Brazil

Acceptable Public Behavior

The O.K. sign is considered vulgar
When things are going well, use the acceptable gesture of the “thumbs up.”
Brazilians usually greet each other with long handshakes and noticeable eye contact; close friends embrace
Women will often greet each other by touching cheek to cheek

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Business Attire

The seasons in Brazil are opposite of North America, so dress appropriately for the season
Men should wear dark suits in black, charcoal gray or navy.
Women should dress conservatively in dresses, suits, pantsuits, and skits, but the style should also be elegant.
Do not wear colors of the Brazilian flag, which are green and yellow

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Do not use first names until you are invited to do so.
Always address your Brazilian contact person by his or her title
The term “Senor” or “Senora” is used to precede the surname
Make appointments of any kind at least two weeks in advance.
Brazilians conduct business only through personal connections, so you’ll need a personal contact person before you plan your travel or networking with Brazilians.

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Business entertaining is conducted over lunch or dinner
Set aside at least two hours for business lunch, and a minimum of three hours for a business dinner
f you are invited to a social dinner, you may arrive 30 minutes late.
Most restaurants will add 10% to the bill; leave another 5% for the tip.

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Never touch food with your fingers, as Brazilians consider this rude.
Cut all food, including fruit, vegetables, and sandwiches, with your knife.
After you have cut your food, position your knife so that the tip of the blade is resting on the plate and the handle is lying on the table.

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Giving a gift is not necessary during a first meeting. Instead, offer to buy lunch or dinner and use this opportunity to learn more about the client’s tastes.
Small electronic items are often appreciated as gifts
Avoid items in black or purple, since these are the colors of mourning.
Gifts of knives, scissors, or letters openers are interpreted as the severing of close bond.