Recife Travel Forum

I've been discussing a possible job in the Boa Viagem area of Recife. I've heard that Boa Viagem is one of the nicest areas of the city and that the city in general is very close to the ocean. One thing I'm concerned about is transportation. How feasible is it to live in Boa Viagem ithout a car? In other words, how expensive are taxis? And how extensive is the bus service? I imagine that during the week I'll be staying in Boa Viagem but on the weekends I'll want to do some exploring. Is there train service to other cities?

I've been living in Taiwan the past year and the main mode of transportation is 125 cc scooters. Would something like this be practical in Brazil?

Thanks very much for any help.

Tom

Driving a scooter or motorcycle anywhere in Brazil is taking your life in your hands. Forget it! Even a car is somewhat of a risk, depending on location, given the Brazilian tendency to play Ayrton Senna and the often horrible road conditions. One of the problems in Recife seems to be that relatively good areas can have a favela next door, through which you may not want to be driving, unknowingly, especially at night. Perhaps once you get an idea of the city, it would be safer and more practical. My local friends who know the city well are always careful to drive with locked doors.
Boa Viagem is nice--lots of luxury highrises along the beach, a very lively beach scene. However, the beach is prominantly posted against swimming because of the high risk of shark attacks. It is not advisable to go in the water at all; some attacks have apparently occured in knee deep water.
There is hardly any train service in Brazil at all. Most use the convenient buses. I am not sure how much exploring of the more off-the-beaten-path locations along the beautiful coastline to the south and north of the city (Porto de Galinhas, Itamaraca with Fort Orange and the TAMAR manatee project)you could do by bus, however, as I was driven by local friends, but I suspect you can reach quite a few places. There are some gorgeous beaches and a lot of amazing food in the city and beyond!
If you want local details, you might want to check in with the forum at www.gringoes.com, the majority of whose posters live in Brazil, several in Recife. Boa sorte.

I would say get a feeling of the city and area where you are going to live.

Then you make your own assumptions.

I do not recommend getting a scooter until you are more familiar with the streets, areas, safe and unsafe areas.

Most of the cities have horrible roads.....You may wnat rent a scooter before you buy one....get a feeling of the territory first.


Locals are your best bet to get a good average opinion and experience.

Do not rely in on person only.

Hey Im wondering some prices of scooters in brazil? like a nice cheap one im going to be in salvador for 6 months! Do you know if you need a special liscence for scooter in brazil? if anyone knows some general prices or some information that would be awesome thanks!

lonycafy: You need a motorcycle license, if you have an international one it will do it. As far as buying there is a whole licensing that might be a little too confusing for a foreigner.

You need some documents that you will have to get like CIC same as CPF, social security) a Brazilian driver's (motorcycle license) and proof of residence, might be a little more work than you may want for six months. Don't ask me where to get CIC, because I don't know, but it is possible for a foreigner to get a number, this is great because allows you other things like banking account etc...

Salvador may not be the best place for scooters, streets aren't the greatest, unless you plan for short distance.

If you want to know prices visit this site:
http://veiculos.mercadolivre.com.br/motos-scooters-ciclomotores/

I already entered a direct link that will give you tons of options.
the key words you may want to use when searching on this site are:

Mobilete, Vespa, ciclomotores, scooter

If you find best to buy one, I recommend that you get insurance, actually you must get insurance for your own liability and to secure property. Brazil is known for the highest numbers in auto theft in the world also includes scooters.

Do not take my advise lightly, they will not forgive you because you are a foreigner.

Use helmet at all time.