Brazil Business Etiquette

If you're planning on a business trip to Brazil, all should go well, as long as you've been introduced by a native of the country. Brazilians do not like to do business with outsiders unless they have been properly introduced. They prefer long-term business relationships to hit-and-run deals. Make appointments well in advance and no matter how many times you've dealt with a particular company or associate, never drop in unannounced or expect to see the person without at least two weeks' notice.

Good appointment times are from ten in the morning until noon or from three p.m. until five p.m. Find out when Carnava' is, just before Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent and schedule no appointments during this time. Punctuation is not a priority with many businessmen in the land, so prepare to wait for your associate's arrival, but prepare yourself to be punctual. Protocol usually requires everyone involved to arrive on time for business meals or dinner affairs. Schedule only one appointment per day since meetings often run very late and you'll be viewed as rude and arrogant if you leave the meeting before your Brazilian counterparts.

It's extremely hot and humid in Brazil so choose clothing that is lightweight and light in color. June through August is Brazil's winter and December through February are the summer months. Dark suits are suitable for any business occasion but light-colored suits are acceptable in the summer. Conservative is the keyword when dressing for a business meeting. Avoid flashy ties but display your status by choosing a line of demure silk ties. Elegant yet conservative dresses or pantsuits for women are acceptable. Make up for women is not popular in this region so strive for a natural look if you do wear make up. Avoid wearing green and yellow together which are the colors of the country's flag. Street garb is dressier than in the U.S. Avoid shorts or droopy pants and stained shirts.