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," mentioned another expat when asked about moving 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," commented one expat who made the move to Brazil.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Brazil?
- How do I meet people in Brazil?
- What is life like in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of crime in Brazil?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Brazil accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Brazil like?
- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Brazil?
- What are healthcare services like in Brazil?
- Is the cost of living in Brazil high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Brazil?
- What is the weather like in Brazil?
- Are there good restaurants in Brazil?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Brazil?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Brazil?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Brazil?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Brazil?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Brazil?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
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.