Discovering Brazil

Etiquette In Brazil, it is a great part of the culture to interact with the people around you, and to enjoy life. For Brazilians, greetings are the first chance to create a friend, and this can be seen in everything from how they say hello, to their casual attitude towards punctuality. Keep in mind that personal space is not an issue for Brazilians, who often stand very closer together and favor casual touching of the arms, elbows, and back.

Greetings and Introductions In Brazil, the typical way to greet a new or old friend is to kiss on both cheeks by touching left cheeks first. Women traditionally kiss two or three times, alternating cheeks, when greeting other women or men. Men do not typically greet other men by kissing on the cheek. If a Brazilian takes the initiative to kiss, follow along and make sure you turn your face to the side! Handshakes are very common in business and when first meeting someone. Among friends, for both men and women, hugs are typical greetings as well kisses accompanied with a touch on the arm or shoulder. If you are not familiar with the social situation, or the people you are with, allow them to take the lead. Greetings are very important in Brazilian culture so make sure to fully introduce yourself and engage in conversation. Handshakes might last longer and personal space might be more limited than you are used to. Many people stand close to one another and have strong eye contact. These practices can be a little surprising at first, but try to relax and embrace this style of personal interaction. Business Etiquette Typical office dress is formal business attire. For men this generally means a suit and tie, while women will dress in conservative, business formal or casual attire. As many offices are beginning to adopt a more casual dress code, be sure to check with your employer. When conducting business, trust is key; interpersonal relationships are sometimes valued higher than other qualities relating to a business deal. It is customary for meetings to begin with 10 to 15 minutes of informal small talk, which should not be abruptly interrupted as this can cause tension. Although punctuality and timeliness are appreciated in Brazilian business, meeting delays are generally tolerated due to traffic congestion in the city. Offices generally operate from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but don't be surprised if a meeting is scheduled after 6 p.m. Additionally, be prepared for a slightly longer lunch hour; in Brazil, lunch, rather than dinner, is the main meal. Punctuality Brazilians see time as flexible and flowing with a stronger emphasis on personal interaction rather than on typical areas of courtesy like formal conversation and punctuality.

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Discovering Brazil