I have been coming here as a tourist since 2000. I obtained permanent residency (RNE) thru marriage back in June 2017, and have physically moved here since September 1st of this year. I'm sitting on my balcony having my second coffee of the morning, it's already 27 degrees 😁 and I am listening to the birds talk to each other, as the city starts to wake up.
Over the last 24 years I have flown here 65 times, and stayed for 2 weeks to 2 months during each trip. Now that I don't have a return ticket in my app, I wanted to reflect on how things are different. So, in a rambling nonsensical order, here are the observations I have made on the differences of being a resident versus a tourist.
-I don't even care what time it is or what day it is and find myself having to check my phone to find out. I have no schedule, nor do I want one. Brasilians are on what I call "island time mon" and I wouldn't want it any other way to be honest. Sure, there are appointments occasionally to be kept, but, the majority of my week is totally unstructured. I am relaxed like I have never been before. On the first couple of years of vacations there was always things to do, lists to be crossed off, etc, now that is gone forever, and I love it.
-Now that I am fixed in my location, I've slowly formed a community of people around me that, as a tourist, you don't require nor care about. This enhances the experience of being here, and being a part of something. Walking down the street in Copa or Petropolis and meeting your barber, lawyer, the sindico from your condo, etc, and deciding to stop for a cafezinho at a table on the sidewalk and chat about the weeks events totally spontaneously for example.
-The social fabric of your location is rich and complex beyond your wildest dreams once you get to know people and you speak the language. I've gone to more places and done more things merely by being on the ground in the right place at the right time to learn about an event, for example. Things that a tourist would totally be oblivious to, or outright afraid to attend for any number of reasons. Just striking up a conversation with someone at the next table in a cafe can last for an hour and be revealing.
-The cost of living as a resident is dirt cheap compared to North America, Europe, or some places in Asia IMHO. I've been to 50 countries, so, my wallet is talking. Thing is, as a "morador" you slowly realise that you don't need a lot to exist here at a very comfortable level, realistically speaking. Tourists need to go and spend money to feel happy. So, no matter your personal financial situation, your individual satisfaction as a resident is quite high with very few physical or personal needs IMHO. If I am bored I just go for a walk of 10-15,000 steps on the beach, spend R$7 on an ice cold coconut and be thoroughly entertained for 2-3 hours as well as stay healthy.
-I don't care what I look like. I dress down like an ordinary Brasilian walking to the beach or to the favela. Tourists wear costume jewellery, watches, nice clothes, shoes, etc, in most cases. I wear a t-shirt, surf shorts, and flip flops 75% of the time and usually don't shave until the growth of my stubble is annoying me when I sleep. I don't care what anyone thinks of me, because we all sort of look the same. People here are less concerned with what you are, rather than who you are. As a resident speaking the language and looking like a local you disappear from the radar screen. Street hawkers and vendors ignore me.
I'll add more as I think of them.
Moving with your pets to Brazil
Relocating to Brazil
Customs in Brazil
Using phones in Brazil
Accommodation in Brasilia
Dating in Brazil
Marriage in Brazil
Leisure activities in Brazil
