Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Recife, the capital of Pernambuco, is known for its vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and historic neighborhoods. |
| 👥 Population | 1,645,727 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average download speed of 40 Mbps, with fiber options available in several areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 BRL ≈ 0.19 USD. Major banks include Banco do Brasil, Itaú, and Santander. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It's advisable to purchase bottled water. |
| 🔌 Power | 220V, 60Hz, ⚡ Type N sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Operators like Vivo, Claro, and TIM offer good coverage and data plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards widely accepted, and services like Revolut are gaining traction. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local guesthouses, and serviced apartments in areas like Boa Viagem. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, digital payments are widely accepted, particularly in urban areas. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local vacation rental apps are popular for short stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options like Albergue 303 and guesthouses around the city center. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Boa Viagem, known for its beaches and nightlife. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Bairro do Recife, close to coworking spaces and cultural sites. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | TheHub, known for its vibrant community and amenities. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café do Mercado, with strong Wi-Fi and a cozy atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups held at coworking spaces and local bars. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Recife Facebook Group for community gatherings and events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | 99 and Uber are popular for ride-hailing services. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike and scooter rentals available through local apps, like Anybike. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Boa Viagem Beach, easily accessible and popular for both locals and tourists. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Gol Airlines, offering domestic routes. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | LATAM Airlines, connecting to major hubs in the Americas. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | BR-101 connects Recife with other major cities along the coast. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Recife's Central Station for regional and national connections. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Passe Livre card for regular bus routes gives access to city transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services like Prodcir and Viação São Geraldo connect nearby cities. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Português, known for its emergency services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Consciente in Boa Viagem offers classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Academia Smart Fit with locations in various neighborhoods. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderia Boa Viagem provides laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | iFood and Rappi for food delivery from local restaurants. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Bolo de Rolo, a traditional Pernambuco cake with guava paste. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Restaurante Aconchego serves delicious vegetarian dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Café Central in Recife offers a variety of sweets and coffee. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de São José for fresh produce and local delicacies. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Mercado Livre, the popular online shopping destination in Brazil. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercado Pão de Açúcar offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Pina neighborhood, known for its vibrant nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervejaria Devassa, known for local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinho Verde offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Feira de São José presents various street food options. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | EAT:food for Italian and sushi experience. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The historic center of Recife, including the iconic Pernambuco Fort. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Instituto Ricardo Brennand features a vast collection of art and history. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Kahal Zur Israel Synagogue, the first synagogue in the Americas. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The São Miguel dos Milagres Church, a beautiful baroque church. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnaval de Recife, a lively festival celebrated every February. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Olinda, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its colonial architecture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro de Santa Isabel is a historical theater showcasing cultural performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado da Boa Vista, perfect for artisan goods and local crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Sertanejo music and local performances at Casa de São Jorge. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street art murals in the historic districts of Recife. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Culinária em Foco offers Brazilian cooking classes for all levels. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galeria Janete Costa presents local contemporary artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, a stunning neoclassical building. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The influence of African culture is prominent in Recife's music and cuisine. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Praia do Carneiro, a beautiful beach and natural pool about 1.5 hours away. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Pernambuco’s National Park, known for its unique ecosystems. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Cycle along the waterfront promenades in Boa Viagem. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The bridge of Maurício de Nassau provides stunning city views. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Estreito de Santos in nearby Goiana is popular for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas of Boa Viagem beach allow bonfires at night. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Correios for local and national shipping services. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech Recife offers electronics repair services across the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers provide table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Portuguese language classes available at several local institutes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública do Estado offers a quiet space for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Cultural center at Parque da Jaqueira offers various programs and activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Estação do Game for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No casinos in the city, but popular gaming lounges exist. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,000 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = R$280,000) |
| 🏢 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$8,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$480,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$6,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = R$390,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. R$7,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$600,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. R$5,500 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = R$440,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 15% for most companies. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% on dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Progressive tax system for residents. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Highest personal income tax rate is 27.5%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Value Added Tax (ICMS) is 18%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, Brazil has strict CFC rules. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax rate varies, averaging around 1% of assessed value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Generally around 3% of the property's sale price. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax residency can be complex; consult a tax advisor. |