South America
Where to go and why
Spanish or Portuguese as a second language is the key to working in South America. Brazil, which has the most people, has the most developed home tourism market and is therefore best placed for international tourism development. International chains have been moving in recently.
General managers were the usual import, but the devaluation of the real in Brazil has made them an expensive option, as they were usually paid in US dollars. The real devalued against the dollar in 1999. Before this, one real was worth one dollar; today, the rate is 2.7 reals to the dollar. As a result, local companies can no longer afford to pay in US dollars.
However, living expenses are low and there's plenty to do when you're not working. Two-thirds of Brazil's population lives near the coastline, so beaches play a big role in leisure time. The Carnival before Easter is one of the best-known cultural events.
Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of the South, is famous for its chic residents so it's hardly surprising designer hotels are beginning to take hold. Philippe Starck is designing a hotel in Puerto Madero, due to be completed at the end of 2001.
Money
Currency: Argentina: peso, tied to the US$; Brazil: real.
Salaries: Executive chef: £975 a month, paid in local currency. General managers may still be paid in US dollars.
Taxes: 40% is the highest bracket.
Cost of living: Three-course meal with wine: £11-£14 in Buenos Aires; £6 in Rio de Janeiro; A two-bedroom flat near Ipanema Beach is about £300 a month.
Employers
International chains: SuperClubs through Sonesta International (plans for 10 hotels); Marriott International; Six Continents; Choice Hotels International (run by Atlantica Hotel International); Kempinski; Hilton International; Sol Meli .
Living/working conditions
Working conditions are on a par with Europe - expect a five-day working week, eight hours a day. Everyone gets a bonus "13th month" salary paid annually and general managers can expect further bonuses for reaching targets. All workers get 30 days' holiday a year.
Although the workforce is keen, the lack of outside influence means standards are variable. For example, fresh fish and meat are readily available, but chefs need educating on presentation.
Red tape
Employers must apply for visas, usually issued for one year.
Health
Healthcare is free in Brazil, like in the UK. But, as in the UK, those who can afford it have private healthcare, often provided by employers, allowing them to use the excellent private clinics. If you venture into the jungle there are a whole bunch of nasties waiting - Chagas disease, dengue fever, malaria, meningitis, rabies and yellow fever.
Developmental outlook
Chile and Argentina are experiencing currency difficulties. However, the long-term outlook for Chile is promising, with economists predicting the country will grow rapidly. Foreign investment has doubled since 1998 to £6b. In Brazil, several new hotels have been announced and Marriott recently opened the first five-star hotel in Rio in 12 years.
Useful links
Good site with info on how to get visas worldwide: www.careertips.com.
