Local Etiquette and Customs
Brazil is a really big country, different regions have different culture and customs that will serve you well while you are traveling in this country. When you are meeting somebody in Brazil( unless they are a complete stranger in which case you would shake hands) give kisses on the cheek, two in Rio and one in the rest of Brazil. You should be aware that when you make a social meeting with the Brazilian, generally they will mark the time in "brazilian time" which means that you should that you should show up 15,20 even 30 minutes later than the time that was marked. Take a nice and tasteful gift for your host, flowers, a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates are always asafe bet. Before yoy eat it is common to say "bom apetite" Most food are eaten with a fork and knife, even fruit. Also be prepared for lengtly meals as it is not uncommon for meals to strech, which is the main meal of the day. Accept in some really formal settings Brazilians are generally more relaxed about cellphone calls in social settings. If you wanna make toast say "para a sua saúde". It means to your health. If you need to get your waiters attenion you can say "garçom". When you need to get your bell from the waiter just say, "conta por favor" Usually the tip is included in the bill, but if not ten percent is acceptable. Hotel porters and staff expect a small tip and taxibills can be rounded up to to the nearst digit. In Rio de Janeiro there is a whole set of etiquette around beach culture. Don't wear shoes - wear flipflops. All the locals wear them. If you need to buy some you can get them anywhere inexpensive. Don't bring a beach towel. Rent a chair from the beach, or do as the locals do and get yourself a beachcloth to lie on the sand. Not only is nudity against the law, it is just crowned upon. Even babies and little children always wear something on the bottom. But for those with the need to bear some skin, Brazil have some of the tiniest bikinis in the world. Brazilians are fun loving and friendly people and they will welcome you even more if you take some time to learn their culture and customs.
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