Below you can read about problems you may confront when moving to Brazil for work. We also point out some service and support that we offer, to speed up your adaptation of the new country and culture - to make your stay as smooth and pleasant as possible. Are you interested in this kind of "Live in São Paulo - Relocation Service", please contact Packtours for further information and consultancy - we can indicate several specialized organizations.

Breaking Through the Culture Shock
Most people think of culture shock as a 'short and sharp', disorientating experience in a foreign place. Few realize that its effects can be much deeper and more prolonged if it is not dealt with effectively. In a study made by Dr. Elisabeth Marx, Director of Norman Broadbent International, the world-wide executive search company, showed that managers experienced on average culture shock symptoms for about seven weeks: 70 percent of the managers reported these lasting up to five weeks and 30 percent had symptoms for up to ten weeks. In order of priority, the symptoms most often found were:

• Feeling isolated
• Anxiety and worry
• Reduction in job performance
• High energy
• Helplessness

The inclusion of 'high energy' may be surprising, but could be nervous energy, or a high energy level caused by changing circumstances, possibly those involved in the adaptation process. The longer the international manager experienced culture shock, the greater were the feelings of helplessness and performance deficit. This suggests that not coping with culture shock symptoms when they appear can lead to a very negative situation.

Adapt Brazil and its Culture
The preparation before working internationally would be to read some nonfiction about international management and cultures. One suggestion could be to read "Breaking Through Culture Shock" by Elisabeth Marx. Unfortunately, most literature are focusing on Europe, the US, and Japan. But it is important to figure out how to deal with workmates, superiors and your role as manager. To cover the gap of literature about Brazilian culture, Packtours can arrange specialists to hold lectures about the topic. By participating in these lectures you will better understand how to work and deal with people in Brazil. We can also arrange seminars and invite international managers who can give you guidance on the issues and problems to look out for. Learn from their experience.

Solutions for Other Family Members
International managers who move abroad experience several such events: changing country, changing job and changing house. Consequently, there is a high risk to their psychological well-being and hence a high risk of performance deficits at work - and ultimately, a risk for the company. Moreover these changes affect the entire family.

Spouses often give up their jobs without any prospect of finding equivalent employment abroad. Children are uprooted and have to cope with new schools and a whole new environment. Again, Packtours can indicate specialists, that find a suitable school for your children. To find job for the partner can be more difficult, but there are several headhunting companies in São Paulo. There are many other activities to participate in and there are also many different kinds of associations to apply membership for, and Packtours may indicate some for you. Our specialty is arrange and book city tours, journeys, etc to offer you a balanced mix of social activities.

Start a New Social/Private Life
To set up and run a "new life" in a new country, may confront many difficulties. One of the first steps would be to start learn Portuguese. Without knowledge of the local language is already one reason of isolation. Fluently communication is always important to not feel slighted. To have class in a group also increase the possibilities of making friends. Sport activities are important both for the personal health and to make new friends. Watch out for too many bar visits per week, alcohol just make your situation worse in the long run. Try to participate in some association's activities or do some hobby. Also in this case we indicate places to; learn Portuguese, perform your favorite sport, find an association that your share interest with, etc. We also give support to the rest of the family; find company to go shopping, do courses, introduce newcomers for other foreign people that already been in Brazil for some time.

Find Accommodation for a Long Stay
As a travel agency we are specialized in finding forms of lodging for both the leisure-time and the business traveler. In this case we will provide what the market offers and then you may choose the alternative you like most. The alternatives can for instance be apartment hotels, rent a flat or buy your own apartment. This kind of housing we normally suggest a pre-visit to São Paulo to see the alternative by yourself, at least one month before you intend to move. When you arrive the second time everything is solved concerning contracts, Brazilian authorities, etc. We have special discounts for long stay housing & rental cars.

Get Brazilian Documents
The bureaucracy and corruptions in Brazil are extensive and can make confusion and things complicated, especially for foreign newcomers. Even normal errands as bank and post office visits, can take unnecessary long time. Brazil is a huge country with a large population which many times cause long queues. To not waste your time in queues and stress yourself when trying to get the official Brazilian documents, we can indicate reliable companies providing this kind of document service, documents like RNE, CPF, Visas, Driving License, etc. We consider it is better for you to concentrate on the new job and your family then to solve bureaucratic things.

Financial Security, Tax Planning & Live Insurances
To live abroad for some time may also difficult your tax planning , make up your income declaration and choosing health & live insurances, etc. We know several companies in this area and may indicate some personal adviser.