Life as a digital nomad in Brazil | What’s it like?
- Esther Twisk
- Mar 30
- 9 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
You’ve probably heard about Bali, Mexico, and Spain as digital nomad hotspots. Nomads love Thailand too, and they can’t seem to get enough of Portugal and Cape Town. But Brazil? Is that safe? Do people speak English? And what about the cost of living? My questions exactly. So I decided to try it out in 2023. And then again in 2025. These are my experiences, tips and thoughts about living in Brazil as a digital nomad.
The practicalities of being a digital nomad in Brazil
First things first: how easy or difficult is it to live and work in Brazil? Here are a few practicalities to keep in mind:
Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa
If you’re planning to stay in Brazil for more than the 90 days allowed on a tourist visa, there’s good news: Brazil now offers a Digital Nomad Visa. In fact, it was the first country in South America to introduce one. With this visa (called VITEM XIV), you can stay and work remotely in Brazil for up to a year, with the possibility of renewing for an extra year.
Of course, there are some requirements. Among other things, you’ll need to:
Earn at least $1,500 per month (or have savings of $18,000)
Provide a criminal record certificate
Show bank statements and proof of an overseas employer
Submit various other documents at a Brazilian consulate
I went through the entire process when I stayed in Brazil from 2023 to 2024. If you’re curious about the details, I’ve written it all down for you to read.
The cost of living in Brazil
A big draw of living in Brazil as a digital nomad is that it can be affordable - depending on where you go. In general, Brazil is cheaper than the US or most of Europe, but prices vary between regions.
For example, Florianópolis, known as thé digital nomad hotspot in the south, has a higher cost of living, with rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a good area costing anywhere from R$4,000 to R$7,000 (€750 – €1,300) per month. Larger cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro also tend to be more expensive, especially when it comes to rent. On the other hand, smaller towns and more remote areas can be incredibly budget-friendly. For example, Bahia, with its laid-back beach towns, offers a much more affordable lifestyle, with rent in smaller towns starting at R$2,000 (€350) per month.
On average, here’s what you can expect to spend per month as a digital nomad in Brazil:
Rent (1-bedroom apartment, good location): R$2,000 – R$7,000 (€350 – €1,300)
Eating out (local meal): R$20 – R$80 (€4 – €15)
Groceries (monthly, for one person): R$1,000 – R$2,500 (€180 – €450)
Coworking space membership: R$600 – R$1,000 (€110 – €180)
Public transport (monthly pass): R$250 – R$400 (€45 – €75)
SIM card with data (monthly): R$30 – R$100 (€5 – €18)
In general, rent, food, and daily expenses are reasonable, especially if you shop at local markets and eat where the locals do. Internet and transportation costs are also affordable, and you’ll find plenty of ways to live well without going broke.
Language in Brazil: do you need to speak Portuguese?
If you’re planning to live in Brazil as a digital nomad, learning some Portuguese is a must. Unlike in countries like Mexico or Thailand, where you can often get by with English, Brazil is not an English-speaking country, especially outside the main tourist areas.
In big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, some people in hotels, coworking spaces, or high-end restaurants might speak basic English. But in daily life - whether you're ordering food, asking for directions, or dealing with landlords - Portuguese is the key to getting around. In smaller towns and beach destinations like Itacaré, English is even rarer.
That said, Brazilians are incredibly friendly and patient, and they’ll often try to help, even if communication is a challenge. A few basic phrases can go a long way. If you put in the effort, even with simple words, you’ll earn smiles and appreciation.
Getting around in Brazil
Brazil is huge: we’re talking the fifth-largest country in the world. That means travelling around isn’t as simple as hopping on a quick bus or train like in Europe. If you’re thinking about exploring different regions while working remotely, be prepared for long distances and some logistical challenges.
Flying in Brazil
Because Brazil is so big, domestic flights are the easiest and fastest way to travel between cities. For example, flying from São Paulo to Salvador takes about 2.5 hours, but by bus, it’s a 36-hour journey. Major airlines include LATAM, Gol, and Azul, and they connect most big cities.
Buses in Brazil
Long-distance buses (ônibus rodoviário) are available, but they take a long time. While they can be comfortable and cheaper than flights, they aren’t always the most practical choice if you’re on a work schedule. For example, getting from Florianópolis to Rio de Janeiro by bus takes over 18 hours. Unless you love overnight rides, flying is usually the better option.
Driving in Brazil
If you’re staying in one region for a while, renting a car can be a great investment. Public transport in big cities is decent, but if you’re in places like Florianópolis or Bahia, having a car gives you way more freedom. In Floripa, for example, public transport is unreliable, and beaches are spread out, making a car almost a necessity. In Bahia, roads can be rough, but having a car lets you explore remote beaches and waterfalls at your own pace.
Public transport in Brazil’s cities
In cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, public transport is good but crowded. The metro is usually the best option, but buses can be slow due to traffic. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and 99 are affordable and widely used, making them the best way to get around if you don’t have a car.
Should you travel around in Brazil?
If you’re planning to stay in one place for a few months, Brazil is fantastic. But if your goal is to hop from city to city every few weeks, keep in mind that travelling is time-consuming and can get expensive. It’s not like Southeast Asia, where you can easily take a short flight or bus between destinations.
How safe is Brazil for digital nomads?
The short answer? It depends on where you go and how you travel. Brazil has some of the most incredible places to live and explore, but it also has cities where safety can be a concern. With the right precautions, though, you can have an amazing (and safe) experience.
Safety by location
Not all of Brazil is dangerous, but some areas require more caution. Florianópolis, for example, is one of the safest places in Brazil, and I felt completely comfortable there. On the other hand, cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo have safe neighbourhoods but also high-crime areas, where pickpocketing and muggings can happen - especially if you're careless with your belongings. Smaller towns, like Itacaré and Pipa, tend to feel safer and have a more relaxed vibe.
Regardless of where you are, some basic safety rules can help you avoid trouble:
Blend in. Avoid flashy jewellery, expensive watches, or pulling out your phone in crowded areas.
Use Uber instead of public transport at night. Ride-sharing apps are safer than flagging taxis on the street.
Stay in the right neighbourhoods. Research before booking accommodation - some areas look good on a map but aren’t safe.
Don’t carry large amounts of cash. Most places accept cards, so there’s no need to walk around with a full wallet.
Be mindful at ATMs. Use machines inside malls or banks, and avoid withdrawing cash at night.
Stick to busy areas. Especially in cities like Rio, avoid empty streets, even during the day.
If you’re worried about safety and you’re a first-time visitor, consider starting in places like Florianópolis or Curitiba, where crime rates are lower. But even if you want to experience the energy of Rio or São Paulo, just following some common-sense precautions will go a long way in keeping you safe.
The best cities for digital nomads in Brazil
Brazil is huge, and each city has its own vibe. Some places are better for digital nomads than others, depending on what you’re looking for: fast Wi-Fi, safety, community, or a good mix of city life and nature. Here are some of the best cities in Brazil for digital nomads:
Florianópolis - Thé digital nomad favourite, with beaches, coworking spaces, and an outdoor lifestyle.
Rio de Janeiro - A mix of city energy, nightlife and outdoor adventure, with epic scenery.
Curitiba - Well-organized, safe, and known for its green spaces.
Itacaré - A hidden gem for nature lovers.
Belo Horizonte - Amazing food, affordability, and a true local vibe.
Pipa - A small surf town with chill vibes and a growing digital nomad community.
Recife - Lively city with tropical beaches and a lower cost of living.
Ubatuba - A paradise if you love surf, nature, and a relaxed lifestyle.
My experience as a digital nomad in Brazil
While I’ve done my research on Brazil’s best nomad-friendly cities, my personal experience comes from living and working remotely in two of them: Florianópolis and Itacaré. These were the places I called home, so that’s where I can give you the most honest, first-hand insights:
Being a digital nomad in Florianópolis
Florianópolis, or Floripa, is a digital nomad favourite. Why? It has everything: fast internet, beautiful beaches, coworking spaces, a digital nomad community and an amazing outdoor lifestyle. The island (technically a peninsula) is located in Santa Catarina, one of the safest and wealthiest areas in Brazil. In my experience, this meant I could walk alone freely, even at night, and never felt unsafe or uncomfortable during my entire 5-month experience there. Something that is not a given in every Brazilian city.
The nature is stunning, and you can do tons of outdoor activities in Floripa: from surfing to hiking, mountain biking and many more. I’ve felt super happy and at ease here and would go back in a heartbeat. The people are nice, and there are plenty of co-workings, gyms and surf classes to find. Also, since the facilities are great and the island feels safe, the culture shock coming from Europe is not that big. I stayed in Rio Tavares which I loved, but Novo Campeche, Armação, and Lagoa da Conceição are also fantastic areas.
Upsides:
✔ Incredible nature – endless beaches, hiking trails, and outdoor adventures
✔ Fast internet – solid Wi-Fi in most areas and good coworking spaces
✔ Safe – one of the safest places in Brazil, even at night
✔ Work-life balance – you can start your day with a surf session and still get your work done
Downsides:
✘ Rainy weather – when it rains, it really rains, and it can last for days
✘ Chilly winters – July and August apparently get surprisingly cold (think 10°C)
✘ Expensive – compared to the rest of Brazil, rent and food can be pricey
Would I go back? In a heartbeat. In my opinion, Floripa is the perfect mix of adventure, work, and relaxation.
Being a digital nomad in Itacaré
After almost half a year in Floripa, I was ready for round two: three months in Itacaré. From January to April 2025, I explored the tropical province of Bahia, and well - that was a whole other vibe.
Some things felt familiar: the Brazilian energy, the parties, and the stunning nature (though Bahia’s rainforests and beaches might even take it to a whole other level). I also felt safe walking around, even in the evenings, which was a big plus. But beyond that, Itacaré had its own unique character. The food was different - Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian cuisine is legendary, with dishes like moqueca (a coconut-based fish stew) and acarajé (deep-fried bean patties) found on every street corner. And then there’s the music - where Floripa leans more towards samba, forró and reggae, Bahians love their afro beats, which definitely hits differently.
Infrastructure-wise, Itacaré is less developed than Floripa. There are touristy parts but supermarkets are basic, there are no coworking spaces, and the roads are not always in great condition. But to me, that was part of the charm. In Itacaré, I really felt immersed in nature and there are some amazing daytrips and beaches to explore during your stay.
Of course, there are trade-offs. Itacaré is more affordable than Floripa, but you’ll have to make do with simpler facilities, less reliable Wi-Fi and electricity blackouts. Still, if you’re looking for a place that feels more like the real Brazil, this is it. While I’d recommend Floripa for first-time visitors, Itacaré is where you go when you want to slow down, connect with nature, and experience Brazil in its purest form.
Upsides:
✔ Incredible nature – waterfalls, tropical forests, and endless beaches
✔ Affordable – lower cost of living than Floripa
✔ Safe – felt comfortable walking around, even as a woman alone
✔ Work-life balance – many outdoor activities available and a few nice gyms to get your workout done
Downsides:
✘ Electricity blackouts – occasional outages, so keep a power bank handy
✘ Basic facilities – smaller supermarkets and no coworking spaces
✘ Remote location – further from airports and big cities, which makes you feel more secluded
Are you thinking about going to Brazil? To me, it’s been one of the most memorable experiences of my life - and I’d encourage anyone to go for it. It might not be the first country that comes to mind for digital nomads, and that’s exactly what makes it so special. The lack of infrastructure, the limited English, and the distance from Western routines all add to the sense of adventure, and make the experience that much more rewarding.
Want to learn more about living and working in Brazil? Or are you interested in working remotely in other parts of the world? Simply follow me on Instagram for tips, inspiration and ideas or subscribe to my mailing list and do not miss a post!
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