ferrar

But what they didn't brief you on are your hefty monthly ALIMONY payment obligations in that case. Which is one of the few things in Brazil that are actually legally enforced. Ex-husbands are routinely jailed for failing to pay court-imposed alimony and child support. Nothing else in the justice system seems to work. All sauna boys know this because many or even most of them have had to pay this or deal with those consequences. So they may be counting on your future spousal support to pay their own spousal support while with their current girlfriends LOL. Only in Brazil.

First of all, we're all glad you're safe and sound. The problem in these situations is what you DON'T see! Almost always, there is someone giving that guy cover. It could be the driver, with a concealed weapon. It could be another (armed) passenger lying on the floor. It could be the car right behind theirs. In any case that guy would immediately and violently retaliate if you tried to react in any way whatsoever, including a refusal of his colleague's demands. Placing a coveted object back in one's pocket and then stepping back would end up giving them ample time to respond. We locals here read about courageous reactions from outraged victims all the time. Unfortunately, it usually ends very differently.

Fair enough, I posted from the perspective of a long-term resident in Rio. As mentioned I go to Santa Teresa every week. As far as a newbie is concerned, I agree that while he should probably not actually stay there on his maiden trip(s) to Rio, that he should still absolutely visit Santa Teresa during the day, in particular the Largo de Guimaraes area.

Don't want to go too far off topic here, but Santa Teresa is great, if a little isolated, panoramic views of the city, I head up there every week to do laps in some friends' pool LOL, or for the high quality local cuisine at restaurants in the Largo de Guimaraes area. New B & B's are coming to market all the time, with folks opening up their distinctive homes. Fairly close to 117 as you head down to Gloria by way of Candido Mendes, but a ways off from the Zona Sul (Copa/Ipanema).

Nice report. Tell us about the samba school.

Secured tickets together with a sold-out crowd of over 60,000 for the decisive Flamengo - Palmeiras matchup in Maracana Stadium Saturday night. In an exciting second half the second-place home team eked out a tie with the leader, with the support of its fanatic fan base. Incredible energy at these matches. Take a break from the usual routine. Get out there, go accompanied, and immerse yourself in the culture.

Very true. The Workers Party has only itself, and Lula's megalomaniacy, to thank, for the victory of Bolsonaro. And Ciro said today that he would never support the PT, so the schism from within the Left looks definitive.

It's now official, and here on the ground in the Zona Sul of Rio, there is widespread cheering, and honking, in the streets.

If you didn't have the good fortune to be born a Carioca, then you're right, it is more of an ideal to aspire to. But all is not necessarily lost. I've found that the more time spent with certain Cariocas, the greater the potential for this ideal to rub off on you.

You made a mistake, handled it well, cut your potential losses, and had the balls to share it here before a critical audience so others would benefit. Clearly, a net gain.

In a word, extremely. LOL But I'm a confessed futebol fanatic, and so is just about everyone I hang out with down here.

No, this thread is not about security. It is about partaking in the cultural activities that Rio has to offer! Together with your guy. Define "guy" as you like. Friend, boyfriend, GP. It doesn't matter. One way to make a lasting impression on your guy - and on yourself - would be to invite him/yourself to Maracana Stadium for a futebol match. Cariocas live and breathe futebol. And the season is winding down. Depending on his team, it is either fighting not to be downgraded to the second division, for a berth in the SulAmericana or Libertadores tournament next year, or the outright championship of the Brasileirao. The odds are roughly 50% that his team is going to be Flamengo. If so, it is the last of the three options. Saturday will be decisive, with his second-place team fighting against first-place Palmeiras. In Maracana Stadium. See you there.

The real lesson here is that you used your "first brain" to counter the recognized errors of your "second brain." Not confronting the guy in his own apartment was a wise move! You lived, and you learned.

In reading this thread, many folks assumed that the OP was either a newbie here or yet another inexperienced tourist. By his own account however he has been a longtime Brazil resident, and his thread count is not that of a novice. For whatever reason, Ihpguy chose to leave the forum for close to two years, which is probably why many didn't recognize him. His recent experience in Rio, and his decision to share it, apparently prompted him to re-engage. Let's hope he sticks around this time - and not for the reason that brought him back! Others here have posted far more in the meantime. However, the quality of his posts- cultural and otherwise- stood out.

Poll after poll has shown that this election is all about public security, corruption, and yes, the economy. On that score, the PT Party has failed on every count - at least according to those who count, namely Brazilian voters.

It was mentioned here that perhaps a factor in the relationship was the potential for benefitting from Tri's Social Security. I have no idea if that was in fact the case, but there used to be a five-year US residency requirement for Brazilians to be eligible for Survival Benefits, which may well have been met. Since October 1, however, that requirement is no longer the case (as I have posted separately), so a relationship exclusively in Brazil could qualify today.

- In effect since October 1, although has received very little press coverage in the States, or even here in Brazil. For proof: see the USA Social Security website. A surprise: since there is still no overall Tax Treaty between the two countries. Why "Terrific"? It's clearly a major bilateral commercial development between the countries: - improves eligibility and potential benefits for anyone who may have worked in both countries - No more double social security tax payments to both countries on the same earnings - by you and your employer; or self-employment taxes if that is your case. - Potential Spousal and Survivor benefits This last item would have been the case had there been no agreement, but the hurdle would have been far higher. Without the agreement, the Brazilian spouse would have been required to have physically resided in the US with his/her partner for a period of at least five years. That is a fairly steep requirement for folks who don't otherwise intend on making a life there. There are less than two dozen countries that have signed onto such an agreement with the US - so now Brazil and all Brazilians are on that "coveted" list. So that is potentially great news indeed if you happen to be in a committed relationship with a Brazilian, in being able to provide otherwise unattainable spousal or survivor beneifts. Why "Terrible"? Admittedly, this was somewhat tongue in cheek. But frankly, given certain stories now circulating or that have circulated, on this board, a warning note needs at least to have been sounded. There have been, and will always will be, potential suckers here, that think with their little heads. No one likes to think that that is going to be him. OK, end of sermon LOL. So I can tell you that this news tidbit has already started to circulate in certain circles here, and just wanted fellow board members to be aware of it. In a sense, it places more of a potential "target" on Americans - which can clearly be managed. But US folks here should know that they are potentially now more of a "catch" - for reasons other than they might like to believe - than they were two weeks ago. From what I have gathered (I happen to be quite a few years away from social security myself, so if other folks have more experience here, please feel free to correct me with the following statement): "Even divorced spouses can qualify for social security spousal benefits, in addition to social security survival benefits, so it may pay to be cautious." Anyway, this is just an FYI, since the local guys here seem to be slowly but increasingly aware of it.

Great to have you back on these boards, ihpguy, although I hasten to add, not for the reason you mention. Glad you are, and stay, safe.

From what I've been hearing down here the factors you mention Tom absolutely explain his appeal. Sauna guys, their (Brazilian) clients, sauna owners, and of course way beyond that particular profession reflect those views. From my friends and colleagues here it is equally explained by another factor. A tremendous backlash against the left - the Workers Party or PT - which had a monopoly on the presidency for 14 years until Dilma was unceremoniously impeached two years ago. That party's and their government's rampant corruption - including ransacking of state-owned enterprises like Petrobras - along with mismanagement of the economy, led to Brazil's deepest recession ever. For all those reasons Bolsonaro won not only the most votes but generally a majority in virtually every electoral district in Rio! His son Flavio was elected one of two Senators representing Rio, and his other son Eduardo was re-elected to the House representing Sao Paulo. On top of that his party, the PSL, won a very significant number of seats nationwide in both houses.

Believe me I would also have an issue with a R$ 800 daily limit LOL. But - thankfully - at least lately Bradesco does not appear to have that restriction! There is a R$ 1000 withdrawal option that you can choose from, and it does allow for multiple withdrawals in that amount in separate transactions, as Citi here used to allow. I did this today. So it's probably just a Citi limit on their (now) non-Citi ATM's here that you can easily get raised.

You'd think that Itau would have entered into some kind of business arrangement with Citi. After all, they were the successful bidders for Citi's entire retail operation in the country. Not the case however. Major incompatibility and fee issues! I have the identical type of card as yourself, and found, surprisingly, that Bradesco offers - fee-free - the wholesale rate for this card. So zero change from the now extinct Citi-branded ATM's. Just make sure of course that you only use an ATM with the Cirrus sticker.

Unbelievable how this hi-jacked thread is now back on topic. Thanks Tom for sharing.

Sure Tom and understood. Just suggesting that before entering into a stable union or marriage scenario, you might want to seek Brazil tax advice so as not to trigger (unwanted) tax residency in your case- and an unexpected bill! cheers

My last comment Tom was obviously on the mundane side. On the more sublime side .... then why not allow yourself the possibility of actually going for it? Keeping of course all the mundane considerations in mind - perhaps treating them as more of a "management issue" LOL.

I see that the replies to your thread Tom have ranged from the sublime to the - well -downright mundane! On the mundane side, here is another implication from marriage and/or civil union you would be well advised to consider. It could result in your acquisition of Brazil tax residency. In your case, naturally, you could gain the equivalent of a green card - that is, your CIE Card, and RNE number as a Brazil permanent resident. No more tourist visa renewals or stay restrictions. As a Brazil tax resident, however, your worldwide income and assets would be subject to Brazil tax reporting. Note: this may OR may not result in any Brazil tax liability. It would all depend on your US tax position, and your use of offsetting foreign tax credits. So assuming you don't want to become either a permanent - or tax - resident, you should definitely research the possibility of maintaining your tourist status in this situation.