Cities & Hotspots

São Paulo is the business engine; Rio offers the famous city-beach mix; Florianópolis is a strong lifestyle and technology base with seasonal housing pressure.

  • São PauloOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • Rio de JaneiroOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.
  • FlorianópolisOpen the complete city guide for neighbourhoods, transport, housing, work, healthcare, apps, schools and local life.

Best Time of Year

April to June or September to November Conditions vary by city, so check the local forecast before booking a long stay.

Air Quality, Simply

Air varies by city, traffic and wildfire smoke. Heat and humidity are often more relevant than a simple clean/dirty label.

Use the city-level AQI or official air-quality service before planning long outdoor days, especially if you have asthma or are travelling with children.

Getting Around the Country

  • International arrivalCompare the main gateway airport with the city you actually want. A cheap flight can create an expensive onward journey.
  • Between citiesCheck rail, coach and domestic-flight time including airport transfers, luggage and seasonal disruption.
  • Inside citiesEach city guide covers the local mix of public transport, taxis, ride-hailing, walking and driving.
  • DrivingCheck licence recognition, insurance, tolls, parking and road conditions before renting a car or scooter.

Housing & Cost of Living

  • RentCapital, coastal and visitor-heavy markets can be completely different. Compare like-for-like homes and contract lengths.
  • DepositsVerify the property, owner or authorised agent, inventory, notice terms and payment trail before transferring money.
  • Daily costsGroceries, transport, healthcare and imported goods often matter more than a headline rent figure.
  • Family costsSchool fees, insurance, larger housing and transport should be priced before choosing the city.

Hospitals & Healthcare

Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein and Sírio-Libanês are major São Paulo private options; Copa D'Or is a familiar Rio network. Call 192 for SAMU emergencies.

SIM, eSIM & Local Apps

Claro, Vivo and TIM offer SIM and eSIM options. Uber and 99 cover rides; iFood is the default food app. Pix is essential for payments.

  • Mobile networksVivo, Claro and TIM are the main networks. CPF is often needed for full app, SIM and banking access.
  • Ride appsUber and 99 are the practical ride apps in major cities.
  • Food deliveryiFood is the default food app; Rappi and grocery apps vary by city.
  • PaymentsPix is central to daily payments once you have Brazilian banking. Cards work widely, but CPF-linked systems matter.
  • Home internetVivo Fibra, Claro/NET, TIM, Oi and local fibre vary by building and neighbourhood.

Working & Remote Life

  • Legal positionRemote work and local employment can be treated differently. Match your visa, tax and company arrangements to what you actually do.
  • ConnectivityTest home internet, mobile backup and power reliability at the exact address before a long lease.
  • WorkspacesUse day passes to compare coworking, call space and commute before paying for a membership.
  • CommunityIndustry groups, recurring activities and professional events are more useful than relying only on broad expat groups.

Long-Stay & Paperwork

  • Federal PoliceThe Policia Federal handles many foreigner registration and residence steps after visa approval.
  • CPFCPF tax registration is essential for banking, mobile plans, rentals, online shopping and everyday systems.
  • CRNM/RNMLonger-stay residents may need foreigner registration and a national migration card/number.
  • TaxReceita Federal rules, tax residence and Brazilian-source income need advice before a long stay.
  • Admin habitKeep passport, visa, CPF, RNM/CRNM if issued, lease, proof of address and health insurance together.

Schools & Family Fit

International and bilingual schools are usually concentrated in the largest city hubs listed above. Ask about curriculum, admissions dates, language support, transport, deposits and whether the school year matches your current country before choosing a neighbourhood.

Safety & Practical Risks

  • Personal safetyUse city-level advice: neighbourhood, time of day and transport habits matter more than broad country labels.
  • Health and weatherUnderstand heat, storms, flood, fire, air-quality, altitude or sea risks before choosing a season.
  • MoneyUse traceable payments, verify rentals and keep emergency access to more than one card or account.
  • Official adviceCheck government travel, immigration and health sources before decisions that affect status or safety.

Who It Suits

Portuguese-speaking founders, beach-city workers and people comfortable with scale and regional differences.

Before you move: visa rules, hospital access, mobile registration and app coverage change. Confirm the current position with the relevant official provider before making a non-refundable commitment.