Greetings take time
One kiss on each cheek in most regions (Rio does one, São Paulo does two). Always greet everyone individually when arriving and leaving. Skipping someone is a slight.
🤝 Etiquette in Brazil
Etiquette in Brazil is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Brazil, etiquette comes down to a few things: greetings take time, time is flexible, and thumbs up, not ok sign.
Time is flexible
Social events start late. If a party invitation says 8pm, arriving at 9:30 is normal. For business, be on time — but don't be surprised if others aren't.
Tip: If someone says 'vamos marcar' (let's plan something), it might happen and it might not. Follow up if you want it to happen.
Thumbs up, not OK sign
The OK hand gesture (circle with thumb and index) is offensive in Brazil. Use a thumbs up instead — it means everything from 'good' to 'thanks' to 'yes.'