Premium Members Jon Beattie Posted June 24, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 24, 2009 I've been invited by a DP friend to come down and work in Brazil. I'm strongly considering the move. Being single makes moving pretty easy. I can get sponsored be his company and am now looking into how the biz is in Rio. Just curious how other expats have faired moving to other countries? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members RobVanGelder Posted June 25, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 25, 2009 Hi Jon, As an expat living in Thailand for 6 years now, I can say that it can be a good move, but it very much depend on your own efforts and abilities to accept local culture. I don't know about Brazil, it might be a bit more western than Thailand. Also the language is probably more accessible than Thai. Speaking the language helps enormously. This is one thing I found very difficult and still have problems with that. Depending on the country, there might be all kinds of laws preventing foreigners to work, unless properly supported and with all the needed documents. In Thailand you need a work permit, which will only be allowed if you have a company that employs you, freelancing is not allowed, though there are many who try this and have the risk to be caught one day and then will become a Persona Non Grata for ever. Check the national immigration laws and work laws. Here in Thailand I am not allowed to do anything but my original job description (cameraman at first and now Head of Maintenance), but that does not mean I can hold a hammer or drill a hole in a wall: that has to be done by Thai people, I can only supervise that action...... officially. In real life I often do it myself, as I trust my work more than what the locals do....... Be very careful of your new life and who you share it with in the new country. Specially with any private relations. Be aware that many people in this country, who are often much poorer than you, can and will see you as a walking ATM, and will do anything to please you on the short term but also empty your pockets! There are examples enough here in Thailand, men that found their "love of their life"...... in the bar or nightclub that they went to........ Most of them left the country completely robbed, only a few survive, because, let's be honest, not every girl or boy is bad. But Latin America is probably on a similar level as the Thai nightlife. It is super attractive....... Bringing your gear is another problem. If you intend to stay forever, try to import it at the lowest possible value, or you will pay through your nose (as I once had to do.....). If you are there to try out your luck for 6-12 months, you can put all equipment on a ATA Carnet if applicable, but be aware that you need to export it out of the country you are visiting before the deadline or you will have to pay the import taxes. When I came here I still had my house in the Netherlands. I found that to be a big burden, as I could not do much to maintain it for my renter and after 3 years I sold it, still making a bit of money on it, but also having spend a large amount on local taxes, maintenance, etc. It was not really worth it. So you better make up your mind about anything you have now. Taxes at your homeland can be ongoing too, like in the Netherlands. They only stop (social security taxes and more) once you are completely unregistered from your city and tax department. That too has cost me thousands and thousands.! There are in every country expat fora, just google that. Tons of info there form people in the same process. Good luck! Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Thomas English Posted June 26, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 Do it. 100%. I think I have spoken to your DP friend a few times on the phone in Rio, he is sound. Look, you will love it. Brazil is going from strength to strength. The language is easy. I am going to be Sao Paulo quite a lot and my friends organize big music festivals in Bahia so we will hook up for a larger. Remember that problems and hurdles are normally opportunities. Good to hear your good Rob! See you soon T Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Robert Starling SOC Posted June 26, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 26, 2009 ...There are examples enough here in Thailand, men that found their "love of their life"...... in the bar or nightclub that they went to........Most of them left the country completely robbed, only a few survive, because, let's be honest, not every girl or boy is bad... This sounds a lot like Las Vegas :rolleyes: Robert Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Daniel Stilling DFF Posted June 28, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 28, 2009 Hey there, I'm from Denmark, but I grew up between Denmark and Sao Paulo, Brazil. I was there for about 15 years. I can say that Brazil is a very diverse land with countless cultures, a true melting pot, were they all truly interact. And from my experience, living now in my 3rd continent, it's all in the eye of the beholder. No place is perfect, but it all depends on what you chose to look at. Brazil is one of those places. I had many good and many bad experiences there, but the best part was all the friendships I acquired, and never lost. The beaches are wonderful, but not in the big cities, like Rio, very polluted... You need to travel a few hundred miles away from population centers. Brazil is an emerging economy, but has been so for many many years, since it got out of dictatorship. Back from the beginning to mid 80's, the inflation was rampant, at least 1% - a day! - so you could never get ahead. Now the situation is much better, but still under improvement. Violence is one thing to look out for. I had guns pointed at my head twice under robberies, and once I was chased while ridding my motorcycle. People drive like crazy too! The weather is great, tropical in the summer, and mostly mild in the winter. the cost of living is lower, but the rates are lower as well... But again, change can always refreshing, and it has for me. let me know if you have any specific questions, I'll be happy to help! Dan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Members Reid Russell Posted June 30, 2009 Premium Members Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Hey Jon, How's it going? I bought a cable from you a while back. I'm in Rio right now working on a feature. This is my second one since October. I love it down here! I've been coming to Brazil every year for the last 5. Shoot me a message if you want to know about customs stuff and obtaining a work visa. A tourist visa is good for 5 years but you can only spend 90 days at a time and only 180 days per year, unless of course you marry a Brasilera. The features I have worked on require a work visa which means getting a letter from ANCINE through the production company that you have a signed contract with. I'm not sure about sponsoring a company but maybe I can ask someone in the production office about that. I'm here until the end of August. Gente boa! As praias, a cultura, as gatinhas...I could go on and on. It's breathtaking. Tchau, Reid Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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