alan279
American expat in Brazil
Forum posts
892
Contacts
1
About me
American
Registration: 25 December 2022
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
Who you? Queen Bhravna? Read More
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
Why don't we have a say? Read More
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
@Bhavna Are you not monetizing our content for your profit? Read More
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
@Bhavna Or, are adverts only good for you and not good for us?Alan Read More
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
@Bhavna I think that you should allow such adverts that would benefit the community.Alan Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
And if you have double vision (diplopia), Lisbon is good for diagnosis and buying Zeiss lenses. Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
@abthree Yes, such a deal. Except that my diplopia (double vision) can't be diagnosed nor corrected in Brazil.My new $35 glasses work as well as can be expected after a botched cataract surgery. I probably can't drive F1 or pilot a plane, but I get ... Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
From Zenni. Zenni didn't ship to Brazil a few years ago. Be sure you have the Correios app to track delivery in Brazil and to pay the duty. Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
@alan279 Eyeglasses from China arrived today. Single vision lenses and cheap frames cost $15 + $10 shipping + $10 import tax.I'll order readers (for my astigmatismatism) and maybe computer glasses, too. Read More
sophie, saling a pousada in bahia by sophiejacquet
After 20 magical years, it’s time for a new chapter ✨In 2003, I built this Pousada with the dream of creating an artist’s sanctuary — a space for creativity, connarection, and beauty.Life unfolded differently than I had ...
@Peter Itamaraca Just north of Praia do Forte. Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
I paid Viber $4.99. I called a toll free number in the US for free. Other US numbers cost 1.9 cents per minute. Read More
ChatGPT & English by alan279
I have just discovered (maybe I'm late to the party?) that ChatGPT (and other jennies?) can answer questions like, "What is the average square meter asking price of new apartments in Ilhéus?", and get an answer in English!The answer may be ...
@Fred Accuracy may not be required for a question such as "What is the average per meter cost of new apartments in Ilhéus?". Further research can elicit further understanding and accuracy without Portuguese proficiency, which is the point I ... Read More
Expats: how do you stretch your Reals further? by Pablo888
Oct 27, 2025The Reals reached US$1 = R$6 briefly this year. FX watchers would have jumped on the opportunity to move more in R$.Now, how do you optimize what you keep in R$ versus in Euro or dollar? The typical aggressive bank interest rate or ETF ...
@Pablo888 A NuConta might work for you. They claim to pay CDI, currently almost 15%. Less income tax, of course. Read More
Car rental outside airport for regular trips by Kat2202
I have a question and it may have been covered on another thread but i can't find info.Can I rent a car from local car rental agencies using only my valid US driver's license? I plan to rent a car occasionally for weekends or short trips. Since I ...
@roddiesho Which electric car did you rent? Did you like it? Read More
Brazil Inflation
"That which cannot continue forever, will eventually stop.”Also known as Stein's Law. Does it apply to Brazilian inflation? Read More
ChatGPT & English
I have just discovered (maybe I'm late to the party?) that ChatGPT (and other jennies?) can answer questions like, "What is the average square meter asking price of new apartments in Ilhéus?", and get an answer in English!The answer may be ... Read More
Expats: how do you stretch your Reals further? by Pablo888
Oct 27, 2025The Reals reached US$1 = R$6 briefly this year. FX watchers would have jumped on the opportunity to move more in R$.Now, how do you optimize what you keep in R$ versus in Euro or dollar? The typical aggressive bank interest rate or ETF ...
@Pablo888In the end, is it better to keep cash in the US or move it to Brazil? - @Pablo888Maybe not keep all your eggs in one basket? 😀Seriously, do you have accountants in Brazil and the US (and other relevant countries) to advise you? Read More
Car rental outside airport for regular trips by Kat2202
I have a question and it may have been covered on another thread but i can't find info.Can I rent a car from local car rental agencies using only my valid US driver's license? I plan to rent a car occasionally for weekends or short trips. Since I ...
@Kat2202 I'll stop by for chili the next time I'm nearby.Thanks! Read More
Expats: how do you stretch your Reals further? by Pablo888
Oct 27, 2025The Reals reached US$1 = R$6 briefly this year. FX watchers would have jumped on the opportunity to move more in R$.Now, how do you optimize what you keep in R$ versus in Euro or dollar? The typical aggressive bank interest rate or ETF ...
@Pablo888 Would a Certificado de Depósito Bancário (CDB) help you? Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
Got new stainless steel spokes on my beach trike, R$300. Read More
Car rental outside airport for regular trips by Kat2202
I have a question and it may have been covered on another thread but i can't find info.Can I rent a car from local car rental agencies using only my valid US driver's license? I plan to rent a car occasionally for weekends or short trips. Since I ...
Chili condoments? Are you carrying coals to Newcastle? 😀 Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
Here's a "pro tip" from my bike mechanic: check with a magnet all the components of a bike you intend to ride near the beach. Anything magnetic will have to soon be repaced, including the frame. Also, have the carwash wash your bike and apply ... Read More
Brazil Green Energy by alan279
Brazil's energy supply is primarily from renewable energy sources: hydro, solar and wind.Why aren't there more electric cars and busses in Brazil?Alan
The BYD Mini is priced at R$119.000. The electric Renault Kwid is R$99.000. Read More
Brazil Green Energy by alan279
Brazil's energy supply is primarily from renewable energy sources: hydro, solar and wind.Why aren't there more electric cars and busses in Brazil?Alan
BYD has a car dealership in Itabuna (30 kilometers from Ilhéus), with a fast charger. There may be a fast charger at the newest of many warehouse stores in Ilhéus. Volvo has a dealership in Itabuna.Many (most?) businesses in ... Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
I'm replacing the original galvanized (zincado) wheel spokes on my trike with stainless steel (inox) spokes after six months.I wonder why a R$3.600 "beach" trike has cheap spokes. To save R$100? I'm paying R$300 today for new stainless steel spokes. Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@bepmoht Thanks, I now understand how Tello works. But I don't have an eSim compatible phone.I just need to make two phone calls to the US. I could be on hold for a while, but maybe just a regular international phone call would suffice?I haven't ... Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@Marcos999 All I need is a phone... Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@alan279 Sorry, not 10FA.Login.gov identity verification requires:UsernamePasswordBackup codeSSNPassport photoSelfieUS addressUS phone number Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@Marcos999 ID.me is not responding. I'll try again later. Login.gov requires a US phone number, and I don't have one. An old address seems to have been accepted.10FA! 🙃 Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@abthreeI still get a System Error after authenticating with ID.me.. I requested a password reset for login.gov. I have to verify my identity. I entered my SSN, Brazil phone number, took a photo of my passport and my face, then was asked to enter my ... Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
Actually, ID.me is throwing "System error, please try later."I've tried later. I'll try later still.But I can't see how emailing Lisbon could possibly help, as they would have to authenticate me to change my bank account, wouldn't they? Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
I've had a foreign address with the SSA for ten years. My problem is with ID.me not responding. Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@Marcos999 I just learned that my bank will not use VOIP or mobile app numbers for authentication.I'll try to switch my Social Security deposits to another US bank, whenever ID.me is working again. Read More
US Phone Number by alan279
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number?
@bepmoht Does Tello work for text messages? I just need to receive text messages from a US bank. Read More
US Phone Number
Google just terminated my virtual phone number. Where can I get a new US phone number? Read More
Regular IDP works in Brazil for a year? by mdorn934
I’m moving permanently to Floripa in 5 months and want to know if Brasil accepts a regular IDP for a driver’s license until I get my Brasilian one? I know they are only good for a year.Thanks!
@roddiesho Don't you have a hired driver? No Uber out in your boonies, I'd guess. And where would you go? You're as isolated by car as AB3 and me, are you not? Read More
Regular IDP works in Brazil for a year? by mdorn934
I’m moving permanently to Floripa in 5 months and want to know if Brasil accepts a regular IDP for a driver’s license until I get my Brasilian one? I know they are only good for a year.Thanks!
@kevinmiller1957 I got a Brazilian driver's license ten years ago without speaking much Portuguese. Read More
Escritorio de contabilidade by GuestPoster9310
Anyone has experience using the services of Contabilizei to open and administrate a CNPJ?
sebrae.com.br Read More
Escritorio de contabilidade by GuestPoster9310
Anyone has experience using the services of Contabilizei to open and administrate a CNPJ?
Have you tried SEBRAE? They have info on starting a company and may be able to refer you to an accountant. Read More
Brazil Green Energy by alan279
Brazil's energy supply is primarily from renewable energy sources: hydro, solar and wind.Why aren't there more electric cars and busses in Brazil?Alan
The Uber drivers in Ilhéus tell me that they pay a fraction of the cost of gasoline to charge their electric cars. The small BYD is nice, the larger BYD model is nicer, with lots of legroom in the back seat. The Great Wall car is similar. The ... Read More
Brazil Green Energy
Brazil's energy supply is primarily from renewable energy sources: hydro, solar and wind.Why aren't there more electric cars and busses in Brazil?Alan Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@roddiesho Roddie,I just needed to check the box "I don't know my mother's name" to recover my Correios password.Alan Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
I received a payment confirmation message in the Correios app in an hour. Delivery in Ilhéus from Curitiba in 15 days. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree My address wasn't in my Correios account. I added my address and then could access my imports. I paid an import fee via Pix (credit cards are no longer accepted). Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree I checked the "Unknown mother" box and reset my Correios password. Now I can access "My Coreios" but I can't access "My Imports". I'll go to the post office. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree Yes, identity and authorization management (IAM) is difficult, yet gov.br has SSO but correios.gov.br hasnt implemented the obvious and simple solution. Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
@alan279 My friend at the Zeiss shop has offered to reduce the price of eyeglasses from R$10.000 to R$7.000. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@Peter Itamaraca Now where did I put my driver's license? Let me get my glasses...https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=HnRKK4IqRGc Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree My mother's middle name is an initial on my RNE. And my mother's name is above my father's name on my RNE. Both have initials as middle names. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@roddiesho My mother's name is on my RNE. Correios didn't accept that. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree I already have a Correios account. Password doesn't work. Request new password requires my mother's maiden name, which may be the problem. I looked up my CPF and verified it, my name and birthdate. But I can't verify my mother's maiden ... Read More
Resident card by Droplover
We lived in Brazil for 5 years and my husband and I both got Resident cards. Since we are over 60 now the Validade is listed as indeterminado. My husband and I have permanently moved back to the US since the beginning of 2025. When my husband ...
@Fentium... lapses ... Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree Thank you, my friend. Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
@abthree Where do I sign-up for "Minhas Importações"? Read More
Managing mailboxes or PO boxes in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Something as simple as receiving mail can become a whole new experience when you settle in Brazil as an expat. Mailing management can indeed be different from what you are used to. In order to help other expats and soon-to-be ...
I receive US Social Security Administration requests for proof of life every two years or so, and the occasional credit card replacement for an expiring card at my apartment in Ilhéus. There are nine apartments in the building and one mail ... 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 ...
Where is the official exchange rate published? 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. Read More
How Do You Measure Your Property in Brazil by roddiesho
Admittedly I spent a half-hour on this, so I thought I would ask for help. Being very ahead of the time I wanted to record how much property we have since at some point we would hand it over to our daughter. I was hoping to translate that to acres, ...
@roddiesho You have fresh fish in your desert? 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 ...
@Kurterino What is the cost of your transactions? 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 ...
Western Union accepted my Pix key for my Nu account, I didn't complete the transfer, but WU verified my Nu account number. If you'd like me to test this transaction, I can try it, but it may take days to complete. My first WU transfer took a week. 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 ...
I transferred money from a US account to Banco do Brasil using Pix for the BB account via Western Union. I have Pix for Nu, so maybe that would work, too? 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 ...
@Kurterino If you can get a Nu account, can you get a Pix key and do an international transfer to the Pix key?Just a thought. Read More
Building cost in Fortaleza by Joesphwilliams834
Hi looking to put a 2 story building with 4 2 bed apt any idea of cost or best way to go about it
@Peter Itamaraca I heard of a "perc" (percolation) test of land that was required in the US for installation of a septic tank before building a house. 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 ...
Western Union account verified. I now have two US bank accounts, two Brazil bank accounts and Wise and Western Union for international transfers.Thanks! Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
The trike doesn't do soft sand well at all.My beach is very wide at low tide. It's smooth, effortless cruising for five miles. And there is no beach at high tide. Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
@Kurterino Triciclo praiano fat by Dream Bike in Sao Paulo.https://www.dreambike.com.br/todos-produtos/lazer/triciclo-praiano-fat-custom-7-marchas-preto Read More
Driver's license by Kurterino
Is there anyone here who managed to get a BR driver’s license based on the license from his home country (converted his license to a Brazilian license)? If so, what is the procedure?
@abthree Could I pass the psych test? Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
An update on my beach trike.I've owned my beach trike for six months now. It gets me around the neighborhood to the shops and restaurants and bars. I ride the trike around the bay most days. I ride as far as five miles down the beach when the wind ... Read More
Beach Trike by alan279
I'm thinking about buying a beach trike. Would it be quickly stolen?
An update.I’ve had my beach trike for six months now. It gets me around the neighborhood and five miles down the beach. Pretty much as I had hoped.I took it to the neighborhood bike mechanic and he adjusted the brakes and gears (shifter?). He ... Read More
Driver's license by Kurterino
Is there anyone here who managed to get a BR driver’s license based on the license from his home country (converted his license to a Brazilian license)? If so, what is the procedure?
if under 70. You will need a psych test, a sight test and a physical however... - @Peter Itamaraca And if you're over 70? Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
I'm now looking for a location for an eletroposto. Car chargers require 3 phase power. There are three wires on the power poles in my neighborhood. Does that mean that there is 3 phase power on the street? 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 ...
@alan279 Two more days of email exchange with Wise customer support and they now want a selfie with my Brazilian ID. Read More
Question about money transfer using Wise by Pablo888
29 August 2025I noticed something funny about money transfer using Wise. I am not sure if there is a catch or whether I am doing something wrong. I searched the web and could not find any suitable answer.Here is the question:Background - I am ...
@Pablo888 I use Wise only to transfer money from US to Brazil. I recently paid $11.59 to transfer $1,000. Read More
Prescription Eyeglasses by alan279
I need new prescription eyeglasses. The myriad local optical shops' prices seem high to me. Anyone have a recommendation for an optical shop? What about the online shops?Thanks for any advice.Alan
I received a quote of R$10.000 for new eyeglasses at the Zeiss store in Ilhéus. Progressive lenses with tint and all the coatings, and titanium frames.I ordered single vision eyeglasses from Zenni for $25 as a test. Probably not the best ... 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 support requested more documents via email. The links in the email didn't work. The app says they have all the information they need. The left hand may not know what the right hand is doing.I do have personal and business accounts on Wise. And ... 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 ...
I deleted the Wise app and reinstalled it and everything looks okay. 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 ...
I tried Wise on my computer. I had to select my personal or business account. I selected the business account and saw no history of transactions. I logged out and logged into my personal account. Everything was there and I repeated last month's ... 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 gave me a US phone number, but Google Voice terminated my calls to the US.Wise promises 1+ days response time to emails.I'll let you know how it goes. 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 I emailed Wise. Wise doesn't have chat or WhatsApp.I can't call Wise, as Google requires me to recertify my Voice account with a US cell phone number. It's always something. 😕 Read More
Wise Account Blocked
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 ... Read More
SUS for Dummies by alan279
I need to learn what services SUS offers and how to navigate the bureaucracy. Can anyone point me to a "SUS for Dummies"?Thanks.Alan
@abthree Sorry to hear about injury. Glad to hear you're doing okay. Read More
How Do You Measure Your Property in Brazil by roddiesho
Admittedly I spent a half-hour on this, so I thought I would ask for help. Being very ahead of the time I wanted to record how much property we have since at some point we would hand it over to our daughter. I was hoping to translate that to acres, ...
@roddiesho Just step it off. Your stride is about 3 feet. Walk the sides of your property counting your steps and we can tell you how many square feet or square meters or acres or hectares you have. Read More
Tax Progressivity and Inequality in Brazil
For econ wonks:https://www.taxobservatory.eu//www-site/uploads/2025/08/Tax-Progressivity-and-Inequality-in-Brazil-Evidence-from-Integrated-Administrative-Data.pdf Read More
SUS for Dummies by alan279
I need to learn what services SUS offers and how to navigate the bureaucracy. Can anyone point me to a "SUS for Dummies"?Thanks.Alan
I received my new eyeglass prescription from the eye surgeon and have discontinued all of the eye drops. Read More
U.S. Social Security Form 7162 by alan279
Bom dia. Does Form 7162 have to be mailed to Pennsylvania, or is there a way to file it online?
I received SSA Form 7162 today in Ilhéus. Read More
Hydrogen Economy by alan279
I've learned that the hydrogen economy is not feasible, despite the current hype. The US is spending eight billion dollars on "hydrogen hubs". The Europeans spend huge money on hydrogen projects. It's all for naught. Hydrogen doesn't work. It's ...
Looks like hydrogen for transport is finally dead in 2025.Hydrogen as a feedstock still makes sense, I think, but I'm no sort of chemist.Biofuels and batteries for short haul aviation in the near term, but how will we fly internationally? Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca I lived in an oceanfront apartment for ten years. The inland street was hotter than the beach. No skyscrapers, just one and two story buildings. Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca I was told that Porto Seguro wanted to retain its colonial heritage by limiting construction to two floors.All I saw was traffic congestion on the sole beach stroad.A car dependent party town, forevermore.What does Itamaraca's ... Read More
SUS for Dummies by alan279
I need to learn what services SUS offers and how to navigate the bureaucracy. Can anyone point me to a "SUS for Dummies"?Thanks.Alan
A tip: Don't complain about your surgical outcome, the surgeon can easily file a criminal complaint against you for libel or slander.There is no right to free speech in Brazrl Read More
SUS for Dummies by alan279
I need to learn what services SUS offers and how to navigate the bureaucracy. Can anyone point me to a "SUS for Dummies"?Thanks.Alan
I told a friend that I waited 3.5 hours for my second cataract surgery. He said his doctor mother never arrived on time to patient appointments. 🙃 Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
I asked for onformation on an eletroposto franchise in Brazil. I declined to view the PowerPoint marketing video presentation via WhatsApp. I thought PowerPoint was deprecated 20 years ago. Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca Can you verify the cause of the Pirto Segeuro' height limiration? Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
And avoiding becoming a second Balneário Camboriú, or yet another skyscraper city on a beach? Read More
SUS for Dummies by alan279
I need to learn what services SUS offers and how to navigate the bureaucracy. Can anyone point me to a "SUS for Dummies"?Thanks.Alan
After a botched first cataract surgery by a SUS eye surgeon, I had a YAG laser procedure on the same eye at a private eye hospital. Then cataract surgery on my second eye three weeks ago. I will get a new eyeglasses prescription in two weeks. Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Pablo888 What are the 3 phase issues in Brazil? Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca Porto Seguro has a two-story limit, too. Any idea why? Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca I saw three new 552KVA transformers near several 12 story residential buildings under construction on the beach. These transformers are twice as big as the usual neighborhood transformers. Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca If electrical power distribution is Brazil is three phase as in my neighborhood, is 50kw available on every street in my neighborhood? The transformers all look the same, though they can be closer together for commercial buildings Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Peter Itamaraca It would be a commercial venture (boondoggle?). A 50kw charger costs R$100.000. Read More
Three Phase Power in Brasil by alan279
If there are three overhead power lines on every street in my neighborhood, is that 3 phase power? With transformers distributing 127 volt and 220 volt electricity to shops and residences? Does that sound correct?Can I install a 50 kw DC fast ...
@Pablo888 I have two engineering degrees and I never do DIY electrical work. 😀 Read More