Brazil Gift Giving Customs
From Giftypedia
- Flag of Brazil
- Official Language: Portuguese
- Currency: Real (pronounced 'hay-AHL'), plural Reais ('hay-EYES'), BRL or R$
- Religion: Roman Catholic
Officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, located in South America, Brazil is one of the ten largest economies in the world.
Brazilians are known for their flair and zest for life - high spirited, creative and friendly. Families are usually large and include extended family members providing the foundation of Brazil's social structure. Portuguese, spoken by almost 100 percent of the people, is a key component to Brazil's unity. Brazil does not have a distinct Indian population like many other Latin countries. Intermarriages have created a population rich in diversity - a combination of European, African and indigenous ancestry.
As a multicultural society, its early influence included strong colonial ties with the Portuguese empire. Brazilian culture also has contributions of European and Asian immigrants, Native South Americans and African slaves.
| Gift Giving in Brazil | ||||||||
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 Personal Gift Giving
Brazilians have an occidental culture, influenced by the West. Giving a gift you would give in the USA will be appreciated. 
Business Gift Giving
Business in BrazilBrazilians work well with who they know, preferring face-to-face meetings over written communication, limiting business by phone, fax or e-mail. Importance is placed on the individual representing the company rather than the company itself - thus the expression: "For friends, everything. For enemies, the law." Developing a relationship is important, more important than a legal document. Business communication is informal, not following strict rules of protocol. Opinions are generally spoken and interrupting the speaker is considered acceptable. To embarrass a Brazilian is distasteful, causing the one criticizing to lose face as well as the one criticized. If you are doing business in Brazil, take care not to schedule appointments during holidays or festivals.[1] Social EtiquetteCheek-kissing is very common in Brazil, both among women and between women and men. Men shake hands. Attempting to shake hands while being offered a kiss can be considered odd, but never rude. You should not kiss on the cheek, but actually beside the cheek in the air. Placing your lips on a stranger's cheek can be perceived as strange. If married, women kiss twice, once on each cheek. Single women add a third kiss. Brazilians are an expressive people. Physical contact is a way of communication. It is common to touch elbows, arms and backs while conversing. Brazilians stand close during conversation – it is rude to back away. The “thumb's up” gesture is used for approval, while the “OK” gesture is considered rude.
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