Originally from Sweden, Petra moved to Brazil on an investor visa seven years ago, with Felix, now her husband. Today they run a successful pousada and bakery in the chic seaside city of Búzios. They live with their two children, Chloe and Leon.
Continue readingHow do I request a quote for help to give birth in Brazil?
That’s easy. Just fill out the ‘request a quote’ form on our site, and we’ll send you a detailed email giving you details of our prices and the services included.
Is Brazil a safe country?
A very common question that people ask is: ‘is Brazil safe place for visitors?’ The short answer is “yes, but…”
Safety is relative, like it is for any country. It largely depends on where you go, what you do and who you are. Let’s unpack things a bit, to set your mind at ease.
Firstly, Brazil is a huge country. And yes, it has pockets of poverty, gang rivalry and opportunistic crime, but once you’ve spent time here, you will realise that these areas are quite contained (usually far from any place you are likely to be anyway) and it’s quite easy to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way.
Brazil’s big famous cities, like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, come with their fair share of dodgy neighbourhoods and questionable characters. But overall, overseas visitors to these cities will feel a warm welcome, and it’s easy to avoid any trouble by knowing where you’re going, blending in, dressing down and avoiding public transport and walking in quiet streets after dark.
Florianópolis, where we are based, is a lovely, safe place. It’s an island city, which is connected to the mainland by a bridge, and the quality of life here is of a high standard. You can walk around Florianópolis without needing to worry – it’s as safe a place as any you’re likely to find in your own home country.
You should take the regular safety precautions that you would take anywhere.
Blend in with the locals
Dress down, don’t flash expensive jewellery or accessories about, and try not to look too much like a ‘tourist’. Don’t carry loads of cash.
If you’re going to be in Brazil over New Year’s Eve, be sure to wear all white clothes, otherwise you’re going to stand out.
Don’t walk around staring at your phone, oblivious to your surroundings – that rule of thumb applies for most parts of the world.
Be careful around cash machines and bus stations
If you plan to go to a cash machine, it’s best to do that during the day, when there are people around. When it comes to Florianópolis, it’s fine to take public transport after dark, just try to avoid walking around on your own at night in deserted places. If you are walking at night, stick to well-lit, populated areas. A tip: download Uber to your phone – it’s a safe and cheap way to get around town.
Swim in safe areas
When it comes to swimming at the beach, take advice from locals and swim between the flags. If there aren’t any, try to swim in the same place where other people are.
If you follow these simple tips, you’ll be fine. However, if you do find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time, be sure to remain calm and comply as best you can. Then be sure to report any crime to the tourist police.
Emergencies
In case of emergency, you can call the following numbers:
- Police – 190
- Ambulance – 192
- Fire Service – 193
Are you still taking clients because of the coronavirus?
Last updated: April 2023
Nowadays in Brazil, coronavirus is no longer a major concern for those intending to visit the country. Face coverings are still worn in some settings, e.g. hospitals, taxis, airports, etc. and there is still a need for travellers to present proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test when entering the country.
At the moment Brazil is open for tourists and businesses, hospitals and government services are open as normal. Thankfully lockdowns remain a thing of the past, for now.
We also remind you that only home births and private hospitals are an option for clients, to ensure no added strain is put on the public health system in Brazil.
For more information on the current coronavirus situation in Brazil, please visit the government website.
Becoming a digital nomad in Brazil – is it right for you?
Thinking about becoming a digital nomad in Brazil? Never heard of the term before? Many foreigners who move to Brazil find themselves teaching English to make a living. It makes sense, especially if you’re not fluent in Portuguese. However, with the advent of technology, and companies around the world embracing remote working, there’s now a new breed of worker – the ‘digital nomad’.
Continue readingBefore you travel to Brazil: Best Brazil books and films to watch
About to embark on an adventure to Brazil? It’s a good idea to learn a little more about the country first, to be inspired by its stories and attractions. Here’s a list of our favourite Brazil books and films.
Continue readingWhat kind of work can I do to earn money in Brazil?
There are many opportunities for work in Brazil for foreigners. However deciding on how you’ll make a living is perhaps the most important question to answer before you embark on a new life in a new country. There are a few big things to consider, so let’s unpack them all. Continue reading
Should I be worried about the Zika virus in Brazil?
The Zika virus made headline news around the world in 2016, when the illness was linked to babies being born with abnormally small heads (a condition known as microcephaly). Fortunately, more than a year later, numbers of cases have dramatically fallen, and Brazil has announced that there is no longer a state of emergency in the country with regards to the mosquito-borne virus. Continue reading
Best neighbourhoods in Florianópolis
The whole world has heard of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, but Florianópolis deserves to be just as well known. Not only because it’s where we live…
Florianópolis is often referred to as “the magic island”, but the locals usually just call it ‘Floripa’. This island city has a vibrant urban centre at its heart, and is surrounded by a number of different villages, each offering something unique. Whether you’re looking for nature or nightlife, surf beaches or bushwalking, history or retail therapy – you’ll find it in Florianópolis.
It can be hard to know which one will suit you. Below is a guide to the best neighbourhoods in Florianópolis. Explore our handy interactive city map to help you decide which corner of the island you should call home.
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