Living in Manaus - what's it like?

Member since 06 May 2013

eelgcMember06 May 2013 13:35:52

Hi,

I'm considering applying for a position at the University of Amazonas in Manaus. The little I've found online suggests Manaus is not a very nice place to live, I was wondering if anybody else living there had any more thoughts/insights on what's it like? Would you recommend it?

It would be for two years only, and also, I'm spanish, so I think at least the language shouldn't be too much of an issue. The wage would be R$ 3500/7000 (depending on at what level the grant is given).

Thanks!

James ViP

Member since 20 June 2010

Brazil & Canada Expert

JamesViP06 May 2013 17:57:21

11272

Hi eelgc,

I lived in Manaus for several months when I first came to Brazil eleven years ago. It's not the worst place in Brazil that you can live in, but you will soon feel the effects of the area's isolation from the rest of the world. It is intensely hot all year round and you'll need air conditioning 24/7. People there are accustomed to take 3 showers a day, just to survive. The city itself (downtown) is quite interesting and there is a great deal of culture to learn about. Manaus was the most important city in all of Brazil during the rubber boom and attracted the richest people from all over the world. There's a large British influence in Manaus as a result. I think you'll do ok there. If you're working you might try to push for the higher end of the salary scale you mentioned R$3500 per month is a bit on the low side. Not that many foreigners go there to live so you may end up becoming kind of a celeb.

Cheers,
William James Woodward - Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team