Expert: Sandra - 1/2/2010

Question
I am moving to Brazil and I'm trying to research what to buy and bring from the US and what to buy once I relocate in Brazil.

Right now, I don't have much furniture or household items, so I have the option of choosing to buy in the US and bring to Brazil or to just buy once I'm in Brazil.

I know electronics tend to cost more in Brazil, so I plan to bring a television, TV, iron, blender, microwave, etc.

However, as far as linens (towels, bed sheets, table cloths), kitchen utensils (pots & pans, cutlery, dishes), furniture (couches, dining room table, bed & mattress, book shelves), what is cheaper in Brazil and what is cheaper in the US?

I don't know if this helps, but I'll be living in the State of Sao Paulo, close to the city of Londrina.

Thanks!!!!

Answer
Everything you mentioned is probably much more expensive in Brazil for equal quality. Of course, you'd also have to factor in the cost of a container and a despachante to smooth the way for it on the Brazilian end. With electronics and appliances, another thing to consider is whether you can get parts to fix them in Brazil.
There are some good discussions of this (and other related) topic on the expat site www.gringoes.com
Best wishes for a happy life in Brazil.