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Public Behaviour Acceptable public conduct

Portuguese is the dominant language in Brazil. Be aware that Brazilians do not perceive themselves as Hispanics, and will only take offense if addressed in Spanish.

Brazilians tend to stand very close to each other.

Brazilians usually greet each other with long handshakes and noticeable eye contact; close friends will often embrace.

Hugging and backslapping are common among Brazilians, but they will usually refrain from using these gestures with foreigners, who may not be as receptive to this kind of contact.

Women will often greet each other by touching cheek to cheek, then kissing the air.

Women will often kiss each other by alternating cheeks--twice if they are married and three times if they are single.

Frequent touching of the arms, hands, or shoulders will occur during the course of a conversation.

Maintain a soft-spoken manner.

Say "oi" for "hello" and "tchau" for goodbye.

Brazilians often snap their fingers while flailing their hands up and down to add emphasis to a statement or indicate that something occurred "long ago."

Pulling at one's earlobe is a sign of appreciation.

Flicking the fingertips underneath the chin indicates that you don't know or understand the answer to a question.

To beckon someone, extend your palm face down and wave your fingers toward your body.

The "O.K." sign [using your first finger and thumb to form a circle] is considered vulgar.

When things are going well, it's acceptable to use the "thumbs up" sign.

Yawning or stretching in public is frowned upon.

Smoking is illegal in most public places.

People do not eat on the street or on public transportation.

Don't push or shove people in lineups--even if others are doing so.

Be careful when crossing the street, since traffic is chaotic and extremely fast.

Machismo in Brazil takes a milder, more subtle form than in other Latin American countries. Moreover, it's important for men to appear self-assured and "in control" at all times.

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