A wedding on neutral ground: our choices and life in Brazil

Wedding events

Our marriage was registered on neutral territory. I am a sailor from the Krasnodar region, trained in Novorossiysk and had the opportunity to work in various countries around the world. I first went to Brazil on a business trip, and later, while on vacation there, I met my future spouse.

At first, we lived in Russia, but then we decided to move to Brazil. We chose Montenegro for our wedding, and it turned out to be quite a successful choice. In this country, ceremonies are carried out without unnecessary worries and expectations, which is especially pleasing since we didn't want to prolong the wedding process due to bureaucratic hurdles.

We also considered the possibility of getting married in Georgia, where the process is quite simple and doesn't require complicated documents — just a passport is enough.

Comparison with Brazil

In contrast, in Brazil, it is necessary to gather a multitude of documents for marriage legalization, which also entails significant financial costs. According to local acquaintances, a traditional Brazilian celebration with a large family can cost an amount comparable to the price of a small apartment. We, being mature and sensible people, decided to simply register our marriage.

Registration process in Montenegro

In Montenegro, we only needed the following for official registration:

• passport;
• a certificate stating that we have no other marriages;
• birth certificate.

It is worth noting that Russian documents are accepted without the need for apostille and translation, which significantly simplifies the process. Overall, it took us about a week to prepare all the necessary paperwork.

Legalization of status

As for the legalization of my status: since my wife is a Brazilian citizen, the process was initiated based on family reunification. First, I received a family visa, and then I submitted documents to obtain a residence permit.

To do this, it was necessary to provide a notarized translation of the following documents:

• birth certificate;
• marriage certificates;
• certificates of no criminal record.

In Brazil, documents are accepted if they are translated into English or Portuguese, and the translation must be notarized or done by a sworn translator.

Document translation

I had all the necessary documents translated in Krasnodar, where they were translated into English. Portuguese is less common, and its translation services cost considerably more, so I chose a more convenient option for myself. The usual cost of translating one document was approx.1000 rubles.

Citizenship for children

It should be noted that in Brazil, when a child is born, they automatically receive citizenship, and the parents can later apply for residency through family reunification. After four years of living in the country, they have the opportunity to obtain citizenship.

All these issues are solved by the migration service, and not by the courts, as it happens in some neighboring states, which really simplifies the whole process.

Life in Brazil

Currently, we live in the northeast of Brazil, in the city of Recife. However, for work, we had to move to a small town called Santust, which is an hour's drive from São Paulo. Personally, I prefer the places where my wife is from — the northeastern part of the country — because it has a unique culture and a vibrant atmosphere.

Overview of the region

The region we are currently dealing with is not widely popular with international tourists. However, the standard of living, including housing costs, is much lower there.

However, in my opinion, the climate conditions and the quality of the beaches here noticeably surpass similar characteristics of other locations. Recife, the largest city in the northeast of Brazil, is indeed considered the most expensive in terms of real estate.

Climate and comfort

This city is perfect for those who dream of enjoying warm weather all year round without extremes. The temperature in Recife rarely rises above 32 °C, which makes it possible to do without air conditioning and rely only on fans. This can significantly reduce electricity costs, as electricity here is quite expensive.

Safety and ecology

In addition, it is worth highlighting the fact that there are practically no dangerous insects in this area. Although they can certainly be found in the jungle backwoods, I have never encountered such difficulties in urban areas.

Comparison with the south of the country

In the south of the country, on the contrary, the population is significantly larger, and this region is more actively explored by tourists, which affects the level of spending. Prices for food in the southern part of Brazil are much higher, although the variety and quality of dishes in the north are more appealing.

Meat prices

Brazil is indeed famous for its meat products, as they are very accessible here.

• A kilogram of chicken meat can be purchased for R$10 (less than $2).
• Beef can cost around 50 reais (about 9.5 dollars).
• Promotions and sales are often organized, allowing for significant savings.

Certainly, all meat products are distinguished by high quality standards and excellent taste.

Prices for bread and dairy products

The prices of bread in this area are comparable to the cost of pork, ranging from 18 to 20 reais per kilogram (about 3.4 to 3.8 dollars).

Although in Brazil, people aren't as passionate about bread as I am, having preferred to eat it regularly. When we lived in Russia, my wife was very fond of dairy products like ryazhenka or cottage cheese, from which she made exquisite syrniki. However, here, similar ferments are hard to find. Of course, there are yogurts from popular brands, but their quality is different from what I'm used to.

Buying milk and butter

Consumers can find milk, cheese, and butter, but it's worth noting that milk is only available in one-liter packages, which cost around 4.5–5.5 reais (about 0.8–1.4 dollars).

Changes after the pandemic

After the pandemic, there has been a noticeable increase in food prices, and this trend is unlikely to change in the near future. For example, in northern Brazil, I used to buy local cheese that tasted similar to our Adyghe cheese for 25 reais (4.7 dollars), and if you knew how to bargain, you could get it for 20 reais (3.8 dollars). However, now its price has risen to 35 reais (6.6 dollars), and this is happening with most products.

Meat prices and changes in consumption habits

It is important to note that meat prices have also undergone significant changes.

• Previously, parts like chicken feet, necks, and trimmings were simply thrown away or given away.
• They are currently being sold for 10 reais (1.9 dollars).
• We just recently bought chicken thighs for 12 reals ($2.3 dollars).

Regardless of the yield or problems faced by farmers, prices continue to rise slowly but surely. In this regard, the situation in our countries is similar.

Self-service restaurants

Don't forget about self-service buffets, where dishes are sold by weight. This is quite an interesting innovation that allows true gourmets to enjoy the variety of local cuisine without spending a fortune.

Each establishment offers a wide selection, and the customer chooses how many and what dishes they need. Thus, it is an excellent and cost-effective way to have lunch.

Unique establishments in Brazil

In Brazil, you can find many establishments where you can enjoy a variety of food just by paying an entrance fee. Before the pandemic, this service cost around 60 reais (about 11 dollars), but currently, prices range from 45 to 150 reais (from 8.5 to 28 dollars).

In the country, there are many cafeterias and self-service restaurants where the cost of dishes depends on the weight of the selected products. For example, the price is about 50 reals per kilogram. The process of choosing and paying is quite simple: you select, weigh, and pay.

The abundance of local products

Special attention should be paid to the amazing variety of local fruits and vegetables – it's a true delight for fresh produce enthusiasts. Strolling through local markets is not only enjoyable but also allows you to see an astonishing array of local produce. The selection in stores and at markets is truly a feast for the eyes.

However, there is one interesting detail: many products, including yogurts and juices, are heavily sweetened. Even coffee can be too sweet if not warned in advance, which can come as a real surprise to a true coffee drinker.

Profitable purchases at wholesale stores

It is also worth noting that shopping at wholesale stores turns out to be quite advantageous, as prices here are significantly lower than in regular supermarkets. Many locals prefer to buy products in large quantities at once.

Surprisingly, the prices of alcoholic beverages have not undergone significant changes after the pandemic, and beer remains affordable and popular. You can find local beer priced from 2.5 reais (about 0.5 dollars) per can.

However, strong drinks are significantly more expensive.

• A bottle of medium wine starts at 30 reals (about $5.6 dollars).
• Higher quality options can reach 100 reais (about 19 dollars).

Tea and the sea

As a tea lover, I've encountered some difficulties: the selection of black tea here is not very large, while the variety of coffee is simply overwhelming. A package of quality coffee weighing 250 grams costs about 11 reais (approximately 2 dollars).

But seafood, which my wife sometimes jokes that we, living near the sea, can't afford, is quite expensive. Prices for shrimp in the markets fluctuate around 90 reals per kilogram (which corresponds to $17). Although pricing can vary from region to region, cheap seafood is very problematic to find.

Payments and transport

Plastic cards are accepted almost everywhere, and cash is used very rarely, even in markets. Brazil really has a wide selection of seafood, but the prices can vary significantly.

In coastal areas, it's easy to get by without a car by using local taxi services. Mostly, used cars in good condition are available for sale, such as Volkswagen, Citroën, and Renault, with prices ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 reais (about 7,500 to 9,500 dollars).

Payment options can vary: you can pay in cash or even with cryptocurrency by prior arrangement. Notably, when paying in cash on the spot, you can sometimes receive a quite nice discount.

Problems with public transportation

In the places where we lived, it was quite difficult to get by without a personal car, as public transport doesn't always meet all needs. However, in remote areas, getting around without a car can be extremely inconvenient.

Unfortunately, there is no train service between the major cities, and intercity bus trips can be quite expensive. For example, a ticket from Rio de Janeiro to São Paulo can cost between $40 and $50, while a flight to Buenos Aires will cost around $250 to $300.

Amenities for travelers

For more comfortable travel, there are many apps for calling a taxi, among which "Uber" is the most popular. This significantly simplifies and makes traveling around the country more convenient and accessible.

In Brazil, transportation rates vary greatly depending on the time of day and weather conditions. During busy hours, such as morning and evening traffic jams, fares can increase. Similar fluctuations can be observed during rainy weather, when fares also become higher.

On average, you will have to pay between 10 to 15 reais for a ride, which is approximately equivalent to an amount between 1.9 to 2.9 US dollars. It is important to interact with taxi drivers cautiously and, if possible, use cash for payments or pay for the ride only after it is completed. If you choose contactless payment through an app, the money will be deducted instantly. This can become a problem in situations where the car is late or the ride is canceled, as refunds are not provided in such cases.

Public transport

Public transportation in Brazil has a fairly high level of service. For passenger comfort, many modern buses run on biofuel (ethanol) and are equipped with air conditioning, making trips more enjoyable. Fuel stations offer two types of fuel:

• Gasoline, priced just above one dollar;
• Ethanol, which can be purchased for $0.70 per liter.

Recently, public transportation fares have increased by about 10%. On average, a travel ticket costs about 5 reals, which corresponds to about 1 dollar, and this cost is relevant throughout the country. This contrasts with Russia, where fares are much higher in the capital cities and large towns, while more affordable fares can be found in the periphery.

Social benefits for elderly people

Elderly people in Brazil can travel for free, and they are offered numerous privileges in water parks, aquariums, and museums.

• People over 60 can expect a 50% discount.
• For those who have reached the age of 65, entry is free.

Thus, the country provides extensive social benefits to senior citizens.

Entertainment

One of the favorite pastimes among the locals is riding buggies, which are small and lightweight vehicles perfectly suited for navigating challenging routes away from paved roads.

Housing conditions and utilities

When it comes to housing and utilities, the most attractive areas are usually located along the coast. These comfortable residential complexes are designed for middle-class people and are situated close to the waterfront.

Positive emotions of old buildings

Recently, I've come to realize that old buildings evoke more positive feelings in me. There's always the possibility to refresh the environment by replacing furniture and adding fresh accents, which definitely enhances the overall appearance.

In my opinion, the architectural ensembles of the past significantly surpass modern constructions, as they fill the space with a unique charm. In modern residential complexes, common areas are often highlighted, such as the second floor or the roof, which can serve as a place for various gatherings of residents, such as parties, celebrations, barbecues, and other events.

Apartments for rent in the south

In the southern regions, the rent for an apartment ranges from 2,000 to 2,500 reais (approximately $379-473) for a decent one-bedroom apartment. However, it's important to note that prices can spike sharply during the carnival period.

Foreigners, like many others, often find it difficult to connect with the locals. Most of the time, they seek to enter into a long-term contract, usually for a minimum of 30 months, and may request various documents, such as:

• bank statement;
• income statement;

Such requests serve as confirmation that their income is three times the amount of rent. It is possible that prices may be significantly inflated. Therefore, one of the best ways for foreigners is to look for accommodation through platforms such as airbnb.

Utilities and expenses

As for utilities, centralized gas supply is mostly absent. Gas is usually obtained from cylinders, the cost of one being approximately 130 reals ($24.5), which can last for a month. Electricity prices are relatively high, ranging from $0.17 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour. Internet can cost nearly 100 reals (about $19).

The annual expenses for maintaining the apartment will be around $2,000. This includes not only utility bills but also fees for the upkeep of the condominium. Compared to Russia, where we spend significant amounts on major repairs and various fees without seeing visible improvements, here it is noticeable that despite the costs, the building and surrounding areas are in excellent condition, and the hallways are always kept tidy—no vandalism at all.

Living abroad and immigration

It would be interesting to learn about lives in other countries, for example, how a Russian artist organized her life inRome, or how a girl from Russia managed to settle in Buenos Aires. It’s also worth paying attention to the challenges of immigration to the USA, where the existence of immigrants is presented in its true nature, without distortion.

Education system

As for education, the entrance competitions for universities are quite tough. Schools are divided into private and public. My wife received her education at a private Catholic school, as she grew up in a well-off family. It is believed that such institutions are safer.

In public educational institutions, there are rumors that problems related to crime and drug trafficking often arise; however, I do not claim that this is characteristic of all schools in Brazil, as I do not have personal experience studying in them.

Higher education and diploma recognition

As for higher education, the situation also requires significant efforts. I faced difficulties in the process of recognizing diplomas obtained abroad; this concerns both foreign students and Brazilians who studied in other countries.

Theoretically,legalization of diplomasIt is possible when gathering the necessary documents and filling out the corresponding online forms. However, as practice shows, this becomes a real headache.

Recently, changes were made to the document submission procedure, allowing it to be done remotely using the internet. Anyone interested can upload a variety of necessary materials to a specialized website and wait for a response, which usually comes within a month. Unfortunately, many face rejections, as they often cite deficiencies in the preparation and submission of these documents. However, specific details that led to the rejection are not provided, leaving people confused. This complicates the process not only for foreign citizens but also for Brazilians themselves. There is a high level of competition for medical specialties in the country's educational institutions, which is exacerbated by the fact that education there is paid. As a result, many locals decide to move to Argentina, where they can receive an education without payment. Upon returning home, they also face the need to legalize their diploma.

Healthcare in Brazil

With regard to health care, Brazil has a free medical system. Every citizen and even foreigners can get a medical policy without having a residence permit. It is enough just to come to the polyclinic, and the staff of the institution will provide the necessary assistance in processing all the necessary documents. Personally, I have not used medical services, based on my experience, I can not assert anything, however, many of my acquaintances express only positive feedback. Some of them previously used paid insurance, but later began to use free medical care and were not disappointed in their choice. They note that the queues here are small, and the doctors are very qualified and responsive.

To some extent, this is related to the overall atmosphere of friendliness that I noticed during the medical examination. The process here was significantly more comfortable than in Russian healthcare. The doctors were kind and attentive, and the cost of services was also pleasantly surprising — only 35 reals (about 6.6 dollars).

Cultural characteristics and mentality

When it comes to the culture and mentality of the local residents, it is quite difficult to draw clear parallels across different regions of Brazil. In the south, for example, life resembles the everyday life of big cities. I didn't notice any significant differences compared to our country. The problems and joys of people here seem to be quite similar to ours. Although in certain regions we can observe a numerical predominance of black people, while in others, especially closer to the Amazon territories, there are more indigenous people.

Brazilians are known for their openness and friendliness, although class divisions are still noticeable. In some areas, there are distinct groups of upper, lower, and middle classes, which can create certain barriers. The northern regions are particularly characterized by a more relaxed and candid communication style. People often invite each other over, and the atmosphere here is truly welcoming and friendly. This contrasts with the southern regions, where communication often takes place in a more formal manner.

Family values

In addition, Brazilians emphasize family values very much. My wife noted that in Russia, marriage and family issues are sometimes treated lightly, which leads to a high divorce rate. In Brazil, these traditions are observed more strictly and carefully.

Physical activity of the population

It is also worth noting the level of physical activity among Brazilians; even on the beaches, you rarely see people just sunbathing; they prefer to actively participate in sports competitions and engage in physical activities on the sand and in the water. In the cities, you can often see many cyclists, which also indicates a high level of physical activity among the local population.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my story about the wedding and life in Brazil has become not only a narrative of personal experiences but also a vivid reflection of modern realities and the peculiarities of life in another country. My wife and I chose to have a simple and quick marriage registration in a neutral territory — in Montenegro. This decision turned out to be optimal for us, as it avoided prolonging the process and numerous bureaucratic delays.

Moving and adaptation

Moving to Brazil has been a real adventure for me, full of discoveries and new perspectives. I continue to enjoy life in the northeast of the country, where nature is generous with beauty and food is diverse and affordable. Despite some of the costliness of living in large cities like Recife, I have found that the north offers more favorable conditions for both living and developing a family future.

Legalization

The legalization of my stay in the country went quite smoothly thanks to my reunion with my spouse, which allowed me to quickly adapt to the new reality. I continue to be amazed by the simplicity and convenience of the migration processes in Brazil, as many issues are resolved fairly quickly here.

Positive aspects of life in Brazil

Indeed, as practice shows, living in another country is not only about challenges but also a lot of positive moments.

• New acquaintances
• Vivid cultural features
• Delicious food of high quality

I hope that our story will inspire those who want to connect their lives with another country, overcoming all obstacles and striving for new beginnings. Life is full of opportunities, and the most important thing is the desire to grow and embrace change with an open heart.