Brazil ALLIE HARRIS

Brazilians prefer face-to-face meetings over written communication. However, when it comes to business agreements, Brazilians insist on drawing up detailed legal contracts. It is important not to do anything that would embarrass a Brazilian. Communication is informal most of the time and doesn’t rely on strict rules of protocol. Anyone who has an opinion will generally say something. It is acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking. Brazilians pride themselves on dressing well. Men should wear conservative, dark colored business suits. Three-piece suits typically indicate that someone is an executive. Women should wear suits or dresses that are elegant and feminine with good quality accessories and manicures are expected. Business appointments are required and can often be scheduled on short notice, but it is best to make them 2 to 3 weeks in advance. Always confirm the meeting in writing because it common for appointments to be cancelled or changed at the last minute. Avoid confrontations and never appear frustrated with your Brazilian colleagues. Business cards are exchanged during introductions with everyone at a meeting. Brazilians negotiate with people, not companies so do not change your negotiating team or you may have to start over from the beginning. Dining Etiquette is as follows: If you are invited to a Brazilian’s house: arrive at least 30 minutes late for the invitation if it’s for dinner, arrive up to an hour late for a party or large gathering, Brazilians dress with a flair and judge others on their appearance; casual dress is more formal than in many other countries, and always dress elegantly and lean towards the side of over dressing rather than under-dressing. Men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact. Women generally kiss each other, starting with the left and alternating cheeks. Hugging and backslapping are common greetings among Brazilian friends. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first. Avoid giving anything purple or black to a Brazilian for a gift, for those are the colors associated with death. The currency of Brazil is known as the Real (BRL).

Mr. Bollweg is my hero