The friendliness of the people, the good climate, the country's natural beauty and the relatively low cost of living, make Brazil a popular destination for the global workforce.
Brazil has a system of universal, government-funded healthcare. However this programme is underfunded and overstretched. In parallel with this public healthcare system is an extensive system of private healthcare. In some cases public and private healthcare facilities can be found within the same hospital. In general, private healthcare in Brazil is of a good standard, particularly in the main cities.
Brazil has a very advanced, technologically sophisticated banking sector. Most of the main banks offer a wide range of personal and business banking services, including electronic bill paying, inter-bank transfers and Internet banking facilities.
The majority of banks have ATM facilities, some of which accept foreign debit cards and credit cards.
There are many different banks in Brazil, with the largest including the Banco de Brasil, the government-operated Caixa Economico Federal, Bradesco and HSBC.
Banking is expensive here, with high interest rates and government-imposed taxes of 0.038% on very transaction.
Foreign nationals are required to hold a residence visa before they can open a bank account in Brazil.
It is fairly easy to find property to rent in Brazil. There is a wide choice available including condominiums, town houses with gardens and swimming pools and traditional houses.
Typical rental rates for an apartment in Sao Paulo are between R$700 and R$2,000.
Most expatriates live in the southern part of the city, where there are many luxury apartments in close proximity to the shops, restaurants and galleries. In Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro most expatriates live in ‘closed condominiums’ - gated communities with 24-hour security.
When renting property in Brazil you will normally be asked to pay a month's rent in advance, plus an additional month's rent as a security deposit. In addition, you will be required to pay property taxes, utilities bills and a maintenance charge for apartments.
Your original driving licence is valid but must be translated into Portuguese and you must carry both the original and translated versions, as well as some form of ID when you are driving. The standard of driving in Brazil is quite variable and accidents occur frequently. Many expatriates prefer to hire a driver rather than drive themselves.
The big cities have extensive public transport systems including buses, metro lines and trolleybuses. Metered taxis are also widely available.
There is a very limited rail network in Brazil, with the exception of a few tourist services.
The cost of living in Brazil is low for those who have an overseas income or earn foreign currency. Local salaries are considerably lower, so if you are employed by a Brazilian company and earn Reals, you may find your living costs high.
Sao Paulo and Rio are the most expensive cities to live in Latin America.
Restaurant meals are usually good value. Maids and other domestic help are also available at very low cost. The cost of real estate is low compared with many western countries.
