Fortaleza, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 01/15/07
Personal Experiences from Fortaleza, Brazil
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Panama, Costa Rica...
2. How long have you lived here?
5 years.
3. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
About 10 hours from by plane.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Brazil has the largest fresh water supply in the world, the Amazon. It also has petroleum, chemicals, minerals, agriculture and technology. Brazil is the largest supplier of orange juice, coffee, soybeans, chicken, and fish in the entire world. Brazil is also the second largest manufacturer of household appliances worldwide. Brazil has several automobile factories and many new models come with the option of using 3 types of fuel: gasoline, natural gas, or alcohol.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Extremelly cheap houses. You can buy a 3 bedrrom, 3 bathroom loft, with seafront view for US$50,000.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Extremelly cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Eletronic things (Cameras, laptops...)
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Everything you want - meat, sea food, Chinese...
Daily Life:
1. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Very cheap, for US$200 you can have a 24-hour maid, 6 days a week.
2. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can find an ATM anywhere.
3. What English-language religious services are available locally?
No.
4. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
A lot of English TV on cable, not that many newspapers.
5. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
The people really try to understand you but it's good if you know at least a little Spanish.
6. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Some difficulty.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are very safe and affordable, buses are cheap but not very safe.
2. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
3. 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?
Don't bring sport types, that are too low, the roads are bumpy.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Around US$100 for 1MB access.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Voip.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Very nice pet shops
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?
If you intend to open your own business, YES.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Jeans and shirt for regular jobs, for executives formal blouses (with buttons), only lawyers and really high executives of big companies really need to wear tie.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Good.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Very secure.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Private doctors are the best
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Sunny almost all year. Some rains during january (summer rains), but they come and go really fast.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Great private schools.
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?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Very big, especially on the beaches near the capital.
2. Morale among expats:
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?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great for singles and couples, who can live at the beach with their families, living large and paying little.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Not really.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not at all.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
The night life is great, everyday a different thing to do.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Souvenirs.
9. Can you save money?
Tons of money.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I still live here.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
3. But don't forget your:
Electronics.
