The BRIC nations consist of Brazil, Russia, India and China, all of which have made significant economic advances in recent years. In the case of Brazil, the country has maintained positive growth at a time when many other world economies entered recession. Infrastructure improvements are ongoing in Brazil, opening up new parts of the country for easier human inhabitation.
However, there are still unspoilt natural wonders to be found. The Amazon ranks as the second-longest river in the world, but actually contains more water than any other. To the south of the country lie mountains and evergreen forests, while to the north there are both rainforests and desert regions.
Buying property in Brazil
Some property in Brazil may seem like a contradiction when assessed based on British values, but it is designed to the needs of families living to the Brazilian way of life. Space is used efficiently, meaning some rooms might be smaller than we are used to. Despite this, bedrooms frequently have their own bath – not in an en suite, but there in the room. The main bathroom may be tiled or decorated with marble, but the main kitchen is often smaller and more humble, in case you have a maid.
When it comes to actually buying property in Brazil, consider hiring a local expert to help you with the customs and legal processes. Outside experts may know the laws, but Brazilians are often more trusting of their fellow countrymen in these matters, in spite of their infamous tolerance in other areas. If negotiating over lunch, do not be surprised if the meal takes precedence and the discussions wait until after dessert; in Brazil, time is used efficiently in some cases, but other processes are not rushed.
Living in Brazil as a British expatriate
With its carnival atmosphere, living in property in Brazil could be a significant departure from life back home. According to the country’s Ministry of Tourism, most foreign visitors describe locals using a single word: happiness. This extends from the beaches of the north-east to the nightlife of Rio de Janeiro, the ministry says, with the majority of international tourists heading home with a newfound sense of value placed on the Brazilian people.
Some practicalities of life as a Briton in Brazil include an awareness of local laws. Drink driving can be punished with imprisonment and includes almost all cases of getting behind the wheel after consuming any alcohol at all. Keep your finances in order, as you may need to demonstrate to officials that you can afford to continue your stay. If you are returning to the UK at any time, ensure you have your immigration green card and can pay the airport tax – and if Brazilian friends are seeing you off, leave plenty of time for the customary farewells.
Property in Sao Paulo offers tolerance and safety
Brazil is a maturing economy and, as such, some areas have progressed more than others. Property in Sao Paulo could be a good bet for the best levels of safety, based on guidance from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO). There is a British Consulate there, providing assistance to Britons in Sao Paulo, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Parana, Minas Gerais and Mato Grosso do Sul, which could add a level of safety to the stay.
Property in Sao Paulo also offers greater acceptance for gay travellers, with it and Rio de Janeiro two of the locations particularly associated with homosexual holidaymakers. However, Brazil as a whole is generally tolerant, so travelling outside of the cities should present no greater risk to gay visitors than to anyone else.
Sao Paulo also has a better safety record on its public transport system than some other cities in Brazil, although its metro and bus network is fairly complicated according to the FCO. Even so, people expecting to make significant use of bus travel may want to consider the more built up areas of the country, where safety levels are typically higher than outside of the cities.