Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 05/22/16
Personal Experiences from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Second post. first post was in Shanghai.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most of the consulate apartments are in zona sul. Most are decent size apartments for a family. We have two kids, i think our apartment is more spacious than others. We have 4 bedrooms, a balcony, and a small pool and sauna at the roof top. Commute time on a regular day is 45 minutes to an hour in the late afternoon rush hour. Morning commute is faster, like half an hour. But on a rainny day, it could take 1-2 hours to get home; this city does not handle the rain.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
raw food and vegetables are cheaper here, everything else is not cheap. I ship cleaning supplies and soap dish.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Everything imported is expensive here. Everything related to kids is expensive here, like clothes, shoes, toys. Since you can buy most things through DPO, I would just focus on shipping things that are liquid, and some ethnic food. There are two small Asian grocery stores near Flamengo metro station.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
good restaurants with good food are expensive here, around US$150 per couple.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
there is zika now spread by the mosquitoes. Two people I knew from the Consulate had zika, luckily they are not pregnant. Other bug issues that cannot be overlooked are moths that eat food in our cabinets. Flour, beans, tea bags etc. can be infested if you don't clean and check on a regular basic. You must keep food in sealed containers.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and pouch. DPO here takes 7-12 days, which is fast.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
A part time maid is about R$150/day. A full time maid is about R$1800/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The Consulate has a gym and there are small gyms all over the city with a fee. around R$500/month at bodytech or get a life time membership at flamengo club for about R$7000/family, or individual membership R$150/month.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We heard so many cases of credit card being cloned so we avoid using credit cards at any stores. However, that's mean we do a lot of withdrawal from ATM machines, which charges a fee. A friend of mine had his credit cards cloned 6 times in the past 5 months. Some ATM machines are not safe too, including those at the airport and at some banks so try to use the ATMs only at places that you know are safe.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Most brazilians in the stores do not speak English.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
yes. Sidewalks here are not built for wheelchairs, some are not even great for strollers.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe and affordable but we are still glad to have a car. We use our car for weekend trips outside of the city. I also take buses and subway, which are pretty safe.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Stores here do not have parts for American cars. keep this in mind.
A small car are better. I have a Honda CRV, which could be a bit too big for this city and hard to park. Think twice if you want to bring a mini van.
Phone & Internet:
1. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Cellphone plans are pretty cheap here.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
I don't know anyone who works on the local economy and the economy here is at its lowest point now.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
casual. people walk around in their swim suits.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Most of the consulate housings are in zona sul area, which is safer. I generally feel safe walking around this area and I don't worry that someone will steal my phone. Things like a cell phone are an easy target at the beach so keep your eyes on your phone at touristy area. Don't wear necklaces, if possible. They are easy targets too.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Zika and dengue, mosquito born disease. Bring your mosquito nets here, and bug repellent; it seems like Deet works the best.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
summer could be over 100F on some bad days. it is really humid and hot, to a point that I don't really want to go out between 10 AM-3 PM. Winter rains a bit more, but the temperature is perfect, around 80-70sF.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
all the consulate kids I know go to the American school (EARJ) in Gavea. There is a British school and also Our Lady of Mercy School in Botafogo. My 6-year old daughter attends EARJ and likes it. It is a pretty standard school - what you would expect from an American school. We love the Brazilian school Espaco Educacao (EE); she attended in Leblon before we moved her to EARJ. Its teaching style is all hands on, kids learn through arts and craft.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
For preschools, there are many good quality Brazilian preschools in Leblon and Ipanema. Half day preschools usually cost around R$2000/month.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
yes, popular programs are swimming, soccer, capoeira, gymnastic, ballet, jiu jitsu, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Pretty good; there is a good mix of international community here.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Beach, beach, and beach. After that, there are clubs with swimming pools and nice playgrounds that you can join. There is no shortage of bars and live music here.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
good for all, especially single men.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
yes
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Brazilians can be racist; you will have no problem if you have fair skin.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
trip to Ilha grande, hike to Dois irmao mountain, the beach.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
climbing the Dois irmaos mountain and pedra da Gavea. Parque das ruinas at santa teresa. ferry from the Centro to the Paquetta island, where no car is allowed.
8. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
We live a 5-minute walk to the Leblon beach. community life here is centered around the beach. The street next to the beach is closed for vehicles every Sunday and holiday, which is awesome. We are 5-minute walk to many bars and restaurants and a grocery store. It's very walkable. Other interesting places to go are the botanical garden, parque lage, Lagoa, Aproador, copacabana beach.
9. Can you save money?
no
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Food is boring here. good food is expensive here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes. i can't complain about living by the beach.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter coats.
4. Do you have any other comments?
if you are coming to Rio, there is a very helpful facebook group "Rio Playgroup" for expats to exchange information. It is very helpful for me. If you request to join and still have not be added after a few days, it is because the person in charge has not seen your request. So you need to ask another member to shout it out loud for you to get her attention. This happened to me and many other newcomers.
