hagece8690
Brazilian citizen
Forum posts
97
About me
Brazilian
Registration: 20 January 2026
Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Florianópolis by HLOFam
I wanted to share my honest experience living in Florianópolis because, honestly, I wish I had read something like this before moving here. (I've been living in Floripa for 1.5 years)I feel like most of what you see on social media focuses on ...
Sounds exactly like Vancouver BC in Canada.300 days of brutal damp rain and/or gray clouds with 50 +/- days of incredible sunshine and amazing ambiance mixed in. I got transferred there by the bank I worked for, and in the second year I'd had ... Read More
From sunny Florida to rainy Florianópolis. 1 year post move 🇧🇷🇺🇸 by HLOFam
Has anyone else struggled to adjust to life in southern Brazil?My husband, our 11-year-old daughter, and I moved from Florida to Florianópolis a little over a year ago because it seemed like a safe place to raise our family. While my daughter ...
@HLOFamI'm white with sandy brown hair and I always get asked if I am German. I guess I should have moved down south KKKKK.I love walking into a store here and listening to the salesperson say "quick get Giselle from the back, we've got a gringo ... Read More
Digital nomad visa for freelancers? by seamonster12
Hey everyone, thank you for the feedback you already gave me. My partner decided to go a different route and apply for a digital nomad visa. She's a freelance voice actor in Germany and will continue to work remotely during her time in ...
I don't know what this site asks for, but, the last time I had to upload PDF files to any government site, and this was last year, they only accepted a single PDF file per line request.So, in the case of 12 bank statements, just to use that form as ... Read More
From sunny Florida to rainy Florianópolis. 1 year post move 🇧🇷🇺🇸 by HLOFam
Has anyone else struggled to adjust to life in southern Brazil?My husband, our 11-year-old daughter, and I moved from Florida to Florianópolis a little over a year ago because it seemed like a safe place to raise our family. While my daughter ...
I'm a gringo married to a Carioca. No kids.....so......I was one however, and up to the age of 17 I moved 5 times. Each trip involved new schools, community, in some cases a country, and friends. Kids adapt easily, and yours will too. She doesn't ... Read More
Natal move by HLOFam
We're a Brazilian-American family considering moving to Natal. We moved from Florida to Florianópolis and we are considering moving to Natal next. We aren't tourists—we're looking at Natal as a place to raise our daughter. Are there ...
@VitalyOn the subject of theory......I live in Rio, so I should have been robbed or killed by now......KKKKKKKK. Read More
Coming to Brazil from Southwest Florida - Mixed feelings by CATVLYST Music
Hi all, I wanted to share my experience of being in Brazil for four months currently, as well as ten months last year. I'm from SW Florida, in the Tampa Bay area, and have been working on a plan to leave the US once I transition to a fully remote ...
@hagece8690 Wow I need no idea crime in Barra was like that. I always assumed it was even safer than Copacabana/Ipanema. I have heard that in the last year, crime has been going up in Rio in general. - @CATVLYST Music Rio (the city) is 1,700 square ... Read More
CRNM renewal with PF - docs required by homendepicanha
Besides the application form for renewal of CRNM, existing CRNM card, passport and proof of payment are there any other docs required to take to the PF when renewing your CRNM. I read somewhere that you also need proof of address in Brazil and some ...
It's all online. Just search for "what documents are needed for crnm renewal"........you'll get the official government site with their reply in the results, as well as several immigration lawyers.You'll definitely need gas or electricity or cell ... Read More
CRNM protocol by homendepicanha
Has anybody exited Brazil after renewing their CRNM with the PF and then returned to Brazil on the CRNM protocol to get the physical CRNM card?
Yes they expire. The "data de vencimento" will be clearly written on the document.Now, back when I did mine, they put an actual laminated permanent resident paper visa page in my passport, which I used until I got the card. You had to go to the ... Read More
Coming to Brazil from Southwest Florida - Mixed feelings by CATVLYST Music
Hi all, I wanted to share my experience of being in Brazil for four months currently, as well as ten months last year. I'm from SW Florida, in the Tampa Bay area, and have been working on a plan to leave the US once I transition to a fully remote ...
Are you looking to get permanent residency thru investment in RE ?Barra is only safe if you stay inside your condo prison 24/7 and take the condo bus or an UBER to one of the big US style malls on the other ride of Av das Americas. My brother in ... Read More
CRNM protocol by homendepicanha
Has anybody exited Brazil after renewing their CRNM with the PF and then returned to Brazil on the CRNM protocol to get the physical CRNM card?
Yes, I know one person who has done this recently. I have also (9 years ago) exited like this, and returned some 3 times before I finally got my physical RNE. That is why they give it to you. The "No Requerimento" on the protocolo document is what ... Read More
Natal move by HLOFam
We're a Brazilian-American family considering moving to Natal. We moved from Florida to Florianópolis and we are considering moving to Natal next. We aren't tourists—we're looking at Natal as a place to raise our daughter. Are there ...
I've been to Natal but that was 5 years ago and today it is nowhere near as safe due to drug gangs fighting for control like the PCC, TCC, CV, etc. The following is from AI and drawn from government and ONG sources. The tourist areas are always ... Read More
Coming to Brazil from Southwest Florida - Mixed feelings by CATVLYST Music
Hi all, I wanted to share my experience of being in Brazil for four months currently, as well as ten months last year. I'm from SW Florida, in the Tampa Bay area, and have been working on a plan to leave the US once I transition to a fully remote ...
I've got 25 years experience in Rio, and Recreio is an area I would stay away from, but not because of the favela per say, as we all have them here. Some are different from others too. Crime, etc, exists really not because of these, but because of ... Read More
Coming to Brazil from Southwest Florida - Mixed feelings by CATVLYST Music
Hi all, I wanted to share my experience of being in Brazil for four months currently, as well as ten months last year. I'm from SW Florida, in the Tampa Bay area, and have been working on a plan to leave the US once I transition to a fully remote ...
Well IMHO, there is not really much going on anywhere along the coast of NE Brasil to be honest, and I've been almost everywhere from Natal down to Rio, where I live. It's kinda like sleepy hollow up there......all you'll find is peace and comfort. ... Read More
Coming to Brazil from Southwest Florida - Mixed feelings by CATVLYST Music
Hi all, I wanted to share my experience of being in Brazil for four months currently, as well as ten months last year. I'm from SW Florida, in the Tampa Bay area, and have been working on a plan to leave the US once I transition to a fully remote ...
You should visit Joao Pessoa and Porto Seguro, and maybe go gurther south to the city of Saquarema for the amazing surfing. Some of the smaller locales in the nearby region of Porto Seguro like Trancoso and Arrail d'Ajuda might work for you too. Read More
I got to vote as a citizen for the first time yesterday by hagece8690
-Spent 30 minutes in the line.-Proved my citizenship by showing my E-Titulo voting app (or you can use your Titulo ID card) in my phone and proving my ID with an electronic scan of my right thumb print.-Spent 2 minutes punching the appropriate ...
Well, in RJ state, the third place candidate for governor backed out after the election (he only had 3% anyways) so that technically put one of the guys over the 50% threshold yesterday, but, the TSE is involved now, and they want to investigate, ... Read More
Digital nomad visa for freelancers? by seamonster12
Hey everyone, thank you for the feedback you already gave me. My partner decided to go a different route and apply for a digital nomad visa. She's a freelance voice actor in Germany and will continue to work remotely during her time in ...
The word was SENDING actually, because it was mis-typed.Now, as she cannot provide a long term contract substantiating the guaranteed future income that they are requesting for the DN visa, IMHO this is what you need to do.Maybe having her agent ... Read More
Digital nomad visa for freelancers? by seamonster12
Hey everyone, thank you for the feedback you already gave me. My partner decided to go a different route and apply for a digital nomad visa. She's a freelance voice actor in Germany and will continue to work remotely during her time in ...
Here is how I would do this.........I am not an immigation lawyer, but I can think like a Brasilian bureaucrat..........I've had to do something similar with them, but not income related, and the logic of it worked.-file the notarized declaration ... Read More
GRU payment by homendepicanha
I am in the process of creating a GRU on the Policia federal site for my CRNM renewal. Can this be paid online?
You can pay with credit cards or PIX online, or in person at a Correios office over the counter with cash.Use the barcode on the boleto.Use PAG Tesouro if you are outside of Brasil and do not have a Brasilian bank account. Read More
I got to vote as a citizen for the first time yesterday
-Spent 30 minutes in the line.-Proved my citizenship by showing my E-Titulo voting app (or you can use your Titulo ID card) in my phone and proving my ID with an electronic scan of my right thumb print.-Spent 2 minutes punching the appropriate ... Read More
Most common payment methods in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Brazil, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights ...
You need to do it so that it goes thru the Brasilian Central Bank in order to qualify for the investor visa. Just a comment, if that is your intention.Any significant amount of money IMHO should be transferred thru a bricks and mortar bank with ... Read More
Itajai, Santa Catarina by Debs27
Hello allI'm looking for any groups in itajai or Balneário Camboriu for expats to share.I'm going to be moving with my 2 girls in January and am going to need to purchase lots of household items (would be great to find good quality second ...
Hello Debs.....I live in Rio de Janeiro, not BC, but, to address your concerns about the purchases of household items, when my wife and I moved here back in 2024 we priced out the replacement cost of everything we'd need to set up house, and found ... 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 ...
He got his new card back in May FWIW. But, that's how I'd handle it too. Go in and ask in a couple of weeks. Good luck !! 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 ...
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
Most common scams in Canada by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Settling in Canada as an expat implies navigating into a new and unfamiliar environment and habits, making you potentially vulnerable to scammers. Whether it’s immigration or finance advice, housing scam, online traps or ...
GTS, HST, PST and income tax 🤣 Read More
Most common payment methods in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Moving to Brazil, even simple things like paying for groceries or a coffee can feel different. In order to help fellow expats and soon-to-be expats better prepare for their daily transactions, we invite you to share your insights ...
What are the most common payment methods today in Brazil: cash, debit/credit cards, bank transfers, mobile apps or digital wallets?All of the above, but PIX is #1 by far. It is an instant no cost to you, user to user transfer, done thru smart phones ... Read More
Want to naturalise — have I already blown the absence limit? by Gbawekanu
Long-time lurker, first post. Would appreciate anyone who's actually been through this rather than guessed.Situation: Got residência por prazo indeterminado through marriage a couple of years back. Marriage has since ended, though the CRNM is ...
I got naturalized thru marriage last year. Never lapsed on the days out of country rule, but........Had to provide a current marriage cert from the cartorio dated within 90 days. If you are legally divorced you cannot do that. Also had to sign a ... 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 many ... 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?
FWIW when I permanently moved here for good three years ago, my wife and I only had a one way tickets to GIG.No questions were asked by the airline at the departure airport, except for "do you have a visa sir ?" Now in 2024 Brasil did not require ... 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 ...
Have a safe trip Kurt !! 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
Looking at moving to Joao Pessoa by CT Nordestes
Hi, we are looking at moving to Joao Pessoa and wanted to see if anyone has some advice before we move. My wife is from Recife, but me moving from the USA, I have questions.
As a data point to the above, according to Serasa/Experian......75 million adults, which is 44.75% of the adult population, are behind on one or more of their debts in 2026. A staggering number I must say as an ex- banker.I personally suspect BETS ... 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. ... 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
Rental nightmares in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Finding a place to live in Brazil can be exciting, but it doesn’t always go as planned. From misleading listings and apartments that look nothing like the photos to strange landlords, hidden rules, unexpected roommates, or ...
I just finished watching BALANCO GERAL on YT where they were talking about rental frauds. Apparently in 2025 registered complaints for rental scams increased in RJ state by 450% to 8,500 cases. The typical scam is a person representing a property ... Read More
Bad airport experiences by antonioggriffin
I think Dec 30,2023 was my second worst experience....One minute late at the check out desk and I hear...I guess you will have to pay for another ticket.... Latam/Delta cannot fix this because I booked through a third party which is Priceline.. Five ...
So yesterday, I flew from CGH to SDU with AZUL........it was my first experience with this airline, and while the AZUL flight from SDU-CGH last week was without issue, coming back, well, we had a hiccup. We're loaded in the shuttle bus sitting 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 ...
Kurt……Sounds like you’ll be OK. Like others, I’ve had browser issues with certain sites as well, but never with gov.br or any other related PF/RF/bank sites up to this point anyways FWIW.Just as another data point, my wife ... 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$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
@KurterinoThe question is how do they evaluate old devices? For example my old iPhone would have gotten me 80$ at Apple if I had chosen to trade it in for my new one, and I think an old Chromebook can’t be worth more than 100$ either) Well, ... 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$, but today I checked on Google and it said that it was 1000 if you arrive by airplane and 500 if you arrive by car/train/bus. Does anyone ...
GIG and GRU (both times 4-7 years ago).........I've entered Brasil 50+ times in the last 25 years, so, FWIW........at both these airports everything incoming is x-rayed anyways now in the customs hall. For example, in GIG, if you go thru the green ... Read More
Customs: max value for imported goods (international flights) by Kurterino
HiFor some reason, I was under the impression that the maximum amount for importing goods duty free was 500US$, 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 ...
Gov.br says $1,000 USD max per traveller, this value cannot be combined among family members, and "electronics" are not mentioned as a specific item in any regard, although, this is the first thing the RF agent will ask you about if it gets to the ... Read More
João Pessoa by mikewelke
Hello everybody just wondering if there's any expats living in JP like I am? Hopefully I will get some results. I am from the US my name is Mike and I'm married to a Brazilian woman
Praia de Cabo Branco, Tambau, or Manaira........Which beach is best to stay at if you want WALKABILITY at night to go out to bars, restaurants, stores, etc ?I have my impressions from doing Google Earth walks online, as well as reading reviews, but, ... 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 ...
I'm really sorry to hear about your problem Nomad Mundo. While I've yet to encounter a robbery or a personal loss of a wallet or travel folder on the road, one thing I've always done to mitigate data recovery is the following.......food for thought ... Read More
Wedding venues/planners ripping off foreigners? by Wout
I would really appreciate it if someone could give me good advice here.Me and my wife (Brazilian) have been living in Europe for the last 7 years. We married recently, and wish to give a wedding party with 150 guests in São Paulo where her ...
@Wout So you want someone to work for free, before you can decide whether or not you will pay them ?A "retainer" or "deposit" is a common term used to show "good faith", of which it seems you have none, on the part of the party wishing to obtain the ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
To add to what Peter has said, employing a legit firm (a CNPJ) also is wise for renovations or building somthing, as it will likely be a very small line item in your property insurance that trips you up if the unregistered cash contractor breaks his ... Read More
Brasilian CREDIT CARD REWARDS programs
I'll be the first to admit that I don't care about reward points accumulation for things like credit card purchases, as most programs are so ridiculously watered down nowadays, that actually being able to redeem your points total for something of ... 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 ...
07/22/26 Or you could get with the program and open up Brasilian bank accounts instead of thinking you money is safer in another country with all the complication that brings. - @hagece8690 I generally agree for people who move definitively to ... 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 ...
Or you could get with the program and open up Brasilian bank accounts instead of thinking you money is safer in another country with all the complication that brings. Read More
Rural property tax by Boondog
How is the property assessed?
AI says.......In Casimiro de Abreu, the assessment of your property tax (IPTU) follows a standard legal formula established by the Código Tributário de Casimiro de Abreu.The municipality assesses each property individually using two ... Read More
Health insurance by Boondog
Hello,I am 72 bought a home in Casimiro de Abreu and in order to get my retirement visa I need Brazilian health insurance anyone have any thoughts or advice?Much appreciated, Joe aka;Boondog
I'm not here on a retirement visa, so FWIW, the rules as I read them are as such....if you are applying from OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY AT A BRASILIAN CONSULATE you must provide proof of insurance as a documentary part of the application..........IF YOU ... Read More
Noisy Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
The other day, speaking with a native, she said: Brasil é muito barulhento, né?! (She had lived in Germany for a long while... .)In my area, so far, it's really noisy only when something big is happening, like the Copa and other ...
What about the rusted out grey VW Brasilia lata velo with duct tape and a black garbage bag where the back window used to be, with a loudspeaker strapped to the roof while driving down the street with the words "Pamonha, Pamonha, Pamhona, temos ... 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 ...
One of the banks here gave me a C/C with the words (and access to both) debit and credit written in small print on the back, as well as a stand alone debit card. Go figure. I loathe using debit or PIX because they give someone access to your ... Read More
Starlink use in Brazil by Boondog
@abthree Thank you for responding. Yes, I bought a home in Casemiro de Abreu in the state of Rio they should be moving there sometime September October. Do you have any experience with Starlink in rural areas?Thanks again for your input. Regards. ...
Spend your money on Brazilian services!!mberigan - @mberiganI too live by this credo here. Next to no G7/EU type corporations operate here, yes there are a few (Carrefour, Sam's Club, Amazon, McDonald's, GM, etc) but by and large, I refuse to do ... 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 ...
07/15/26 To head that kind of confusion off at the pass, since my naturalization I've been introducing myself as "Brasileiro naturalizado, Americano nato." - @abthreeI commonly use "quasi Carioca de gema" which always elicits a laugh. I've had a few ... Read More
Word(s) of the day by alexanderstephenlange
Queijo no queixo faz uma queixa!Please add to this thread, friends.
BENJAMINI just bought some of these the other day. Everyone has them in their apartment or house. What are they ??? 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 ...
I make a game out of what Brazilians guess to be my origins when meeting for the first time because I speak Portuguese well enough yet have that persistent accent. In the northeast they first guess me to be "gaucho," then German, then Portuguese. If ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
Does anyone here watch the occasional polyglot video on YT ?For fun I watch two different ones. Xiaomanyc and Oriental Pearl. One is a guy who lived in Beijing for a year went to university there and then started to study Mandarin seriously upon ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
Yeah........I find it hard to believe any of the claims made by the serious, and the circumspect language schools to be honest, when it comes to time requirements for being fluent, or anything close to it. 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 ...
We will always be foreigners, yes, and can never fully be assimilated - @alexanderstephenlangeThat is an off ramp which will never arrive for all the aforementioned reasons. And, that is just fine, for I am happy where I am at, as I figure most are ... 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 ...
Except for people who are here for thirty years, for whom the requirement is waived. - @abthreeIt's 15 years of residency actually.And here is the law. From gov.br (link may be censored as they often seem to be on this ... 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 ...
"Tu" is replaced by "voce" here in the South East.In English you have the TOEIC which is the gold standard for formal english required for employment in certain sectors. Immigration and citizenship to many countries neither requires ANY level of ... 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 ...
I'm not saying it is one. Just that it has to go somewhere on a scale, and where it get's placed is totally a personal preference relative to your position in the country, and in reality, unnecessary for the most part. Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
That was my whole point. You cannot truly learn from a few hundred hours in a class. Read More
FinCEN FBAR by drnelsonsantosdc
Good morning,Has anyone had to deal with FBAR after having purchased property in Brazil?
If you need a qualified accounting reference I will send you a private message with my guy's contact info. Let me know. 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 ...
Alex,If the question was "how much assimilation" is enough for you personally, I'd say that unless you really wanted to move from 30 to 50, and get the passport, which is a totally documentary process, you're probably just fine where you are. That ... 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 ...
If you could measure assimilation, I'd use a scale of 1 - 100 and mark it like this.1 - FOB fresh off the boat.100 - Totally indistinguishable from a local in every respect.Obtaining citizenship would be at # 50.Being a completely fluent citizen, ... Read More
I found something interesting about Brazilian Tax by NewBrazil
If your diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or worse. This could be a sore on your nose or body. Even if you had MOHS surgery to remove it. If you had cancer diagnosed . It states in Brazilian tax law your social security and possibly pension income ...
No, I am just regurgitating what the doctor him him. Read More
I found something interesting about Brazilian Tax by NewBrazil
If your diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma or worse. This could be a sore on your nose or body. Even if you had MOHS surgery to remove it. If you had cancer diagnosed . It states in Brazilian tax law your social security and possibly pension income ...
I can concur.My father in law has prostate cancer. He is 88 now, and he'll die from old age long before before the disease gets him according to his doctor, but, all it took was a letter from the oncologist. Sent it to INSS and his private pension, ... 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 ...
My bad. That should be R$.20 a KM for the BYD mileage cost. I inverted the calc when posting. 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 ...
This is just a data point for people considering daily use of an electric car in one of the major cities. Now, none of you are going to be doing this I imagine, but, it provides numerical "real world and first hand" insight into the costs. I've ... Read More
HOW MUCH DOES YOUR ACCOUNTANT CHARGE TO DO TAXES ?
Assuming you use one that is, and don't use the pre-filled template on the RF site.Tax season just ended last week, and I actually paid my guy two weeks ago. Now, while everyone has different situations obviously, and unless you have only one source ... Read More
Life in Brazil: What foreigners should expect by efmarshall1
I currently live in the U.S. and though I have never visited Brazil; I am thinking of relocating from the US. What can I expect as a foreigner moving to a new country. I have researched Brazil and I have made up my mind.
OP......Tell us why you've made up your mind already about Brasil. Point out your top 5-6 bullet points in a post.You've never been here yet, so, it's a bit presumptuous to make the statement you did. Maybe once everyone can see your reasoning, or ... 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 ...
I never even got that far. The cannot read your card message hit the screen about 5 seconds after I put it in. The two people in front of me didn't have problems though. Very odd however that a POS terminal read my chip OK for the bottle of water, ... 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 ...
Good point. I just buy a bottle of fuel stabilizer (STA-BIL brand) if I am travelling for a while and put it in the tank. It is a product that is designed for this application in all types of situations. Gas has it's own issues along these lines as ... 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 ...
Yesterday I went to a Banco24Horas ATM to grab some cash as I was too lazy to walk over to my branch. My debit card didn't work and the screen said the machine could not ready my card. Odd that. This card is two years old, doesn't have any marks on ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
05/30/26 There are always exceptions, and one big one is your investment in your principal residence. Earlier this year when it appeared that we'd be selling our apartment and moving across Brazil, I discovered to my horror that we'd not only have ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
@alexanderstephenlangeLast night I watched the Brasil v Panama amistoso and it got me to thinking. IMHO a true test of actual fluency should be that the person being tested has to listen to 10 different 15 second sound bites of an "excited ... Read More
Is hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ?
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ... 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 ...
It is becoming more and more common that vendors to charge a little more for credit card use. - @Pablo888I've seen discounts commonly up to 10% for PIX use. Interchange fees are limited by law to .5% for debit cards and C/C fees are usually around ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
@Pablo888No worldwide tax. Plus, I'm paying R$900 a month in carne leao. Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
Yes it does. But that doesn't matter IMHO. Here's why.I doubt there is any official and formal sharing of information between countries (it would be too onerous a time commitment, and expensive, especially since many governments around the world are ... 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 ...
Yes, as a tourist years ago before I moved moved here permanently.There are way too many POS terminal providers in Brasil unfortunately IMHO, and some of them do not work with the security protocols of US/CAN systems, depending on which C/C or debit ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
And......the tax refund money was sitting in my account this morning, having been transferred by PIX from the RF. Read More
Looking for experiences in Rural areas with HughesNet by mberigan
Hi!I have a home in a rural area unserved by telephone services but that does have Internet. Initially, the area started with radio Internet and that helped people with communication and basic Internet services. Streaming works OK and generally ...
Get them to run an extension about 1 meter onto your property from their main line, or as far as they are literally willing to do so.Attach your router to the cable in an enclosed waterproof and insect/rodent proof platform, which is mounted ... 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. ...
You also should get a passport (in any country where you live if you can) sooner than later, just in case the rules change one day. Look at what Portugal and Italy has just done for example, to name two countries of many that are now tightening ... 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 ...
I do not pay for health insurance here. It is a racket and a scam IMHO. But, that's for another thread.My wife OTOH pays Unimed some R$1.600 a month.Private practice and medical/dental procedures here are cheap. 2 months ago my wife had invasive ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
I pay carne leao monthy on income sourced outside Brasil. I do not pay on my locally sourced income.My foreign income is taxed at source in another country. I pay tax on the net amount I receive here by direct deposit based on the central banks ... 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. 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 ...
The ASSAI attacadao has good mozza. Read More
Remember: When Changing Phones... by Pablo888
April 4, 2026I just upgraded my phone (twice) recently. The upgrade path was easy but one thing I did not do before wiping out my old phone is:Make sure to login in both the old and new phone and transfer the account from the old to the new by QR ...
Why are you dealing with Caixa ?That is the bank for the "pobre premium" class.Do not deal with government banks here. It is those banks that get tapped to finance the pet projects which the standard commercial banks won't touch for various reasons. ... Read More
Computer Connection by Roddie Simmons
I am looking for an on-line computer store, preferably with English speakers, that I can purchase RAM (memory) for my computer.Roddie in Retirement😎
Every business here communicates thru Whats App. So, use a translator and type your request to them.Chances are every computer store has an english speaker anyways, since, all the tech type people I run into here are usually under 30 and ... Read More
Nubank account by FahadQ
Hi, how is everyone?I wanted to ask can I create a Nubank account while I wait for my immigration card? I already have my CPF. I'm trying to do it with the app but it keeps asking me for an ID. Any idea what I can do? please let me know.Thanks!
FahadQYou'll need the CRNM card to do any of that at a bricks and mortar bank. This is the immigration card you speak of. Banks normally will not accept the paper protocolo form you get issued while waiting for the physical card, just to open an ... Read More
If you have a vehicle or moto, have you paid your IPVA this year ?
I just paid R$3,800 for my VW Polo.Kinda wish I was this guy though.[link under review]Now that all Brasilian states have released information about the 2026 IPVA (Vehicle Property Tax), it's possible to point out that Santa Catarina has the most ... Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
Your first tax return as a PR is where you declare your landed assets to the RF. You have a short time period before and after your landed date to bring money and items into the country tax free, then it's over and done.Now, it's Brasil, so, I'm ... 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. 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
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
Yes, that will be fine, as a receipt from AirBnB is like a rental agreement for their purposes. FWIW you do this online thru the link on the consulate website, not the embassy. I have completed this process before. Just a note, if you have multiple ... Read More