Traveling to South America’s largest and most diverse country, Brazil, can be a wonderful and enlightening experience.

Engaging with the people and learning the customs is a wonderful way to enrich your travel. Here is some information that will help you fit in and show your respect to the Brazilian’s way when traveling in this Portuguese-speaking country:

1. Handshaking is the method of greeting. This is done upon meeting and leaving.
2. It is cultural and customary to be offered tea or coffee. An acceptance of the offer often leads to new friends and great conversation.
3. A small gift is a common way for guests to show appreciation. Flowers or small souvenirs from other countries are the most common ways of showing your gratitude.
4. The Brazilians often dress in casual attire, especially in times of hot weather. If you are wondering if your event is of formal attire, the invitation is customarily the place to find out the appropriate style of dress.
5. Smoking, as with most Latin countries, is a common and frequent occurrence. It is allowed in places of business unless posted otherwise.
6. Brazilians are very Catholic. It is recommended to respect the beliefs of the countrymen. They take their religion very seriously.
7. The majority of all hotels will add a ten percent service charge for your stay.
8. Restaurants usually add an automatic ten percent gratuity to bills but will let you know that it has been added. It is customary to add an extra five percent for the wait staff if they did a good job.
9. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers unless they assisted with luggage.
10. Hotel staff expect tips usually, as with all service employees (approximately ten to fifteen percent).
11. The common Latin practice of siesta is not practiced in Brazil. Business hours are normally Monday thru Friday, 8:30 to 5:30.
12. Brazil is a machismo society. Though women are shown respect, it is expected that men are the ones in charge and are the ones that are spoken to.
13. Electricity comes in different voltages (even within the same city). Transformers are available at electric stores. The hotels usually run on the 220 volt system.
14. United States citizens do need a visa before entering the country. Be sure to begin the process several days before your flight. It can sometimes take up to two weeks to obtain clearance.
15. Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country.
16. The airports charge US$36 for the airport tax.
17. Most of the crime is centered around the slums (favelas in Portuguese). Try to avoid these areas unless accompanied by a guide.
18. Tourist visas are valid for ninety days.
19. Credit cards are considered the best way to travel, due to being able to protect yourself if it is stolen or lost.
20. The unit of currency is the real - plural reais.
21. Over half of the county contains the Amazon Basin, which is the home to dense jungle and countless wildlife.
22. Brazil is home to one of the world’s greatest wildlife preserves, Pantanal. Rivers flowing vicariously through the plains creates a wondrous habitat for such animals as over-sized storks, large guinea pigs and amazing species of fish.
23. Only about ten percent of roads are paved in Brazil.
24. Hitchhiking is considered unsafe and is difficult throughout the country. The locals feel responsible for the person if they pick them up thus them being reluctant to do so.
25. There are three types of buses in Brazil; the comum is the basic, slow, cramped, uncomfortable style of bus. The executivo level of bus is more comfortable (sometimes reclining seats are available) but does not stop to pick up travelers en route. The semi-leito or leito (meaning bed) are night run buses that have routes between major cities. The seats recline and have foot and leg rests, there are toilets and, sometimes, refreshments.

Related Articles