What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Rio de Janeiro?

We asked people in Rio de Janeiro if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...

"Yes, walking around the Zona Sul supermarket saying to my friend "Eu quero um pão de francês" but of course a word with 'ão' is hard to pronounce, and I pronounced it as 'pau'. I had no idea why people near me started sniggering and my friend told me later what I had done wrong," explained one expat living in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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"It is important to be mindful of cultural norms when visiting Rio de Janeiro. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about Brazil or its people. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local laws and regulations, and to avoid engaging in any illegal activities," said another expat in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Rio de Janeiro?

If you live in Rio de Janeiro, newcomers to Rio de Janeiro would love to hear your answer to this question.