Brazil is a nation of Europeans, Africans, Indians, Arabs and Easterners, but the core is Brazilian of Portuguese origin. In addition, due to the immigrants from Spain, Italy and other southern European countries, the overwhelming majority in Brazil, so the Customs of the Brazilian people and Portugal, southern European customs are very similar.



(1) Social etiquette

From the perspective of national character, Brazilians show two main characteristics in dealing with people: on the one hand, Brazilians like to go straight and say what they have; On the other hand, Brazilians are generally lively and active in interpersonal communication, humorous and fun-loving. They don't mind showing their emotions in front of the public. They are generous and hospitable.

At present, Brazilians usually hug or kiss each other as a greeting in social occasions, and only shake hands in very formal activities. When they first meet, people shake hands. However, relatives and friends greet each other. It is also customary to hug and kiss each other. Not only that, but even complete strangers can be hugged and kissed. The cheek kiss of social etiquette is a kiss on both cheeks. Men and women greet each other with a cheek kiss, as is customary between women and women. In most social circles, however, blacks are accustomed to shaking hands with each other while tapping each other on the shoulder with their left hand. Closer men are used to hugging and slapping each other on the back.

Like most Latin Americans, Brazilians take a casual attitude to time and work. When dealing with Brazilians, if the other party is late, even if it is 1-2 hours, also should understand; Also, don't talk about work before they mention it. As a rule, Brazilians don't have a taboo on "private space," and they can talk at very close quarters. Good topics to talk about include football, jokes, anecdotes, etc. In addition, Brazilians are very fond of children and can praise them in conversation. Brazilian men like to joke, but guests should avoid jokes involving local ethnic groups, and local political issues are best avoided.



(2) Business etiquette

Whether you are visiting a government or a private institution, advance booking is required. When negotiating with a Brazilian businessman, be punctual for appointments. A personal introduction usually begins with "good morning" or "good afternoon," followed by a handshake (especially when two men meet). Unlike in many other countries, professional titles sometimes precede first names in initial introductions, and for business people who do not have professional titles, "Mr" is more appropriate with their surname. You should hand them your business card. At least one side of the card should be printed in Portuguese. At this point, the stiff formality usually ends quickly and the parties begin to call each other by name. Before talking about serious topics, there is usually some small talk. For Brazilians, personal character is important in business dealings, often more so than the details of a particular deal. Therefore, meet with prospective partners or customers several times before finalizing a contract or other arrangement. Very few important transactions are completed by phone or letter. Brazilian managers are unlikely to respond warmly to a brief but rare visit by a foreign sales representative.

Negotiations in Brazil have been slower and more personal. The slow pace of negotiations does not mean that Brazilians do not understand industrial technology or modern business practices. On the contrary, all aspects of technical preparation should be fully prepared before the negotiation with Brazilian enterprises. Policy makers arrive late and leave late, although office hours in Brazil typically run from 9am to 6pm. The best times to call Brazilian managers are between 10 a.m. and 12 noon, and between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Not so in Sao Paulo, where appointments are made all day. In Brazil, it is customary to drink only coffee during business meetings.



(3) Dining etiquette

Business lunches and dinners, which are common in Brazil and usually consist of four or five courses lasting nearly two hours, are not ideal for an introductory meeting. Lunch is the main meal of the day and dinner is usually served at 8pm. Table manners in Brazil are not as strict as in the United States and Europe. Some Brazilians hold their knife and fork the Continental way (always with a fork in each hand), while others use the American way (with a fork in each hand). Put the cutlery flat on the plate after eating. Brazilians consider direct contact with food "unclean" with their hands and fingers, and should use napkins when holding food in their hands.



(4) Dress and etiquette

On formal occasions, Brazilians are very well-dressed. They not only insist on dressing neatly, but also insist that people should dress differently on different occasions. In important government affairs, business activities, Brazilians advocate must wear suit or skirt. In general public places, men should wear at least a short shirt and long trousers, and women should wear a long dress with a high necktie and sleeves.



(5) Taboos of customs

Brazilians are uninhibited, warm and polite. Butterflies are a symbol of good luck in Brazil. The Brazilian sign language is very rich and complex. It can be said that personal communication in Brazil is mainly done through gestures. However, the "OK" gesture adopted by the British and Americans is considered very impolite in Brazil.

Never give a Brazilian a handkerchief or a knife when dealing with him. It should also be noted that in Brazil purple indicates sadness, yellow indicates despair, and dark brown is considered to bring misfortune. Therefore, when giving gifts in Brazil, one should carefully avoid choosing taboo colors.