Brazil is the seventh largest economy in the world and the largest in Latin America. In recent years, the country has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world primarily due to its export potential. The country’s trade is driven by its extensive natural resources and diverse agricultural and manufacturing production. Also, rising domestic demand, increasingly skilled workforce along with scientific and technological development, have attracted foreign direct investment. However, bureaucracy, corruption and weak infrastructure remain the biggest obstacles to economic development.
The vast majority of expatriates who visit Brazil are surprised to know that they can find some of the same things that they have in their country of origin including food, many accessories, modern buildings, as well as many other expatriates areas as the country has become increasingly international.
The cost of living is also surprising to the assignee community; currently Brazil is very costly, not only in housing but all consumables.
Rental properties are widely available in Brazil, and prices vary throughout the country, with higher rents in large cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Brazilian long-term rental properties are usually unfurnished and without any appliances, light fixtures, or even shower heads. Furnished apartments and houses for rent long-term in Brazil are becoming more popular primarily in Rio and Sao Paulo, but scarce in some other locations. Vacation and short-term apartments and houses in Brazil are always fully furnished and equipped, but the Landlords do not include utilities that are based on usage.
Compared to previous years where only expatriates with attractive incentive packages accepted assignments to Brazil, there is an increase in Local/Permanent transfers and Short Term Assignments.
Specific recommendations to companies relocating assignees to Brazil:
Plan on how the company will make payments due to currency restriction.
There is a lack of availability in American and International Schools, and employees may put off taking an assignment if their children are not accepted or placed on a long waiting list. Due to the lack of schooling, we’re also seeing split family arrangements.
It is very important to understand what to expect from the Brazilian medical system if you’re moving there to live and work or to retire. Brazil’s health service infra-structure consists of government health services, non-profit health organizations (NGOs), and the private medical sector. Most of the private hospitals in Brazil have excellent medical facilities, and Brazil is one of the leading medical tourism destinations in South America.
Foreigners in Brazil will find that English-speaking general practitioners, dentists and opticians are not always readily available. If in an emergency situation an English-speaker is not available, it is suggested to call an international hospital.
When the expatriate becomes an official employee of the company they have a health insurance policy paid by the company that covers all doctors’ appointments, health exams, surgeries, hospital, and emergencies. Usually each company explains this process to the assignees; from a relocation stand point, the DSP only shows them where the facilities are located and assists in locating the needed doctors, pharmacies, etc.
As with any country, there are certain security risks that come with traveling or relocating to Brazil. Most of those risks can be managed through personal awareness, proper planning and an up-to-date, real-time understanding of neighborhoods and travel routes to work. This will help reduce the time spent negotiating traffic and increase personal safety.
Credit card and ATM card cloning is a sophisticated crime and significant problem in Brazil. It is best to get cash from a bank during regular business hours, and not from an ATM machine. If using an ATM machine is necessary, check that the access to the lobby or vestibule is locked, and check for any unusual appearance of the ATM machine itself for any signs of physical tampering. Never leave your card out of sight; make sure that a store clerk, waiter, gas station attendant, etc. bring the portable credit card device to you. Check your online statements frequently and advise your bank of your travel before you go, providing as much context to help them detect anomolies.
While actual kidnap risk is minimal in Brazil, virtual kidnapping–whereby criminals cold-call unsuspecting victims, stating that they are holding a loved one captive in order to extract a ransom payment–has been reported. These are often hastily-crafted schemes which are actually quite easy to debunk. Be sure to have alternate means to get in touch with your family and confirm there whereabouts (once the callers realize that you know it’s a fake, they typically move on to the next on the list).
Brazil now has a travel warning per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and anxiety is high particularly among women who are or may become pregnant. The virus appears to also be transmittable from men, as carrier, through sexual activity. Stay abreast of the latest guidance and adhere to the official advice, such as posted by the CDC, which provides updated alerts and prevention measures.
A hot topic of conversation is often “how will Brazil handle security with such a large event?” The surprising reality is that during large events, street or gang-related crime is generally very suppressed. And getting around is often easier since public employees stay at home (a convenient government inducement to reduce congestion on the streets and subways).
It is important to remember that Brazil is absolutely a locale in which business people and their families, including expats, live well and prosper safely and enjoyably. Like any other country, living as a global assignee requires risk planning, cultural and security awareness and a sense of alertness. These elements are essential to avoid the pitfalls of opportunistic crime.
Once you are aware of your surroundings and how you are perceived within them and act accordingly, you are no longer interesting. In a good way, of course. ‘
Weichert Workforce Mobility thanks Premier Destination Services, Control Risks and Mary DeVeau, Director of our Global Network, for their contributions to this post.