Rio De Janeiro, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 11/13/09
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.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments, some very nice with mountain or ocean views, some less nice but still generally acceptable.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
About 50% more than in the U.S. There is a decent selection.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
With the current exchange rate, it's a bit pricey to go out. But the restaurants are quite good - lots of sushi and seafood.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Dengue Fever is a very serious problem causing many deaths each year.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
$500-600/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes. They are not cheap, but there are some really nice ones.
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?
Be careful, as there are many cases of accounts being liquidated.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Quite a lot. Not many Brazilians speak English. Even family members should do the full training.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are generally safe and cheaper than in the U.S. But they still cost more than in almost any other developing country at the current exchange rate.
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?
Buy a local Corolla or Civic and sell it for what you paid when you leave (due to the ability of diplomats to buy tax free).
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
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?
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Relatively casual
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate. The sea breeze helps a lot.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Rio is a dangerous place, no doubt, but you just have to be careful and give up what you have if targeted.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very hot and humid from Jan-March, otherwise extremely pleasant.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
This is a significant issue for anyone with school-age kids. EARJ has deteriorated dramatically in the past few years, so much so that anyone with kids at critical years should probably look elsewhere for a post. EARJ has got to be one of the weakest international American schools in the WHA region. it's in a highly dangerous location near a favela (DS has paid for bullet-proof windows), and its structures are an embarrassment.
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?
There are good preschools if you don't mind your child being spoken to in Portuguese (often an enriching experience). Price: 300-700 full-time.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes - soccer, swimming, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Most official Americans like it here. The big problem has been low calibre leadership in the front office. CGs have not ensured that the consulate is running at even a basic level of efficiency - from basics like having toilet paper in the bathrooms to HR issues like sending into retirement senile 70-something-year-old local employees in key positions. A textbook case of management failure from the top.
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?
Very good. Cariocas love to party.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes to all, but families should be careful about the school issue.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, very good.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes, but less than in many other countries.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beach, parks, forests, concerts. Rio's very outdoorsy but also has a very respectable cultural life.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
That is a bit tough with the present exchange rate.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I love the city, but inept post management and a poor American School would probably keep me away.
