alexanderstephenlange
American expat in Brazil
Forum posts
15
About me
American
Registration: 09 May 2026
Activity
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ...
@Marcos_Outra_Vez thanks, marcos! Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
> navigate all the normal events of day-to-day lifeIt's a fact of linguistics that this is sufficient for many people, who don't want to read poetry but simply want to order feijoada. After that, they become fossilized (the actual linguistic ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
@hagece8690 People have often asked me, "What's he hardest language to learn?" My answer: The one you are studying now. :-)I find the time measurements from that institute sort of laughable. The difficulty of Portuguese depends on your own language ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn鈥檛 work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
Plus you avoid international currency exchange charges on your card transacations! Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn鈥檛 work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
@NewBrazil Some ideas from when I had the same problem in Mexico.Sounds like defective card readers. (They are probably using the same type of machines.) Try using the cards at some other store to see if they work there.Clean the mag stripe of the ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 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 ...
At the risk of overgeneralizing, many Brazilian women really like non-Brazilian males who do not suffer from machismo or honor culture, who have no qualms about helping around the house, cooking, cleaning, etc... Read More
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ...
Thanks for the recommendation, especially the anti-recommendation for Claro. Read More
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ...
Good info, thanks! I will keep Google Fi for a while but then switch to another service in Brazil.... Read More
Retirement Visa for Brazil by abthree
The Brazilian Government has approved a replacement for the old Permanent Visa for Retirees, that was eliminated for new applicants as part of the 2017 Immigration Reform. As was the case with the old Permanent Visa (VIPER) for family reunion, the ...
did you try talking with your own consulate in Brazil for assistance? I dunno, may be that might get you going in he right direction... good luck Read More
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ...
Thanks for the advice. I'll talk more with Matthew... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I鈥檓 opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it鈥檚 about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it鈥檚 a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
@abthree Where did you get the Buffalo milk necessary for true mozzarella? :-) Read More
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil?
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters鈥� or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@mberigan Thanks for the details and good news. Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters鈥� or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
@abthree Thank you, @abthree. If you want to, tell us an example of the R$ cost for a typical Uber trip, say 20 kilometers in moderate traffic/time of day. Thanks in advance! Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters鈥� or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
Google tells me:> As of early May 2026, the U.S. national average for a gallon of regular gasoline is approximately $4.04鈥�$4.55, while premium gasoline averages around $5.20鈥�$5.41. Prices are significantly higher in California, I get ... Read More