Brazil

Search

Query

Appearance

Three-piece suits carry an "executive" connotation, whereas two-piece suits are associated with office workers. Conservative attire for women in business is very important. Also make sure your nails are manicured.
The colors of the Brazilian flag are yellow and green. Avoid wearing this combination in any fashion.
Touching arms and elbows and backs very common.
The O. K. hand signal a rude gesture in Brazil.
To express appreciation, a Brazilian may appear to pinch his earlobe between thumb and forefinger.
To invoke good luck, place your thumb between your index an middle finders while making a fist. This is also known as the "fig".
Flicking the fingertips underneath the chin indicates that you do not know the answer to a question.

Behavior

Make appointments at least two weeks in advance. Never try to make impromptu calls at business or government offices.
Be prepared to commit long term resources (both in time and money) toward establishing strong relationships in Brazil. This is the key to business success.
Some regions have a casualness about both time and work. However San Paulo is not one of those, and in Rio casual refers to the personal and social events, not business. In these two cities, business meetings tend to start on time.
Never start into business discussions before your host does. Business meetings normally begin with casual 'chatting' first.
Midday the normal time for the main meal. A light meal is common at night, unless entertaining formally.
American coffee is a mere shadow of Brazilian coffee. Expect to be served small cups of very strong coffee.
In Brazil, restaurant entertainment prevails versus at home.
If entertained in the home, it is polite to send flowers to the hostess the next day, with a thank-you note.
Giving a gift is not required at a first business meeting; instead buy lunch or dinner.
Purple flowers are extensively used at funerals, so be cautious when giving someone purple flowers. Violets are OK to give.
Toast: Saude or Viva (Sah-OO-Day, VEE-va).
Tipping is typically 10% in Brazil.
If you here the term jeito - it refers to the idea that nothing is set in stone, that a good attempt can break a rule.

Communications

Handshaking, often for a long time, is common. Shake hands for hello and goodbye; use good eye contact; when leaving a small group, be sure to shake hands with everyone present.
When women meet, they exchange kisses by placing their cheeks together and kissing the air.
First names used often, but titles important.
Music and long, animated conversation are favorite Brazilian habits. When conversing, interruptions viewed as enthusiasm. Brazilians enjoy joking, informality, and friendships.
Portuguese is the language of Brazil.
Good conversation topics: soccer, family, and children.
Bad conversation topics: Argentina, politics, poverty, religion, and the Rain Forest.
Stay away from phases such as, "Is it true that everyone in Brazil is either very rich or very poor?" It is very likely you will be talking with someone that isn't either one.

Login

Username

Password