Written by a gringo living in Brazil
Brazil,
Without the
Bullsh*t.
Real guides on visas, CPF numbers, Pix payments, safety, and where to actually go — written by an expat who's lived here 18+ years and made every mistake so you don't have to.
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20 guides
Published guides
18+ years
Living in Brazil
Essential Guides
Visas & Legal
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) 2026
Brazil's digital nomad visa is now live. Here's exactly what you need — income requirements, how to apply, costs, and whether it's worth it for remote workers.
Brazil SIM Card 2026: How to Get One Without a CPF
You land in Brazil and your phone has no signal. Here's how to get a Brazilian SIM card as a tourist — without the CPF headache most guides fail to mention.
Brazil E-Visa Denied? Exactly What To Do Next
Your e-Visa application got rejected. Don't panic. Here's what actually happens, why it happens, and the exact steps to fix it — from someone who's helped dozens of gringos get back on track.
Explore
Destinations
Overrated vs Underrated: An Honest Gringo's Guide to Brazil's Tourist Traps
I've spent 18 years in Brazil watching tourists line up for mediocre experiences while the best stuff sits empty. Here's what's actually worth your time — and what to skip.
Off-Season Brazil (May–Sept): The Insider's Case for Skipping Summer
Everyone visits Brazil in summer. Everyone's wrong. Here's why May through September is actually the best time to visit — from someone who's spent 18 winters here.
How to Survive Brazil Without Speaking Portuguese
You don't need to speak Portuguese to visit Brazil — but it helps. Here's the honest guide to getting by, from someone who learned Portuguese the hard way.
Practical Info
Money & Safety
Brazil Travel Insurance: What You Actually Need
Is travel insurance mandatory for Brazil? What does it actually cover? Here's the practical guide — based on what hospitals actually charge and what happens when things go wrong.
Cost of Living in Brazil as an Expat 2026 (Florianópolis vs Recife vs São Paulo)
What does it actually cost to live in Brazil? I've been here 18+ years in Florianopolis. Here's the real breakdown — rent, food, transport — across three major expat cities.
Is Brazil Safe for Solo Female Travelers?
The short answer: yes, with caveats. Here's the honest truth about solo female travel in Brazil — safest cities, areas to avoid, and how to stay safe without living in fear.
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About the author
"I arrived in Brazil in 2007 with a backpack and no plan. Nearly 18 years later I'm still here — Brazilian wife, two kids, and a deep understanding of everything that can go wrong for a gringo. This site is everything I wish had existed when I arrived."
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