Cost of Living in Brazil

[robh]

Originally Posted by robh

Prices have risen at a similar rate to the UK & the rest of the world.

I went to a small Argentinean restaurant in Spain last night which I hadn't been to for 2 years and it cost me €37.50 for 2 people, 2 years ago the same meal cost me €25.

[debzor]

The minimum wage here is currently R$415 per month, and I thought it was due to go up to R$430 next year. But I noticed a headline in a paper last night that it is now being proposed to go to R$464 next year...?

And next month the basic water bill from Compesa for 10 cubic metres consumption, (equivalent to a standing charge) will rise from R$20.04 to 21.50. But hardly a 30% increase!

[Dotty]

They have increased dramatically and considering the very poor salaries here in Brasil people are finding it very tough.

Originally Posted by De Orc

Have food & basics prices risen a lot in recent months over in Brazil? over here in the UK things have shot up with some of the Utility companies increasing fuel costs by some 30% overall. How do the two countries compare today?

[debzor]

I just had a telephone conversation with a guy in Natal who just paid R$22 for the same bottle of wine that I pay R$11 for, or less, where I live. Supermarket prices, mind you, not restaurant - why???

But we have had discussions here about the big difference in cost of living in different areas of NE Brazil - could that be the answer?

With respect, Dotty, if your prices are so much higher (over double in this case) in Natal, maybe there ought to be a difference in minimum wage by area?

[debzor]

I can confirm that on 1st February 2009 the minimum wage here will increase from the current R$415 per month to R$464. Taxes are payable are on top of this 11.8% increase.

In 2010, and in future years, the minimum wage will increase annually on 1st January.

[Dotty]

Debzor,

Not to forget to mention to add the sesta basica,daily bus fares and the 13th salary . Always sign the Carteira Sinada (if not 95% will take you to the cleaners in court.What may be a wonderful smile today will be revenge the next and the judge always favours the worker.Let me know if you have heard of a case where the employer wins. With the salaries going up yet again and employment rising in Natal I guess there will be more cases than ever.That's the only way Lula wins a vote ,and is where he is today.

Originally Posted by debzor

I can confirm that on 1st February 2009 the minimum wage here will increase from the current R$415 per month to R$464. Taxes are payable are on top of this 11.8% increase.

In 2010, and in future years, the minimum wage will increase annually on 1st January.

[Dotty]

Sorry,unemploment.

Originally Posted by Dotty

Debzor,

Not to forget to mention to add the sesta basica,daily bus fares and the 13th salary . Always sign the Carteira Sinada (if not 95% will take you to the cleaners in court.What may be a wonderful smile today will be revenge the next and the judge always favours the worker.Let me know if you have heard of a case where the employer wins. With the salaries going up yet again and employment rising in Natal I guess there will be more cases than ever.That's the only way Lula wins a vote ,and is where he is today.

[debzor]

Originally Posted by Dotty

Sorry,unemploment.

Mmmm - deep political discussion, that, and not one for me - increase in mimimum wage does/does not create increase in unemployment...

But, Dotty, do you not feel that it should be the duty of potential employers to find out the exact position re employees, and also, somewhat, the duty of sales staff to fully inform a buyer in this respect?

[Mineiro]

Originally Posted by debzor

I just had a telephone conversation with a guy in Natal who just paid R$22 for the same bottle of wine that I pay R$11 for, or less, where I live. Supermarket prices, mind you, not restaurant - why???

But we have had discussions here about the big difference in cost of living in different areas of NE Brazil - could that be the answer?

With respect, Dotty, if your prices are so much higher (over double in this case) in Natal, maybe there ought to be a difference in minimum wage by area?

What do you think would happen if one state had a higher minimum wage than another state? Exodus , movement of Jah people.

[Dotty]

Armed asssaults on buses in and around Natal have risen from 138 in 2007 to 159 this year and armed assaults on the Natal -Forteleza( night bus) route is nine to date .Policing is supposedly going to increase by 500 more staff members,just as lei seca (Natal)was supposed to have made made an inpact ,but in Natal it has been the opposite.

Yesterday outside my door was a major assault involving armed robbers and Bope . Not a very nice sight.