For expats seeking a vibrant, multicultural place to điện thoại tư vấn home, São Paulo ticks all the boxes. A destination of many accolades—Brazil’s largest city, the biggest city in South America, the center of the Brazilian economy—it’s home to a thriving international community, including members of the Japanese, Arab, and Italian diasporas, offering a warm and welcoming environment for newcomers.
Bạn đang xem: Living in brazil — the complete guide to são paulo — 2019
Having such a diverse population has helped fuel a dynamic, active, và exciting cultural scene, ranging from world-class theaters và music venues to art galleries & famed museums, like the São Paulo Art Museum. The đô thị is also known for its far-ranging, diverse cuisine, from traditional Brazilian dishes to lớn global cuisines, making it a food lover’s paradise.
Furthermore, São Paulo’s robust economy và business opportunities make it an excellent destination for career-focused expats. As the economic hub of Brazil, it’s trang chủ to numerous multinational corporations, financial institutions, và startups, offering a wide range of job opportunities across various industries.
Finally, with warm summers và mild winters, São Paulo’s pleasant climate adds to lớn its appeal, providing an excellent quality of life for those who choose lớn live in this vibrant Brazilian metropolis.
This expat guide to São Paulo covers everything you’ll need to lớn know before setting up your new life in one of Brazil’s most exciting cities, from learning about the cost of living to figuring out how lớn navigate the health-care system.
São Paulo fast facts
Population: 12.33 millionLanguage: Portuguese
Time zone: GMT-3Climate: Humid subtropical
Emergency number: 192
Brazil work visas
In order to legally live và work in São Paulo, you’ll need the appropriate visa. For expats seeking to lớn stay in Brazil for an extended period of time, there are a range of temporary visas & permanent visas related khổng lồ different fields that allow you lớn live & work in the country.
For most work visas, your Brazilian employer will need lớn seek approval from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. As they’re required to help you get a work visa before your arrival in the country, many companies assist expats và foreigners with navigating the visa process.
Newland Chase can help you learn more about the visa requirements to lớn live & work in São Paulo, as well as offer assistance with the application process for a temporary or permanent visa. Tương tác us to learn more today.
The cost of living in São Paulo
Compared to lớn major cities in Europe or North America, the cost of living in São Paulo may look like a great deal, but the reality is much different on the ground—as the country’s biggest city và economic hub, it’s one of Brazil’s most expensive places lớn live, alongside Rio de Janeiro.
The average monthly income in São Paulo is US$2,043, and for workers making a living in Brazilian reais, it can be an expensive place to lớn live. Expats earning salaries in a foreign currency with a higher value than the Brazilian real, however, will be able to lớn afford a far nicer lifestyle. Foreign currencies go much further here than in other metropolitan areas, like New York City, although as with most major cities, costs for things like housing tend to be pricier in the thành phố center and more upscale districts.
This overview of the average monthly costs of essentials, including housing, utilities, và food, will help you get a better idea of what khổng lồ expect financially while living in São Paulo. (Prices are listed in US dollars.)
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment: $676Home asking price: $400,000Cost of living for family of four: $2,452Cost of living for one person: $760Internet: $20Utilities (gas, water, electric): $88Transportation: $48 for a monthly transit passBasic meal out for one: $9–10
The best São Paulo neighborhoods for expats
São Paulo is a massive city, consisting of 32 boroughs divided into 96 wards. Within these wards or districts, neighborhoods are divided even further, distinguished by their character & offerings. So how do expats apartment-hunting from afar, or new to lớn the city và still finding their footing, find the right neighborhood?
The following neighborhoods are a set of cool, trendy districts that will appeal to young professionals and couples, & more laid-back areas with good schools that are ideal for families with school-age children.
Best for young professionals
Vila Madalena: A hotbed of international & Brazilian culture, this bohemian neighborhood in Zona Oeste (West Zone) is known for its artistic flair, outstanding street art, and vibrant nightlife. Expats are drawn here by the eclectic atmosphere, creative scene, cultural diversity, and wide range of bars and restaurants. It offers a more relaxed and casual lifestyle compared khổng lồ some of the city’s upscale areas.
Itaim Bibi: Located in Zona Sul (South Zone), Itaim Bibi is a business-centric neighborhood with a growing expat community. Its proximity to lớn the financial district, modern infrastructure, và a set of international restaurants và bars make it a convenient choice for expats working in the corporate sector.
Pinheiros: Located in Zona Oeste, Pinheiros is known for its diverse population and thriving cultural scene. Expats appreciate its indie music venues, art galleries, & varied dining options. It’s also home to several coworking spaces, making it attractive to remote workers and entrepreneurs.
Brooklin Novo: This neighborhood in Zona Sul is known for its modern architecture, shopping malls, and proximity to the business district. Expats appreciate the convenience, upscale housing options, & access khổng lồ international supermarkets.
Best for families
Moema: Located in Zona Sul, Moema offers a tranquil suburban feel with tree-lined streets & parks. It’s known for its safety, family-friendly atmosphere, & proximity lớn several international schools, making it an excellent choice for expat families.Jardins (Jardim Paulista and Jardim América): Also located in the upscale Zona Sul, the Jardins neighborhoods are known for their leafy streets, high-end shopping, and dining options. Expats appreciate the safety, well-maintained parks, và proximity lớn cultural attractions. English is widely spoken in this area, making it easier for newcomers khổng lồ adjust.
Chácara Flora: This upscale residential neighborhood in the Zona Sul attracts families with its spacious, luxurious homes, large green spaces, and peaceful environment. The neighborhood offers a sense of exclusivity and tranquility, making it popular among wealthier expatriates & families. It’s an excellent choice for expats seeking a serene & safe living environment with access lớn private amenities, lượt thích swimming pools, tennis courts, & parks.
Morumbi: Offering reputable international schools, top-notch medical facilities, & ample shopping and entertainment, Morumbi is a diverse neighborhood in Zona Sul. The neighborhood is trang chủ to the famous Morumbi Stadium và Morumbi Shopping Mall, offering a blend of entertainment and leisure activities. Because of all this & more, it’s a popular choice for both expat families and professionals looking for a well-rounded living experience in São Paulo.
Education in São Paulo
Expats moving lớn São Paulo with school-age children will need to figure out how lớn continue their education in a new country. Here’s everything you need to know about the school system in São Paulo.
Public schools
While São Paulo does have a public school system, most expats choose to lớn send their children to lớn international schools instead. This is partly because local public and private schools in Brazil conduct classes in Portuguese, which can be a challenge for expat children who aren’t proficient in the language, & partly because public schools in Brazil can vary in quality and resources.
International schools
Enrolling your child in an international school can provide continuity in their education & ease the transition lớn a new country. São Paulo offers a variety of international schools that cater to the local expatriate communities, with most following international curricula like the International Baccalaureate (IB) or American, British, or French educational systems.
Along with instruction in English or other romance languages, many international schools in São Paulo also offer Portuguese language programs to lớn help students integrate into Brazilian society. These schools often have high tuition costs in addition lớn other fees, but the quality of education, international atmosphere, and language of instruction make them a popular choice for expats.
These schools have smaller class sizes và demand is high, so it’s advisable to start the admission process well ahead of your move. Some schools may have waiting lists, especially for specific grade levels, so early planning is crucial. Admission requirements may include entrance exams, interviews, và the submission of previous school records.
Some of the best international schools in São Paulo include the American School of São Paulo (Graded), St. Paul’s School, & the British School of São Paulo.
How to lớn build community in São Paulo
Making new friends và creating a new social circle is always a big challenge upon relocation. Happily though, expats rave about the friendly, welcoming, và outgoing nature of most São Paulo locals, which can go a long way toward helping new residents feel comfortable while trying to khung social connections.
Here are some ways expats can start becoming part of their new community in São Paulo.
Learn Portuguese or join a language exchange: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, và learning lớn speak it will go a long way toward helping you connect. Joining a language-exchange program khổng lồ improve your Portuguese gives you a chance to meet locals & other expats, as many Brazilians are eager to practice English or other languages. Tons of these classes và exchanges exist, but the weekly Multi
Lingo Meetup group and this danh sách of people seeking language-exchange partners are great places to start.
Engage in sports culture: Soccer is a way of life in Brazil. By attending matches, joining local sports teams, or visiting bars or restaurants to lớn watch games, you’ll get to experience the sense of community that soccer creates. Clube Atlético São Paulo is a great place to practice, find local teams looking for players, and learn about matches.
Join online expat groups: Social media is a fantastic tool khổng lồ help you find & connect with the expat community in São Paulo. Some major groups khổng lồ join include Americans in Sao Paulo on Facebook & Inter
Nations.
Networking: Networking can lead to both professional & social connections in São Paulo, so be sure lớn attend industry-specific events, conferences, & workshops khổng lồ broaden your social horizons.
Join sports or hobby groups: From gardening to sampling local Brazilian specialities, lượt thích caipirinhas, São Paulo offers a wide range of sports & hobby clubs for expats. Find a group that aligns with your interests to meet people who mô tả your passions. Neighborhood associations: Some neighborhoods in São Paulo have active neighborhood associations that organize community events. Get involved in these local groups to connect with your neighbors and become part of the community. You can usually find more information about these during the renting or home-buying process, or at local community centers & schools.
Navigating health care in São Paulo
Figuring out a new health-care system can be one of the most stressful và difficult parts of moving khổng lồ a new thành phố or country. Luckily, São Paulo is home to some of Brazil’s top hospitals & medical facilities, ensuring that you and your family should have access to high-quality care whenever needed.
Types of health care
Brazil has both public & private health-care systems. The public system, known as the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde or SUS), provides free or low-cost health-care services to Brazilian citizens & legal residents but comes with challenges, lượt thích overcrowding & longer wait times. Many types of medication can be obtained even without a prescription at the many pharmacies (farmácias) throughout the city.
Because of the long wait times và variable unique of care at public hospitals & facilities, many expats opt for private health care, which offers faster access lớn medical care & a wider range of services. Expats are strongly advised to lớn purchase private health insurance, known as plano de saúde, to cover medical expenses. Health insurance plans in São Paulo offer a range of coverage options, from basic plans khổng lồ comprehensive coverage, and can be tailored to lớn suit individual needs and budgets.
Another factor khổng lồ consider is the language barrier. While some medical professionals in São Paulo may speak English or other languages, it’s advisable for expats to lớn learn basic Portuguese or use the services of a translator or interpreter when seeking medical care. Private hospitals are more likely lớn have English-speaking doctors who have studied or worked abroad, so that’s another benefit of acquiring private health insurance.
Health-care providers
São Paulo is known for having some of Brazil’s best health-care facilities, with many private hospitals và clinics equipped with modern technology & highly trained medical professionals.
The đô thị is home to several internationally accredited hospitals, such as Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, & Hospital Alemão Oswaldo Cruz, which provide world-class medical services.
Banking & money in São Paulo
Opening a ngân hàng account in São Paulo and understanding the Brazilian banking system are important steps for expatriates settling in the country. Here’s what you need to know about the process.
Opening a ngân hàng account
São Paulo has a variety of banks, both national và international, including Banco vày Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco, Santander, and HSBC, khổng lồ meet your banking needs. To xuất hiện an account, it’s best to go in person. Basic options include savings accounts (conta poupança) & checking accounts (conta corrente).
Some banks may require an appointment to lớn keep long lines down, so check online or hotline ahead khổng lồ confirm. You’ll need khổng lồ bring the following documents to mở cửa your account:
Passport or Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro (RNE) identity cardProof of address (a utility bill or rental contract)Tax Identification Number (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, or CPF)Proof of income or employment, such as a work contract or pay slips
Banking in Brazil
Before you open a ngân hàng account as an expat, it’s important lớn understand more about the Brazilian banking system and currency.
ATMs: ATMs (caixas eletrônicos) are readily available throughout São Paulo và are the primary means of accessing cash. Be cautious when using ATMs, especially in isolated or poorly lit areas, khổng lồ avoid potential security issues.
Banking Hours: Brazilian banks typically operate from Monday to Friday, with varying business hours depending on the bank and branch. Most banks close early on Fridays & may have limited or no services on weekends.
Xem thêm: Tại sao không đổi được năm sinh trên facebook đơn giản, nhanh chóng
Online Banking: Online và mobile banking services are widely available, making it convenient lớn manage your accounts, pay bills, & transfer funds electronically. This also saves you a lot of time waiting in lines.
Interest rates: Be aware of interest rates associated with loans, credit cards, and savings accounts. Brazil’s interest rates can be relatively high compared lớn some other countries.
Counterfeit money: Counterfeit money is an issue in São Paulo, so you should only withdraw cash from safe, secure ATMs, like those in banks. Always double-check your banknotes và report any issues lớn the ngân hàng and police.
Getting around in São Paulo
São Paulo is a massive city, offering a range of ways to lớn get around & explore.
Driving in São Paulo
Due khổng lồ heavy traffic, complex roads, và aggressive drivers, driving in São Paulo can be challenging. Expats should be aware that traffic congestion is a big issue, particularly during rush hours. Parking in certain areas can also be limited and expensive, which can be a deterrent khổng lồ using your car. Since oto theft is another issue, it’s best khổng lồ avoid displaying valuables in your car.In order to lớn drive legally in Brazil, expats will need lớn obtain a Brazilian driver’s license. The process may require taking a written và practical exam, depending on your nationality and the type of visa you hold.
Mass transit
Since driving in São Paulo can be a challenge for new and long-term expats alike, most choose to lớn rely on the city’s mass-transit options. Fares can be paid in cash or using the Bilhete Único card, a rechargeable thẻ that can be used for buses, subways, and trains.
Connecting many key areas, including downtown, business districts, & popular neighborhoods, São Paulo’s subway or Metrô system is one of the most efficient ways to get around the city. It operates from around 4:30 am to lớn midnight on weekdays and slightly shorter hours on weekends. There’s also a commuter train line called Companhia Paulista de Trens Metropolitanos (CPTM), which services the broader metropolitan area.
São Paulo has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. However, it can be crowded & subject to traffic congestion, especially during rush hours.
Along with buses và trains, expats can complement their transit options with taxis và rideshares. Taxis are relatively expensive compared to lớn other modes of transportation, but widely available in São Paulo. Ridesharing services, lượt thích Uber, 99, và Cabify, are popular and typically more cost-effective than traditional taxis.
Things to know about living in São Paulo
Moving to lớn a new country always comes with a bit of culture shock. Here are some cultural customs và practices you should be aware of khổng lồ help ease the transition.
Time flexibility: Punctuality may not be as strict in Brazil as in some other cultures. People tend lớn be more relaxed about time here, so be patient and flexible when it comes to lớn scheduling appointments & meetings.
Personal space: Brazilians are known for their affectionate nature & may stand close to others during conversations. Respect personal space, but also be prepared for a more intimate style of communication.
Coffee is king: Brazil produces a third of the world’s coffee, so it should come as no surprise that coffee culture is a way of life here. Prepare lớn encounter cafes everywhere you go, and when visiting someone’s home, they’ll likely offer you a cafezinho (small coffee).
Soccer reigns supreme: Brazilians are passionate about soccer (futebol), & São Paulo has some of the country’s most prominent teams, such as São Paulo FC và Palmeiras.
Meals: Lunchtime is the main meal of the day, with light breakfasts và dinners.
Be ready khổng lồ party: Brazil is famous for its lively festivals và celebrations, such as Carnival, which is celebrated with colorful parades, samba music, & vibrant costumes. São Paulo also hosts its own Carnival festivities, with elaborate samba schools and street parties.
Preparing for expat life in São Paulo
Even though moving khổng lồ a new city, lượt thích São Paulo, comes with the challenge of adjusting to a local culture & way of life, it pays off once you become part of an exciting multicultural city, full of heart, fun, và festivities.
In addition khổng lồ offering visa assistance, an experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of settling in and adjusting khổng lồ expat life. Tương tác Newland Chase for a quote today.
Francois BertrandWhat a thrilling thành phố São Paulo is. With a great international expat community that keeps in cảm biến on InterNations.
Life in São Paulo
Nowadays, there are almost trăng tròn million people living in São Paulo’s metropolitan area, many of whom are not Brazilian. Brazil’s largest đô thị was founded as a small mission post in 1554. Unsurprisingly, modern life in São Paulo comes with all the amenities và grievances of a megacity. The urban lifestyle has a lot lớn offer: a vibrant local culture, entertainment và leisure, shopping facilities and – last but not least – exciting business opportunities.
On the downside, air pollution, near-constant traffic congestions, crime, and extreme poverty are a part of daily life in the thành phố as well. All in all, however, most expats who have decided on living in São Paulo over the years have come lớn love their new home.
São Paulo: Safety Issues
One aspect which can make expats apprehensive about beginning a new life in São Paulo is their personal safety. While São Paulo is considered much safer than for example life in Rio, Brazil’s megacities vị have considerable problems with violent crime, especially homicide, drug-related gang violence, và sexual assault.
Nevertheless, there are a couple of basic safety rules which foreigners living in São Paulo should adhere to:
Do not enter the city’s favelas, và avoid the “red light district” located on Rua Augusta & near the Estacao de Luz metro area.Pay attention to lớn your belongings in crowded spaces.“Dress down” in public places và don’t display your most prized possessions.Be especially alert after dark, in tourist areas, và nightlife districts.Lock your car doors while driving.Never try to lớn resist a thief, robber, or mugger.Always carry proof of your health insurance with you.When you arrive, it is best khổng lồ ask someone who has been staying in São Paulo for a while about particular do’s & don’ts regarding security issues. These also depend a lot on the area in São Paulo where you want khổng lồ settle down.
Education in São Paulo
For expats with kids, an extremely important aspect of living in São Paulo is schooling for their children. Many expat children attend international facilities. However, if your kids speak Portuguese, you could also enroll them in regular state schools in São Paulo.
Public schools are không lấy phí of charge for everyone, expats included. From the age of six, children first attend Ensino Fundamental (elementary and middle school) for nine years. Afterwards, students can choose to go on to Ensino Médio (high school) for another three years. An adequate knowledge of Portuguese và a successfully completed adaptação (entrance examination) are prerequisites for attending a public school in São Paulo.
Education and Healthcare in São Paulo
International Schools
Like other popular expat destinations, the thành phố has a number of private international schools catering specifically to expats as well as to the affluent local population. There are several international schools in São Paulo which follow the American curriculum. Others include two German-Brazilian schools, namely Colégio Humboldt & Colégio Visconde de Porto Seguro, the French Liceu Pasteur, the Swiss School of São Paulo, và the British St Paul’s School.
In addition to their respective national curriculum, most of the international schools offer their students the opportunity to lớn acquire the International Baccalaureate and/or the Brazilian high school diploma.
International education, however, comes at a price. Depending on the specific school và grade where you’d lượt thích to enroll your child, annual tuition fees may cost as much as 60,000 BRL, not including the one-time registration fees.
Selected International Schools
Healthcare in São Paulo
Regarding healthcare in Brazil, expats generally have two options: They can make use of the không tính phí universal medical care provided by the government to everyone legally residing in Brazil, or they can opt for the private medical sector.
Although standards in the public system are considerably high, many expats and more affluent locals prefer the private system: Waiting times are usually much lower, và facilities và medical equipment tend to be more up-to-date. Since healthcare costs in the private sector can be very high, expats should make sure they have adequate health insurance. Nowadays, many companies in São Paulo offer their employees private health insurance as part of their remuneration.
Medical Facilities
Generally, there is no need for expats moving to São Paulo khổng lồ be too worried about healthcare. It is considered very good, especially in the private sector. The thành phố has a high density of both general doctors và specialists, a number of whom speak English or other foreign languages. Also refer khổng lồ your Embassy or Consulate General for a menu of doctors who speak your mother tongue. Usually, diplomatic missions include a relatively up-to-date danh sách of medical service providers with multi-lingual staff in the information available for foreign nationals in São Paulo.
Generally speaking, it is best lớn seek recommendations from other expats or contact the local consulate of your home country. The đô thị of São Paulo is also home to what many consider the best hospitals in Brazil, both public và private. As such, it has become a destination for medical tourists.
Transportation và Leisure in São Paulo
Public Transportation
The São Paulo subway system, the Metrô, is the largest rapid transportation system in the country. Its lines cover most of the inner city. The suburban train service Companhia Paulista de Transporte Metropolitano(CPTM – trang web only in Portuguese) extends the transit system into the suburbs & peripheral regions of São Paulo.
Together, the Metrô and the CPTM transport almost five million passengers every day, which ranks them among the busiest metro systems worldwide. Despite this high number of passengers, the São Paulo transit system has retained its reputation as a reliable và fairly safe means of transport – especially when compared to lớn its counterpart in Rio de Janeiro.
Another large chunk of São Paulo’s immense passenger traffic volume is handled by a fleet of more than 15,000 buses (2014 figures). The inner city’s bus lines are operated by SPTrans, while Empresa Metropolitana de Transportes Urbanos de São Paulo (EMTU) is responsible for buses within the Greater São Paulo Area. Both websites have schedules of all bus routes. However, quite a few expats currently living in São Paulo have reported that mastering the art of using the local bus system is not easy for foreigners. Maps of bus lines are rare, và bus stops are not always marked as such.
Taxis and Driving
Taxis are a relatively comfortable và safe way of getting around the city, too, & reasonably priced even for longer distances. A number of expats choose to rely entirely on taxis or hire their own driver to avoid having khổng lồ drive themselves.
Although a number of expats drive their own car, this is only advisable for experienced drivers with strong nerves. São Paulo’s traffic jams are legendary, và the usually chaotic driving conditions are what some call “the last big adventure” for drivers from abroad.
Culture
As a lively metropolis, São Paulo has a lot to lớn offer in terms of cultural events và entertainment opportunities. The city is home to many museums, including the renowned Paulista Museum and the Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP), as well as dozens of theaters.
The Feira Bienal Internacional de Arte, São Paulo’s most popular art festival, which focuses increasingly on local art, takes place every other year, attracting more than one million visitors. And, although it is the rival metropolis of Rio de Janeiro which is most famous for the carnival, São Paulo also holds magnificent parades & celebrations during carnival season.
Leisure
As about everywhere else in Brazil, soccer is by far the most popular sport in São Paulo. In addition lớn numerous amateur clubs, the thành phố is home to three first-league soccer teams – Corinthians, Palmeiras, and the Sao Paulo FC. Currently, people are gearing up for the năm trước FIFA World Cup, when São Paulo will be one of the host cities.
Churrasco, a Brazilian barbeque, to lớn which the entire family as well as friends are invited, is another favorite past-time. Most houses in São Paulo are equipped with a churrasqueira, a barbeque area. Many São Paulo families spend their weekends at léman luxury on the beach or in the nearby mountains. Especially on long weekends, endless lines of cars crowding the streets leaving the đô thị are a very common sight.
