Remote Work in Teresina: Is it a Digital Nomad Paradise? (Asking For a Friend... Me)
okay, so, lemme just spill. I’m here. Teresina. Piauí. And I’m trying to figure out if this is the next big thing for us remote folks, or just… a really pretty place I’m stuck in for a bit.
I’m a touring session drummer, which means I’m usually bouncing between dingy clubs and slightly-less-dingy hotel rooms. But the touring slowed down, you know? The usual story. So, I figured, why not try something… different? Something with, like, actual sunshine and maybe a decent cup of coffee? Hence, Teresina.
It’s weirdly humid here. Like, not just warm, but thick. The air feels like a damp towel draped over your face. It’s been raining on and off for days, a proper tropical downpour that makes the streets gleam. Apparently, it’s been unusually dry for this time of year, which is… something. I’m about a three-hour flight from Fortaleza, which is nice. I can escape if I really need to.
I’m going with Option B for this one - stream of consciousness. Because that’s how my brain works when I’m sleep-deprived and trying to process a new city.
So, the data. Right. I did some digging. Apparently, the cost of living is significantly lower than, say, São Paulo or Rio. Like, rent for a decent apartment? You’re looking at maybe $400-$600 a month. Food is cheap, especially if you hit up the local markets. I saw a guy selling mangoes the size of my head for like, two bucks. Seriously. But… and there’s always a but, isn’t there?… the job market for, you know, drumming gigs is… nonexistent. Hence, the remote work thing.
I’ve been lurking on the Teresina subreddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/teresina/) and it’s… quiet. Mostly people asking about bus schedules and where to get a good baião de dois (which, by the way, is amazing). Not a lot of chatter about digital nomad communities or co-working spaces. Which could be a good thing, I guess? Less competition?
I overheard this conversation at a pastel stand the other day. Two older women, gossiping like you do.
>“They say the Zona Sul is getting a little rougher, you know? More petty theft. But the Zona Norte is still safe, as long as you don’t wander around at night.”
Another one, a bit later:
>“The internet here? Don’t even get me started. It’s like stepping back into the early 2000s. You’ll need a good backup plan, minha filha.”
She wasn't wrong. My connection is… temperamental, to put it mildly. I’m relying heavily on mobile data right now, which is eating into my budget. I’m looking into getting a dedicated line, but the reviews online (https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=internet+providers&find_loc=Teresina%2C+PI%2C+Brazil) are… mixed, to say the least. Apparently, TIM is the slightly-less-terrible option.
I’ve been checking out TripAdvisor (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g616263-Teresina_Piaui-Vacations.html) for things to do. There’s the Parque Potycabana, which looks… green. And the Museu do Piauí, if I’m feeling historically inclined. But honestly, I’m mostly just wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere. It’s… different. Less frantic than the places I’m used to. More relaxed. But also… a little lonely.
Okay, quick pro-tip for anyone considering this: learn some Portuguese. Seriously. My high school Spanish isn’t cutting it. People are friendly, but communication is… challenging. I’m using Google Translate constantly, which is both hilarious and frustrating.
And one more thing. A local warned me - over a ridiculously strong coffee - to be careful with my belongings. “Pickpockets are everywhere,” she said, with a knowing look. “Especially around the central market.” So, yeah. Keep your wits about you.
*The Poti River is surprisingly beautiful, even with the industrial backdrop. It’s a constant presence, a muddy brown ribbon winding through the city. I spent an afternoon just watching the boats go by.
The Central Market is a sensory overload. The smells, the sounds, the sheer volume of people… it’s intense. But also, kind of amazing. I bought some spices there that I have no idea what they are, but they smell incredible.
The Zona Sul*… I haven’t ventured too far into it yet. I’m taking the advice of those gossiping ladies to heart.
So, is Teresina a digital nomad paradise? Not yet, maybe. It’s got potential. The cost of living is a huge draw. The weather is… well, it’s weather. And the people are generally nice. But the internet situation needs serious work, and the lack of a thriving nomad community is a bit of a bummer. I’m giving it a solid… 6.8 out of 10. With room for improvement. I’m also checking out some local busking opportunities on a board I found (https://www.facebook.com/groups/teresinamusic/). Gotta pay the bills somehow, right?
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