easygoer1050
American expat in Brazil
Forum posts
58
Contacts
2
About me
American
Speaks English and some Portugese
Registration: 28 November 2023
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
@abthree Good Afternoon I just came back from Brazil.....and I did visit a ITAU branch...now..they said that my amount was correct and the account I signed up for has a 10R amount a month gets deducted since I am not using direct ... Read More
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
Good AfternoonI had an ITAU account set up last year (I finally had my CRNM card approved back then) and recently they took my money out and transferred it to a NU bank account (which I had as well)...I had never seen that before...I will be ... Read More
Cost of living in Brazil in 2026 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in Brazil, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Brazil or already living ...
@Roddie Simmons Nice story and thanks for sharing... 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 ...
Good morning.....I have 2 large dogs...100 and 80 pounds.(English Goldens)..always thinking about how to get them to Brazil for an extended time.... have looked into different ways but so far no goodMickey Read More
Moved to Brazil this year. Here's what I've learnt so far by Gabriel Otero
10 Things I Learned After Moving to BrazilAfter living eight years in Argentina, I finally made the move to Brazil. I had already spent long periods here before, plus some time in Spain, Mexico and a few other countries. But in 2025 we made the ...
@Gabriel OteroWow. that was a great recap. My wife ( from Rio) and I have spoken about moving to Brazil in future. We visit 2x a year. Her first family. Me for relaxation. I am 59- she is 52. I have a version of the American green card ... Read More
Opened Account with Banco Do Brazil. Do I Need to Inform? by roddiesho
Do I need to inform someone? This was in my EXPAT - E-MAIL. "Many expatriates still don't realize they must declare their foreign bank accounts to their home country's authorities. If you've moved to Brazil, Poland, or the UAE and opened bank ...
Good information for all! Read More
Expats: how do you stretch your Reals further? by Pablo888
Oct 27, 2025The Reals reached US$1 = R$6 briefly this year. FX watchers would have jumped on the opportunity to move more in R$.Now, how do you optimize what you keep in R$ versus in Euro or dollar? The typical aggressive bank interest rate or ETF ...
ABTHREEYes my wifes family is from Jacarapagua area....(not far from RECREIO) I have some friends from there too.... over the years here on this format..I was able to figure out some interesting items...I did finally open a NUBANK account as well ... Read More
Expats: how do you stretch your Reals further? by Pablo888
Oct 27, 2025The Reals reached US$1 = R$6 briefly this year. FX watchers would have jumped on the opportunity to move more in R$.Now, how do you optimize what you keep in R$ versus in Euro or dollar? The typical aggressive bank interest rate or ETF ...
@abthree Excellent response thanks for sharing....as I married my wife (From Rio) in NY and we moved to Florida years ago....over time I have becomes a CRNM holder but we have "talked" about spening more time in Brazil...but this is a perfect ... Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
@Viajanete Good afternoon (and happy Easter) I just came on here...I never received any message from you..could you try again?thanksmickey Read More
How to adapt to the expat challenges of everyday life in Brazil by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Adapting to everyday life as an expat in Brazil can be both exciting and overwhelming: different habits, systems, and sometimes even unexpected surprises! Simple things like paying bills, using public transport, or even greeting ...
Good morning. Al though I am not currently living every day in Brazil ( outside of vacation) I always do wonder how 鈥渄ay to day 鈥� life would be if NOT on vacation. This is an interesting topic. Mickey Read More
Still need some Help/advice---Banking by easygoer1050
Good afternoon all:I was wondering your thoughts on my situation. I am currently living in Florida Recently I received a CRNM cardand had wanted to open a bank account (for the possibility of obtaining a mortgage in the future) I also wanted to ...
@kolyaS122HSUKolyaGood Morning......excellent information..thanks for sharing Is that from ITAU bank or others?...Also can you really get 7% interest tax free?thanksmickey Read More
Still need some Help/advice---Banking by easygoer1050
Good afternoon all:I was wondering your thoughts on my situation. I am currently living in Florida Recently I received a CRNM cardand had wanted to open a bank account (for the possibility of obtaining a mortgage in the future) I also wanted to ...
@Pablo888 Thanks...Yeah I was trying to get this done in the US...but I guess in reality it is going to have to be in person..... I have all the documents but thought it could get done (without physically) being there......thanksMickey Read More
Still need some Help/advice---Banking by easygoer1050
Good afternoon all:I was wondering your thoughts on my situation. I am currently living in Florida Recently I received a CRNM cardand had wanted to open a bank account (for the possibility of obtaining a mortgage in the future) I also wanted to ...
@alan279Thanks...funny my wife's niece (who was a asst mng at ITAU) told me all I needed was a CPF..lol...went physically into the bank in May 2024...waited for 2 hours and was told..no....you need a CRNM......ok started the process---then thought ... Read More
Still need some Help/advice---Banking by easygoer1050
Good afternoon all:I was wondering your thoughts on my situation. I am currently living in Florida Recently I received a CRNM cardand had wanted to open a bank account (for the possibility of obtaining a mortgage in the future) I also wanted to ...
@bepmohtThanks,...that might be the case and hence why I am reaching out here....as I am sure someone has thought/Did what I am trying to do... Read More
Still need some Help/advice---Banking
Good afternoon all:I was wondering your thoughts on my situation. I am currently living in Florida Recently I received a CRNM cardand had wanted to open a bank account (for the possibility of obtaining a mortgage in the future) I also wanted to ... Read More
Trying to educate myself about Brazilian Tax Returns by bepmoht
I鈥檓 trying to learn the ins and outs of the Brazilian tax return process. In the USA a person can educate themselves by reading the many tax forms available online. For example, form 1040 which is a form commonly used has its accompanying ...
@Pablo888 Good questions since if I ever purchase an apartment---I might want to Air BNB- when not there.....and that would be obvious income generated...and how to properly do that (and not get in trouble) is importantMickey Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
ABTHREEThank you so much for this information (as well as for past inforamtion...last year as well) the biggest thing is what you wrote about this:once the PF issue your CRNM the assumption is that you live in Brazil wherever you physically are, ... Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
@Viajanete JanetHI can you share his name and info?....thanksMickey Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
Abthree-Thanks for the info.....no it was a tax/real estate lawyer from the Amorim office in Sao Paulo (Overall they have done a nice job...but this part of the firm is running quite high...BUT wanted to see feedback)....Yes my situation is a NEW ... Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
On a follow up today....I got a request from a Tax attorney that they want to do a "Tax Planning Analysis" on my sitaution since I received a new RNM card. Has anyone done this?....they want $1,500 (USD) for this a 2026 income tax declaration and ... Read More
US and Brazil Taxes Revisited by sjpetzold
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 ...
Wow very informative information here.....I just recently received my (CRNM) card...my 2 year residency (Similar to a US Green card)...My wife and I live in Florida but am wondering about living (part time--maybe more) in the future in Brazil. I ... Read More
Thoughts on Banks and a Update for my situation... by easygoer1050
To All:I do enjoy viewing the posts here from time to time. I am currently living here in Florida (Bradenton-retired) and have enjoyed going back and forth to visit Brazil (Rio) over the years. My wife (From Jacarapagua) and I got married years ago ...
So far THANKS for all the info ...I will have to discuss this with my tax attorney----I am on a pension here in the US (and make some side money via day trading---nothing so great that can put me in the HIGHER tier of banking it seems)...I never ... Read More
Thoughts on Banks and a Update for my situation... by easygoer1050
To All:I do enjoy viewing the posts here from time to time. I am currently living here in Florida (Bradenton-retired) and have enjoyed going back and forth to visit Brazil (Rio) over the years. My wife (From Jacarapagua) and I got married years ago ...
Thanks for the info---not sure if looking at an apartment or house in future.....what 3 banks do you like?Mickey Read More
Thoughts on Banks and a Update for my situation...
To All:I do enjoy viewing the posts here from time to time. I am currently living here in Florida (Bradenton-retired) and have enjoyed going back and forth to visit Brazil (Rio) over the years. My wife (From Jacarapagua) and I got married years ago ... 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 Hi if you keep your US licnse active you dont have to take a road test? Read More
looking for a bilingual immigration lawyer by Jughead Jones
Has anyone had experience with a bilingual immigration lawyer that they've found helpful? I just need a few questions about the naturalization process answered, and I'm looking for a consultation.
Ill agree with Ashley here.....I have used them a few times this year and have been dealing with Rafaela (through the office) for the past year. She has been very attentive with all paperwork and that is something I like. They are based out of Sao ... 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 ...
KatyHi I speak to Rafaela almost every day as we have been chit chatting for months....I received my Brazilian Visa last month (Still have to go to the Federal Policia in January when there) I have been utilizing thme for a few other ... Read More
Brazilian ID so I can get a bank account[B]thread removed from review by *HernameisRio*
Hi Everyone!I'm Katy, recently divorced digital nomad, North American born. Just bought a condo in Rio Brazil! Plan to snowbird hemispheres! My place is for rent now- right on the ocean 馃槈! Would love to rent to a safe person ad switch 6 ...
Katy-Hi Ihad made a thread about this awhile ago ( early this year) I have tried numerous options and the one I am currently working on is Family Reunion Visa)-- I had gotten a CPF with the hopes of opening an account in ITAU (amazingly my ... Read More
Required Documents for Residency Based on Family Reunion in Brazil. by abthree
Please note聽 that this English translation is for informational purposes only, and is neither authoritative nor definitive.聽 The authoritative document in Portuguese on which this translation is based can be accessed through the link at ...
Thanks for all the information provided After receiving a CRNM can you use the receipt to open up a bank account? or do you need the physical card? Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@jonesioOk thanks I will call and ask/see what they say Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@jonesioJonesio No disrespect about "sketchy"....but do they have online statements?..can you open with only a CPF?.......can you acquire a mortgage through them?...just curious to see if you know......can you speak to a customer service rep ... Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@rsrenfrewI will try and reach out tonight I have a travel visa only at this time..... Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@rsrenfrewHi thanks for adding..... I am 57 -wife is 51 ITAU told me flat out....I need a CRNM and a CPF (that I have) they really do not care about residence as I can use a family member their.... Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@abthreeYes The online is always an option but DEFINTELY sketchyMy wife does have an a bank ITAU but they wont add me unless a CRNM again (I was in a branch in Rio 2 weeks ago and after waiting that is what I was told) Funny being there ... Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ...
@abthreeThanks...Yes that is the problem---we are NOT living in Brazil for awhile...if ever------but still am looking at the possibility of opening a bank account---that is the possibility I am looking for.......Are there any banks in the US (that ... Read More
Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio
Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.聽 I currently live in聽 Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)聽 I ... Read More
Banking in Brazil while living in United States by easygoer1050
Hi All:Ok still enjoying all the topics on this site.....I finally was able to get my marriage certified in Brazil (Via the Orlando Embassy -which did a nice job)---I also was able to get my Visa for May--(that was a tad more cumblesome as they ...
Just an update went to IPTU today could not open account without a RNE should have remembered abtree thought about having my wife open and become a 2nd anyone have success with online banks or other traditional ones ? Read More
Need advice on How to Open a Bank Account in Brasil. by Mkp000888
Hi there,I am from London and need to understand how I can open a bank account in Brasil. I have a property here in Sergipe. I have British Nationality, and a family visa becuase my young son lives here with his mum. I travel here to see him ...
How can you get a CNRM? Read More
Being a landlord in Brazil and investing in Real Estate by john8670
On the federal and state level in Brazil do the laws heavily favor landlords or tenants? For example, in New Jersey and California it can be hell being a landlord when you get tenants that decide they aren't going to pay rent. They could end up ...
@sprealestatebrokerNice information to share.... Read More
Being a landlord in Brazil by john8670
How are the landlord tenant laws overall in Brazil? Do they tend to favor the landlord more or the tenant? Have you had any experience renting out single family homes or apartments? If so how did it work out for you? Did you ever have to evict ...
John this is a good topic...how is all? Read More
USA Immigration Attorney Recommendation in Brasil by jc94583
Hello fellow expats in Brasil,My step son who is Basilian lived with us in the USA for some 12 plus years and was a Green Card holder. When the family moved to Brasil in 2019 he made the decision not to become a US Citizen as he was determined not ...
JohnI had a similar story,,,,but most of the paperwork I did online myself...if you are living in the US now....you can apply for him no?...my step son was under 21 though at the time.... he eventually had to go do all his requirements via RIO ... Read More
Need advice on How to Open a Bank Account in Brasil. by Mkp000888
Hi there,I am from London and need to understand how I can open a bank account in Brasil. I have a property here in Sergipe. I have British Nationality, and a family visa becuase my young son lives here with his mum. I travel here to see him ...
Are any Brazil banks available to US residents? I have a CPF through my wife....and only really visit Brazil 1x a year..but wanted to get set up for possible more visits in the future while having a real bank--- what else would be needed? thanks Read More
Need advice on How to Open a Bank Account in Brasil. by Mkp000888
Hi there,I am from London and need to understand how I can open a bank account in Brasil. I have a property here in Sergipe. I have British Nationality, and a family visa becuase my young son lives here with his mum. I travel here to see him ...
what is ITI? Can you use ITAU? Read More
How to Apply for CPF by Pablo888
The process to apply for via e-consular (https://ec-saofrancisco.itamaraty.gov.br/) is very straight forward.I have submitted everything and the next step is to get an email before I can book an appointment to the consulate.My challenge is that the ...
Yes I just got my CPF.....(through Orlando) the whats ap they responded to any question I had. )I asked that as well as my paperwork was done and notarized in late December....BUT then did not go for my appointment until Feb 20 (because of some ... Read More
Banking in Brazil while living in United States by easygoer1050
Hi All:Ok still enjoying all the topics on this site.....I finally was able to get my marriage certified in Brazil (Via the Orlando Embassy -which did a nice job)---I also was able to get my Visa for May--(that was a tad more cumblesome as they ...
@abthreeYes they gave us paperwork that has to be submitted to a Cartorio when she is there----the Orlando office was pretty explicit with their directions.... Read More
Banking in Brazil while living in United States by easygoer1050
Hi All:Ok still enjoying all the topics on this site.....I finally was able to get my marriage certified in Brazil (Via the Orlando Embassy -which did a nice job)---I also was able to get my Visa for May--(that was a tad more cumblesome as they ...
@Peter Itamaracais it easy to get one out of Brazil? Read More
Banking in Brazil while living in United States by easygoer1050
Hi All:Ok still enjoying all the topics on this site.....I finally was able to get my marriage certified in Brazil (Via the Orlando Embassy -which did a nice job)---I also was able to get my Visa for May--(that was a tad more cumblesome as they ...
@CanforbraThanks....but what if no residency there?.....you cant get an account without that?.....I see ITAU has online banking---was hoping it could be done that way... Read More
Banking in Brazil while living in United States
Hi All:Ok still enjoying all the topics on this site.....I finally was able to get my marriage certified in Brazil (Via the Orlando Embassy -which did a nice job)---I also was able to get my Visa for May--(that was a tad more cumblesome as they ... Read More
Valentines day by Canforbra
Does anyone else do this. Today in North America is valentine's day. So I give my wife two days. One in February and the other in June.
Yes we celebrate both..lol Read More
Is it worth getting a CPF? by easygoer1050
Good Morning all this site has been very informative.I am married to a Brazilian (we are married for 6 years and currently live in Florida) My wife became a US Citizen a few years ago) I am in the process of registering our marriage in Brazil and ...
@abthreeThanks....She never asked (nor did I know) when we were living in NY---now in Florida it is a lot further away..but slowly getting it done.... Read More
Is it worth getting a CPF?
Good Morning all this site has been very informative.I am married to a Brazilian (we are married for 6 years and currently live in Florida) My wife became a US Citizen a few years ago) I am in the process of registering our marriage in Brazil and ... Read More
Bank account for non residents by Kat2202
Hi all,I really need insight. We sold a property and the proceeds were deposited into a joint Caixa Economica Savings account. I want to transfer my share of the money into an account in my name, but since I am not currently in Brazil, I am unable ...
What is RNM? Read More
Sending Money from USA to Brazil by roy_usa_2023
Hello,1) For folks from USA citizens, if you are sending money to a significant other in Brazil as an American citizen in a large amount over 20,000 USD is there a suggested way to send this money - by Wize or bank transfer or Western Union or ...
Isnt it just better to become a citizen?....I am trying that now but taking forever.... My wife is Brazilian and we got married in NY...live in Florida......but want to have options for the future... Read More
Rambling thoughts after 6 months away from Rio by GuestPoster376
This might be a bit of a long post, so, I鈥檒l try to organize it as best as I can. Been away from Brasil for 6 months, and just came back Friday from a 6 week trip there getting prepped for the final move in August. Thought it might be ...
Nice informative post..thanks Read More
Are US pensions taxed in Brazil? by Randy G
Hi, I am a US citizen. If I decide to move permanently to Brazil and become a tax resident using a Golden Passport real estate purchase, how will the Brazilian Government tax my 401k/IRA withdrawls while I am living there? What rate will it be ...
That is an interesting topic worth folling for the future... Read More
U.S. Social Security Form 7162 by alan279
Bom dia. Does Form 7162 have to be mailed to Pennsylvania, or is there a way to file it online?
@abthreeI think that is GREAT advice.....thought about that as well for the possible future of spending time there... Read More
Registering a foreign marriage in Brazil by ezriderandre
I am an American citizen, and I plan to marry a Brazilian citizen. The wedding will take place in the USA or a Caribbean island. We will reside in the USA and only visit Brazil for short periods of time. My fianc茅 will eventually apply for U.S. ...
Thank you forall the information that was great so i would need to get my marriage certificate translated to Portuguese then submit it to a local ( maybe Orlando) consulate? Read More
Registering a foreign marriage in Brazil by ezriderandre
I am an American citizen, and I plan to marry a Brazilian citizen. The wedding will take place in the USA or a Caribbean island. We will reside in the USA and only visit Brazil for short periods of time. My fianc茅 will eventually apply for U.S. ...
@abthreeLots on interesting info you gave......nice job......I have a question...My wife is from Brazil and I am an American....we got married in NY in 2018 she got all her paperwork and is an American citizen now....we moved to Florida 2.5 years ... Read More