to brazil . can I find work

Most gringos end up teaching English/German/Italian etc. and after gaining enough experiance with Portuguese do translations.
It can take a few months to a few
years before or perhaps never to equal
a similar lifestyle that you once had. If you are from another 3rd world country it actually be a better social improvemnt.

Most gringos end up teaching English/German/Italian etc. and after gaining enough experience with Portuguese do translations (which sucks). It can take a few months to a few years before or perhaps never to equal a similar lifestyle that you once had. If you are from another 3rd world country it actually might be a better social improvement.
If you are from a first world country, you better bring lots of dollars or Euros with you.
(If I knew I was going to be here this long I would have brought more money!)

You can also harvest sugarcane as the last poster suggested, probably one of the worst jobs on the planet, but it will turn a child into a man quickly!

Prostitution is another possibility, if you are a woman and you better look better than a Brazilian woman, you can make the same as an English Teacher or more! If you are from Brokeback Mountain the same as above applies.

Other than that I have not yet personally met a Gringo who works for a Brazilian Company in the last 6 years which is a resident here. If there any of you out there give the rest of us some advice or let us know you exist!!

You might ask your self if you are professional, why would a Brazilian company hire me? Especially if you do not know the “Jeito” and you can not speak a word of Portuguese and still do not what the Capitol of Brazil is?
If you by accident speak Portuguese or Spanish then you might have some value,
then try Job Boards, send your CV to potential Companies here in Brazil. And above all else if someone offers you job from here be skeptical, most often here what seems to be a promise is only politeness. Remember the check is in the mail and I won’t stick it in all the way?

Brazilians for the most part consider themselves well informed in many areas in which if it were not for misinformation, they would have no information at all. For its entertainment value, ask a particular talkative Brazilian to comment on international affairs, monetary policy, politics or Brazilian history. If you have some knowledge of the topic being discussed you’ll have a hard time just keeping a straight face. And these are not the poor and wretched from the favelas but graduates from local universities. I found the amount of ignorance among the “educated classes” to be absolutely it amazing.

For its entertainment value, you might try asking the same to Americans. :roll

I have visited Brazil several times, and like every other place I have been, it is not perfect. Some of you guys should travel to some other countries like Morrocco, where the people claim that all are equal under the Law, and under Islam, but thare is widespread discrimination against people with Black skin, or visit South Korea, where everyone believes it is their God Given right to cheat you. At least in Brazil, you get to enjoy great weather, f**k women of your dreams and generally have a good time.

only been there on holiday last year . i had a good time, met some very friendly cariocas( also on holiday) and have good memories. i dont think it is great idea to go and live there as most people are poor and many are jelous of tourists . i think robin sparks makes it sound too good but also dont think they are most unfriendly people on the earth. i have never been to united states but judging from comments made on this sites many seem like a real cunts though and not so friendly either.this does not include you, so no offence. i hope i dont become addicted to this like you obviously have become. serbian x

i have never been to united states but judging from comments made on this sites many seem like a real cunts

You are becoming addicted! If you had lived in the U.S. or Brazil and had any usefull experiance to tell, you would probably seem like a cunt too.
Then again you are starting to become
a cunt in your own right.

It's good news for Brazil that the yankees bash it. I live in Hawaii and they are driving us out of here, buying all land that they can grab and being rude, disrespectful, and ignorant of our local culture. It is great for Brazil, where I own land and plan to retire, that most of the mainland haoles prefer their frozen tundra...
Ahui ho!

Before moving to Brazil I read a lot of negative comments from a variety of foreigners, I concluded that they were just negative people bashing Brazil. They pissed me off so I quit reading things and thought since I am moving there anyway I will form my own opinion. After many years I have to agree with these negative comments and now I am
among the ranks of the bashers per say.

Having lived in many countries it is all the same, you can write a list about the negative of each. But of course every country has its positives, yes including Brazil; Brazil probably has as many positives as most countries. It we were selling Brazil we could give endless positive critiques, and then again the discussion here is to have a balance of reality by showing the real experience.

If you talk to an Argentinean, a Brit, an American, a Paraguayan, a Columbian, a Russian, a Brazilian etc. here you will the same or similar negative accounts. So really anyone can join the club here. Only the dreamers like I was get offended because someone is s**tting on their dream that Brazil is a paradise for foreigners, there are so many stupid idealistic American and others who come thinking everyday is going to be a Carnival , and by the power of their magic and money they will right the wrongs, save the Prostitutes, end the favelas, make this a first world country. I would guess that 40 out of 41 foreigners leave here with their tails between their legs. The remainder stay here and take the good with the bad, just like in any other country.
All I can say to you idealistic greenhorns is blow-me!

Really if what you want to hear is that Brazil is paradise, we stay at the beach and suck on the straw from the coconut. $10,000.00 will make you a millionaire GOD here, you will never have to work again in your life, if you wish to retire here the government is going to put you up in a special retirement village at their expense. The people here are so polite and well educated, blacks dance with whites with pride and the Japanese here are only Geishas at your disposal.
Medical expenses here are so cheap; you can actually live in the emergency room cheaper than the Hilton. The cities here are so clean that you can eat off the sidewalks. Sex here is free, Brazilian woman are just waiting for you powerful men to come! If you do feel like working, getting a job is as easy as flushing the toile