Travel Etiquette
Brazil
Currency
Brazilian Real
Official Language
Portuguese
Dress
Formal business dress and manicured nails
are very important in Brazil. Men should
wear three piece suits as a display of their
“executive” position.
Meetings
Never start business discussions before
your host. The first part of the meeting
may be for friendly banter and
relationship building.
Make appointments at least two weeks in
advance in Brazil. Never drop in or expect
to have a phone meeting unannounced.
Gifts
Giving a gift is not required at a first
business meeting; instead buy lunch
or dinner.
Hand Gestures and Body Language
The sign we know as “Okay” with the
pointer finger and thumb forming an “O”
is considered obscene in Brazil.
To show gratitude, a Brazilian may pinch
their earlobe between their finger and
thumb.
Flicking your fingertips under your chin in
Brazil indicates that you are unsure of the
answer to a question.
Formalities
Do not send someone purple flowers –
these are reserved for funerals and
represent death.
