João Pessoa, Brazil 🇧🇷
#1276
-7.151932, -34.852309
Nomad Score:
65%
Essentials
🏙️ City | João Pessoa is the capital of the state of Paraíba in Brazil, known for its beautiful beaches and rich culture. |
👥 Population | Approx. 800,000 |
💻 Internet Speed | Average 25-50 Mbps, with options for fiber optic connections in some areas. |
💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BRL ≈ 0.20 USD, widely accepted forms include cash, debit, and credit cards. |
🚰 Tap Water | Not recommended for drinking; bottled water is widely available. |
🔌 Power | 127V, 60Hz, 🔌 Type N sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Providers include Vivo, Tim, and Claro; prepaid SIM cards are available in pharmacies and convenience stores. |
💳 Banking for Expats | Most major banks like Banco do Brasil and Bradesco offer services; international cards accepted at many establishments. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options range from local guesthouses to Airbnb rentals in beach areas. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards accepted widely in urban areas, but cash is preferred in markets. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local listings are popular, with prices around R$100-300 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Pousada do Cangaço, with dorm beds starting at R$40. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | HUB João Pessoa, offering hot desks and private offices in a community setting. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Santa Clara, known for its atmosphere and Wi-Fi connectivity. |
💼 Networking Events | Startup Weekend João Pessoa; local meetups advertised on Meetup.com. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups like 'Expats in João Pessoa' facilitate community engagement. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is widely used in João Pessoa. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Local bike-sharing service 'BikePB' offers rentals across the city. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Cabo Branco Beach is popular, about 10 minutes from the city center. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avianca Brazil offers flights from João Pessoa to other major cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM and GOL fly from João Pessoa to international destinations. |
🛣️ Highway Access | BR-230 connects João Pessoa to other cities in the northeast region. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | The main bus terminal, Terminal Rodoviário de João Pessoa, serves regional and national routes. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus fares are around R$3.50; no special passes available. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses operate regularly to cities like Campina Grande and Natal. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Emergência e Trauma Dom Luiz Gonzaga Fernandes is a major hospital. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Shala Joao Pessoa offers various classes. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Academia Smart Fit located in Shopping Manaira. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Ecológica offers wash-and-fold services across the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | iFood and Rappi are popular for food delivery. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try 'Carne de Sol com Macaxeira', a specialty from the region. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Veggy's Restaurant offers a wide range of plant-based dishes. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café do Mercado is famous for its local sweets. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Municipal Market offers fresh produce and local products. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Livre is widely used for online shopping. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Pão de Açúcar offers convenient delivery options. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Ponto de Cem Réis is a popular nightlife district with many bars. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria Devassa offers tours and tastings. |
🍷 Wine Bars | Winehouse João Pessoa, known for its selection of Brazilian wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Barracas de Rua along the beach serve a variety of snacks. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta and Pizza, an Italian restaurant with great reviews. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Estação Cabo Branco and the Tambaú Beach are must-visit spots. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museu de Arte Brasileira offers contemporary art displays. |
🏰 Historical Sites | São Francisco Church, a stunning example of Baroque architecture. |
🕍 Religious Sites | Catedral Basílica de Nossa Senhora das Neves is a notable cathedral. |
🎉 Annual Events | Festa Junina in June celebrates local culture with music and food. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | The historic center has many cultural attractions. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Pedra do Reino hosts various performances. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Feirinha de Tambaú operates on weekends, selling handcrafted goods. |
🎼 Music Scene | Casa do Forró features live music and dance events. |
🎨 Street Art | Graffitis near the historic city center reflect local culture. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Classes at Cozinha do Brasil teach traditional Brazilian cooking. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria A Casa showcases local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | Palácio da Redenção is an important historical site. |
🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its rich Afro-Brazilian heritage. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Jacaré Beach, famous for its sunset views, is nearby. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mata Atlântica preserves are accessible for hiking. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Bicycle paths along the coastline make for scenic rides. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirante Século XX provides stunning views of the coastline. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | RPPN Ninha's Reserve attracts many birdwatchers. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Cabo Branco Beach allows bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correios and DHL offer reliable delivery services. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Locally, Aloha Tecnologia provides electronic repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Centros de Esporte offer public ping pong tables. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Escola de Idiomas offers Portuguese language courses. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública Estadual is a quiet place to study. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Tenório Cavalcanti has various community programs. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Level Up Gaming House offers a great space for gamers. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | There are no casinos in João Pessoa; entertainment is primarily through bars. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$8,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$320,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$5,500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$220,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$420,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$4,800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$288,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$6,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$520,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$4,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$336,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | 15% on profits, with potential additional taxes up to 34%. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividend distributions. |
🏦 Tax System | Based on residence with global income considered. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 27.5% for income above R$55,976 annually. |
🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 17% in Paraíba. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Brazil has strict CFC regulations. |
🏠 Property Tax | Calculated based on property value and varies by municipality. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 3-5% depending on the city. |