Working Remotely from Brazil: What I Loved, What Surprised Me & What You Should Know 🇧🇷
When my colleagues mentioned they were heading to Brazil, I didn’t hesitate—I booked a flight and joined them! Flying direct from Atlanta to Rio de Janeiro on Delta made the trip incredibly easy, and landing in Brazil during the start of their fall season was perfect. The temps were cooler but still warm enough to enjoy the beach and explore the city without breaking too much of a sweat.
With just a 1-hour time difference from Eastern Time, Brazil was an ideal remote work destination. I could keep my normal 9–5 schedule and still have plenty of time for adventure.
🇧🇷 What Surprised Me About Rio
Even as a seasoned traveler, Rio had a few surprises for me:
Language barrier: Portuguese is the main language, and English isn’t widely spoken—even on guided tours. Google Translate became my best friend! I highly recommend downloading the offline version and using the voice and camera features.
Street vendors are everywhere: You can buy literally everything on the beach—drinks, bikinis, snacks, hats, mojitos and more—from vendors walking by. It’s super convenient and a big part of the beach culture here! Be sure to use Apple Pay instead of physical credit card for vendors! It’s more secure!
Traffic can be intense: Especially during peak hours. Plan ahead for tours or airport rides.
Safety matters: I kept my phone tucked away at all times and never walked with it in hand.
Affordable shopping: I found cute bikinis for around $20 and souvenirs for even less. If you’re a budget shopper, you’ll love it.
My Favorite Experiences in Rio
Here’s what made my trip unforgettable:
Eating fresh açaà daily (nothing like the versions in the U.S.—so much better!)
Flying my drone over the coastline and city views
Brunch at Parque Lage, a dreamy garden spot with views of Christ the Redeemer
Taking in the view from Sugarloaf Mountain at sunset
Visiting Christ the Redeemer, one of the New 7 Wonders of the World
Relaxing on Copacabana Beach with a coconut in hand
Browsing the Hippie Market on a Sunday—great for handmade souvenirs
Trying street corn and fresh juices
Hiring a private guide for solo sightseeing—it made me feel safer and helped me see more in less time
Working Remotely from Rio
Working remotely in Brazil was seamless:
Wi-Fi was strong in my Airbnb and most cafés
Because of the time zone and dependable internet, I was able to stay on top of work while still getting to explore a completely new environment after hours.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving adventure but don’t want to take PTO, working remotely from Brazil is totally doable—and wildly rewarding. Between the vibrant culture, beautiful landscapes, delicious food, and warm people, Rio makes for a dream base.
Just come prepared: download Google Translate, pack with safety in mind, and keep an open heart. Brazil will surprise you—in the best way!
See more of my journey on my Brazil playlist: YouTube