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Mark F

Senior Member
My vacation is over ( been over for a couple weeks, but it takes a while to get back into the swing of things ),
Now the planning stage begins. My plan is to start the process of Social Security here in the US and become an expat in Brazil. I have all the paperwork done and translated, just need to start the process. It takes 30 days to start the process and then up to 90 days to complete. I'll then apply for permanent visa. If my request for permanent visa is approved ( which they say it will be ) I will start the move there. I don't need much. Clothes, camera gear, computer :) In the meantime, its paying off the CC's and saving as much money as I can.
 
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Dawg Pics

Senior Member
That is a big move. Good luck. I always wonder how people pack-up and move to another country. I have a hard enough time just changing states, which I have done several times.
 

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Welcome back, but ... uh ... where are the pictures?!?!? :D

Congrats on the big decision!!! While we've joked about making a big move at some point, I don't think either of us has the courage to pull the trigger on that. Looking forward to hearing more about your move!
 

Fred Kingston

Senior Member
I wish you luck... Had a friend do the same, although a bit younger. Moved his entire family to Uruguay. Had a lot of misconceptions about the "freebies" he'd be getting there... He lasted about 4 years and is currently moving back. Seems, the cheap living is only available to the natives in those countries, and American's are perceived as a resource to be taken advantage of... Maybe Brazil is different... Good luck my friend.
 

Mark F

Senior Member
I wish you luck... Had a friend do the same, although a bit younger. Moved his entire family to Uruguay. Had a lot of misconceptions about the "freebies" he'd be getting there... He lasted about 4 years and is currently moving back. Seems, the cheap living is only available to the natives in those countries, and American's are perceived as a resource to be taken advantage of... Maybe Brazil is different... Good luck my friend.

I'll be married to a Brazilian citizen. Might be a little different. And I won't be living in places like Rio or Sao Paulo where American tourists are targeted. There are no freebies, but cost of living is definitely cheaper than here.
 
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Mark F

Senior Member
Good luck with the banking and Patriot Act issues. Not easily navigated.

Banking seems to be no issue as long as I have the tax card and permanent visa. Social Security direct deposits to a bank like Citicorp which is worldwide. Money is automatically converted to Reals without fees.

I don't know anything on the Patriot Act.. don't think it applies in Brazil. US and Brasil have a good relationship as of now. It might be different if I were moving to a country known to harbor terrorists.

I've been looking into this move since 1998 :) I believe I have all my i's dotted and t's crossed.
 
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Mark F

Senior Member
That is a big move. Good luck. I always wonder how people pack-up and move to another country. I have a hard enough time just changing states, which I have done several times.

I am one that doesn't like change or moving. I purposely stay put because of that. Different situation causing me to make a big move though ( and its not politics :)) Although...
 

Mark F

Senior Member
Welcome back, but ... uh ... where are the pictures?!?!? :D

Congrats on the big decision!!! While we've joked about making a big move at some point, I don't think either of us has the courage to pull the trigger on that. Looking forward to hearing more about your move!

I posted a couple... haven't quite gone thru all the sd cards yet. It was winter there, and raining a lot. So photo ops were limited :(
 
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Texas

Senior Member
I recently had a very minor name change issue (due to a 30 year old typo) which required a Medallion Signature Guarantee due to P.A. regulations. Pulled it off with a lot of persistence and luck.

Almost had to go to court to get my name changed to my real name in order to generate some proper documentation.

Brazil must be a good place to go. A friend of mine just got back to the US from spending three years there with his wife and kids (on the 'lam' for a little Federal issue which sent a couple dozen folks to jail). Life was good for him while there, actually on a Brazil island I believe.
 
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Mark F

Senior Member
Brazil must be a good place to go. A friend of mine just got back to the US from spending three years there with his wife and kids (on the 'lam' for a little Federal issue which sent a couple dozen folks to jail). Life was good for him while there, actually on a Brazil island I believe.

I'll be living in a couple places. The people I know there have a large farm. The main town is Cachoeira do Sul in Rio Grande and the other will be on the coast Florianopolis. Life is on the less stressful side. People take time out for family and friends, barbecues and relaxing. Its old farm community. Not like the big city or even smaller towns here where everyone is in a hurry to get nowhere :)
 
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Texas

Senior Member
Wishing you the best with the big changes ahead.

Most of us, as we get older, tend to stay put with the familiar things and we do think back to the pain of previous moves.

I've thought of retiring to eastern Oregon after visiting a few times but can't quite get completely decided. I'll probably stick with just getting their great berries and other things from the stores in TX.
 
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