How to Move to Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo, Brazil, is one of the most vibrant cities in South America and is Brazil's commercial and banking center. Despite the problems of urban sprawl and traffic congestion, it can be a delightful place to live.

Instructions

1. Apply for a Brazilian visa. This should be done at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country of residence. You will need a valid passport. The type of visa you require depends on the length and purpose of your visit. Brazilian tourist visas are only valid for 90 days and prevent you from seeking any kind of employment. Temporary and permanent visas are more difficult to obtain.

2. Obtain health insurance. Unless you are a permanent resident of Brazil, you will not be eligible for SUS, the Brazilian public health service. There are a number of private health insurance providers in Brazil, and you can also purchase expatriate health insurance in your home country.

3. Decide where you want to live in the city. Getting around Sao Paulo can be difficult at times. The bus and metro systems are overworked and crowded, while the city's roads are often completely snarled with traffic. In addition, there are a number of sprawling shanty towns, known as favelas, that are generally not safe for foreigners to wander into alone.

4. Find an apartment or house to live in. Property values are quite high in Sao Paulo. You will want to shop around for a place that suits your needs and budget. There are a number of sites on the Internet that offer rental and property listings. Alternatively, you can find short-term accommodations in the city and then shop around in person on arrival, which may be your best bet for finding a decent price.

5. Learn to speak Portuguese. While Sao Paulo is known as an international city that contains a wide spectrum of ethnic groups, most Portuguese people, particularly those outside the urban middle and upper classes, will not speak much English. More importantly, you'll be able to enter much more easily into the culture if you speak Portuguese. Also, note that Spanish is also spoken in Sao Paulo and throughout Brazil.