Expert: Edison - 8/11/2008

Question
My husband is being considered for a 3 yr expat assignment in Sao Paulo. The company office is in the Santo Amaro area and we would need to live within a reasonable commutable distance from there. I know the company will provide some assistance in locating a house/condo/apartment but I don't know what to expect from each category or which is the best option.
    Do the high rise apartments have pools/fitness rooms/laundry facilities? Are the houses generally safe? Which can be rented furnished and what is generally included? Do we need to buy all small appliances there because of the difference in electricity from the U.S. (ie hair dryers/toasters/coffee makers etc)?  I seem to read that most people use maids - is that common for just regular people or only the rich? Are bed sizes the same as U.S. - queen, king etc. so I could bring my own linens? Thank you.


Answer
Hello Diane,

Santo Amaro is an industrial area of Sao Paulo. High rise apartments are generally safer and cheaper than houses and many of them have pool/fitness facilities. Most apartments come totally unfurnished and have their own laundry area.

You can bring your appliances from US, since in Sao Paulo the electricity is also 110V.  You should also bring the mattresses, TV and other big items from US. They are much more expensive in Brazil.

If you are not sure what to bring, you could first rent a furnished apartment for few months. Then look for a good place to live and visit local furniture and appliances stores to decide what to bring from US.

Full time maids are usually expensive for regular people. But you could afford hire them to clean your house few times a week.

Enjoy Brazil!

Edison