If you want to do business with Brazil, the first thing you must be aware of is that there is a class structure. Class is determined by economic status and skin color. Another important thing to know is that Brazilians like to know who they are dealing with before they can work effectively. Equipping yourself with some knowledge of business etiquette and customs of the Brazilians, can help you go a long way in successor business negotiations with them.

Brazilians prefer face to face meetings rather than written communication; this method helps them to better know and understand the person with whom they are doing business. Brazilians do not rely on strict rules of protocol. Communicating with them is of a very informal nature. In their culture, it is quite acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking during a meeting; so do expect to be interrupted while you are speaking or making a presentation. Generally Brazilians spend along time reviewing details; try to exercise patience and avoid confrontations with them.

Business appointments are usually required. While it is acceptable to schedule them on short notice, it is advisable to make them two to three weeks in advance. Be sure to confirm the meeting in writing, or you risk the possibility of the meeting being cancelled or changed at the last minute. In Sao Paulo and Brasilia, punctuality is important, but in Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian cities, life is little more informal and it is acceptable to arrive a few minutes late to a meeting. Apart for the slight difference in punctuality, meeting is generally informal in all cities.

Brazilians are very fashionable and pride themselves in dressing well, so be sure to adhere to this pattern. Men usually wear dark, conservative business suits, while women wear elegant feminine dresses with good quality accessories.

During introductions at a meeting, Brazilians exchange business cards with everyone. It is advisable to translate the other side of your business card in Portuguese and present it to the recipient with the Portuguese side facing the recipient. Handshaking is quite common. Be sure to shake hands with everyone present in greeting and leaving a group, an make good eye contact It is also advisable to learn a bit of Portuguese (which is Brazil’s official language), before you visit the country. It would enhance your relationships and make business dealings much easier.

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