Travel to Brazil to backpack, study, intern, volunteer, work,

or live as a digital nomad, expat or emigrant?

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Brazil: table of content

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 Brazil

Intro

Backpacking or traveling in Brazil?

  • As the largest country in South America, visiting Brazil can be quite overwhelming. There is so much to do! The land of carnival, soccer, beautiful beaches and an awful lot of cultures. 
  • Activity spotting: party in Rio, visit the Amazon, local peoples, the largest swamp in the world, the Iguazu falls, relax on Copacabana beach and go on an animal scavenger hunt. 

Study in Brazil?

  • With some of South America's best universities in Brazil, it is not a wrong country to spend your study time. There is a huge choice of studies, and there is a study system somewhat similar to the Dutch system. 
  • In particular, studies in biology, odontology, medicine, dermatology and veterinary medicine are very well regarded worldwide. 
  • Studies are offered mainly in Portuguese. However, some studies in English are also possible. 

Internship in Brazil?

  • All kinds of internships are possible in Brazil. Brazil has a growing economy, so there are many opportunities. Internships in biology, environmental sciences, social work and development work are particularly popular. In addition, internships in business are also possible. 
  • A word of Portuguese is recommended though and will also help you understand the culture more easily. 

Volunteer in Brazil?

  • There are a huge number of volunteer opportunities in Brazil! By far the most volunteer work is in the field of conservation in the Amazon, such as otters protection or rainforest restoration. Other volunteer opportunities include eco-farms, education, childcare, marine conservation and community development.

Working in Brazil?

  • Because of the growing economy, there are more and more jobs available in Brazil. There is not only a large manufacturing industry, but also a lot of work in software development and call centers. There is a large international community, especially also from the diplomatic and foreign affairs sectors. Furthermore, anything is possible depending on your skills and background. From English teacher to IT engineer, working at a large multinational, or in a small hotel in the hospitality industry. 
  • Especially in cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte and Curitiba, you can find jobs as a foreigner. 
  • For most jobs, but especially local jobs, you need to be proficient in Portuguese. 

Working as a digital nomad in Brazil?

  • A popular country for digital nomads. The facilities are good, the country is beautiful, there are a huge number of great places to work, the digital nomad community is large and the costs are still relatively low compared to European countries. 
  • Favorite locations: Florianopolis, Jericoacoara, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Belo Horizonte. 

Living in Brazil?

  • A very diverse country, full of different cultures and, in addition to Latino communities, a large expat community. It is a big, beautiful country where there is an awful lot to do, and at the same time the economy is booming. The standard of living is high, the cost is not so, and life is relaxed. 
  • There is, however, quite a bit of crime. So be well aware of where you are going and what the security situation is like there. 
  • Make sure you arrange your health insurance well.

Supporting content

Brazil Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

Brazil Country Bundle: suggestions, stories and tips

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Content about Brazil on WorldSupporter

Habits and customs in Brazil
Expat and emigration interviews: the story of Jan who worked for Foreign Affairs and reopened a consulate in Brazil
How does the healthcare system work in Brazil, and which travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?
Brazil: Updates & Travel

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Ik lees een interessant artikel over het initiatief van David Katz, een ontwikkelingsondernemer uit Canada die de Plastic Bank heeft opgezet. Plastic wordt tegen een eerlijke prijs ingekocht bij verzamelers in ontwikkelingslanden, vervolgens verscheept naar westerse landen, die het recyclen voor ind...

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  • Habits and customs in Brazil
  • What are the best recipes in Brazil?
  • What are the best drinks in Brazil?
  • What are the notable holidays and festivities in Brazil?
  • Habits and customs in Brazil

    • Brazilians are famous for their festive Spirit, especi...
Brazilië alweer bijna een jaar geleden

Wat is het afgelopen jaar snel gegaan. Ik heb nog maar een normale les week te gaan en daarna nog een week vol toetsen, daarna heerlijk een weekje op vakantie. Vorig jaar deze tijd had ik net mijn 2e voorbereidingsdag gemaakt en begon ik nu alvast met de inpak lijst op te stellen. Wat een verschil, ...

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IPBio

IPBio is a Biodiversity Research institute in Brazil.

Oasis Atlantico

Oasis Atlantico runs hotels in Portuguese speaking countries, mainly on the Cape verde islands.

Iracambi

Deze lokale organisatie biedt vrijwilligerswerk en stages aan op het gebied van natuurbehoud en wetenschappelijk onderzoek in Brazilië. Zo kun je bijvoorbeeld meewerken op het landgoed van de duurzame koffieplantages en zo meer leren over het planten en oogsten van koffie. Een andere mogelijkhe...

Iko Poran

Deze Braziliaanse non-profit organisatie biedt vrijwilligerswerk projecten aan in 11 landen en zijn ooit begonnen met uitsluitend projecten in Brazilië. Denk bijvoorbeeld aan het geven van dansles aan jonge meisjes in Rio de Janeiro. Ook het geven van gitaar, drum en zanglessen is mogelijk. Dez...

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SPOTLIGHT & FAVORITES

SPOTLIGHT
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  • Habits and customs in Brazil
  • What are the best recipes in Brazil?
  • What are the best drinks in Brazil?
  • What are the notable holidays and festivities in Brazil?
  • Habits and customs in Brazil

    • Brazilians are famous for their festive Spirit, especi...
FAVORITES
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Ik lees een interessant artikel over het initiatief van David Katz, een ontwikkelingsondernemer uit Canada die de Plastic Bank heeft opgezet. Plastic wordt tegen een eerlijke prijs ingekocht bij verzamelers in ontwikkelingslanden, vervolgens verscheept naar westerse landen, die het recyclen voor ind...

Image
  • Habits and customs in Brazil
  • What are the best recipes in Brazil?
  • What are the best drinks in Brazil?
  • What are the notable holidays and festivities in Brazil?
  • Habits and customs in Brazil

    • Brazilians are famous for their festive Spirit, especi...

Safety and insurances in Brazil

How does the healthcare system work in Brazil, and which travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Brazil, and which travel insurance, health insurance or expat insurance do you need?

How does the healthcare system work in Brazil?

How is the quality of health care in Brazil?

  • Brazil has a universal public health care system called Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS).
  • There is also very large private sector, which is widely used by residents with higher incomes or additional insurance.
  • The SUS offers free health care to all residents, including foreigners living or traveling in Brazil.
  • Virtually all major Brazilian cities have good health care facilities.
  • In remote areas, care can be more limited, sometimes poorer quality and/or unsanitary.

How is the public health system in Brazil (SUS)?

  • Anyone living in Brazil, including expatriates, emigrants and refugees, can access the public system. You do need a Brazilian ID number and migrant registration card, which you can use to buy an SUS card.
  • The quality of care is uneven in public institutions, mainly due to overcrowding, lack of resources in rural areas and long waiting times for non-emergency treatment.
  • In public institutions, it can be difficult to communicate in English. In private institutions, English is more often spoken.
  • There is a shortage of general practitioner care in public health facilities, as most general practitioners work for private clinics.
  • Many expats find that public health care does not always match their expectations or needs.
  • Pharmacies in Brazil are usually found in urban centers or they are attached to a hospital. Medications are kept as affordable as possible (often with no co-payment) so that a large portion of the population has access. Pharmacies are usually open until 10 p.m.; some have 24-hour service.
  • There are walk-in public health clinics (UBS, Basic Health Units) where you can go mainly for non-urgent care or when you do not have a family doctor. You do need an SUS card for this.

How is the private health care system in Brazil?

  • Many expats, despite the higher costs, choose private health care in Brazil. The quality is better to excellent and the facilities are more modern.
  • Partly for this reason, it is important to have a good expat/emigrant insurance policy that provides access to this better standard.
  • In addition, there are always things you will have to deal with as an expat or emigrant that are not covered “by default” (think repatriation, care by good English-speaking doctors, wider treatment choices, etc.) An (additional) private coverage can fill in the gaps and offer a wider choice of coverage.

How is the general practitioner arranged in Brazil?

  • There is a major shortage of family doctors in public healthcare because most family doctors work in private healthcare.
  • If you are affiliated with the SUS, you can search for a family doctor via the database of the Ministry of Health.
  • Most emigrants go for family doctors via private clinics. There are many of them and you can often get good recommendations from other expats!

How is the dentist arranged in Brazil?

  • Dentists are called “dentista” and you can find them in both public health facilities and private clinics.
  • SUS also offers free dental care, but wait times can be very long and the language barrier is also a thing.
  • Private dental care is very good, not too expensive and the wait times are shorter. Many people even come to Brazil just for this service.

How is the maternity care arranged in Brazil?

  • Maternity care is offered through the public healthcare system SUS or through private clinics.
  • Prenatal checkups are extensive and include multiple appointments, ultrasounds, blood tests, etc.
  • In the public sector, this is free, but waiting times are often long. In private care, you will find more flexibility.
  • Most deliveries take place in the hospital; more than 50% via cesarean section.
  • After delivery, mothers usually stay in the hospital for several days.
  • There is no structural home maternity care. So make sure you arrange for someone to do this for you in advance.

How safe and unsafe is a trip or stay in Brazil?

What should you pay attention to in terms of safely in Brazil?

  • Brazil has very high crime rates compared to many other expat destinations. There are large disparities between rich and poor, so there is a lot of petty crime. There is also a chance of more violent incidents from Brazil's many organized crime groups. 
  • Favelas, or slums, are neighborhoods in and around cities where you will find many houses close together. They are found in all major cities and are best avoided as expats because the situation there can be dangerous and unpredictable.
  • Car hijackings are also common, so make sure you always put your belongings out of sight and keep the doors locked. 
  • Among other things, travel through river areas on the border with Colombia, Peru and Venezuela is not recommended because of heavy crime and criminal groups. 
  • You can also be mugged in public transport. So better not wear obviously expensive things. 
  • There are frequent protests and demonstrations. The situation here can sometimes get out of hand. Avoid these gatherings if you can and follow the local news for updates. 
  • Always take a copy of your passport with you. 
  • Brazil has floods in the rainy seasons that can disrupt infrastructure. 
  • In the dry season there are often intense forest fires that are very dangerous and unpredictable. 

What should you look out for in terms of diseases in Brazil?

  • Several tropical diseases are present including Dengue, Malaria, Chikungunya and the Zika virus. So make sure you protect yourself well against mosquitoes! 
  • Drinking water and sanitary conditions in Brazil vary greatly depending on where you stay. In cities, access to safe water is often better regulated than in rural or remote areas.
  • In Brazil, among other things, you can get Schistosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by contact with fresh water contaminated with parasites. It is particularly common in the northeast and in the Amazon. 

What should you pay attention to in terms of traffic in Brazil?

  • Brazil is known for its high rate of traffic accidents, mainly due to aggressive driving, poor road conditions and lack of enforcement of traffic rules. 
  • Driving after dark, especially in rural areas, can be very dangerous because of poorly lit roads or other vehicles without lights. 
  • There is strict legislation regarding drunk driving (the Lei Seca), but it still occurs. 
  • Roads in cities can be quite good, but in rural areas are often significantly less so. 

Which work and travel insurance policies are suitable for short and long stays in Brazil?

  • Is the trip to Brazil and your return sufficiently covered? Are you sufficiently covered before, during and after your activities? Which insurance best suits your trip and your activity? Read more about insurances for abroad on JoHoinsurances.org.

What emigration and expat insurance can you take out for Brazil if you are going to live there for a while?

  • It is not mandatory to have your own insurance when moving to Brazil, but it is recommended to be able to use private care. Read more about insurances for abroad on Expatinsurances.org.

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