Brazil Business Etiquette

Brazilian businessmen wear a tie and suit
Businesswomen wear pants, skirts and blouses
Banking and law are the business fields where people dress more formally in Brazil.
Bags are never to be placed on the floor, because it's considered a sign of bad luck regarding money in Brazil

Men usually greet each other by shaking hands and giving a gentle slap on the back.
Women are usually greeted by shaking hands and a kiss near the face (air kiss).
Topics like poverty, security, deforestation, religion, racism, corruption, social inequality should be avoided.
Interruptions are common and are a sign of interest
Brazilians touch each other a lot during a conversation

Working hours from 8:30 or 9 am. to 6 pm.,
Brazilians also like to talk about business during lunches and dinners. Try to set up your appointments from 10 am. to midday and after 2 pm. to 5 pm.
Business meetings are planned 15 days in advance and usually there is an e-mail or call to confirm the attendance a day before the meeting.
Never show up in a company or office without an appointment.
It's normal for Brazilians to be 10 to 15 minutes late for a meeting.

The official Brazilian language is Portuguese. In a business environment English is widely used and understood
Brazilians do not perceive themselves as Hispanics, since they were colonized by Portugal, and also don't like to be called Latinos.
In a first business meeting, Brazilians greet each other shaking hands and afterwards exchange business cards.
Promotional material or other documents of the foreign company should be in Portuguese and English or in the language of the negotiator.
When entering in a room for a meeting, it's the norm to greet and be introduced to all persons who are already in the room.
The public and the private mix a lot in a business environment with Brazilians.
It is not advisable to initiate the meeting going straight to the point. It can be perceived as rudeness by the Brazilians.
When a negotiation process is already in place, avoid changing the persons involved, because relationships are personal for Brazilians and that's the way to establish a trustworthy relationship. Changing the negotiation team in the middle of the process is a sure step to failure.
Never leave a meeting in the middle of it or before its end because, for Brazilians, it will look like you have more important things to do than this negotiation.

Brazilians do not expect gifts and they are not important to establish a business relationship.
It's advisable to give only company materials like: pens, pen drivers, agendas or any other giveaway without great material value.
Expensive gifts can be understood as bribes and are not welcomed.
The best gifts are good quality whiskeys and wines, music CD s, and pens. Flowers for the hostess or gifts for the kids are great for dinners at home.

Lunches can be set up to discuss something that is under negotiation or can be a continuation of a meeting that happened just before the lunch.
Always make a reservation in a renowned restaurant with good references.
The main meals are breakfast, between 7 and 9 am, lunch, usually between midday and 2 pm, and dinner, which takes place from 7 pm. Celebrating dinners take place from 9 pm. Brazilians try to have their meals with their families.
It's advisable to arrive on time for a business lunch or dinner. For social dinners, Brazilians usually arrive half an hour late.
Always use a fork and knife. Brazilians use a fork and knife in the continental style, with the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left one.
Before the first sip, people usually propose a toast by raising their glasses and saying "Saúde". It's important to drink immediately after the toast.
Brazilians, in the majority, used to drink coffee after meals, and it's usually ordered with the bill.
If you receive an invitation, it's important to confirm if you will attend or not. This can be done in an informal way.
The Brazilian business partner will only invite you to an event in his/her house if a closer relationship has been established. When invited, in case you are accompanied by your spouse, it's advisable to carry some flowers, a chocolate box or a bottle of alcoholic beverage for the host.

Be spontaneous. That's what Brazilians value most in personal contacts.
Generally, in a formal introduction, Brazilians shake hands and say their first name.
Greet each other with expressions like "Oi, tudo bem?" or "Olá, como vai?". When leaving, they frequently use the word "Tchau" and shake hands.
It's not permitted to smoke in closed spaces like shopping centers, restaurants, shops, etc.

Tipping in Brazil is typically not expected nor given. If someone provides a typically good or special service, you might consider a bit extra.
At almost all restaurants and bars, a standard "Serviço" service fee of 10% is included as a line item at the end of the "conta" or bill. It is not expected to surpass this amount. It is always clearly identified this fee is not obligatory, but it is expected you pay it.
For most hotels, the only tip would be for the bell hop if they transfer all of your luggage to/from the room. In this case a small tip (R$5 to R$10) is appreciated.

Content by www.MercaTrade.com

More resources about Brazil is available on MercaTrade.com

>>Search for business opportunities in Brazil, click here B2B Marketplace

>>Learn about Information about Brazil, click here Information Brazil

>>Get the list of embassies and consulates in Brazil, click here Embassy Brazil

>>Find the latest Trade Agreements with Brazil, click here Trade Agreement Brazil

>>Get our FREE e-book about business in Latin America. Register now!