Misconceptions, Travel Tips & More! Exploring Brazil Like An Insider!

Hello folks,

Here we go again! We are back at it with another edition of Brazil Beachfront!

This edition is packed with a ton of stuff that will really get you excited about one of the most vibrant countries on the Planet. From information that will make your time in Brazil smoother to tips about where to go when you arrive, this edition has a little bit of everything!

Whether you’re dreaming about your next getaway or looking for an accessible, quality investment opportunity, I am excited to have you here and hope you enjoy what is to come!

Getting Here - Flying to Brazil & When To Come

For U.S. and Canadian visitors, a visa is currently not required for stays of up to 90 days. That said, this past April, this was supposed to change. This change would have required both U.S. and Canadian visitors to obtain a visa prior to entering Brazil.

At the time of my writing this newsletter, the Brazilian Government has stated that visa requirements for U.S. and Canadian visitors will be in place come April 2025. Don’t stress out about this—remember, most of us reading this are fortunate enough to travel on very strong passports. However, for the majority of the population, getting a visa before travelling internationally is just a normal part of travel and should not deter your plans to explore this wonderful world of ours. Plus, when travel visas are required for us to enter Brazil, we will be able to do so digitally from the comforts of our homes. See, like I said, no big deal. 

 Major Brazilian cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Salvador are well-connected with direct flights from major U.S. and Canadian airports. Flights are frequent, and the journey usually takes between 8 and 12 hours, depending on your departure city.

On the plane ride to Brazil, I recommend you brush up on a few key phrases in Portuguese to make your travels that much smoother. Plus, when the locals recognize you have made an effort to speak in their native tongue, they will be thrilled and even more keen to assist you.

Plus, nowadays, all of us have the luxury of having a translator app in our pockets, so navigating your way through a world where English isn’t all that popular won’t cause too much stress or headaches.

Brazil’s tropical climate means it’s warm year-round, but the best time to visit often depends on your destination. For the northeastern beaches, the dry season from September to March is ideal. Conversely, if you’re exploring the Amazon, visiting during the drier months from June to November will make for a more pleasant experience.

What’s so great about Brazil is that the country is just massive, so any time of the year, you will have no trouble finding a region with the type of weather you’re in search of…. with the exception of cold, dark and snowy, of course. 

Getting Around - Navigating Brazil

A common question I often get asked is whether renting a car in Brazil is necessary for visitors. The answer largely depends on where you’re staying and what you plan to do.

In bustling cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, public transportation is extensive and affordable. Buses, metros, taxis and ubers are readily available. Beyond this, many neighbourhoods inside of Brazil’s biggest cities are super walkable. I have walked through various cities in Brazil more times than I could count and have always been pleasantly surprised with just how vibrant, secure and beautiful the small shops and boutiques are… there are literally neighbourhoods in Brazil that could easily be confused with Beverly Hills, for example.

Now, if you’re staying in smaller towns or exploring more remote areas, having a car can be incredibly convenient. Having the flexibility to visit off-the-beaten-path locations is something that I personally love to do, so for me, renting a car (or, in some cases, hiring a private driver for the day) is completely worth it so long as I am accompanied by my wife (who also graciously doubles as my chauffeur). 

When I was here for 6 months, my wife and I rented a car. Driving around Brazil with my wife and our newborn in toe is something I will never forget… sometimes I still ask myself, “How did I get so lucky?” I mean, I could have lived a stable life in Canada, but instead, I find myself touring Brazil with my wife and our newborn baby. Oh yeah, and if you forgot, my wife and I literally went to Brazil so my son could be born there and, thus, receive his Brazilian citizenship. 

Propaganda Or Reality… Is Brazil Really Unsafe?

Sadly, Brazil is still plagued with misconceptions about safety. Even with all the access we have to true information today, many foolishly still believe the country is far more dangerous than it is.

While it’s true that, like any large country, Brazil has areas with higher crime rates; however, many (and most) regions are perfectly safe and welcoming for visitors.

When you come to Brazil, you will feel comfortable. Brazil understands its reputation and thus has gone above and beyond what is necessary to make it clear to visitors and residents alike that it is keeping things secure.

For example, tourist destinations, like beach towns or cultural hubs, generally have a strong police presence. Even with this, it's good to stay aware of your surroundings and just take common-sense precautions when you are out and about.

Just like if you were walking home after a few drinks down a dark alleyway while wearing a fancy watch in the UK or Spain, it could be a recipe for trouble; the same would go for Brazil… or literally anywhere in the world for that matter. 

The misconception about Brazil's safety is really a bummer.

Brazilians are some of the warmest, friendliest, and most hospitable people in the world, and I envision a time soon when many of you reading this right now will venture out and learn this for yourselves first-hand. 

Best Weekend Trips from Northeastern Brazil!

Now, as many of you reading this already have purchased a property in Northeastern Brazil, I figured it would be a good time to share some fun things you can do once you’re there!

Canoa Quebrada: Just a short drive from our featured developments, Canoa Quebrada is famous for its stunning red cliffs and vibrant nightlife. It’s a perfect spot for a beach day and a night out. 

Jericoacoara: Known for its incredible sunsets and unique dune landscapes, Jericoacoara is ideal for a weekend of exploration and relaxation. Don’t miss the chance to climb the dunes and take in the breathtaking views!

Morro Branco: Famous for its colourful sand dunes and natural beauty, Morro Branco is a picturesque escape. Enjoy the stunning landscapes and explore the unique formations in this must-visit destination!

THE Brazilian Festival You CAN’T Miss

Brazil is renowned for its vibrant festivals that showcase its rich culture and traditions. Don’t get me wrong; there is no shortage of festivals or events that you’ll want to see when you’re in Brazil. That said, there is one clear festival that is a MUST VISIT…

Carnival.

Sure, carnivals are popular in Latin American Countries, but those who know know that the REAL CARNIVAL takes place in Brazil.

I have amazing and reliable Brazilian staff who keep the machine over at Expat Money running smoothly. On holidays, evenings, and birthdays, I can count on every single one of them to get their work done and do it well. However, there is one time of the year when I have to plan in advance how to navigate this time of the year as my staff are, let’s just say, preoccupied….

If you guessed Carnival, you’d be correct…. LOL

Carnival in Brazil is celebrated with vibrant parades, music, dance, and elaborate costumes. It marks the beginning of Lent and typically features samba schools competing in spectacular parades, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, and Salvador.

In 2025, Carnival in Brazil will officially take place from February 28th to March 8th, though festivities often start earlier and continue beyond these dates.

*Note to my staff: Please don’t celebrate too far beyond the 8th… I need you guys!

Subscribers Only Deal of the Week!

I am thrilled to have partners who are willing to meet my crazy demands for special offers and discounts that I can pass along to my subscribers.

I push, I pry, and, for lack of a better term, I fight for the absolute best deals I can for you guys reading this right now.

Whether I am selling an entire development, live during a special presentation or whether I am connecting my Private Expat Money Clients with my partners directly, I hope you trust I am working hard behind the scenes to ensure that I am getting the best prices on Beachside real estate in Brazil. Period.

Here is some evidence:

This week, I am able to share a special offer for units at “The Reserve.” If you have been keeping up with Brazil Beachfront, you’ll remember that back in June, I hosted a special presentation, during which I completely sold out the project.

I told my team in advance of the presentation, “We will sell out, but that doesn’t mean we are sold out.” 

This is because it is inevitable that a handful of people who were committed to purchasing a unit will be unable to follow through with their commitment. Thus, we will be able to reintroduce some of the previously sold inventory back to the market. So, this week, that is exactly what I am doing.

I am reintroducing a couple of available units from the Reserve back into the market… and get this - I am doing so at the exact same special presentation day pricing that I was able to offer back in June. 

Here are the details:

• Construction started in June 2024 and will be completed in June 2026.
• All units are identical, direct beach access offering full unobstrcuted beach views.
• Just minutes from Canoa Quebrada.
• The development includes a large communal swimming pool and entertainment area with a hot tub.
• Only $67k each (cash) or $77k each (financing available: 25% down, balance over 24 months).
• Full furniture, appliance, and A/C package are available for an additional $10k. 

 This is an incredible opportunity to own a slice of paradise at a price that I didn’t think I would be able to get, let alone continue to offer after the presentation period had ended.

There is no property that is more accessible available at ANY of our other properties in this region.

This is literally the most inexpensive way to become the owner of a turn-key rental property on the beach inside a booming country.

Contact my partners at expat@beachfrontoffers.com right now because if you want in later, you will end up paying far more.

Client Construction Updates

So, this update is a bit of a double whammy… you know, two birds one stone type of thing. No, it’s not because I am lazy… it’s because I am logical or efficient, you may say.

This 2-for-1 construction update is made possible because both of the developments I am writing about share the same plot of land! The Palm Bay Developments and the Reserve are, in fact, neighbouring developments, and both are being constructed on the same stretch of beach. 

So, the “green areas” are coming along nicely. The planting for these areas has just begun, but rest assured that when the first Palm Bay homes are completed, the green spaces and leisure areas will be lush and ready for you (or your guests) to enjoy! 

I would also like to point out to those of you who have recently secured your beachside apartment inside “The Reserve” development: Things are underway. Ground has been broken and come June of 2026, you, too, will be able to take advantage of our in-house rental management service. 

Remember, when you work with our team to manage your rental, the service is absolutely 100% hands-off for you.

When you decide to invest and leave your property to us to manage, you literally don’t have to lift a finger to earn monthly rental income right into your bank account every single month.

Final Words!

Thank you for joining us for this edition of Brazil Beachfront! I hope you found the information interesting and insightful and maybe even found it to be the final push you needed to really consider Brazil as a vacation, Plan-B or permanent destination for yourself and your loved ones.

If you have any questions, comments, or feedback about what you have just read, as always, I invite you to write our team back by sending an email to expat@beachfrontoffers.com 

Until next time, folks,

Mikkel.