Buying property in Brazil? Learn about the culture first
With Brazil doing comparatively well economically, many may be considering purchasing property there. However, rushing over without learning about the country could be an ill-informed decision. Those who have bought Brazil real estate would be well advised to swot up on the facts about where they are heading.
Directgov, the website of the UK government for its citizens, has plenty of advice for those people looking to make the move abroad. It notes that there are a number of ways in which they can get hold of information such as customs and religion.
For starters, people can pick up a decent guidebook to find out about the local culture and laws in the countries they are going to. Lonely Planet sells guides to Brazil as well as a phrasebook which could come in handy for overcoming any language barriers.
Directgov also says that people should respect local customs and dress codes, while being discreet about views on cultural differences is also advisable. People heading over to South America to live in Brazilian property should not haggle too aggressively either, according to the government website, as in most countries where it is normal to barter, it is done with humour and not for a prolonged period.
The UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, meanwhile, notes that there are differences in the driving habits in Brazil, when compared to those of the Brits. As well as this, there is a zero-tolerance policy on drink driving and just a small alcoholic drink will put people over the legal driving limit. Penalties can range from being fined and suspended from driving for 12 months, to imprisonment for up to three years.
Brits looking to move permanently over to Brazil would also do well to learn the general facts about the country. According to the 2008 estimate, the population of Brazil is 189.6 million, making it the fifth most populous country and fourth largest democracy. Among the religious people of the country, the majority (73.6 per cent) are Roman Catholic in faith, while over 15 per cent are Pentecostal and 1.4 per cent Animist.
In terms of the government set-up, the country is a federal republic consisting of 26 states and the federal district. These states have much power and are responsible for issues such as education.
The main political parties are the Worker’s Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Democrats Party. President Lula is both head of state and leader of the government. Elections are held for the position and for congress every four years.
As for the environment, Brazil has the world’s biggest reserves of tropical forest, freshwater and bio-diversity. According to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, enough water flows out of the Amazon each day to supply New York City for ten years. It is also a world leader in the production of biofuels, especially bioethanol.
Ecotourism is something that is very popular in Brazil too, but those venturing out to rural areas should also learn about where they are heading, in order to avoid any problems with the native people. There are 600 indigenous reserves across the country and around 220 indigenous peoples, who speak more than 180 distinct languages, so it would perhaps be tricky to learn everything about them. Understanding and humility, however, could go a long way to avoid causing offense.
These are just a few of the facts and figures that those buying Brazilian property would be well-advised to note down. Being such a vast country, there is plenty for visitors to teach themselves. However, once acclimatised to their surroundings, they can relax and explore a country full of wonder and beauty.
