-
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
-
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
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Source
A summary of this information can be found at Executive Planet.
For more information go to:
http://www.executiveplanet.com
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