Brazil
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Brazil?
We asked people in Brazil 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. Here they call "gaiolas" to the bird cells, and the word gaiolas in Spanish is "spank the monkey, hehehe," remarked another expat who made the move to Sao Paulo, Brazil.
"In Brazil, it is important to be aware of the cultural norms when interacting with people and engaging in activities. When conversing, it is considered impolite to be too direct or speak in a loud tone. It is important to research and understand the local customs before arriving in the country, especially if you are traveling for business as Brazilian business culture operates differently than other countries. Standing uncomfortably close to people and making physical contact, such as a hug or kiss, is often deemed inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be aware of and abide by the conservative dress code and customs that apply in both social and professional contexts. Finally, it is important to be aware of Brazil's national holidays and other special observances and be respectful of their importance to the local people," explained one expat living in Brazil.
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Oliveira LawyersOliveira Lawyers is the foremost Brazilian law firm dedicated to representing the interests of foreign citizens in Brazil. From immigration to real estate and other life events, our bilingual attorneys got you covered! Main services include immigration, real estate, notary services, tax services, collections, family law, and litigation.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Brazil?
If you live in Brazil, newcomers to Brazil would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
