Kurterino
Swiss expat in Brazil
Forum posts
540
Contacts
2
About me
Swiss
Lives in Arembepe, Estado de Bahia, Bra
Registration: 28 August 2011
New CRNM Card waiting time by Kurterino
I was at the polícia federal almost 3 weeks ago to register my (retirement) visa, everything went well and she told me that I was gonna receive an invitation via email to pick up my CRNM card. About a week later I received an email with a ...
They gave him a photocopy of the protocolo and of the new card the day he went there, and you said you got nothing but the same info by email later on. I don't think the word "consistency" translates very well into Portuguese......ah well......small ... Read More
New CRNM Card waiting time by Kurterino
I was at the polícia federal almost 3 weeks ago to register my (retirement) visa, everything went well and she told me that I was gonna receive an invitation via email to pick up my CRNM card. About a week later I received an email with a ...
Hey Kurt...... A gringo I talk to occasionally online who lives in Salvador, told me that he went and picked up his CRNM renewal card 8 weeks after he submitted the documents. He was talking with me yesterday about doing the naturalization process ... Read More
New CRNM Card waiting time
I was at the polícia federal almost 3 weeks ago to register my (retirement) visa, everything went well and she told me that I was gonna receive an invitation via email to pick up my CRNM card. About a week later I received an email with a ... Read More
The Goiana Accident by Kurterino
Today I started watching one of these Netflix mini-series, it’s called Emergência Radioativa. It’s about the so-called Goiana Accident from 1987 (in Brazil…), and I was a little surprised that I had never heard about it, ...
Yes, it was Caesium 132 that was left in a closed hospital, presumably from some type of X-ray device (?). They just left it behind and the building wasn’t even properly boarded up. The radioactive material was stored in a big container made ... Read More
Onward travel ticket by homendepicanha
Making this more general. Has anybody shown a reservation issued by onwardtravel.com as proof of onward travel when checking in with an airline. Interested to hear experiences good or bad?
. I would not use the fake ticket like the one you mentioned as it's a well known for what it is. I'd just tell the immigration officer you are going to file for your VITEM visa after you get settled in. . Enjoy the trip !!! - @hagece8690 They ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino I followed ur advice and in the end I reached my goal and scheduled a time in federal police , thanks man 🙏🏻 - @Moataz merghny And where do you have your appointment? In Salvador? Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino I just saw your post about your car rental experience, so I thought I’d ask how your PF appointment went in Feira de Santana. Did you finally get what you needed done? I hope so. - @jonesio I did , thanks for asking. Thankfully I ... Read More
My pleasant experience with Localiza (rental car) by Kurterino
This week I needed a rental car for a day trip, and I went with Localiza. It wasn’t my first time, so I expected good service, and i wasn’t disappointed. First off, I really like their offer with the most complete coverage, since it also ...
Hey Kurt..... Did you decline their expensive third party insurance and use your C/C for coverage, or, was that also incuded in the rental price ? Just asking, because I've got a trip to Maceio coming up with a rental booked, and in my experience ... Read More
Onward travel ticket by homendepicanha
Making this more general. Has anybody shown a reservation issued by onwardtravel.com as proof of onward travel when checking in with an airline. Interested to hear experiences good or bad?
I don’t know about Brazil (or any other country), but I’ve read in a forum that immigration officers in Thailand know about these services and when in doubt, will check if a reservation actually exists. Read More
My pleasant experience with Localiza (rental car)
This week I needed a rental car for a day trip, and I went with Localiza. It wasn’t my first time, so I expected good service, and i wasn’t disappointed. First off, I really like their offer with the most complete coverage, since it also ... Read More
State registration and other tax related information by Kurterino
I live in a place where there’s no landlines (phone and internet) and mobile reception is weak, so I’ve been spending quite a lot of money for mobile-based internet that is slow especially if the weather is bad. Hence I’ve decided ...
09/10/26 @Kurterino They're asking for information that you would have as the owner of a small business, not an individual, and seem to think that you're trying to open a business account. If you tell them that you're trying to open a personal ... Read More
State registration and other tax related information
I live in a place where there’s no landlines (phone and internet) and mobile reception is weak, so I’ve been spending quite a lot of money for mobile-based internet that is slow especially if the weather is bad. Hence I’ve decided ... Read More
The Goiana Accident
Today I started watching one of these Netflix mini-series, it’s called Emergência Radioativa. It’s about the so-called Goiana Accident from 1987 (in Brazil…), and I was a little surprised that I had never heard about it, ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
Geezus really ?? I assume you can print out a "protocolo or agendamento receipt" of some sort, can you not ? If the excrement impacts the whirling blades when you arrive, because your name has been dropped again, at least you can plead with them at ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
I think I misunderstood the process then. I knew you could not have two appointments booked on separate days, which is how I probably got confused. Just for laughs my father in law told me tonight he rebooked his passport pickup date in Rio. It's on ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino I had erroneously assumed you would be leaving from around the airport. I’ve never driven from Arembepe to Feira de Santana, only to Salvador. But it looks like the sensible route is heading toward Lauro de Freitas, then cutting ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino I had erroneously assumed you would be leaving from around the airport. I’ve never driven from Arembepe to Feira de Santana, only to Salvador. But it looks like the sensible route is heading toward Lauro de Freitas, then cutting ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
A new development: I was trying several times per day to get an appointment, it had become somewhat of a habit, and other than Salvador, I also checked out Feira de Santana, which had no appointments available ii either. Except today, early in the ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
Good news Kurt.......but remember, if you're not aware of the nuances of the PF agendamento progam, you cannot book another appointment in the system, unless you FIRST CANCEL the existing one. Some risk is involved here, as you are possibly not the ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
A new development: I was trying several times per day to get an appointment, it had become somewhat of a habit, and other than Salvador, I also checked out Feira de Santana, which had no appointments available ii either. Except today, early in the ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@jonesio Thank you. I don’t know about these other offices in Salvador. Since they are not listed in the sistema de agendamento, I can’t get an appointment there either. You are right about the people at the reception in the airport ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
Well it doesn’t seem to be a browser issue. For one, I have tried with 3 different browsers (Safari, Chrome and Firefox), always with the same result. Other than that, I have been “playing” around, and it would have been possible ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino Am really suffering the same problem , just try to search for email of complaint and fill it and send or go to them and ask them to meet the boss and in a case they didn’t agree fill a complaint and am gonna do this today - ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
I am very surprised! In a positive way: A few hours ago, I had sent an email to the address that is listed on Google under PF/migracao. I didn’t really expect to get an answer, much less within a few hours, but here it is: Novas vagas ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
08/26/26 @Kurterino. Unfortunately, expats in various cities report this problem all the time, and the PF never seem to fix it. Two suggestions: Try accessing the system via Firefox, if you haven't already. Some official and banking systems in ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
@Kurterino Hi,I suggest you telephone that PF agency to tell them in advance of your coming over, and why, and to see if you can manually make an appointment. If not, try another agency. - @alexanderstephenlange Thx. I was under the impression that ... Read More
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ... Read More
Retirement Visa for Brazil by abthree
The Brazilian Government has approved a replacement for the old Permanent Visa for Retirees, that was eliminated for new applicants as part of the 2017 Immigration Reform. As was the case with the old Permanent Visa (VIPER) for family reunion, the ...
I would like to add something that I haven’t seen explained anywhere on this forum (maybe I just haven’t seen it, but it can’t hurt to explain it one more time). For those who apply for a visa outside of Brazil, i.e. at the ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights) by Kurterino
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
@hagece8690 I guess this is similar to the series at an Australian international airport? It’s indeed quite addictive, except that in Australia they’re mainly looking for drugs and food or organic material in general, both of these ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights) by Kurterino
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
@hagece8690 So I just exited the airport in Salvador, and they haven’t (yet) installed x-ray machines. On the way out, there’s a desk with someone manning it, and they eyeball everyone. I guess they decide on their own if they want to ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights) by Kurterino
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
@Kurterino . The type of goods does matter, though. Electronics aren't automatically exempt just because they're for personal use. Receita Federal's traveller Q&A expressly lists personal computers including notebooks and tablets and camcorders ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights) by Kurterino
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
Been there, done that. - @hagece8690Thx.You’re saying you have been stopped on arrival and asked about taxable items? Can I ask where that was? I have a friend who has been coming to Brazil at least once per year for the last 15-20 years, and ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights)
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ... Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
08/12/26 @seamonster12. Finally, you as the "Chamante", i.e., the Brazilian citizen "calling" your foreign partner to live with you in Brazil, are going to be required to sign a document for the PF "under penalty of law" stating that you actually ... Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
@Peter Itamaraca > Secondly the Official Translator (and it must be an officially licensed one) will want to see the original documents here in Brazil, not electronic copies, as he does not know you - but they are usually pretty quick.Two years ... Read More
Retirement Visa for Brazil by abthree
The Brazilian Government has approved a replacement for the old Permanent Visa for Retirees, that was eliminated for new applicants as part of the 2017 Immigration Reform. As was the case with the old Permanent Visa (VIPER) for family reunion, the ...
Hi all, Another quick update. My residency change to "indeterminado" was published in the DOU yesterday, now I'm waiting for the PF in SC to give me an appointment - they still don't have online appointments here for some weird reason - to get my ... Read More
URGENT HELP REQUEST by Nomad Mundo
Hi everyone, Good night!I was robbed at GRU Airport earlier today and lost all my documents and money. I’m currently without ID, cash, or a place to stay and urgently need somewhere safe to sleep for just a few days while I deal with the ...
@abthreeI'm not the OP, I'm just amazed at how helpful your post is! Thx for helping out a stranger in need. Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
@abthree > He turned to my husband and said, "What did I say? I don't speak English." "But", my husband replied, "he asked you in Portuguese." "Oh", the driver said, thought a minute, and answered the questionThat is hilarious, and it has ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@Kurterino "...I would only use pure gasoline..." There really isn't any pure gasoline here in Brazil. It seems that even the high grade called "aditivado" or "grid" is about 30% anhydrous ethanol and I don't know how well STA-BIL deals with the ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
Ethanol has been R$4.39 for almost two years now. So, no change for me as my car is flex fuel. If I don't drive I'll walk or take UBER. That is my preferred method of locomotion, chinelos. - @hagece8690 Just a heads-up: lots of vehicles work just ... Read More
Retirement Visa for Brazil by abthree
The Brazilian Government has approved a replacement for the old Permanent Visa for Retirees, that was eliminated for new applicants as part of the 2017 Immigration Reform. As was the case with the old Permanent Visa (VIPER) for family reunion, the ...
@kilobravo Did I read earlier that your permanent residency through retirement has already passed its renewal date? If that is the case, then it may have expired, and no longer be valid, so renewal is not an option. You may have to start the whole ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn’t work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
@hagece8690 If it says “can not read”, a quick cleaning might help and is certainly worth a try. But when I used to retrieve cash regularly, quite frequently the ATM could read my card and guided me through the entire process (select ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn’t work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
@NewBrazil I’ve had issues where the cashier selects the wrong type of card (credit ou debit?). If they select the wrong one it won’t go through. The last time it occurred to me it was the same cashier, twice in one week! When I ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
05/29/26 What am I missing? - @Kurterino You're probably not missing anything, you're just overthinking it. Seriously. 😂 The March 18 - June 16, 2025 is irrelevant because a new 180 period started on October 18, 2025, and he doesn't appear ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
In the meantime, he checked his last 3 flights (because the stamps in his passport aren’t very readable), and now I’m really confused . Here’s why:Last year, he arrived on March 18 and left on June 16, which is pretty much 90 days. ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
Now that it’s established that the multa will have to be paid, there’s another problem: he has not received any information as to how to pay it. The last time (3 or 4 years ago), they gave him a document which stated the reason and the ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
@abthreeWow, thanks a lot, that totally makes sense. And it also explains that when I arrived in Brazil last month, they told me I was allowed to stay 55 days instead of the 90 I was expecting (I forgot to renew my retirement visa before it expired ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
In the meantime, I have a theory what might could have happened: this friend has had a long overstay about 4 or 5 years ago, approximately 45 days (don’t remember the exact number), with the full 100R/day fine, so almost 5000 R$. Back then he ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ... Read More
New fine for overstaying ? by Kurterino
A friend of mine has left Brazil yesterday evening, he was here on a tourist visa. He has been staying in Brazil for the last 20 years on consecutive tourist visas, before Covid he was able to stay 180 days at a time, and since Covid he can only ...
@abthreeI haven’t yet received an answer from him, but I suspect he might have told the immigration officer that he was going home for the funeral of his mother (she was 92 and in the hospital, so it wasn’t totally unexpected. Plus, he ... Read More
New fine for overstaying ?
A friend of mine has left Brazil yesterday evening, he was here on a tourist visa. He has been staying in Brazil for the last 20 years on consecutive tourist visas, before Covid he was able to stay 180 days at a time, and since Covid he can only ... Read More
Can you hear me now? by 1happykamper
Good grief this forum is quiet. No posts for two years?Greetings from Chiang Mai. The heat is making things miserable here. I've put up with it for 11 years in Thailand.Is Da Lat, Vietnam my next base? Is it yours?
Good grief this forum is quiet. No posts for two years? Greetings from Chiang Mai. The heat is making things miserable here. I've put up with it for 11 years in Thailand. Is Da Lat, Vietnam my next base? Is it yours? - @1happykamper I have spent a ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@Kurterino NIO: A premium EV brand known for its high-performance battery-swapping ecosystem. Zeekr: Backed by Geely, this brand focuses on sleek, European-inspired design and high-end luxury. Xpeng (Xiaopeng): Renowned for its advanced autonomous ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
Hello alexanderstephenlange, Please note that I have moved your post, along with the related replies, to this thread as it was off-topic in the other discussion. Let’s not mix taxes with mozzarella together, not the most delicious combination ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@abthree I do see Chinese EVs everywhere , it’s impressive. I don’t know the brands except for BYD, but they do seem to sell well. Too bad that I never had the pleasure to get an EV Uber. Read More
How many here in Brazil had cosmetic or dental medical treatment by NewBrazil
I was just wondering if you had a medical procedure. What was it and how much did it cost. Example having MOHS surgery for a facial nodule that been show to be cancer. Mohs is the surgery that removed this result is 99% cure. In the USA without ...
@Vincent Devalk Can confirm, I had excellent dental treatment in Salvador, several root canal treatments and one implant. I even found a clinic which offers ´sedacao leve ‘ (laughing gas), if you like your treatments painless. ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
@abthree Where did you get the Buffalo milk necessary for true mozzarella? :-) - @alexanderstephenlange I know that some Mozzarella is made from Buffalo milk, and I also know that it’s considered superior to mozzarella made fromcow milk. ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@abthreeI also use Uber quite frequently, and so far i haven’t been in one that’s larger than a compact car (like a Fiat Panda or a Hyundai i20). Most of the times they’re either relatively new or well maintained and clean, but ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
i have bought a little scooter a couple of years ago, it’s a 125 cc , so only really useful for short distances. Also it’s comfortable, but much less so if you have a passenger (plus I don’t like the added responsibility). Mine is ... Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
@abthree Thx, that is very helpful. I admit that I myself had come to the conclusion that it would be good to find a lawyer who is either already well versed in this area, or willing to dive into it. As I mentioned before, given the small number of ... Read More
Sandelwood soap
Asking for a friend who is a big fan of this type of soap (personally i don’t even really know what it is lol…). She usually buys this soap in Asia where it is A LOT cheaper than in Switzerland, now she asked me if it is also available ... Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
@abthreeThanks a lot for having taken the time to read the treaty, especially since it doesn’t have anything to do with your situation, I really appreciate that!As you said, anyone who actually does read the treaty won’t find any ... Read More
Brazillian MigranteWeb by nicholsharvey
I have successfully gained access to the Brazil MigranteWeb. https://migrante.mj.gov.br/painel/cadastrar-processoI am trying to check on the status of my retirement visa renewal. I currently have a Brazillian retirement visa. I need a step-by-step ...
04/20/26 @nicholsharvey. MigranteWeb came in after my time, but you might try inserting the process number from the Protocolo for your renewal here: https://migrante.mj.gov.br/consulta-publica If this doesn't get you what you're looking for, I hope ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
@bepmoht The town where I live is pretty small, but I’m in close proximity to Lauro de Freitas and Salvador. But we do have a little bakery, I’ll try there before driving to Salvador. Read More
Brazilian Passport by onthabay
Hello, I'm an American living in Brazil with a permanent residency card. I keep seeing Instagram ads, and other ads saying "Get Your Brazilian Passport Now!" I have asked administrators at my local Federal Police station where I received my Perm. ...
@abthreeThx. Somehow i expected this to be harder. How much does it cost, all-in?Also, which of the four levels of the CelpeBras exam do you have to pass? Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
04/10/26 @Kurterino Well, I did some reading, and it is indeed possible to make mozzarella at home, and all you need is milk and vinegar. However, normally you would need “rennet” (I hope that is the correct word, I think it’s the ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
@Kurterino Depending where you live, you may have to make your own. The simplest recipes use milk (not UHT) and white vinegar. To source milk, ask at your local bakeries in town. Good luck ! - @bepmoht Well, I did some reading, and it is indeed ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
@Kurterino Depending where you live, you may have to make your own. The simplest recipes use milk (not UHT) and white vinegar. To source milk, ask at your local bakeries in town. Good luck ! - @bepmohtI had no idea that it’s possible to make ... Read More
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
It’s a bit late to react, but I just like to add that it is true that it’s quite easy to open a NU bank account, however NU accounts don’t come with an international account number (IBAN or Swift), which means that you can’t ... Read More
Mozzarella
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ... Read More
Shoppee scam by Kurterino
This is more like an advisory than anything else, hopefully it is useful to someone at some point. A friend of mine recently ordered a cellphone on Shoppee, a low priced Android for under 600 Reais, not an expensive iPhone. While she was waiting for ...
I have had driver's from Shopee and ML text me in the AM asking in an official sounding sort of way that I can "expedite" my delivery that day for a R$15 fee........I refuse. - @hagece8690 As I mentioned in my previous post, a support worker from ... Read More
COMPARTILHAR a vehicle: what does it do/what is it good for? (CNH app) by Kurterino
So I finally managed to pay my registration for 2026 for my scooter, and while checking the status in the CNH app, I noticed that if you click on Licenciamento, it will show you the card that you probably would have to show to the police if they ask ...
It's for identifying vehicle operators in the Senetran system, so that when you get a camera ticket on the highway for example, and go to pay the fine online, you can assign the "infrator" so they get the points on their license, otherwise, if this ... Read More
Shoppee scam by Kurterino
This is more like an advisory than anything else, hopefully it is useful to someone at some point. A friend of mine recently ordered a cellphone on Shoppee, a low priced Android for under 600 Reais, not an expensive iPhone. While she was waiting for ...
01/12/26 @Kurterino. Thanks for this. This happened to me at least once, maybe twice; even the shipper's name is familiar. My first go-to is always "Minhas Importações" on the Correios website (https://www.correios.com.br/) It's a ... Read More
COMPARTILHAR a vehicle: what does it do/what is it good for? (CNH app)
So I finally managed to pay my registration for 2026 for my scooter, and while checking the status in the CNH app, I noticed that if you click on Licenciamento, it will show you the card that you probably would have to show to the police if they ask ... Read More
Shoppee scam
This is more like an advisory than anything else, hopefully it is useful to someone at some point. A friend of mine recently ordered a cellphone on Shoppee, a low priced Android for under 600 Reais, not an expensive iPhone. While she was waiting for ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
Since I’ve written so much about this story, I think it’s only right to tell you how it finally ended. So after having paid the Ivpa for 2025, I’ve waited a few days, and today I logged into the DETRAN site again ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
Let’s say I can’t get a boleto for 2026, for whatever reason, from the internet app. Would/should the local emplacadora be able to resolve this, or would I have to go to the nearest DETRAN office? Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
@KurterinoIm replying to myself, because I might have solved the problem (I can’t say for certain yet, I’ll see the next few days, hopefully. First problem was that even though I have a gov.br account, I didn’t have one for Bahia ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
@Kurterino In Pernambuco, (and therefore I guess all states), if you go to your state DETRAN website you can download the bill for your annual car taxes, etc (IPVA). Mine is Detran-PE, and once you have identified yourself, it is very easy to print ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
This post is a few weeks old, but yesterday my mechanic explained to me how it works (eg how to renew the registration for a vehicle). Apparently (and i haven’t done it yet, but will do it probably this week), you can go to either Bradesco ... Read More
CPF renewal/confirmation by Kurterino
It has been discussed that starting this year (2025), foreigners have to renew (or confirm) their CPF every year. (For those who didn’t know, here’s the explanation: ...
@Nomad Mundo Thanks a lot, this does indeed make sense. I’ll let my friend know, but knowing him, he probably won’t do anything about it. I wonder if this will have any real-world consequences, other than not being able to activate a SIM ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration by Kurterino
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ...
@bepmoht I didn’t know that, my bad. It’s in Bahia. Also, I mixed up the apps, where I mentioned e-titulo, I should have written Carteira digital, an app which lists everything vehicle related, like your driver’s license and your ... Read More
CPF renewal/confirmation
It has been discussed that starting this year (2025), foreigners have to renew (or confirm) their CPF every year. (For those who didn’t know, here’s the explanation: ... Read More
Vehicle tax/registration
I purchased a used scooter in January ‘25 and registered it in my name, at which point I also paid the tax and/or registration fee. I’m guessing that for 2026 I will have to renew the registration and/or pay the tax for the new year, and ... Read More
Managing meals in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Brazil? We ...
@abthree Thx for the tip about Itambé, I think it’s available around here, I’ll give it a try (although I think I have tried all of the brands available here, and they all seemed almost identical. But maybe I missed Itambé ... Read More
Managing meals in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Managing meals day-to-day can sometimes be a real mental challenge, even more so when you land in a new environment, with different schedules, habits or ingredients. How do you manage your meal routine as an expat in Brazil? We ...
A question for those who like to cook: what’s the deal with cream (creme de leite) in Brasil? At home, cream looks and has the consistency of ‘thick’ milk, and I’ve never seen other types. Here, it’s more like thick ... Read More
Appointment at the Polícia Federal
A friend of mine needs to go see the Polícia Federal, and since he has been coming to Brazil for at least 20 years (always as a visa-exempt tourist), he’s used to just go there, without making an appointment. After checking their ... Read More
Documents For Brazilian Retirement Visa etc. by Mark Blonde
So I just got back from a 3 week trip to São Paulo and surroundings and definitely want to retire there. I'm a little over whelmed with the visa requirements. I know I have everything needed to be granted the visa, but I'm confused on the ...
@Peter Itamaraca Thx, I heard that before, it’s good to have it confirmed. Given that I don’t know which health care providers are the best, nor what kind of provider I might need, I decided to listen to recommendations from people who ... Read More
Documents For Brazilian Retirement Visa etc. by Mark Blonde
So I just got back from a 3 week trip to São Paulo and surroundings and definitely want to retire there. I'm a little over whelmed with the visa requirements. I know I have everything needed to be granted the visa, but I'm confused on the ...
@ - 11/08/25 " The SAMU ambulance arrived within minutes and rushed me to the SUS hospital that handles head trauma. They did a great job of addressing the immediate emergency: they examined me, observed me. popped me into the MRI machine, and ... Read More
Documents For Brazilian Retirement Visa etc. by Mark Blonde
So I just got back from a 3 week trip to São Paulo and surroundings and definitely want to retire there. I'm a little over whelmed with the visa requirements. I know I have everything needed to be granted the visa, but I'm confused on the ...
Double post, deleted Read More
Retirement visa: renewal by Kurterino
I couldn’t find a list of requirements on how to renew a retirement visa. I have found a couple of articles stating that it’s easier than the original application, but no details. Has anyone more information on that ?
Proof of income or pension (same monthly minimum as before, usually sent from abroad)Recent bank statements showing regular depositsProof of residence in Brazil (like a rental contract or utility bill)Valid passport and your current visa/RNEUpdated ... Read More
Retirement visa: renewal by Kurterino
I couldn’t find a list of requirements on how to renew a retirement visa. I have found a couple of articles stating that it’s easier than the original application, but no details. Has anyone more information on that ?
@Peter Itamaraca Yes, probably. I will probably give it a try anyway, I have nothing to lose other than the fee. And if I have to get a new one, it’s not a huge deal, my situation hasn’t changed, I’ll just update the docs from two ... Read More
Retirement visa: renewal by Kurterino
I couldn’t find a list of requirements on how to renew a retirement visa. I have found a couple of articles stating that it’s easier than the original application, but no details. Has anyone more information on that ?
And yet another question: unfortunately, I was a bit lazy and let it expire. I’m not in Brazil right now, so I haven’t overstayed, not even for a day. Since I’m able to return to Brazil on the visa-exempt status, do you think the ... Read More
Retirement visa: renewal by Kurterino
I couldn’t find a list of requirements on how to renew a retirement visa. I have found a couple of articles stating that it’s easier than the original application, but no details. Has anyone more information on that ?
@Ryan BlakeThx, that is very useful information. I have tried to make an appointment here (https://servicos.pf.gov.br/agenda-web/acessar), but I need to enter a Código de solicitação ou Requerimento. Apparently I should receive ... Read More
Retirement visa: renewal
I couldn’t find a list of requirements on how to renew a retirement visa. I have found a couple of articles stating that it’s easier than the original application, but no details. Has anyone more information on that ? Read More
International money transfers to a Pix account: fee comparison
This thread is a follow-up to another thread, I thought that it’s worth starting a new one (the other thread can be found here: (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1103776-wise-account-blocked.html). It inspired me to make 3 ... Read More
Coverter - 220 to 110 (USA) by Kat2202
Good morning,I need some advice. I am bringing some small appliances, my table lamp wich has usb adapters, air purifier, my dyson floor cleaner/desinfectant and of course laptop, tablets, meta quest, etc. I am unsure if it requires converters or ...
@Kat2202 I don’t know about the plugs, since I’m not from the US, I’m sure someone else will be able to answer that. The voltage depends on the location, some places have 110V installations, others 220V, and some have both. For ... Read More
Wise Account Blocked by alan279
My Wise Account is temporarily blocked. Message in the app says I need to provide additional information. I tap the Unblock button and the next screen says they have all the information they need. I tap the Got it! button and get nothing.Is this ...
@abthree Yes, it’s an interesting experiment. I guess it would be possible to evaluate the cost of a given transfer by looking at the disclosed fees, but there’s always the question of the exchange rate, since some institutions ... Read More
Wise Account Blocked by alan279
My Wise Account is temporarily blocked. Message in the app says I need to provide additional information. I tap the Unblock button and the next screen says they have all the information they need. I tap the Got it! button and get nothing.Is this ...
@abthree Of course, I meant the current exchange rate which is published “everywhere”. I’m aware that different banks or exchanges might have slightly different rates, but they are usually pretty similar in the same country. In ... Read More
Wise Account Blocked by alan279
My Wise Account is temporarily blocked. Message in the app says I need to provide additional information. I tap the Unblock button and the next screen says they have all the information they need. I tap the Got it! button and get nothing.Is this ...
Wise will tell you the fees before you make a transaction. Today, Wise says the exchange rate is 1 USD = 5.3169 BRL and 1,000 USD will buy me 5.255,23 BRL, with fees of 11.59 USD. - @alan279 The Western Union app also shows you how much ... Read More