bob
@elcamino1965
American expat in Brazil
Forum posts
57
Contacts
6
About me
American
Lives in sou francisco de itabuana
Speaks english
Registration: 29 April 2013
Best cities for retirement in Brazil by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into Brazil for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in Brazil? Why ...
I have retired here in Brazil. It has been good. The people treat me well. The money exchange has been good. I've been here ten years. I am raising goats and chickens. Know one here speaks English. I speak some Portuguese. My wife is ... Read More
Americana moving to BR by miahpapaya
Hi. I currently reside in Austin, TX (I'm a US citizen). I visited Salvador, Bahia for a month in April to train capoeira (I am with a group in the US) and to learn about culture. I am going to Salvador again on August 10, and I have applied ...
I always fly with Delta. They let you bring two suitcases. Read More
The pet culture in Brazil by Priscilla
Hey everyone, Pets are an integral part of a lot of families. So much so that they would never consider moving abroad without them. Before doing so, it would be important to know the pet culture in Brazil just to make sure that their little ...
I brought my poodle from America and it worked out for me. He has since passed. Where I lived in the U.S. we did not have flees and ticks. In Brazil I have found that where I live they are a big problem. My dog had a constant problem. The ticks ... Read More
Holiday food in Brazil
Have you tried roasted goat? It is a favorite dish here for the holidays. Read More
Transfer large amount to Brazil by Marouane.Hamdi
Hello everyone, A friend a mine Just asking how to transfer a large amount of money(50 K $) from Saudi Arabia Bank to Brazil? BTW my friend was workig in KSA and he has Permanent residence in Brazil. Any tax required? Thanks
It could take more than a month to get use of the money. The exchange rate will be lower than if you were to use Visa withdrawals. With Visa you wont have to wait. Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Brazil
I use Skype and messanger. Messanger is free. Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
If you used a visa card can you call visa and explain the problem? Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
This happens to me often. I just contact my bank and they refund my money. Then they do an investigation. I have had this happen at the bank of Brazil and Bradesco several times. It never did me any good to talk with the bank's here. Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
I've had the same problem that your having. I tried to figure out. I thought that when the armored car guards loaded the money into ATM that they did something that caused this problem. I know that is weird but the problem cleared after about ... Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
The strangest thing happened today. Two of my three debit cards started working today. Two weeks ago I could not get them to work at the Bank of Brazil or at Bradesco. I had called my bank in the US. They told me that the cards were not blocked. ... Read More
Cost of living in Brazil - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Brazil, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
My satalite TV is $156: My electricy is $100 to $300. My doctor is free. My specialist is $100. To license the car is $900. I spend about $1100 or more at the grocery store. The internet is $ 60. I can eat out for $ 15 to $ 75. The figures ... Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
I called the card issuer two or three times. No luck Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
I just read on trip advisor that all debit card in Brazil have been frozen. Go to bredesco problems with ATM Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
You my not be having problems yet but it might be coming. Let us know if you do. Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
Travel64 please let me know if you find an answer to this problem. I am going to the States to get new cards soon. My retirement goes to my bank. It will hard to change accounts. The Bank of Brazil likes to take your request for money, charge ... Read More
Anyone else having problems using Debit Cards at POS? by travelr64
I have nos problems using my U.S. issued debit cards at the ATMs. Of course all the ATMs I can find in this part of Brazil are owned by Banco do Brasil, and they charge R$24 for each withdrawal and have a limit of R$1,000 per transaction. When I ...
I have three cards that stopped working last week. Some thing is going on that is very strange. How are we suppose to pay are bills and buy food? I can see one card wearing out. It is another thing when three cards die at the same time. I think ... Read More
The holiday season in Brazil
In the USA you hear Christmas music six weeks before and a week after this holiday. After hearing this music each year, for seventy years, it is refreshing not to hear it. Christmas in the US has been fun at times. It has also been a time of ... Read More
Sports in Brazil
I like the boxing. I'd really like to be there. I'm in the U.S. today. I am trying to get back to Brazil. The airfare has doubled. I need to wait until it drops back down. Read More
money transfer to brazil
I wired some money from my bank, to a bank in Brazil. The central bank will keep a small amount. It took me over a month to see my money. If you get two Visa Cards, you can withdraw $1600 riese a day, at the currant exchange rate. Read More
Essentials to live in Brazil by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Brazil, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Brazil? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
My wife and I have been bring our stuff by plane. Delta allows you two 70# boxes at no charge and then you can pay about $100 a box for two more boxes. That is eight 70 # boxes. The rest of our stuff is in storage. We go home twice a year and ... Read More
Essentials to live in Brazil by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Brazil, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Brazil? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
I always bring peanut butter, maple syrup, licorage, and Mexican fried beans. Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Brazil by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Brazil? To help you meet people and find outings in Brazil, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Brazil: you can now follow what聮s going ...
My wife and I have our tickets for Macae tomorrow. We'll be the at 1330. Is there a bus to the beach or should we take a taxi? Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Brazil by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Brazil? To help you meet people and find outings in Brazil, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Brazil: you can now follow what聮s going ...
Where is Rio dos Ostros? Is it near Macae? I need a few directions. Thanks. Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Brazil by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Brazil? To help you meet people and find outings in Brazil, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Brazil: you can now follow what聮s going ...
Which beach? I would love to meet everyone. Do you know about Internations? They are getting together also. Bob Read More
Making phone calls in Brazil by Maximilien
Hi, When settling in Brazil, one of the priorities is to be able to make phone calls. How to proceed to get a landline installed in Brazil? What are the mobile operators? What is your average monthly budget? Thank you in advance for ...
I use Skype. I can make local and international calls. It is very inexpensive. It has saved me a lot of money and problems with phone service here. Read More
Writing a paper on the daily life in Brazil HELP ME PLEASE by ldhampton
I am currently a college student and I have choose the Beautiful country of brazil. i have to do a public speech for 4-5 minutes on the Daily life in BRAZIL. If anyone would like to comment and help me out it would be great! Thanks
Most people start the day by going to the bakery to buy rolls. Rolls like small French bread. Then you ride your bike or motorcycle to work or catch van or bus. I road a bus in Rio once that swayed to the right then to the left then bounced up ... Read More
Bathroom DOs and DON'Ts in Brazil by James
[img align=c]http://www.instantsign.com/i/1day/REST_MAN_WOMEN.jpg[/img] Well, this is sort of a delicate (but very essential) subject that somehow I've overlooked for quite some time, so here goes... 1. DON'T flush toilet paper, throw it ...
Do be prepared to use a toilet that doesn't have a seat. More than half of the toilets don't have seats. Soap is hard to find at a lot of places. Do be prepared to find that the locks don't work. Read More
What do you like the most in Brazil? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Brazil? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Brazil and the reason why you enjoy your ...
I love it where I am. Compos dos Goytacasa, Sao Fransisco de Itabauana. Traffic is great. Zoning people are not climbing all over you. The weather is wonderful. Most people are caring. Property prices are fair. I can have cows, turkey's, ... Read More
buying a cheap house or cheap land in Brazil by people.partysa
hi, I understand many things about brazil, tell me about buying a cheap house or cheap land which can be around 10 000 to 20 000 Brazilian money, can you get such houses or land to build, if not how much a cheap house can it cost?
Where I live in the state of Rio Da Janiero, County of Sao Fransico de Itabapoana, and city of Santa Clara you can buy lots for $14000 R. A small beach house could be about $20,000 R. The house would be built with your help. Read More
buying a cheap house or cheap land in Brazil by people.partysa
hi, I understand many things about brazil, tell me about buying a cheap house or cheap land which can be around 10 000 to 20 000 Brazilian money, can you get such houses or land to build, if not how much a cheap house can it cost?
Where I live in the state of Rio, County of Sao Fransico de Itabapoana, and city of Santa Clara you can buy lots for $14000 R. A small beach house could be about $20,000 R. The house would be built with your help. Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Brazil by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Brazil. What is ...
James you must go to better restaurants than I do. I have yet to see the kind of fesuata that you have described. In America Tucanoes Brazilian Restaurant has this, In my area in Brazil you are lucky if they put an old shoe in the beans. Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Brazil by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Brazil. What is ...
Almost every restaurant here serves black beans and white rice. Sometimes the beans have pieces of pork in them. The beans with pork is called fesuada. The pork is usually a piece or two of fat an inch thick. This seems do be very unhealthy. I ... Read More
English Speaking Church by BPORT
I have been living in Campos for the last 3 months and will soon be bringing my family here to live for the next 3 years. We do not speak Portuguese but will learn eventually. For now I am looking for a church somewhere between Campos and Macae.
It is a Mormon or Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in San Paulo. I have only heard about it. I don't have the times or location. It is probably listed on the internet. Look under Church of Jesus Christ of LDS San Paulo. Read More
Buying property in Brazil by Christine
Hi, can a foreigner buy property in Brazil? If so, is it complicated? What is the process of purchasing a property in Brazil? Any tips for buying property, such as a check-list of items to verify ? Thanks in advance for ...
I think that I have broken all of your rules on buying real estate. A rancher died and his family is selling their lots as it was divided in the will. Since it takes years to settle a will, they have gone ahead without the will being settled and ... Read More
English Speaking Church by BPORT
I have been living in Campos for the last 3 months and will soon be bringing my family here to live for the next 3 years. We do not speak Portuguese but will learn eventually. For now I am looking for a church somewhere between Campos and Macae.
I am in campos dos Goytacasa also. I mentioned Sao Paulo because I know there is a English speaking LDS church there. Read More
English Speaking Church by BPORT
I have been living in Campos for the last 3 months and will soon be bringing my family here to live for the next 3 years. We do not speak Portuguese but will learn eventually. For now I am looking for a church somewhere between Campos and Macae.
Hey, I live near Campos. The only English speaking church I know of is in Sao Paulo. I go to a Baptist church here. I have attended the Assembly of God to. I go for the sing along. The people are very friendly.. I've also gone to the ... Read More
Can i survive in Brazil with just English? by revolutionx
Top Languages to know for business - (entrepreneur.com/article/244233?utm_content=buffer651f3&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer) Anyone know of a fast way to pick up languages? I am more a technical person ...
You better learn at least a few basic things. Not many people speak any English where I live. I couldn't make it here without my Brazilian wife. Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Brazil by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Brazil. What recommendations would you ...
If your dog could qualify as a service animal it could in the cabin with you and there is no charge from the airline or the country of brazil unless things have in the last three years. Read More
Top 5 tips to live in Brazil by expat.com
Hi, When you are going to live abroad, you may have a lot of questions. Hence to facilitate you in this process, we are inviting expats to share their top 5 tips with regards to settling and living in Brazil. What recommendations would you ...
My greatest asset here in Brazil is my laptop. I am able to use it as my telephone, home town newspaper, banking and this blog. I don"t think that I would last long here without it. Skype is the greatest thing on the laptop. Read More
drivers license problem by elcamino1965
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ...
I took the test today. Since I don't speak a lot of Portuguese I was worried that I was going to have problems. I had problems understanding the instructions. The people from Detran were super nice and I did get through the process. I was ... Read More
drivers license problem by elcamino1965
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ...
My wife and I live here also. I raise turkeys and my raises chickens. We are retired. Read More
drivers license problem by elcamino1965
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ...
Thank you so much. You just made my day. I've been real worried that I wasn't going to be able to drive here legally. I don't live far from Victoria. Do you plan on been there for long? I live in Sou Fransico de Itabopoana. Read More
drivers license problem by elcamino1965
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ...
I am coming to Macary to borrow yours. Read More
drivers license problem by elcamino1965
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ...
what books? I don't have any books. Read More
drivers license problem
I was told all that I need to do is go to Detran in Rio and provide them with the necessary paper work and to turn over my American drivers license. I know that I need to take a physicological test and a physical test. Now I'm told that there ... Read More
drivers license by elcamino1965
Do you know someone that can give me an official, sworn translation of my American drivers license? I live 300 miles North of Rio on the beach.
I got an extention on the 180 days driving by the federal police for 90 days. I am waiting on my resident visa and when it comes I will take it to Rio. Dafra needs my old license, my translated drivers license, my cpf and proof of residence. ... Read More
drivers license
Do you know someone that can give me an official, sworn translation of my American drivers license? I live 300 miles North of Rio on the beach. Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
I read from angloinfo saopaulo that as an American I can exchange my American license for a full Brazilian license. I hope that's true. I'll check on it tomorrow. I won't need to take a test or go to school. Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
Thank you for answering my question. I have already bought a car. I don"t know what will happen if I get caught driving it. If I can make it one more month I can get an inter America license. Are you living in Macae? Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
I am very happy with this site. How am I going to get a drivers license here in Brazil if I don't speak the language? Do they have a test in English? Can my wife translate the test as I take it? They told me to go to Rio to ask questions but ... Read More