Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 01/28/09
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?
No, this was a third posting.
2. How long have you lived here?
2006-2008.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Direct flights from Washington, DC and Miami.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Worked at the U.S. Consulate.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments in either Ipanema or Leblon, which are two of the most upscale neighborhoods in the city. However, the housing pool and the management section's attitude was appalling while I was there. Several officers were without hot water for extended periods of time - gas leaks, ceilings caving in, broken air conditioners, lighting wiring held together with electrical tape such that only GSO staff could change light bulbs - all common place. And to make it worse, while I was there, the attitude was "well, the landlord won't fix it and we have no money so just live with it". OK for a broken door handle or something but not for major health and safety related concerns. Everytime there was a problem in anyone's apartment, the resident would get a sinking feeling in anticipation of having to go to war with the management section.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Decent availability. Not much as far as prepared foods however, not even things that many of us take for granted like pasta sauce. Going to the grocery store is not pleasant as they are mostly crowded, small, dark and smelly. Great fruits although not so much for veggies.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Saran wrap, paper towels, toilet paper, any kind of boxed prepared foods that you like, dog food, vitamins.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Lots of restaurants and McDonalds. The food is not the greatest though. Pretty bland and uninteresting for the most part. Pizza has no tomato sauce. Spices are limited to salt and maybe oregano it seems. Most restaurants are buffet style.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Garden variety tropical insect problems, nothing excessive.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO, although several times in 2008 there was no money to buy gas for the Consulate staff to go to the airport to get the mail.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
About US$30/day - it is hard to find hardworking housekeepers but they are adequate for the most part.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Lots.
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?
Cloning is extremely common. Somehow the crooks can clone your ATM cardnand access your PIN if you use it for debit purchases. Many people have had their bank accounts emptied in this way.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Cable has lots of English language programming
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Lots - not too many English speakers.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains and taxis are pretty safe, although there are often incidents of taxis coming or going to the airport with foreigners being stopped in the middle of the highway by heavily armed men who then rob the occupants. Buses and the subway are supposedly not safe but I personally never had a problem.
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?
Most anything but gas is really expensive.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, about US$50/month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Brazilian love their dogs and there are lots of vets and good kennels. I never met many people with cats though and think that cat litter was hard to find.
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?
Not really.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Casual compared to a lot of other posts.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate, the buses sometimes belch black smoke.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Lots. Armed robberies in broad daylight on crowded streets are common as are carjackings and kidnappings in which victims are taken to ATMs and forced to withdraw money. As if this weren't enough, there is the omnipresent danger of a taking a stray bullet due to the ongoing war between drug dealers and the police. All this being said however, I personally never had any problems although I witnessed a double murder in front of the Consulate one afternoon.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Beach weather all year long, some people find it uncomfortably hot at times but I like warm weather and so did not find it oppressive or anything - it is not extremely humid and there is usually somewhat of a breeze.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. 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?
Nannies readily available, lots of preschools although I am not sure about the cost.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, soccer and volleyball classes on the beach.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium.
2. Morale among expats:
Varies, at the Consulate pretty bad because of poor financial management and housing nightmares. Having no money for toilet paper at the Consulate, no money for gas for official vehicles making it impossible to do one's job, having all consulate cell phones turned off for nonpayment of bills etc etc can all take a toll on morale.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Not too much of a cohesive group at the Consulate but it can be a lot of fun if you make friends with the cariocas.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes for all. The city is great but the Consulate work environment is another story.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Live music, carnaval parade and the rehersals leading up to it, going to the beach, going sailing, going to nearby beach towns, theatre. There is always something going on and just hanging around at sidewalk cafes and watching the locals walk by is fun in and of itself.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Samba CDs.
9. Can you save money?
As the dollar got stronger towards the end of my time there, it may be now but not while I was there.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I'd return to Rio in a heartbeat but I'd NEVER work at the Consulate again.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Gringo reserve, idea that you live to work instead of work to live.
3. But don't forget your:
Partying spirit, joie de vivre, dancing shoes and sunscreen.
