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Guide
Recife, Brazil π§π·
#78
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
ποΈ City | Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and historic neighborhoods. |
π₯ Population | 1,645,727 |
π» Internet Speed | Average download speed of 40 Mbps, with fiber options available in several areas. |
πΈ Currency & Banking | 1 BRL β 0.19 USD. Major banks include Banco do Brasil, ItaΓΊ, and Santander. |
π° Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to purchase bottled water. |
π Power | 220V, 60Hz, β‘ Type N sockets. |
πΆ SIM Card | Operators like Vivo, Claro, and TIM offer good coverage and data plans. |
π³ Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted, and services like Revolut are gaining traction. |
π Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments in areas like Boa Viagem. |
π³ Cashless Friendly | Yes, digital payments are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas. |
π Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rental apps are popular for short stays. |
ποΈ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Albergue 303 and guesthouses around the city center. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Boa Viagem, known for its beaches and nightlife. |
ποΈ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bairro do Recife, close to coworking spaces and cultural sites. |
Working and Networking
π’ Best Coworking Space | TheHub, known for its vibrant community and amenities. |
β Best Cafe for Work | CafΓ© do Mercado, with strong Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
πΌ Networking Events | Monthly meetups held at coworking spaces and local bars. |
π₯ Social Events for Expats | Expats in Recife Facebook Group for community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
π Best Taxi/Ride App | 99 and Uber are popular for ride-hailing services. |
π² Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike and scooter rentals available through local apps, like Anybike. |
ποΈ Best Beach Nearby | Boa Viagem Beach, easily accessible and popular for both locals and tourists. |
βοΈ Top Regional Airline | Gol Airlines, offering domestic routes. |
βοΈ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines, connecting to major hubs in the Americas. |
π£οΈ Highway Access | BR-101 connects Recife with other major cities along the coast. |
π Main Train/Transit Hub | Recife's Central Station for regional and national connections. |
π Public Transport Passes | Passe Livre card for regular bus routes gives access to city transport. |
βοΈ Regional Travel | Bus services like Prodcir and ViaΓ§Γ£o SΓ£o Geraldo connect nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
π₯ Best Hospital | Hospital PortuguΓͺs, known for its emergency services. |
π§ Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Consciente in Boa Viagem offers classes for all levels. |
ποΈ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Academia Smart Fit with locations in various neighborhoods. |
π§Ί Laundry Services | Lavanderia Boa Viagem provides laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
π± Best Food Delivery App | iFood and Rappi for food delivery from local restaurants. |
π½οΈ Best Local Dish to Try | Bolo de Rolo, a traditional Pernambuco cake with guava paste. |
π± Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Aconchego serves delicious vegetarian dishes. |
π« Best Dessert Spots | CafΓ© Central in Recife offers a variety of sweets and coffee. |
π Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de SΓ£o JosΓ© for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
π E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Livre, the popular online shopping destination in Brazil. |
π Grocery Delivery | Supermercado PΓ£o de AΓ§ΓΊcar offers grocery delivery services. |
πΈ Bar/Nightlife Area | Pina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
π» Local Brewery | Cervejaria Devassa, known for local craft beers. |
π· Wine Bars | Vinho Verde offers a selection of local and international wines. |
π² Street Food Stalls | Feira de SΓ£o JosΓ© presents various street food options. |
π Popular International Cuisine | EAT:food for Italian and sushi experience. |
Culture and Attractions
ποΈ Must-See Landmarks | The historic center of Recife, including the iconic Pernambuco Fort. |
ποΈ Museums & Art Venues | Instituto Ricardo Brennand features a vast collection of art and history. |
π° Historical Sites | Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first synagogue in the Americas. |
π Religious Sites | The SΓ£o Miguel dos Milagres Church, a beautiful baroque church. |
π Annual Events | Carnaval de Recife, a lively festival celebrated every February. |
π¨ Cultural Districts | Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture. |
π Theater Venues | Teatro de Santa Isabel is a historical theater showcasing cultural performances. |
ποΈ Local Markets | Mercado da Boa Vista, perfect for artisan goods and local crafts. |
πΌ Music Scene | Sertanejo music and local performances at Casa de SΓ£o Jorge. |
π¨ Street Art | Street art murals in the historic districts of Recife. |
π§βπ³ Cooking Classes | CulinΓ‘ria em Foco offers Brazilian cooking classes for all levels. |
π©βπ¨ Art Galleries | Galeria Janete Costa presents local contemporary artists. |
π°οΈ Historic Buildings | The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a stunning neoclassical building. |
π΄ Local Heritage | The influence of African culture is prominent in Recife's music and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
π Nearby Nature Escapes | Praia do Carneiro, a beautiful beach and natural pool about 1.5 hours away. |
ποΈ National Parks Nearby | Pernambucoβs National Park, known for its unique ecosystems. |
π² Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycle along the waterfront promenades in Boa Viagem. |
π Scenic Viewpoints | The bridge of MaurΓcio de Nassau provides stunning city views. |
π¦ Birdwatching Locations | Estreito de Santos in nearby Goiana is popular for birdwatching. |
π₯ Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Boa Viagem beach allow bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
π¦ Parcel Delivery Service | Correios for local and national shipping services. |
π οΈ Tech Repair Services | Tech Recife offers electronics repair services across the city. |
π Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers provide table tennis facilities. |
π§βπ« Language Classes | Portuguese language classes available at several local institutes. |
π Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca PΓΊblica do Estado offers a quiet space for study. |
ποΈ Community Centers | Cultural center at Parque da Jaqueira offers various programs and activities. |
πΉοΈ Gaming Lounges | EstaΓ§Γ£o do Game for video game enthusiasts. |
π° Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the city, but popular gaming lounges exist. |
Business
π’ Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = R$280,000) |
π’ Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$5,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 40 mΒ² = R$220,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$8,000 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = R$480,000) |
π 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$6,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 60 mΒ² = R$390,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = R$600,000) |
π‘ 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$5,500 per mΒ² (e.g., 80 mΒ² = R$440,000) |
πΌ Corporate Tax | 15% for most companies. |
π΅ Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
π¦ Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
π Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 27.5%. |
π§Ύ VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (ICMS) is 18%. |
π Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Brazil has strict CFC rules. |
π Property Tax | Property tax rate varies, averaging around 1% of assessed value. |
π Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 3% of the property's sale price. |
π» Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax residency can be complex; consult a tax advisor. |