Porto Alegre, Brazil Report of what it's like to live there - 04/01/25
Personal Experiences from Porto Alegre, Brazil
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Have done tours in NEA, EUR, and AF.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Middle of the US. It takes 18-26 hours to get between post and home connecting in Sao Paulo and Dallas. Depending where in the US you are going, you can also connect through Miami, Altanta, Chicago, and Houston. COPA through Panama can be quicker and cheaper, but the hours are funky and, while they are a United partner it is way more expensive to buy their tickets through United to be Fly America compliant if on official travel.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What years did you live here?
2022-2025
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Smallest housing in Mission Brazil. As a Standard 3-4 we were assigned an apartment that was under the max size for a Standard 1-2. Many 1-2s were assigned to similar sized apartments, but some were in even smaller units. Commutes are 10-15 minutes and taxi/Uber fares are around $4.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are relatively cheap. One single grocery chain, Zaffari which tries to be 'upscale', dominates the neighborhoods where expats live and their selection can be spotty. They can go months without common items like powdered sugar. They have huge locations at malls, but instead of having more variety at those locations, they have more of the same.
With the iFood app you can order items from farther stores and have them delivered for less than the cost of an Uber there and back.
Produce at grocery stores is terrible. There are plenty of farmers markets throughout the week and on weekends where you can find better stuff.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
We shipped in most baking supplies and our favorite condiments. They do have Heinz ketchup, which is produced locally, and it works. Zaffari has recently had a more stable supply of imported Skippy than locally produced staples.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
iFood, Rappi, and Uber Grocery.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
We have had an ant problem in the kitchen and an issue with flies in bathrooms.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Diplomatic Pouch. Sedex and Pontual can be used to get things mailed/shipped within Brazil.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Full time nannies can be cheaper than daycare, but you have to deal with the Brazilian tax system. $350/month salary, $80/month transportation (varies by how away they live). $100/month for employment taxes and pension contributions. ~$530/month.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Big clubs have a ~$1500 initiation fee and $100 monthly.
Gyms that charge per class are about $12-$18 per class.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
We hear about people getting mugged in our neighborhoods, but I have never seen it of felt uncomfortable outside. Neighborhoods are hilly and add a difficulty to your run or bike ride. Some major roads have dedicated bike lanes. On Sundays they open up some bus lanes to recreation and they completely close a road that runs along the river for a flatter terrain.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Tap to pay is nearly everywhere. Occasionally you will find a street vendor that only takes PIX, which is a local banking system. You can either get a local bank account with help of the cashier, or you can setup and debit account with an app to use it.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You need to learn food words and directions. Fewer Brazilians speak English here than in other cities, but I don't find it too hard to navigate daily tasks.
I assume private tutors would be cheap, because wages are low here.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It might be doable. Most crosswalks do not have ramps, but most buildings have elevators.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Very affordable. Buses seem safe, but are "not recommended".
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
You can get around without a car, and just rent when you want to go to the mountains or the beach.
Whatever you do, do not take a car to Brazil that has already been in Brazil. It breaks customs. They do not know how to create a new file for a car that already has a file. Your car will spend a year in customs while they try to figure out what to do.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Fast and cheap. Install can take a week or two, but GSO and your sponsor should be able to get it going before you arrive.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I have Google Fi and a local SIM. You cannot get a local sim until you have your Dip ID in hand.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Lots of pet supplies and vets that make house calls. No quarantine. Customs just waived us on when we arrived and did not look at any of our paperwork.
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?
Bilateral work agreement, but wages are low. International schools will only pay dip spouses local wages.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
I wear what I want.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Rated Critical Crime like half of the world, but isn't that bad. Muggings can happen anywhere.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is great, but limited English, so have your translator app handy.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Air is good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It is rated a hot climate by State, but could easily be temperate. 90s in the summer and 50s in the winter. Rains more in the winter, but summer is by no means dry.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
PASPOA is the only school I am aware of that provides instruction in English. Girls and minorities could find the culture at school hard to tolerate.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They claim to have learning support, but it is not true.
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?
Several daycares that provide bilingual support. $600 ish a month.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
The school has some sports, the club next to the school has more. There are ways to pariticpate in some club events without being a full member.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small expat community. If you hear someone speaking English, you probably have already met them.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Plenty of parks to hang out in.
Most apartment buildings have a party room that residents can rent. People host holiday meals, crafting groups, and sports watch parties in them.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Good for all.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Yes.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Wineries in Bento. Hiking in Gramado. Beaches in Floripa.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Gaucho barbeque festivals
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Nope.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Slower pace of life than the rest of Brazil.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
It takes longer to get to the US than you may originally think.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Anything you do not use on a daily/weekly basis. There is not enough room in the apartments for stuff you only use occasionally.
