sjpetzold
American looking for information about Brazil
Forum posts
64
About me
American
Registration: 06 October 2021
Simple Question - Are US Social Security funds taxed in Brazil? by bepmoht
I searched the forum for this but only found a post which was discussing pension disbursements. I鈥檇 like to know only about my monthly social security deposit I get from Uncle Sam.聽 Are these monies taxable or not in Brazil?Thanks in ...
@bepmoht My understanding is that if you are a resident or tax resident in Brazil, they are taxable. In fact, I was told I would need to pay taxes monthly on all US income, and you can鈥檛 wait until the end of the year because penalties will be ... Read More
Has anyone given up their residence visa for another type?
I know this topic has been covered a lot but I think a lot of the posts may be outdated. For personal reasons, I am considering giving up my residence visa and getting a different type, like the Family Reunion (Vitem XI) or Retirement (Vitem XIV). ... Read More
Simple Question - Are US Social Security funds taxed in Brazil? by bepmoht
I searched the forum for this but only found a post which was discussing pension disbursements. I鈥檇 like to know only about my monthly social security deposit I get from Uncle Sam.聽 Are these monies taxable or not in Brazil?Thanks in ...
Opinions please: Hypothetically, if a person has Social Security income, pension income and income from property rentals in the US, would this person have to declare income from all of these sources? Also, is there a maximum amount of USD one can ... Read More
When can you own property in Brazil? by roddiesho
I just received the "advantages of citizenship" article. Can you own property aka the house I live in that is on my wife's property as a Brazilian Permanent Resident?Roddie in Retirement馃槑
Out of curiosity, didn鈥檛 you already get married in Brazil? If your marriage license is in the US, it鈥檚 really easy to get your marriage registered in Brazil Read More
Federal police visit residency by marriage by Llfire838
I was wondering do they still visit your house after you get residency by marriage I was going back to USA and work for little bit while I sell of my stuff like my car
@Llfire838i haven鈥檛 heard about that. I got my resident visa several years ago and they didn鈥檛 visit my wife and I at home Read More
You Are Deported! by roddiesho
Ok, so the "D" word can be scary, especially if you are living in another country. I happened to be watching 911 Lone Star where the character was in the USA legally but was about to be deported because he unintentially hit a police officer.Even if ...
@Pablo888 Your comment 鈥淚 think that illegals would most likely contribute to the criminal element 鈥� is a huge part of the problem in the US right now. The avenue to citizenship there has been made so difficult and so costly that most ... Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited
I鈥檓 sorry to bring this up again, but with tax season upon us, wise expats鈥� thoughts turn to the complexities of dual taxes. My wife and I are both US citizens filing jointly in the US. She is also a Brazil citizen while I have a ... Read More
Noisy neighboring pitbulls by mberigan
So for the last 8+ months out neighbor on the other side of the wall (muro) has been raising pitbulls. These guys keep barking day & night and the lady doesn't have a clue as to how to train them (they're spoiled) and believes that I shouldn't ...
What a drag! I feel for you! We have a neighbor with three mixed but primarily GSD, one of which is out all night and barks all night. In sequences of 5. And there is really no reason for it, so I have to disagree that dogs always need a reason. The ... Read More
What Were You Happy For in 2024! by roddiesho
Before we start the New Years Resolutions for 2025, please share with us what resolutions and events made you happy in 2024!For me it is very easy. This time last year I was cautiously asking my wife if she had heard from our well-paid Immigration ...
@roddieshoGlad things worked out for you! Congrats! Read More
Western Union by Gabriele Valloreia
HelloI am travelling to Rio de Janeiro next month. Do you think Western Union is the best option to withdraw some cash ? Do you have any feedback / experience ?CheersGabriel
@Gabriele Valloreiai will never use WU only because of their continued reputation for not caring that their system is often used for international internet scams. But if you don鈥檛 have a Brazil bank account, your options are probably limited. Read More
Requirements for A Brazilian Drivers License by roddiesho
Specifically, how much Portuguese do you need to know in order to get the license?Roddie in Retirement馃暤
@abthree My understanding is the test is much changed since you took it! Read More
Requirements for A Brazilian Drivers License by roddiesho
Specifically, how much Portuguese do you need to know in order to get the license?Roddie in Retirement馃暤
@roddieshoIf you still have a US drivers license (or one from somewhere else), you may just be able to get a Brazilian one without going through the whole testing process, and depending on how long you鈥檝e been here. Read More
Requirements for A Brazilian Drivers License by roddiesho
Specifically, how much Portuguese do you need to know in order to get the license?Roddie in Retirement馃暤
@sjpetzoldIronically, three days after we passed our tests and paid for our licenses, we were pulled over at a random roadblock. I was driving and had some worried moments. My wife navigated through the explanation and they recorded my DL info. ... Read More
Requirements for A Brazilian Drivers License by roddiesho
Specifically, how much Portuguese do you need to know in order to get the license?Roddie in Retirement馃暤
@roddiesho My wife and I both have Wisconsin drivers licenses and we went to DETRAN in Campos do Jord茫o to apply for Brazilian ones about 2 weeks ago. I speak very limited Portuguese so she had to translate for me. At DETRAN, they just took ... Read More
How to sale a property in Brasil without a bank account in Brazil by Aleit
Good evening, I'm in Italian and I'm currently in Brasil trying to sale some properties that my family received from an inheritance from a family member that lived in brasil for over 40 years. Neither myself or any other family member lives ...
@Peter Itamaraca When I make transfers to Brazil from my US account into my Brazil account, doesn鈥檛 Brazil note the income? Are all these people failing to declare money they transfer into Brazil? Read More
how difficult is legally owning a firearm in brazil for an expat. by sortitoot
I was reading about it somewhere, i would need to have had citizenship or something for 4 years if memory serves. cant find the legislation now. but how feasible is it do you think?
@Xpat-Forever It鈥檚 so funny you say that people walk the streets in fear due to the gun control here. As an 鈥渆lderly鈥� retired police officer and detective, I dealt with the consequences of the US gun obsession every day. I feel ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2024 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Brazil forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
Welcome to the newcomers!Ive been on this site for a couple of years now and there is a lot of good info here.My wife (Brazilian) and I moved to Campos Do Jordao with our dog and cats a this past August and I find there are few people that speak ... Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
I finally figured out a way to bring my dog (98 lb Giant Schnauzer) to Brazil, but it was difficult, expensive and hard on him. i drove him from Madison WI to Miami where i met up with a pet relocation specialist who had booked him in cargo on a ... Read More
How can a retired California expat avoid state taxes by Robert60
Soon I'll be leaving California retiring to Brazil and want to stop paying state taxes. Is the only way to do so is cutting all ties to the state and establishing a domicile in a tax free state which is time consuming? Robert
@abthreeAnd if you still use Wise, does it always take days before your transfer goes through? Read More
How can a retired California expat avoid state taxes by Robert60
Soon I'll be leaving California retiring to Brazil and want to stop paying state taxes. Is the only way to do so is cutting all ties to the state and establishing a domicile in a tax free state which is time consuming? Robert
@abthreeso how do you transfer funds now? Read More
Brazil new Tax law for 2024 for resident and Citizens by NewBrazil
This just was signed into law in 2024 Brazil government created a new tax. This applies to crypto, dividends from investments funds, platform , real estate and Trust. This applies to anything made outside the country at 15% tax this for both ...
@abthreeI am unclear what you mean by the "policy of the RF to avoid double taxation". Do you mean taxation of income in both US and Brazil, as in US taxes Brazil income which has already been taxed in Brazil and vice versa? Read More
This is why you never buy a beachfront home or plot in Brazil by sprealestatebroker
The link below is an online article published by the Globo ( same as the one who owns a broadcasting and newsprint concern ) on its online format.In short, some wealthy folks built beachfront properties razing over native coastal vegetation , and ...
@sprealestatebrokerInteresting info! And good for the MPF!! Greedy people building at the expense of the entire country and the environment make my blood boil! Brazil can be both a world power and an environmental leader with application of the ... Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
@sprealestatebrokerProb IS money to be made, but I'm not interested in it! I want a relaxing retirement! Read More
How can a retired California expat avoid state taxes by Robert60
Soon I'll be leaving California retiring to Brazil and want to stop paying state taxes. Is the only way to do so is cutting all ties to the state and establishing a domicile in a tax free state which is time consuming? Robert
@Robert60Just wondering how you have been transferring $ into your account. I assume it's an account in Brazil? I have been using Wise and Remitly but suddenly, Remitly told me i have to scan and send all these forms and info for my most recent ... Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
@sprealestatebrokerhow in the world would i find such a thing?? Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
@abthreeThanks! I鈥檒l check into it! Read More
Moving personal items to Brazil by madrac
I recently got my permanent resident card based on Vitem XI (family reunion). I know I have 180 days to bring my possessions to Brazil to avoid customs duty. I do have a couple of questions:Can I make multiple trips in/out of Brazil to bring items ...
@ibdegenout of curiosity, how large is a 鈥漜amp trunk鈥�? Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
@roddieshooh no! once i get him here hes not going back!! Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil??? by sjpetzold
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ...
@roddieshothanks! I only wish my dog was as small as Simba. That would make transport really easy. But he鈥檚 big. i cant believe there arent plenty of airlines that transport large animals, bit there really dont seem to be. id try to get him ... Read More
98 lb dog to Brazil???
I am trying to move my 98 lb Giant Schnauzer to Brazil and it is becoming a nightmare! He needs such a large crate (700 size with possible extension) that most airlines that still move pets can鈥檛 move him due to the size. The only options that ... Read More
United States Social Security Administration by alan279
Why are they sending me snail mail?Yes, I know that my SS stipend increased by 3.2%. I already received the increase.Fortunately they are continuing to pay me. I was afraid that they might think me dead.Who would design a payment system dependent on ...
Can you have social security payments deposited directly into a Brazil bank account? If you do that, arent you at the mercy of whatever exchange rate the bank decides to give you? Do you make out better if you use Wise or another transfer service ... Read More
Living amongst Marmoset Monkeys by john8670
During a visit to Porto De Galinhas two years ago, I observed that the local marmoset monkeys were particularly active at night and in the early morning hours. They frequently ran across the roofs of resort rooms, engaging in constant chirping. ...
@john8670YES! The very first time I saw them in real life was at GRU. Sadly, I havent seen them there in my most recent trips. Read More
Altitude and Elevation in Brazil by abthree
12/13/23 We were in Bras铆lia this past weekend. We both got headaches, and it took us a while to realize that it was probably the altitude. When people think about altitude in South America they rightly think of the distant Andes, but the ...
@sprealestatebrokerThanks for the link to that beautiful area! Our home is up the mountains from Campos but I really don't notice altitude problems. It is pricy and getting more so though! Read More
Right to shipping container? by rnbtg
I heard once you establish residency you have a right to one shipping container to move your stuff. Any help with the rules on that? Are some things barred? I鈥檇 like to bring my stuff and gardening things, maybe agricultural drone and small ...
@EricPau COuld you please provide the name of the shipping company you used and the approx cost for everything? And you didn't take furniture but did take lamps and plumbing fixtures? What did you find occupied most of the container and how many ... Read More
Brazil to Require Tourist Visas for Some Visa Waiver Countries by abthree
*ETA* 08/30/23 Per an update on the Consulate General of Brazil website on 08/26/23, the implementation date for this change has been postponed to January 10, 2024.03/24/23聽The following notice began to be posted on the websites of Brazilian ...
Bolsonaro did away with the need for US citizens to have visas as a way of toadying up to Trump. trump didn鈥檛 reciprocate the favor though, and Brazilians have always had to have visas. Just setting the playing field back to even. Read More
Safety in Paraty area by dianagrasselli
I have never traveled to Brazil before and I read so much about safety being an issue. How much of an issue is it really for life in the region? Thank you! Diana
@dianagrasselli I have been to Brazil several times but always with my wife who is Brazilian and a very good guide. I think it really depends on where you are and who you are with. If you are talking specifically about Paraty, we went there last ... Read More
Divorce document Certid茫o de Senten莽a or Senten莽a de Div贸rcio issues by seinfo3
I am being told that I need to provide my wife's former divorce document to USCIS for green card application. However, I am having trouble finding anyone that understands the documents required by the US government. The Cartorio say that the ...
@seinfo3 our experience was in December 2020 Read More
Divorce document Certid茫o de Senten莽a or Senten莽a de Div贸rcio issues by seinfo3
I am being told that I need to provide my wife's former divorce document to USCIS for green card application. However, I am having trouble finding anyone that understands the documents required by the US government. The Cartorio say that the ...
@seinfo3 My wife and I went through the process in 2020 and retained a lawyer here in the US so we were sure we did it right. My wife is also divorced and we provided her Certid茫o de Casamento along with translation.. Read More
Is COVID test to enter Brazil 24 hours or 1 calendar day? by sakabaro
Hi,I've been reading contradictory things online.I wasn't able to get fully COVID vaccinated (I was admitted to the hospital). So, I am taking an antigen test. Should the test taken 24 hours or 1 calendar day (so doesn't matter the time) prior to ...
@rraypo I wasn鈥檛 trying to start a debate. Wasn鈥檛 sure how aware the writer was of how available they are and it would be a quick fix Read More
Is COVID test to enter Brazil 24 hours or 1 calendar day? by sakabaro
Hi,I've been reading contradictory things online.I wasn't able to get fully COVID vaccinated (I was admitted to the hospital). So, I am taking an antigen test. Should the test taken 24 hours or 1 calendar day (so doesn't matter the time) prior to ...
Or why not just get a quick vaccine before you go, just to be on the safe side, Then you have the documents to show. Read More
Is COVID test to enter Brazil 24 hours or 1 calendar day? by sakabaro
Hi,I've been reading contradictory things online.I wasn't able to get fully COVID vaccinated (I was admitted to the hospital). So, I am taking an antigen test. Should the test taken 24 hours or 1 calendar day (so doesn't matter the time) prior to ...
Pretty sure it鈥檚 not required any more Read More
Dual citizenship for Brazilian? by sjpetzold
I am married to a Brazilian and she has had her US green card for 4 years now so coming up on her eligibility for US citizenship. Do any of you know if she can maintain her citizenship in both countries? Our plan was to try and live between US and ...
That will be the situation with me, but it may be a little different for native Brazilians who want to maintain their Brazilian citizenship while also getting a US citizenship. Read More
Dual citizenship for Brazilian? by sjpetzold
I am married to a Brazilian and she has had her US green card for 4 years now so coming up on her eligibility for US citizenship. Do any of you know if she can maintain her citizenship in both countries? Our plan was to try and live between US and ...
Thanks so much for the information. We were concerned she would lose her Brazilian citizenship if she became a US citizen. We both understand the problem is not with the US but in Brazil. I take this info to mean that she may have reduced ... Read More
Dual citizenship for Brazilian?
I am married to a Brazilian and she has had her US green card for 4 years now so coming up on her eligibility for US citizenship. Do any of you know if she can maintain her citizenship in both countries? Our plan was to try and live between US and ... Read More
Visa doubts by Guest8762
Hi my name is Mikenzi. I need some serious help. We鈥檝e been looking everywhere and honestly the Atlanta consulate for Brazil hasn鈥檛 been helpful at all.I am trying to return with my husband to Brazil February 6, 2023. He is Brazilian and ...
@Eunylson Lopes I don鈥檛 think you need a visa to travel to Brazil any more from the US. To make matters easier, get your marriage certificate in both countries. Read More
US Health Coverage for my Wife by sjpetzold
Hello everyone. I have to think someone else on this page has come across this situation. Please weigh in if you have any thoughts:My Brazilian wife has her US Green Card and maintains all her health insurance in Brazil due to the cost and ...
Thanks for your thoughts on this. We have looked into affordable care plans but the least costly of these is still around $300+ per month which we kind of feel is a little much since she has such good coverage in Brazil. We are now looking into ... Read More
Communication in Portuguese - Stranger in a Strange Land by amsp
I am an American living in Sao Paulo since 2019. I speak some Portuguese and understand more. I've taken several Portuguese classes and currently take 3 hours of private lessons a week. I'm really trying to improve. I own my own business ...
@abthree You make some really good points here. My wife is Brazilian and I am American with the barest semblance of Portuguese and similar quantity of knowledge of Brazilian social codes. Fortunately, my wife is very helpful in discussing social ... Read More
US Health Coverage for my Wife
Hello everyone. I have to think someone else on this page has come across this situation. Please weigh in if you have any thoughts:My Brazilian wife has her US Green Card and maintains all her health insurance in Brazil due to the cost and ... Read More
Divorce Brazil by pug051423
Hello,I would like to ask for some general advice for my current situation...I had married a Brazilian woman in 2017, but I never apply any CRNM / RNE and every time just stay less than 6 months in Brazil with tourist visa. The reason is that from ...
If you don't have an RNE or CPF or a bank account, you certainly can't get a loan from a Brazilian bank so the apartment is likely only in your wife's name. If it's only in her name, you could maybe go after her for your share, but why bother on ... Read More
General Political Climate in Brazil by 56tbourne
Now that the elections are over, was wondering what the general political tone in Brazil is now that Lula was elected. Will it have an effect on expats or laws? I know that Brazil is divided like it is in the US. It has always been a very ...
@56tbourne I am interested in moving back to Brazil with my Brazilian wife, so we have been watching the politics fairly closely. My personal feeling as an American, is that I want the best for the people in the country into which I might move. What ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Brazil by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Brazil (cultural adaptation, ...
This is a great topic for conversation. I plan a move with my wife to Campos do Jordao Brazil in the next couple of years. While i am trying to learn the language, it is just not coming easily to me. I hope to have much more familiarity when I move, ... Read More
Breaking Lease in Brazil by identikal
It would be great if someone who knows the laws regarding apartment rentals in Brazil could give me some advice. I was just let go at my job and I need to give up my place this month and move back to the states. My rent is due on the 5th, but i'm ...
@abthree OK. I'll check dates in the future. Read More
Breaking Lease in Brazil by identikal
It would be great if someone who knows the laws regarding apartment rentals in Brazil could give me some advice. I was just let go at my job and I need to give up my place this month and move back to the states. My rent is due on the 5th, but i'm ...
@Texanbrazil How weird. WHy would that pop up now? I presume he got out of his lease... :) Read More
Breaking Lease in Brazil by identikal
It would be great if someone who knows the laws regarding apartment rentals in Brazil could give me some advice. I was just let go at my job and I need to give up my place this month and move back to the states. My rent is due on the 5th, but i'm ...
@usmc_mv If your wife is Brazilian, you are really screwing her by doing what you are doing. All defaults will come back on her (and her CPF and all that's attached to it, which is basically everything) and you are screwing your landlord as well. ... Read More
Driving and Renting a car in Brazil by jasonlovesdogs
Does anyone know of any options for renting a car for the long term in Brazil (at least a month, maybe many months)? I could get a rental at the airport from US car rental agencies but that's very expensive.聽Also I saw that a US license is ...
@abthree聽You can add on insurance which I did once when I rented for 5 weeks. Needed it too, because someone hit the back of the car leaving a dent in the trunk and didnt stay around to claim credit. I will say that we had to spend two days of ... Read More
Driving and Renting a car in Brazil by jasonlovesdogs
Does anyone know of any options for renting a car for the long term in Brazil (at least a month, maybe many months)? I could get a rental at the airport from US car rental agencies but that's very expensive.聽Also I saw that a US license is ...
@jasonlovesdogs聽I always rent from Localiza. Convenient ride on their bus from the airport and rates are cheaper if you rent for a month or longer. Read More
Maintaining US phone while in Brazil by rnbtg
Does anyone have a solution for texts and using a us cell phone while in Brazil? I ported to google voice but can鈥檛 receive or make calls for some reason. Lots of banks and stuff use your phone number. I鈥檝e found some work around via ...
@abthree聽Thanks so much, Very helpful! Read More
Maintaining US phone while in Brazil by rnbtg
Does anyone have a solution for texts and using a us cell phone while in Brazil? I ported to google voice but can鈥檛 receive or make calls for some reason. Lots of banks and stuff use your phone number. I鈥檝e found some work around via ...
So you can use the same phone and just switch out the sim cards? I wondered about that because I'd like to get a newer iphone and use it both places. Thanks!Sara Read More
Getting residency in Brasil with criminal record by Guest987526
I鈥檓 a Canadian citizen in Brasil getting married and wondering if my criminal record will get in the way of getting permanent residency here in Brasil聽
Before I gained residency, I had to have an FBI check done that demonstrated my clear criminal history, Depending on your crime(s), you may or may not have a problem, but they do require a check. ANd I was legally married in both Brazil and the US ... Read More
how difficult is legally owning a firearm in brazil for an expat. by sortitoot
I was reading about it somewhere, i would need to have had citizenship or something for 4 years if memory serves. cant find the legislation now. but how feasible is it do you think?
I am a retired Madison Wisconsin police detective planning to move to Brazil at some point with my wife. I have guns here in the US because I used them for work, but I would never even consider trying to take one to Brazil. Gun violence has become ... Read More
Money transfer to Brazil. Opinions are welcome by GringoLouco
I have a euro account and plan to have a wedding party in Brazil, in 2022. I asked my local bank to convert 10 000 euros to reais, because the pandemic weakened the real a lot. It would make the wedding more affordable. But my bank doesn't do ...
@sean_seattle I have done direct transfers from my bank and have also used Wise for transfers. I usually use Wise, even for the purchase of property including a home in Campos do Jordao. You know exactly what the exchange rate is with Wise, and I ... Read More
Overstayed Tourist Visa for 504 Days, Looking for Answers by KillyRedd
Hey all, just want some clarification about overstaying a Tourist Visa. I've read a ton of posts on this forum, but many of them are older. Here's my timeline to get a better understanding of my situation: - Entered Brazil Feb 6, 2019 - ...
First of all, I can understand a week or two, but 504 days? C'mon man. That's ridiculous. On a more constructive note however, Brazil doesn't require Visas from people from the US any more so you may have some wiggle room. Just go into ... Read More
Moving with Pets by movingtobrazil
I need a good ( and Not super expensive) company that will handle international trips for pets. We are moving to Brazil, and our 4 dogs and 1 cat are coming with us. Does anyone here know a trustworthy international pet transport service?
Hi there. I am interested in your experiences in moving pets.could you please share what you eventually decide to do and how you make the move? I will not be moving there immediately but possibly withing two years. I have a 100 lb dog and we have 3 ... Read More