Essentials
| 🏙️ City | João Pessoa is the capital of the state of Paraíba, known for its beautiful beaches and rich history. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 800,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 25 Mbps, with some areas offering up to 100 Mbps. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BRL ≈ 0.20 USD; ATMs widely available. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type N sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Popular providers include Vivo, Claro, and TIM with good coverage. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Banking services such as Nubank and Banco do Brasil are commonly used. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are popular for short stays, with prices starting at R$150 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Aruanã offers dorm beds starting at R$50 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Tambau area is recommended for tourists due to its beachfront access. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bessa Beach offers a great environment for digital nomads with coworking spaces nearby. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking João Pessoa offers various plans and a vibrant work community. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Santa Clara is known for its good coffee and reliable internet. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups for technology and entrepreneurship frequently organize events. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in João Pessoa Facebook group hosts regular meetups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | 99 and Uber are widely used for transportation. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like BikeRio and local businesses offer rentals. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Praia de Tambaú is one of the most accessible and popular beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca Brazil operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and Gol operate international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major access roads include BR-101 and BR-230. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | João Pessoa's bus terminal provides intercity bus services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets cost around R$3.50. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses connect João Pessoa to cities like Campina Grande and Natal. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Emergência e Trauma is a well-known facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Estúdio de Yoga Aum offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Smart Fit and Anytime Fitness have multiple locations. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lava e Seca Laundry Service offers reliable wash and fold options. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | iFood and Rappi are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Don't miss the traditional 'carne de sol' with 'macaxeira'. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | VegeBom and Simplesmente Verde offer excellent plant-based choices. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Sorveteria Picolé do Rapha is famous for its authentic Brazilian ice cream. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Feira do Povo market features local produce and delicious street food. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Livre and OLX are popular online marketplaces. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Express delivers groceries across João Pessoa. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Cultural hotspots include Lagoa do Tambaú and Bessa. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria da Praça offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Mister Wine is a cozy venue for wine lovers. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Famous for tapioca, stalls are located throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizzas from Pizza Express and sushi from Sushi Land are highly recommended. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Cabo Branco Lighthouse and Tambaú beach are iconic spots. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu José Lins do Rego showcases local history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The São Francisco Church is renowned for its architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Presentation is worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval and Junina festival are major cultural events. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Centro Histórico features colonial architecture and arts. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Paulo Pontes hosts various performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Central offers crafts and local goods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The local music scene thrives in bars around Bessa. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals scattered throughout the city showcase local talent. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes available at Escola de Gastronomia da Paraíba. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Museu de Arte Popular showcases regional artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palácio da Redenção is an important historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural practices reflect a mix of Portuguese, African, and indigenous influences. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Cabedelo offers beautiful natural reserves and beaches. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Environmental Preservation Area at Paraíba is nearby. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastal walkway along Avenida Epitácio Pessoa is popular for strolls. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The viewpoint at Cabo Branco offers stunning ocean views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Estação Científica Ferreira da Cruz is good for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Praia do Lucena have designated areas for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correios offers reliable parcel delivery services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | iHouse offers a range of electronics repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table Tennis is played at various community centers. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Cultura e Arte offers Portuguese classes for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Municipal offers quiet spaces for reading and studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural São Francisco promotes local art and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers’ Paradise hosts tournaments and gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | João Pessoa does not have casinos, but there are local gaming lounges. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$5,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$200,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$4,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$160,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$4,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$270,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$3,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$228,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$336,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$3,300 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$264,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for most companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for personal income tax applies. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27.5% for income above R$55,976. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 17% in Paraíba. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Brazil has regulations on foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax rates vary based on assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 3% on property transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Brazil offers special visa programs for digital nomads with minimal taxation. |