if you look hard enough you can get a nice one, ocean view for at least 250k, which is a lot less
not at all...just the bahamas strikes me as slightly more modern. When I checked out what weekly rental rates typically are, it makes me want to buy a few places. The mortgage would pay itself while i was gone and i'd even come out making money during that time.
Ivand
quote:
Originally posted by all-nite-freak
not at all...just the bahamas strikes me as slightly more modern. When I checked out what weekly rental rates typically are, it makes me want to buy a few places. The mortgage would pay itself while i was gone and i'd even come out making money during that time.
oh well, ok then :p i just that bahamas strikes me as a just tourist country while here you get like, a lot of other business opportunities and luxuries for cheap
(im starting to sound like a real state agent)
Lira
quote:
Originally posted by Ian
severe poverty, esp in the big cities. kidnappings and robberies all of the time, footballers, djs etc. I honestly wouldn't risk it.
Pictures of São Paulo, Brazil's biggest city. Approximately 830,000 people - about 7.5% of the population - live in poor districts and surrounding regions (still, 92.5% aren't living in those conditions). Even in Rio de Janeiro, where the percentage is higher than the Brazilian average (15%), social condition has improved quite a lot during my lifetime. Sure, we've got stuff to fix here (just as London and Paris did not long ago), but we're not that bad, you know?
(I'm lacking the crime statistics rigth now, but I can talk about that later.)
AndreaCKY772
barbados is expensive... i don;t know if barbados is a second or first world country?
they have the highest literacy though (i don't know if just in teh carribean or in the hemisphere?)
all-nite-freak
quote:
Originally posted by Ivand
oh well, ok then :p i just that bahamas strikes me as a just tourist country while here you get like, a lot of other business opportunities and luxuries for cheap
(im starting to sound like a real state agent)
advantage to big tourist countries: you see the bitch like for 2 weeks tops then bye bye go back home to your family.
Bahamas is milf central and I like Baby Back Ribs.
nice pics lira
jdat
Monaco real estate costs are off the hook.
As expensive if not more than something in London/New york type prices
Also in contrast to that an insanely taxed country is Belgium.
A couple people I know work for big companies who regular deal with Belgium and it's fairly common practice for companies over there to want to pay cash to get away from paying taxes :stongue:.
This friend is a salesperson/engineer in water treatment facilities and some companies who were going to make a several million euros purchase wanted to pay cash :stongue:
everett
quote:
Originally posted by all-nite-freak
I'm going to Ibiza to spend the summer, but living there would mean i'd be dead withtin a year. Most countries in the European union that are decent are very expensive due to the what euro conversion amongst other things have done.
Someone told me the Arab Emirates is tax free, but a beach with no is as useless as a prostitute with teeth.
Dubai has horrible weather. Unless you want to go from snow to 100F+ days with 60% humidity that make you sweat right when you walk outside, don't go there.
Ian
quote:
Originally posted by Lira
Pictures of São Paulo, Brazil's biggest city. Approximately 830,000 people - about 7.5% of the population - live in poor districts and surrounding regions (still, 92.5% aren't living in those conditions). Even in Rio de Janeiro, where the percentage is higher than the Brazilian average (15%), social condition has improved quite a lot during my lifetime. Sure, we've got stuff to fix here (just as London and Paris did not long ago), but we're not that bad, you know?
(I'm lacking the crime statistics rigth now, but I can talk about that later.)
I'm not saying it's not beautiful mate, but some of the following advice may be relevant (from our travel agency)
SUMMARY
* You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
* Around 169,000 British nationals visit Brazil each year. Most visits are trouble-free. The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Brazil is muggings and the subsequent replacement of stolen passports. Levels of crime and violence are high, particularly in major cities. You should be vigilant, especially when going out after dark.
* Since May 2006, there have been outbreaks of violence aimed primarily at police and officials in Sao Paulo. However, in late December 2006, attacks also occurred in Rio de Janeiro. You should monitor local media, remain alert and aware of local conditions at all times. See the Crime section of this travel advice for more details.
* There have been serious problems with the air traffic control system across Brazil since October 2006. At times this has led to severe delays and disruption at airports throughout the country. The risk of further such disruptions is likely to continue for some time. You are advised to check the estimated departure time of your flight before leaving for the airport.
* Drug trafficking and use is on the increase, with severe penalties in Brazil.
* Dengue fever is endemic to Brazil and since January 2007 there have been significant outbreaks in the south of the country. Please see the Health section of this travel advice for more details.
* It is a legal requirement in Brazil to carry evidence of identity at all times. A photocopy of the relevant pages of your passport is acceptable.
* We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
SAFETY AND SECURITY
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. You should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners. Please read Security and General Tips and Risk of Terrorism when Travelling Overseas for further information and advice.
Crime
Levels of crime, including muggings, which often involve firearms or other weapons, are high. You should be extra vigilant, particularly in major cities. Street robberies may occur anywhere. You should carry only small sums of money on your person in relatively accessible places so some cash can be handed over without delay if you are threatened. You should avoid wearing jewellery, rings and expensive watches. Dress down, and keep cameras and mobile phones concealed if you must carry them. It may be wise to carry items in a supermarket bag rather than a more obvious backpack. On no account attempt to resist muggers or other attackers as they often carry firearms or other weapons and will use them or, in addition, are under the influence of drugs and may act/react unpredictably. It is wise to deposit all valuables and documents, including your passport, in hotel safes. Consider storing cash and a spare credit card in a marked, sealed envelope (to monitor any potential compromise of the hotel safe). Carry only a photocopy of your passport.
Since May 2006, there have been outbreaks of violence resulting in deaths in São PauloState aimed primarily at police and officials, and a series of rebellions inside prisons. There have also been attacks on banks and public transport. Since December 2006, there have been a series of attacks in Rio de Janeiro against the police and on buses at various points resulting in fatalities. There are still regular reports of outbreaks of violence and shootings in São Paulo and Rio.
If there is a further escalation of violence, it may be widespread and unpredictable. Previous outbreaks have led to severe disruption to public transport. You should remain alert and aware of local conditions at all times. Enquire about the situation at your destination and on the route you intend to take there. During periods of disturbances avoid areas near banks, police and fire stations and other public buildings like courthouses. If you need to use public transport, use taxis where possible.
Slums or “favelas” exist in all major Brazilian cities; they are characterised by poverty and extremely high violent crime levels. There are some respected guided tours of certain slums in Rio de Janeiro, and these are considered safe. Your hotel should be able to give you further advice. However, in no other circumstances should you attempt to venture into a slum at any other time. After dark, you should avoid entering very quiet streets except under reliable local advice.
Thefts from cars are common. Cases exist of cars being temporarily hijacked, and the driver or passengers being forced to use their bankcards to extract money from ATMs. Cash machines in many parts of the country often close or allow only reduced withdrawal facilities from 22:00 to reduce the risk of this happening around midnight (when a card’s daily limit can be withdrawn twice, just before and after midnight). When in a car you should keep the doors locked and the windows closed, and take particular care at traffic lights. There have been instances of cars being hijacked with the driver remaining inside.
The threat of personal attack is lower outside the main population centres. However, incidents do occur, even in holiday destinations that appear relatively secure. A number of sexual offences have been reported in coastal tourist areas. Unaccompanied women, in particular, should avoid walking alone and should never accept lifts from strangers or passing acquaintances.
Credit card fraud is common. You should always ensure you retain your copy of the transaction slip, along with the carbon paper. And do not lose sight of your card in a shop or bar, for example. UK cash cards are not always accepted by Brazilian cash machines. It is wise to take sufficient funds in cash/travellers' cheques (preferably US dollars) to exchange. Travellers' cheques are not widely accepted so some cash should also be taken.
Mobile telephone cloning can occur. If your telephone is cloned your bill will show calls, often expensive, made using your telephone number.
There have been reports of “date rape” and robberies after the victim has been drugged. Do not accept drinks from strangers or drink from your glass if it has been out of your sight. This applies to both women and men.
For more general advice see the Security and General Tips
Political Situation
Brazil Country Profile.
Local Travel
There have been serious problems with the air traffic control system across Brazil since a fatal collision involving two aircraft over the Amazon region on 29 September 2006. At times this has led to severe delays and disruption at airports throughout the country resulting in protests by some passengers. On Friday 30 March 2007 a strike by air traffic controllers led to all flights being grounded, and chaos for up to 24 hours. The underlying management problems in the air traffic control system, and the potential for serious disruptions to air travel, are likely to continue for some time. You are advised to check the estimated departure time of your flights before leaving for the airport.
Where possible, you should travel by taxi in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Recife and Salvador rather than any other form of public transport. This is strongly recommended for any travel at night. Travel by public bus or tram within the cities of Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador can be unsafe (in some instances gangs have set buses alight leaving passengers inside after robbing them). There is less of a risk in São Paulo, but the bus and metro system is difficult to understand. In Rio de Janeiro in 2006 there were two incidents of hijacking and robbing of tour buses transferring British tourists from the international airport to their hotel. Policing of tourist areas and the expressway from the international airport to the downtown area has been increased since the end of December 2006. Bus travel between major cities and travel within other cities is relatively safe.
Use of taxis
On arrival you should use registered airport taxis. The various taxi offices in airport arrival halls sell pre-paid tickets for these. You can pick up taxis from the many recognised taxi ranks around Brazilian cities.
In major cities there have been reports of incidents involving taxis with blacked-out windows and there are also reports that they are being used for criminal activities. We therefore recommend against travelling in taxis with blacked-out windows.
If using a roving taxi check before getting in that it displays an obligatory photographic licence. Beware of unlicensed taxis quoting low prices, but who later overcharge, threatening those who protest.
Road Safety
You are allowed to drive in Brazil providing you have your UK driving licence, an authorised Portuguese translation of it and an original identification document (i.e., your passport). If you hold a UK driving licence with a digital photo, you are only required to carry a photocopy of your passport.
The Brazilian style of driving and standards are very different from the UK. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and beware of potholes, slow moving vehicles, vehicles changing lane without indicating and going through red lights, and people/animals on the road. Avoid driving outside of towns at night as vehicles without lights and other hazards can make it dangerous.
Rail Safety
In 2006, there were a number of incidents on the train and metro systems in São Paulo that have raised concerns among Brazilian transport authorities about its safety and security. In January 2007, a metro construction site collapsed resulting in a number of fatalities. The cause is being investigated.
Sea Safety
Strong currents and sharks can be a problem off some beaches. You should take local advice before swimming.
There have been cases of both armed and unarmed attacks on merchant vessels, including British flag vessels off the Brazilian coast and in some Brazilian ports, including Amapá, Rio Grande, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador and Santos.
For more general information you should see River and Sea Safety.
Air Safety
Air travel in Brazil is generally reliable and safe.
VARIG no longer offers flights between the UK and Brazil.
Gap Year Travellers
Travellers spending part of their gap year in Brazil (or elsewhere) may like to visit: www.gogapyear.com
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Paedophilia and Child Prostitution
The sexual abuse of children is a serious crime and an increasing problem in Brazil. The UK and Brazilian authorities are committed to combating travelling child sex offenders and the Brazilian government continues to crack down on those who commit such offences. Those arrested and convicted can expect to receive long sentences in a Brazilian prison where facilities are very poor. Legalisation in the UK, the Sex Offenders Act 1997, can be used to prosecute in the UK those who commit sex offences against children abroad and has already been used successfully in cases of British nationals who have committed such offences elsewhere in the world.
Drugs
Drug trafficking is widespread in Brazil. If you are caught trafficking, or in possession, the penalties are severe.
Homosexuality
There is no legislation against homosexuality. Brazil has a tradition of tolerance towards homosexuality, and Rio de Janeiro is regarded as a destination for gay travellers. However, there are press reports of an increasing number of isolated incidents of homophobic-related crimes. Gay and lesbian travellers should be aware of local sensitivities particularly when visiting rural communities.
Further advice can be found at Travel Checklists.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
British nationals are normally admitted to Brazil without a visa as tourists or business visitors for an initial maximum stay of 90 days. Overstayers risk fines or deportation. If you wish to stay for longer, you should apply to the Federal Police for an extension before your initial 90-day period expires.
If a traveller is found to have overstayed the validity of their visa, the Brazilian authorities generally give them only eight days to leave Brazil at their own expense.
You should retain your immigration landing card (green) and enough cash to pay the US$38 or R$ 115 airport tax, if this has not been paid with the airline ticket; both the landing card and payment of the airport tax are required to leave Brazil. You may be refused entry to Brazil if your passport has less than 90 days’ validity on your arrival in Brazil. If you intend to travel to other countries in the region from Brazil, your entry may be refused, or airlines may not allow you to board, if your passport has less than six months’ validity. You are recommended to check with your travel agency or airline in advice of your departure date.
The Brazilian Immigration Authorities are vigilant for visitors claiming to be business visitors when in fact the intention is to work in Brazil – eg undertaking training, equipment maintenance etc. This is a particularly serious issue for business visitors in the oil and gas industry.
There are additional requirements for all children under 18 entering and/or transiting Brazil without their parents or legal guardian (i.e. on a school trip). You should contact your nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate for up-to-date advice on requirements. A travel authorisation form may be required, which can be found in Portuguese and English on the website of the Brazilian Embassy in the UK at: www.brazil.org.uk.
If you have recently visited a country, which is known to suffer from outbreaks of yellow fever, you will need to show that you have been vaccinated against the disease at least 15 days before entering Brazil. Some other countries in the region share the same requirement. Please ensure you carry your record of vaccination with your passport when travelling to these countries.
If unsure about entry requirements for your journey to Brazil you should contact the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate: Brazilian Representation in the UK.
HEALTH
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive medical and travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake. Please see: Travel Insurance.
Foreign nationals are entitled to unforeseen emergency medical treatment in Brazilian public hospitals. However, they are not obliged to offer treatment for existing illnesses or care after the patient has been stabilised. Public hospitals in Brazil, especially in major cities, tend to be crowded. Private hospitals will not accept patients unless they can present a credit card or evidence that they have travel insurance.
Dengue fever is endemic throughout the country and since January 2007, there have been significant outbreaks. Health authorities in Brazil have recently declared a health alert in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul (which includes the Pantanal), where the highest concentration of the disease has been reported, other states are also affected. There is no effective treatment for dengue, which has severe flu-like symptoms. You can minimise exposure to mosquito bites by covering up and using repellents.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Brazil. More than three-quarters of British travellers who contracted malaria in 2005 did not take preventive measures, such as malaria prevention tablets. However, malaria can occur despite appropriate prophylaxis, and therefore you should promptly seek medical care in the event of a fever or flu-like illness in the first year following your return from travelling to a malaria risk region. Before travelling you should seek medical advice about the malaria risk in Brazil.
There have been some cases of cholera in the north east region. Yellow fever also occurs in large areas of north and west Brazil.
Rotavirus is also common all over Brazil. The symptoms are severe diarrhoea, stomach craps, vomiting and fever. It can also lead to dehydration and shock if not treated. This virus is highly contagious and usually spread through contact with an infectious person but it can also be spread through the air. If you suspect you may have contracted the disease seek medical advice.
The incidence of some other diseases, previously confined mainly to rural areas, has increased substantially in poorer urban areas in recent years. They include, Chagas disease, leishmania infection, amoebiasis, and leptospirosis. Symptoms may include persistent fever and/or diarrhoea. However, these diseases are unlikely to be encountered in modern hotels in the main tourist areas.
Tap water is heavily treated giving it an unpleasant chemical taste but is safe to drink in most urban areas providing it has been passed through a charcoal filter system; you should check with your hotel/restaurant management before drinking tap water. You should drink bottled water in more remote areas, as filtered water may be unsafe.
You should seek medical advice before travelling and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up to date. For further information on health, check the Department of Health's website at: www.dh.gov.uk
NATURAL DISASTERS
Flash floods and landslides, especially in poorer urban areas, occur regularly. In December 2006, heavy rains in the north-east of the state of Rio de Janeiro around Nova Friburgo, Campos, Sumidouro and Ponta Grossa dos Fidalgo, killed 26 people and left more than 12,000 homeless. Certain highways are still being repaired. Flooding and landslides also hit parts of the state of Minas Gerais in the south, west and in the Triangulo Mineiro (centre of the state). Affected cities include Esmeraldas, Goncalves, Matias Barbosa, Novo Cruzeiro, Pouso Alegre and Itajuba.
Floorfiller
quote:
Originally posted by Lira
Pictures of São Paulo, Brazil's biggest city. Approximately 830,000 people - about 7.5% of the population - live in poor districts and surrounding regions (still, 92.5% aren't living in those conditions). Even in Rio de Janeiro, where the percentage is higher than the Brazilian average (15%), social condition has improved quite a lot during my lifetime. Sure, we've got stuff to fix here (just as London and Paris did not long ago), but we're not that bad, you know?
(I'm lacking the crime statistics rigth now, but I can talk about that later.)
i can't believe some of the things people have said about brazil in here lol. lots of stereotyping obvbviously, but you guys are one of the fastest growing cities/economies in the world.
In 1994, Estonia became one of the first countries in the world to adopt a flat tax, with a uniform rate of 26% regardless of personal income. In January 2005 the personal income tax rate was reduced to 24%. A subsequent reduction to 23% followed in January 2006. The income tax rate will be decreased by 1% annually to reach 20% by January 2009.
I think they are going to reduce it to 14%, atleast there has been talks about it...
Atleast I like the country :rolleyes:
luisjb82
Just surprised nobody mentioned Argentina... I'd kill just to get a transfer to Buenos Aires, an incredible place to live in, not to mention the girls, I still haven't met an argentinian chick who was ugly, and a great edm scene. Unbelievable foods and wine too.
And most important, cheapest prices you could find for the sickest properties. If it wasn't for taxes, I'd consider Italy (Florence) or Switzerland in the first place.
