Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 4/1/2009

Question
Hi Ken,
I am moving to Rio in a month time along with my wife and kid (infant). I will be working in Flamengo for an oil company. Please advice how much the accomodation 1 BHK (Furnished or Unfurnished) will cost in a safe area and close to my workplace? If Unfurnished how much the furniture will cost?
Please tell whether Indian spices and other grocery items are available in Rio?

Regards,
Gaurav

Answer
Flamengo area rent will cost you around R$1,500 plus around R$500 in condo fees. Budget for R$2,000 at least if you want to live well, and safe. Furniture in Brazil is usually quite expensive, I have found, an da pain in the ass to purchase. Most furniture is made to order, and either they ship it to you a month later, or you get it in the wrong color or size from what you ordered.  Other furniture stores like Casas Bahia are cheap, and the quality shows it. In my opinion, the stuff there is ugly. Ugly beds, ugly sofas. Maybe you will like it. It's not super cheap, but on credit it is affordable. There is also Tok & Stok, which is moderately expensive, but nice looking furniture for a modern family. The quality is good to fair; meaning something will likely break within a year or two. You can buy a nice infant bed probably for around R$900. An adult bed will run you at least $1,500 not counting the mattress.  

I dont know about Indian restaurants or supermarkets in Brazil. However, you can probably find things like curry and chutney at Pao de Acucar supermarket. It's a bit more upscale.