TIP
It is normal to give tips to people who serve you, like waiters, taxi drivers, doormen etc. In Brazil, do people tip?
Be patient with people being late.
It's a do. Does it often happen in Brazil?
Maintain eye contact while shaking hands.
It's a do. Is this common in Brazil? Why?
Offer to help clean up and wash the dishes after eating in a host’s place.
It's a do. Is it common in Brazil?
Touch someone’s head or hair.
It's a don't. It's an insult. Would you feel uncomfortable if someone touched your head or your hair?
Call black people "negro".
It's a DON'T. Negro often refers to African black slaves sold to the USA.
Offer contribution with money if you were invited to travel or eat with someone else.
It's a do. Do we do it in Brazil?
Get onto public transport until everyone has exited.
It's a don't. Is this how it works in Brazilian public transport?
Take jokes seriously.
It's a don't. New Zealanders like to tease. Do Brazilians like to do it too?
Ask about someone's age or weight.
It's a don't. It's considered impolite. Do you agree? Why?
Just say "Hi" and shake hands when meeting someone.
It's a do. How did people use to greet each other in Brazil (before pandemic)?
On the beach, swim everywhere.
It's a don't. You have to pay attention to the flags. Do you have to do it in Brazil?
Point at someone in public.
It's a don't. It might be considered as an offense. Do people do it in Brazil?
When out to eat, split bills equally.
It's a do. Do you usually split bills when you go out to eat?
Wrap your gift in red.
It's a don't. Red is a taboo color in NZ. Do you like to wrap/receive gifts in red?
Stay too long at birthday parties or any celebration at other people’s house.
It's a don't. The parties usually have time to start and to end. Does it happen in Brazil?
Expect to eat a barbecue if you are invited to someone’s home for a meal.
It's a do. Do you think Australians barbecue is the same that Brazilians barbecue?
Give a small present if you are invited to someone’s house (example: for dinner).
It's a do. Have you ever done this before in Brazil?
Wait to eat in a formal meal at a family’s celebration.
It's a do. It is normal that the elders bless the food before eating. Does it happen in your family's celebrations?
Brush teeth in public restrooms.
It's a don't. They think brushing the teeth is a very personal action that should be done at home.
TIP
It's a don't. The tip is already included in the final bill and in some places. Does it happen in Brazil?
Open gifts right after you receive them.
It's a do. Do you usually do it?
Wave or yell to call over a waiter or person of service.
It's a don't. You have to keep an eye out for them until they make eye contact, and then nod or raise your hand. You can also gently say “excuse me” as they pass by. How do you usually call the waiter?