Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Sao Paulo


What is special or unique about your city?
Brazil is the largest country in South America, stretching almost 4,350km from end to end and covering 3,300,155 square miles. It extends from the Andes Mountains eastward to the Atlantic Ocean and borders every country of the continent except Chile and Equador.

Although only slightly smaller in size than United States, it has a population of 172 million -- approximately 60% of the U.S. population.

For hundreds of years, Brazil has ignited the Western imagination like no other South American country. The country is blessed with warm and pleasant weather year-round; friendly, relaxed and diverse people; beautiful, abundant nature and a myriad of cultural and social attractions.

Situated inland near the port city of Santos, the city of São Paulo is a vast urban agglomeration comprised of a mosaic of districts, ranging from ultra modern urban high-rises and business centers, to impoverished shantytowns called 'favelas.' In many ways, São Paulo is Brazil in a microcosm, a striking contrast between opulent towers and grimy shacks, gaudy riches and grinding poverty, striking success and endemic failure.

As you can see, Brazil is a study in contrast: from the mad passion of Carnival to the immensity of the dark Amazon, it is a country of mythic proportions.
 
What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?
It is a huge city with friendly people, many contrasts, nice weather (no hurricanes, earthquakes or seaquakes) and a lot of attractions; its soil is rich and its coastal plains spectacular in their beauty. It is very easy to adapt to life there.
 
Are these impressions likely to change?
Not really!
 
What is the local language?
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese.

Away from the big cities, most Brazilians have little or no command of English. Many are able to understand Spanish, however, due to the similar nature of the two latin-based languages. In a São Paulo business setting, it is more likely that a Paulistano will speak English instead of Spanish as a second language. In general, Brazilians look favorably upon any effort to communicate with them in their native language.
 
How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?
It is recommended that you acquire at least a basic knowledge of Portuguese prior to departure. Once in Brazil; enrolling in language classes is encouraged. Below are some commonly used Portuguese expressions that you might find helpful:

Good morning=Bom Dia
Good Afternoon=Boa Tarde
Goodbye=Tchau
Please=Por favor
Thank you=Obrigado/a
Yes=Sim
No=Não
 
What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?
There are no fixed rules. Brazilians are open people. But, as always, you can't go wrong by simply exercising basic courtesy.
 
How might the local weather affect my daily life?
Brazil's climate is most influenced by its proximity to the Equator. Throughout the country, temperatures seldom rise above 35ºC (95ºF), due to the moderating effect of high levels of atmospheric humidity. The summer months, November through March, tend to be hot and humid with abundant rainfall. Summer temperatures range from 19ºC to 27ºC (66º F to 81ºF). During the winter, the temperature varies between 10ºC and 20ºC (50ºF and 68ºC). During this season, the city is sometimes influenced by cold low-pressure systems from the Atlantic, which from time to time can cause the temperature to drop.
 
Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?
As a rule, drinking tap water should be avoided, even in big cities. Bottled water should be drank at all times.
Living in Brazil will undoubtedly be a challenging and rewarding experience--learn as much as you can and make the most of it!
 
Useful Links
General Information on Brazil
www.brazilinfo.com/general_info/general_info_en.htm

Local news
www.yessites.com/brazilspecial/index.asp

A local magazine
www.terra.com.br/
 
 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.