Douglas B. Trent
@DouglasT
American expat in Brazil
Forum posts
110
Contacts
7
About me
American
Lives in Belo Horizonte
Speaks English, Portuguese, Spanish
Registration: 01 April 2011
Federal Constitution and the Foreigners Act, what you need to know. by James
[img align=c]http://batebolando.com.br/public/images/equipes/bublues.jpg[/img] Without a doubt the two most important pieces of Brazilian legislation for expats are the ...
Thank you James, for this relevant posting all of us should know about. You are doing us a great service! Cheers, Douglas Read More
7 things you don't know (but should know) about taxes in Brazil by James
[img align=c]http://www.ratesupermarket.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/Self-Employed-Taxes.jpg[/img] Excerpts from Spotniks 1. We pay more taxes on medications than on porno magazines and films - While erotic materials are taxed at a rate of ...
Probably cost me R$50 just in the time it took me to read this great eye-opening article...thank you James! Read More
Is it safe to give CPF number during any purchase by vinod_ind
Hi, Is it safe to give CPF number whenever we do any purchases at any store or restaurants. I just know that CPF is similar to SSN number which is provided to us from Brazil government to track on our earning and expenses. When we provide CPF ...
You are giving great and correct advice, James! Read More
Brazilian driver's license--will they take away my Canadian one? by TamW
I'm looking at finally getting my Brazilian drivers license, and read on another thread that they take away your foreign one. (And a friend of ours had them do this to him). There is no way they are getting mine... it is not theirs to take ...
They did not take my American driver's license when I got my Brazilian license either in 1981 nor when I returned, in 2004! Read More
african killer bees by spanishpete
Hi there all, has anyone out there in Ex pat land had any dealings with African killer bees I have a nest, in my garden that ive been told is a nest of African killer bees I know, they wont there yesterday, but I noticed they is a nest on a tree, ...
Hello! The bees are best treated with smoke, which disorients them. Try to contact a bee keeper who has the correct clothes and equipment. I would not recommend anything else, other than being sure they are asleep, climbing up and butting a heavy ... Read More
Coming to Tunisia in March for a Conference...it is safe?
Hi Tunisia Ex-Pats. I am an American expat in Brazil. I have been asked to represent our project in Brazil....www.bichosdopantanal.org ... at a conference in late March in Tunisia. Can anyone in country give me solid information on safety, ... Read More
Look for a way out by Etimbuk
Hi everyone I am happy to join this forum. Hoping to gain some other peoples experiance threw this. I am one who is looking to leave nigeria. The destination of my choice would be hungary or brazil. Im currently saving some money so i dont have to ...
This needs to be done at a Brazilian embassy or consulate outside of Brazil, and only they can tell you how long it will take. Good luck! Douglas Read More
Dating Brazilians by firlus
This might sound funny, but I couldn't help wonder since I'm a trained relationship and dating coach, how gringos are viewed in terms of dating? In other words, is it ever considered a bit strange or socially awkward for Brazilians to be ...
I am an American guy, with the same Brazilian girlfriend for 9 years...the best relationship I have ever been in. We have a few cultural issues, but very possibly these are individual characteristics rather than cultural characteristics. When one ... Read More
Oh Brazil! by GringogGene
Friend living in Northern California went to BR Consulate in San Francisco to pick up her passport/visa for travel to BR this month. It was closed in order to watch the BR/GER match. One lady had flown down from Seattle and was booked back that ...
I wonder if the American had a clue about Brazil. In the USA, I understand that the World Cup games, including those with the American team playing, required a paid cable channel, so many Americans could not see their team. As long as America ... Read More
2014 FIFA WORLD CUP FIASCO UPON US by James
[img align=c]http://i1320.photobucket.com/albums/u531/wjwoodward/COPA_zpsa81ba13d.jpg[/img] FIFA has announced publicly that the stadiums in S茫o Paulo and Curitiba will not be ready until the last minute. Personally from my years of experience here ...
That is certainly my experience after 34 years in Brazil! Douglas Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
Great advice, as usual! Thank you! Read More
Just arrived in Cuiab谩
Hi Ben, Douglas Trent here, in Caceres. Are you connected with UFMT for your animal behavior studies? We (Instituto Sustentar) have a project sponsored by Petrobras via their program Petrobras Ambiental, for the county of Caceres, and UFMT is a ... Read More
VISAS Class Action Suit by James
I am contemplating bringing on a Class Action Suit naming as co-respondents the Policia Federal, Minist茅rio da Justi莽a, Conselho Nacional de Imigra莽茫o for unacceptable delays in the issuing of VIPER Permanent Visas and the subsequent C茅dula de ...
RE: Class Action Suit, I feel for your situation, my friend, and maybe I am paranoid, but is it a good idea to sue the Brazilian government? Trumped up "foreigner's law" violations have either put other foreigners in Brazilian jails or had them ... Read More
Home brewing beer in Brazil by jota23
I'm working through the process of moving to Brazil and think that it'd be great if I could continue to home brew there. I'm somewhat concerned that I may not be able to get decent ingredients at a reasonable price. Has anyone brewed in Brazil who ...
There are numerous microbreweries in Belo Horizonte, MG. I buy homemade high-end beer from a Brazilian retired CEO who brews just as a hobby. It is my favorite beer, and I get it in 600ml bottles, 24 at a time, R$6 each. We need lots more people ... Read More
Considerations surrounding Brazilian citizenship and naturalization by James
Naturalization in any country is nothing to be taken lightly by any stretch of the imagination. This is especially the case here in Brazil because citizenship, however obtained, carries with it certain serious responsibilites as well as rights. So ...
I see no advantage in naturalization. I have been here 33 years, and other than not being able to vote or buy large tracts of land (but I can own a business that can by land), I see no advantage. As an American, I would also loose my US ... Read More
Hello, I've just arrived in BH and would love to meet people here by nickcanby
Hi, I'm from the US and just arrived in BH after spending 10 months in Peru. I'm currently living near the center of the city in a small apartment with my girlfriend. I would love to meet the ex-pat community here. I'm planning on teaching English, ...
Hi Nick, Douglas here....I am not in BH now, but welcome! There is a lot of music, and a good number of foreigners in BH. Do you know Bar do John? It has a lot of foreigners. Try Minas International...check Google for this contact. Cheers, ... Read More
SAY NO TO SEXUAL TOURISM by James
[img align=l]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGw01k_APYc/SpvSdd98hRI/AAAAAAAAACE/2XtfWZXnXX0/s320/campanha+orkut.jpg[/img]Hello all, Thanks to the noble efforts of Brazilian Senator Magno Malta and other concerned politicians and citizens just like him ...
Hi James, Thanks! Things are going very well. We have been publicly selected for a Petrobras Ambiental sponsored project in the Pantanal....Bichos do Pantanal. This will feature both baseline population studies for various endangered and ... Read More
Are Brazil's Airports ready for the World Cup? by dan001
I've had the opportunity to fly frequently to many airports in Brazil. During Carnival it's chaotic at GIG or SDU. I can imagine the airports being much more chaotic, but I am not sure what the airports are planning to do. I imagine more taxi's ...
Hi James, I don't know. I usually travel in and out of Confins. Most of the BR airlines are using the airport, but with the mergings, perhaps fewer now than in the past. Sorry I cannot be more helpful! Cheers, Douglas Read More
Are Brazil's Airports ready for the World Cup? by dan001
I've had the opportunity to fly frequently to many airports in Brazil. During Carnival it's chaotic at GIG or SDU. I can imagine the airports being much more chaotic, but I am not sure what the airports are planning to do. I imagine more taxi's ...
Hi friends, let me add a comment about the Belo Horizonte situation, where I have been much of the lat 33 years. Due to the mountains and weather patterns, the low valley location of the PLU airport caused great problems for me and other frequent ... Read More
The Shameful Plight of Dogs in Brazil by James
[img align=l]http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRKAvZVMSYN84_cmx2FEKNmqbYRQ5Agn9STW5kEXXQ-h-RJd8W7iQ[/img] Developing nations seem to be pretty much the same all over the world when it comes to attitudes, treatment and the condition of dogs ...
I am in total agreement! Thank you for posting this. Read More
Fear grips S茫o Paulo following recent wave of violence by James
A survey just published contains shocking figures which clearly demonstrate the intense fear that grips S茫o Paulo, South America's largest metropolis. 91 percent of those interviewed feel unsafe in the city and 56 percent stated that they would ...
Hi Friends, I lived with residence here from 1980 to 1991, and was in Brazil at least 8 months of every year until retuning to live here again in 2005. I suggest concentrating on all the good things that are here, and I am here by choice. ... Read More
Staying in Brazil after marriage by Sarah2211
Hello, I am a British national and I will be traveling to Brazil shortly to marry my Brazilian fiance. After the wedding I will be staying in Brazil and will apply for my residency while out there. As I am not planning to come back to the UK in the ...
HI Sarah2211, Permanent residency may need to be obtained in your country of origin. I suggest you contact the Brazilian Embassy in the UK and get information from them about this. I received my Permanent Visa in 1983, so things may have ... Read More
Chile or Brasil?
Hi Hamid, What would you like to know about the people? It is a very broad issue, and one can find everything from the desperately poor to the extremely rich in both countries, but more in Brazil, given its large populations. Brazilians party ... Read More
Chile or Brasil?
Hi Hamid, I live in Brazil and know Chile well. They are very different countries...Brazil is tropical, while Chile is temperate, with 4 distinct seasons. Brazil is huge, Chile is small, but long. Brazilians generally are much more easy going, ... Read More
Sleeping with the Enemy - Brazilian Style by James
It never ceases to amaze that in a nation that has so many laws as Brazil that they, for the most part, completely disregarded by the very governmental "watchdog" agencies that are supposed to enforce them. Even when they do take some kind of action ...
All true, frustrating, and yet we still love living in Brazil! Happy New Year to all....Douglas Read More
whose a gringo? by soie5
someone who doesnt know portugese or someone who has blue eyes and blond hair. What if u dont know portugese but look like a local? Or if u look different than normal brazilians but know portugese?
Yes, a Gringo here is anyone who is not Brazilian, it seems, and is not derogatory. Who is a gringo? Some even consider Brazilians that have spent years overseas, and changed their culture as a result. Cheers, Douglas Trent, Gringo in Belo ... Read More
Moving
Hi Oscar, I am an american living in Belo Horioznte, MG, Brazil. I would be happy to call you on m Vonage pone and spend 30 minutes or so talking with you about the reality here. Send me your phone number via my m-mail...ecotrent@aol.com Cheers, ... Read More
Potential Catastrophic Situation! by mrcat2
Snapshot of my situation: 1. 2005: First went to Brazil on student visa and listed my mother's married last name. (On the visa form, it asks for last name and NOT the maiden name, but I digress...) Subsequent SINCRE and CIE and all that jazz ...
James, you are a blessing for those of us out here that do not have such a clear vision of Brazilian realities! Cheers, Douglas Read More
SAY NO TO SEXUAL TOURISM by James
[img align=l]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGw01k_APYc/SpvSdd98hRI/AAAAAAAAACE/2XtfWZXnXX0/s320/campanha+orkut.jpg[/img]Hello all, Thanks to the noble efforts of Brazilian Senator Magno Malta and other concerned politicians and citizens just like him ...
James, I look forward to meeting you in Belo Horizonte! Again, we agree on everything! Does anyone else out there have something to add? Cheers, Douglas Read More
SAY NO TO SEXUAL TOURISM by James
[img align=l]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGw01k_APYc/SpvSdd98hRI/AAAAAAAAACE/2XtfWZXnXX0/s320/campanha+orkut.jpg[/img]Hello all, Thanks to the noble efforts of Brazilian Senator Magno Malta and other concerned politicians and citizens just like him ...
Hello James, my dear friend! I am in agreement, but would like to see any research that shows the motives of both male and female adult prostitutes, rather than just assuming. I am a big supporter of human rights, and no one should be forced into ... Read More
SAY NO TO SEXUAL TOURISM by James
[img align=l]http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_kGw01k_APYc/SpvSdd98hRI/AAAAAAAAACE/2XtfWZXnXX0/s320/campanha+orkut.jpg[/img]Hello all, Thanks to the noble efforts of Brazilian Senator Magno Malta and other concerned politicians and citizens just like him ...
Well stated James! Pedophila is a world-wide problem, and it is true that particularly in Salvador and regions to the north. I think it is a shame, however that the campaign is mis-named to be Say No to Sexual Tourism, rather than Say No to ... Read More
Brazilian Superstitions - wacky or wise? by James
Like in many other countries Brazilian people have many superstitions. Some we've all heard of no matter where we come from and others that seem particularly Brazilian. Some seem to make sense but really have no foundation in fact; others are ...
Thank you for this amusing list and setting the story straight. I work a lot in the Pantanal and have had many Pantaneiros tell me, after the black-and-gold howler monkeys roar, that it is going to rain. These primates roar in the morning to ... Read More
Thinking of moving out to brazil
Hi Irishguy1888, I can help you with volunteer work if you are interested when you come, especially if you choose Belo Horizonte MG as your destination. You will love the social scenery! Cheers, Douglas Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
Sounds good David! Have you been to Belo Horizonte? It is a nice city. Plan a visit and we can catch a beer or two! Cheers, Douglas ecotrent@aol.com Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
Hi David, Yes, motorcycles are a problem, traffic is Third World (but where are we, anyway?), and yes, some Brazilians, especially in Rio is seems, are rather two faced. Police have improved a lot, but get paid little, sometimes way past pay day, ... Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Belo Horizonte by Julien
Hi all! What about meeting the other Belo Horizonte 大咖福利影院 members in real life? Organizing an 大咖福利影院 meet up would be an excellent way to know them! :) An 大咖福利影院 meet up can be a diner gathering, having coffee, a bring and share in a ...
Oops, I missed this...didn't see it until now. Anyone up for another gathering? Cheers, Douglas Read More
Expat blog gatherings in Belo Horizonte by Julien
Hi all! What about meeting the other Belo Horizonte 大咖福利影院 members in real life? Organizing an 大咖福利影院 meet up would be an excellent way to know them! :) An 大咖福利影院 meet up can be a diner gathering, having coffee, a bring and share in a ...
I have been here for years, but am happy to meet up if time and place allow. Many ex-pats here go to Bar do John, are associated with Minas International, or otherwise meet up from time to time. A lot of this stated with the gringoes.com site ... Read More
Cost of farmland in Brazil by MattC760
Bom Dia, I am interested in finding out the approximate price on farmland in Brazil. I've been kicking around a business idea and would like to know the specifics. Thanks for your input in advance Matt C
Hi Matt, Consider the center and north of the state of Minas Gerais as well, especially around Diamantina and Montes Claros. There are a number of agricultural projects in this region, and it is growing. Cheers, Douglas Trent, in Belo Horizonte. Read More
Canada Day (July 1) USA Independence Day (July 4) Messages
I join in wishing all Canadians and fellow American good wishes on these important days! Read More
Brazilian telephone companies / How to get p'd off without trying by James
Well, while the rest of my move to Maca茅 - RJ has gone quite smoothly and I'm now in a rather cute little house and all is organized... trying to arrange for telephone and broadband internet service has been nothing but a nightmare. I must confess ...
In so many ways, Brazil is becoming a First World country, and in so many ways, remains the country of the future. Until these problems are fixed, the country will sluggishly move forward, but never really arrive, I fear! Douglas Read More
LATIN AMERICAN KNEE-JERK REACTIONS by James
The impeachment of former president Fernando Lugo of Paraguay has spawned a series of knee-jerk reactions by all of the other Mercosul countries, which is at the very least difficult to understand. The impeachment process itself conforms in every ...
Thank you for this background, my friend! This is not being told in the press...surprise surprise! Douglas Read More
Racism and xenophobia in Brazil by joaofellet
I'm writing a story for the BBC about foreigners who have experienced racism (or xenophobia) in Brazil. Although many Brazilians say there's no such thing in the country, it's not true (Africans and Latin Americans from neighbouring countries such ...
I see most discrimination in Brazil being leveled against the poor and against women in the workplace. These forms are held not just in Brazil, but in much of the world. Read More
Marriage and visa by lili23
Hello, I have a question. I live in the UK, I just got married to my Brazilian boyfriend who lives in the UK too. Id like to go to Brazil on my own next month and my husband will join me later. Does anyone know long will it take me to get the spouse ...
I have no idea how long or what you need. This is much easier for a Brazilian to get, to know where to get. You can also check with the Brazilian consulate in Houston or LA. When will you be in BH? Please use email...ecotrent@aol.com to ... Read More
LEARN OVER A THOUSAND PORTUGUESE WORDS IN A FEW MINUTES by James
[img align=C]http://subasanta.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/portu.jpg?w=500&h=332[/img] For all of you English speaking members who are struggling to learn or improve your Portuguese, believe it or not you can learn over 1000 Brazilian Portuguese ...
Great, thanks...may I post it on a group site - Real Life English? Minas International? Cheers, Douglas Read More
gee willikers...... we're going to be saved by Batman
This is entertaining, at least! Will you volunteer to be Robin? Cheers, Douglas Read More
Working in Social Development in Brazil
Hi Rashie, Douglas Trent here in Belo Horizonte. I an my Brazilian partners are working on a number of sustainability projects. Our nonprofit Instituto Sustentar puts on the largest sustainability even in Latin America, Sustentar 2012, the 5th ... Read More
Best place to live in Brazil...
Belo Horizonte is a very livable city, and less expensive. Zona Sul in Rio, however, is probably the most upscale and developed place to live in Brazil, but also very expensive, and Rio has more social problems than I encounter here in BH. Read More
Advice on Importing and Exporting
It is not hard to get a permit to import into Brazil, and the economy is very good, and Brazilians will pay high dollar for good imported items....just need to know what to import! Good time with high Real value and low Dollar value! Good luck. ... Read More
Hello from the USA
Hi Pat, Douglas Trent here, an American in Belo Horizonte. My Brazilian cell is 31 9134-3833. If your daughter does not speak Portuguese, and has a cell phone, you can call me if you need a quick translation over the phone, perhaps to a taxi ... Read More
Pinheirinho - Brazilian human rights trampled by James
All of Brazil watched as the drama played out in the small city of S茫o Jos茅 dos Campos, S茫o Paulo on Sunday, January 22, 2012. If like me, you are trying to understand the convoluted story behind the 聯Massacre at Pinheirinho聰 as it is now known 聳 ...
Great reporting my friend, but I hope you don't have any trouble bringing all this to light. As you wrote previously, those exposing corruption have a way of disappearing, or worse, and we need your bright mind writing more on Expat! The ... Read More
Did you get robbed in Brazil? by Bazseville
Brilliant Brazil.... Whenever carnival time in Feb comes round I remember my time in Brazil, the carnival, the parties, the problems. I loved Brazil but I got off to a bad start when my bag got nicked at the bus station in Rio. Has anyone else ...
Getting robbed a gunpoint or kinfe point, pick pocketed, have your home broken into, etc. happen in Brazil, Europe, the USA and the rest of the world. We need to be careful and stay attentive no matter where we are. Crime research shows that most ... Read More
BUS TRAVEL by createsome
I am coming to Brazil and flying into Sao Paulo and would like to take a bus from Sao Paulo to Recife!.Friends in Brazil tell me that it is dangerous and i am looking for trouble. I would love to take the three or four days traveling and practicing ...
Not surprisingly, I agree with Mr. Woodward again! I have traveled extensively, by bus, and the only problems I ever had were traffic related delays and occasional breakdowns, causing a several hour delay, but these are uncommon. Bring something ... Read More
Santander Group President and family investigated in Spain by James
The president of Santander Group, Emilio Botin, and his family are being investigated for financial fraud, money laundering and a series of other irregularities in Spain. This comes as a result of the discovery of massive offshore deposits, ...
Thanks for this info! They are part of the International 1%! Read More
To get settle at Brazil
Hi Rahat, Another, simpler way, would be to come the city where you want to live, and get your consulate or a lawyer or friend, to help you find a dormant business similar to yours. James is correct that starting a business is a long, tough ... Read More
Animals, Insects, Fish, etc., that pose health risks in Brazil by James
Animals and Insects that pose health risks in Brazil Tunga or Tunga Penetrans 聳 commonly known as the 聯bicho de p茅聰, 聯bicho do porco聰 or simply 聯porco聰 here in Brazil. The tunga is the smallest known flea which is found in tropical and sub-tropical ...
Hi James, We work well together! Cheers, Douglas Read More
Animals, Insects, Fish, etc., that pose health risks in Brazil by James
Animals and Insects that pose health risks in Brazil Tunga or Tunga Penetrans 聳 commonly known as the 聯bicho de p茅聰, 聯bicho do porco聰 or simply 聯porco聰 here in Brazil. The tunga is the smallest known flea which is found in tropical and sub-tropical ...
Thank you, Mr. Woodward, for this posting! In the spirit of cooperation, and as an ecologist specializing in Brazil's wildlife, let me make some comments! Mosquitoes: The Aedes aegypti is the major carrier of the diseases mentioned. The vast ... Read More
Passionate for the Brazilian Culture
I have not checked the site, but don't need to. I am here by choice and love so much about this country. No place is perfect, but there is so much more good here than bad! Thank you, Mr. Woodward, for yet another excellent post on expat.com! ... Read More
First trip to Brazil1
Hi, and this will be one of the few times I disagree with my friend, Mr. Woodward. Brazil requires no vaccinations to enter the country unless you are coming from a country with yellow fever, like Bolivia. Malaria is not a problem in Goais, and ... Read More
Better off to take the bus!!! by James
As if they are telling us something we [u]don't[/u] already know, airfares rose a whopping 53% in 2011. Passenger demand has increased and airlines in Brazil, not satisfied with their profit margins simply jack up their prices. Their justification ...
The problem with the bus is the size of Brazil, and the danger of traffic. I frequently need to go to Cuiaba from Belo Horizonte, a 28 hour ordeal, if I am lucky. It is much more dangerous as well, given the distance, the bad roads, and drunk ... Read More
Learning Portuguese by GuestPoster27088
I'm interested to know how people have learned portuguese, both before moving to Brazil and after. Has anyone used PC based systems such as rosetta stone? If so, how did you like it? I saw another application called Portuguese Complete Edition that ...
I came to Brazil in 1980, and learned Portuguese on the street, but it would have been much faster if I had taken a course! Good tips from Mr. Woodward, as always! Read More
Work here in brazil
As a foreigner in Brazil, one needs to have legal documentation, must speak Portuguese well or perfectly, and must be able to present him/herself well. I suggest learning the brick and cement form of building, and also tile laying. Much of the ... Read More
Brazil's Minister of Education is defying President Dilma by James
Brazil聮s Minister of Education, Fernando Haddad, continues to defy President Dilma insisting once again to introduce 聯Kit Gay2聰 into the curriculum of public schools. His claim that the material is directed to the laudable goal of reducing prejudice ...
Hi James, I agree that we need to address all problems, but see nothing wrong with taking them one at a time, rather than doing nothing. As the world slips deeper into the realm of science-denial and increased fundamentalism, however, I think it ... Read More
Way to go Dilma!!! by James
Chalk up a resounding victory for the auto manufacturers' lobby in Brazil. Not only did they con the Brazilian government into raising the IPI (Impostos sobre Produtos Industrializados) on imported cars , but also to ignore the Constitution in doing ...
Thank you again for excellent information! Douglas Read More
British scientist thinking of taking up job in Rio - any tips? by JennieD
I've been hoping to come to Brazil for a while having finished my PhD in the UK recently and have just been offered a position as a researcher at the Federal University in Rio de Janeiro. This is really exciting but I have so many questions to ...
Hello! I am Douglas Trent, an American scientist here in Belo Horizonte. I recommend that you do not take that R$3000 salary living in Rio.....It is very expensive and you would need to pay most of that simply for rent, and even then you would ... Read More
Way to go Dilma!!! by James
Chalk up a resounding victory for the auto manufacturers' lobby in Brazil. Not only did they con the Brazilian government into raising the IPI (Impostos sobre Produtos Industrializados) on imported cars , but also to ignore the Constitution in doing ...
Another well written article from wjwoodward, with facts that point out what is going on in this great country. I can buy a new Toyota Corolla in the USA for less than I can by a 1997 used Toyota Corolla here. The one advantage I see here is the ... Read More
Public transportation in Belo Horizonte by Armand
Hi all, What do you think about the means of transportation in Belo Horizonte ? Is the network of means of transportation well developed? What modes of transport are available? Do you use them? How much is a fare? Are they ...
I walk most of the time, but also use taxis and occasionally a bus. There are not enough taxis in BH currently, and this is being discussed publicly, with the hopeful outcome for those of us that use them to have more taxis in the future. Walking ... Read More
Howdy ya'll! by Raalexan
Hi Everyone, I am going to be moving to Rio de Janeiro in October as an Expatriate. I've never been to Brazil, never lived anywhere outside of Texas! (no, I don't own a horse. :P) I SUPER excited about my new adventure, but I am concerned about ...
Zona Sul, the southern tourist and beach areas, are really fairly safe, very upscale, nice restaurants and bars, and fairly well policed. Keep you eyes open, but if you are in these neighborhoods, you will really enjoy it. Otherwise, really keep ... Read More
A Gringo's Survival Guide to Brazil by James
[img align=L]http://9imb150dy03dci7w3gxvi91b.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/survival-guide.jpg[/img]A Gringo鈥檚 Survival Guide to Brazil (or everything you ever wanted to know about life in Brazil and couldn鈥檛 find ...
Great and accurate information.....good job! Lets get together sometime....EcoTrent@aol.com. Cheers, Douglas Read More
English Speaking Doctor
Hi Jwalker45....Go to minasinternational.com, and try to post your question there. This is the strongest expat organization, and someone is bound to know and English speaking doctor. Cheers, Douglas Read More
Tucuma, Para
I am and American in Belo Horizonte MG Brazil, and if you will have an Internet connection and want to stay in touch with friends in the USA and 60 other countries, look into a Vonage phone while you are in the USA...www.vonage.com. Read More
Hi Everyone
Hi Luasol, Yes, there are expats here. go to minasinternational.com, for the biggest group, or try joining a posting on gringoes.com/meeting up/Belo Horizonte. I look forward to meeting you. Cheers, Douglas Read More
To get settle at Brazil
Hi Rahat, Great! Check with the closest Brazilian Embassy, and check into a investor's vista for you and your family. I think you will enjoy Brazil! Cheers, Douglas Read More
married with brazalian woman by cris123
hi i am pakistani national and living in uk on student visa but my girlfriend is brazlian national and living in brazil . she have visited me in uk now we want to get marry can anyone give us good advice in this concern 1. should i go to ...
Hi Lahore, I am an American living in Brazil, and welcome the opportunity to help a Pakistani! You should contact the Brazilian Embassy in London, and tell them your situation. Other advice you get may be wrong. Good luck! Cheers, Douglas Read More
early departure fees or Penalty (hotel reservation)
No easy answer here....it will depend on the hotel, their cancellation policy, if you prepaid the total for the 10 days, your attitude when presenting that you want to leave and the reasons you wan to leave, the attitude of the hotel person you ... Read More
Advice needed - moving to Americana Brazil by t49zero
Hello, I am seeking some advice and input. I will explain the details of my situation and try to keep it as brief as possible. I am considering moving to be with my girlfriend in Americana, Brazil. We met when she lived in the US for 8 years, ...
The main beers here are very light, but over the last few years several microbreweries have started...and we can now get beers that are much more stout and flavorful, but expensive. Making friends is not that hard, if you find the people with ... Read More
how to gain permanent residency through investment
Hello, I am not sure but a friend of mine from Australia is here on such a visa. My understanding is that you have to provide employment. The Brazilian embassy/consulates could inform you best, but you can also talk to visa service companies ... Read More
Expat Group in BH? by mcclelm
Hi, I'm looking to connect with other Expats living in BH. I read on an 大咖福利影院 there is a group that meets once a month, however, the online links no longer work and I'm dead ended at finding more information. Do any of you folks know of such ...
Hi Maxine, This must be an old post, as you are connected now! Cheers, Douglas Read More