Brazil Culture Tips
The following culture tips will come in handy when traveling through Brazil or when interacting with its people.
+ Unlike many other Latin American countries where there is a distinct indigenous population, Brazilians have intermarried to the point that nearly everyone has a combination of European, African, and indigenous ancestry.
+ Brazilian conversations are fast-paced and animated with frequent interruptions. Exclamations of “‘no!” and a great deal of physical contact is normal.
+ Soccer is a highly respected national institution. Never say that another country plays soccer better than Brazil.
+ Appearances matters to Brazilians both in business and daily life. This includes dressing well and staying at the finest hotel that your budget can accommodate.
- Men should wear conservative, dark-colored business suits. Lighter colored suits may be worn in the summer. Three-piece suits generally indicate that someone is an executive.
- Business attire for women is extremely important. Brazilian businesswomen generally wear elegant business suits or dresses with high quality accessories.
+ In doing business, much time is spent developing a solid relationship. It will usually take several visits to close a deal as Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively together.
+ A foreign businessperson should learn as much about the Brazilian economic and commercial environment as possible before conducting business.
+ Status in Brazil is based more on educational and professional accomplishments than on family background.
+ By nature, Brazilians are future oriented, yet strongly fatalistic at the same time. They have strong religious beliefs but do not see themselves as having much control over their destiny.
- provided by RW3′s CultureWizard™ Country Profiles