Rio de Janeiro: The “Marvellous City” welcomes digital nomads

Você já pensou em se tornar um nômade digital? Sem fixar residência fixa, você pode, literalmente, trabalhar de qualquer lugar. A prática está cada vez mais comum e sabe qual é a cidade "queridinha" desse pessoal? Isso mesmo: o Rio de Janeiro! Entenda porque na notícia publicada pela BBC.

LEVEL – Intermediate to Advanced

Rio de Janeiro, a colourful urban sprawl divided by forest-covered mountains and edged by golden coastlines, has long seduced international tourists with its samba-fuelled nights and spectacular landscapes. Now, the “Marvellous City”, as it’s known by Brazilians, is enticing a new type of traveller with its Digital Nomad Visa, which was launched across the country last year. The local government has been pushing ahead with investments to make the city increasingly suitable for remote workers, including improving connectivity with citywide 5G coverage. An emerging coffeehouse scene also brings new working spots and a digital nomad vibe to Rio’s popular beachside areas, with modern cafes equipped with fast internet, contemporary brunch options and a variety of decent coffee. But it’s not all about the grind. Rio-born Cariocas cherish playing sports, being in nature and socialising after working hours, and it’s this work-life balance that makes Rio so appealing to digital nomads over other Brazilian cities. “Unlike São Paulo, Brasília and Belo Horizonte, Rio has both big-city amenities and amazing beaches, hiking and other outdoor attractions,” said Janeesa Hollingshead, a North American digital nomad who has been living in Rio for a year. Getting residency in Brazil was once shrouded in red tape, but the Digital Nomad Visa has made the process easier. It enables visitors to keep their current employment in another country while allowing stays of one year, with the option of renewing for another 12 months. Applicants must provide proof of work and earn at least US$1,500 (£1,200) per month or have US$18,000 (£14,400) in savings.

Remote workers in Rio also have the benefit of a thriving digital nomad community, said Hollingshead. Highly active social media and WhatsApp groups allow visitors to find an assortment of in-person meetups, from samba nights and hiking expeditions to business-networking and language exchanges. These online hubs are also valuable resources for finding out information about visas, taxes and other general day-to-day life in Rio. Traditional bakeries designed for in-and-out strong espressos and quick bites remain prolific. But remote workers can also find several coffeehouses dotted throughout Rio’s affluent South Zone (Zone Sul) that offer air conditioning and high-speed internet, such as Café Cultura and Mini Joe in Copacabana and Aussie Coffee in Ipanema. “There are free Wi-Fi spots you can easily find and laptop friendly,” said Emily Anctil, a multilingual advisor specialist from Canada who worked remotely in Rio for six weeks. Enjoying the outdoors is the essence of Rio, whether that’s running along Copacabana’s black-and-white promenade, surfing the gentle waves of Ipanema or sitting outside a bar for cold beers and a samba. “The outdoor lifestyle is of great importance to the city,” said Alessandra Alli, a Brazilian tour guide and founder of Hike in Rio. The beaches, forest hikes and numerous alfresco drinking spots are all on the doorstep of anyone who lives in the South Zone, making it easy to slip into a fun activity once the laptop has been closed for the day. For those more interested in sinking into cultural activities after a day’s work, there’s no shortage of live music, street markets and weekend gastronomic events. “The culture in Rio has so many layers. There’s so much depth and colour in it,” Hobbs said.

Brazil’s reputation of crime can alarm some digital nomads considering making the move to Rio. Most violent crimes occur in favelas and the neighbourhoods on the outskirts of the tourist spots. However, vigilance is still required to avoid pickpocketing and muggings. Keeping expensive devices out of sight and taking taxis, especially at night, are advised to mitigate such risks. Anctil named safety as one of the cons to working in Rio but added, “I have had zero issues myself”. English isn’t widely spoken throughout Rio, although locals tend to be supportive towards Portuguese learners. “Everyone has been very welcoming and patient with me as I learn Portuguese (which has been a challenge!), and I appreciate that so much,” said Hollingshead. It’s worth learning some Portuguese basics before going to Rio or doing a Portuguese course upon arriving for longer-term residents.

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LEVEL – Basic to Pre-Intermediate

Rio de Janeiro, also known as the "Marvellous City", is attracting digital nomads with its Digital Nomad Visa, which makes it easier for remote workers to live and work in Brazil. The city has been investing in improving connectivity with citywide 5G coverage and has a growing coffeehouse scene with modern cafes offering fast internet and contemporary brunch options. Rio's work-life balance, with its emphasis on sports, nature, and socializing after work, makes it appealing to digital nomads. The Digital Nomad Visa allows for stays of up to one year, with the option to renew, and requires proof of work and a minimum monthly income of US$1,500 (£1,200) or savings of US$18,000 (£14,400). Rio also has a big digital nomad community with active social media and WhatsApp groups for meetups, networking, and language exchanges. While safety concerns exist, most violent crimes occur in certain areas, and vigilance is advised. English is not widely spoken in Rio, but locals are generally supportive of Portuguese learners. Learning some Portuguese basics before arriving or taking a Portuguese course upon arrival may be beneficial for longer-term residents. Overall, Rio de Janeiro offers a mix of big-city amenities, outdoor attractions, cultural activities, and a supportive digital nomad community, making it an appealing destination for remote work.

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