Cultural Difference
Basing on Brazil
  Physical or special distances (during conversation) Brazilians tend to get close to each other, no matter what the relationship is between them. Personal space and physical space are not emphasized. Between 30 and 40 cm is an average distance when conversing.  It is acceptable to touch someone when speaking to them, no matter the gender or the relationship. A touch on the arm or a pat on the back is common in normal conversation. It is considered rude if one steps back.  At the meantime, eye contact is important, as a demonstration of sincerity and interest in the conversation and in the person being spoken to.   Greeting protocol (method) Handshaking, kissing, hugging, backslapping, embracing and holdings hands are common forms of greeting. Kissing on both cheeks is common among family members, relatives, friends and acquaintances.  Generally, men shake hands when greeting one another, while maintaining steady eye contact. If a woman wishes to shake hands with a man, she should extend her hand first.  Women friends greet with a kiss on each cheek, starting with the left and alternating cheeks. Married women kiss twice, while a single woman receives a third kiss.
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First names should normally be used, but titles are important. In business, men are addressed as "senhor" plus their surname, while women as "senhora" plus the surname.

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Business cards (either in your language or Portuguese) are a necessity when greeting in business meeting. But Brazilians need to know who they are doing business with before they can work effectively.

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Gift giving Giving a gift is not necessary during a first meeting. A relaxed social situation is the best time to present a gift.

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If invited to a Brazilian's house, bring the hostess flowers or a small gift. If you did not bring a gift to the hostess, flowers the next day are always appreciated.

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Small electronic items are often appreciated. And orchids are considered a very nice gift, but avoid purple ones.

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Avoid giving anything purple or black as these are mourning colors. Moreover, handkerchiefs are also associated with funerals. And gifts of knives, scissors, or letter openers are interpreted as the severing of a close bond.

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Do not give anything that is obviously expensive. Your generosity will only cause embarrassment or be misinterpreted as a bribe.

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Gifts are opened when received. Attitude toward timeliness For business appointments, it’s best to arrive on time—foreigners are expected to be punctual. However, meetings often start late (it can vary from 10 to 40 min). In Brazilian culture, time is often marked as a sequence of events rather than by a clock or calendar.
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Do not appear impatient if you are kept waiting. Brazilians see time as something outside their control and the demands of relationships takes precedence over adhering to a strict schedule.

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When scheduling, leave two to three hours of extra time between meetings. This will allow for traffic, as well as for the necessary small talk that takes place before and after Brazilian meetings. Because getting right down to business and leaving immediately when the discussion is over are both considered rude, so allow for extra time.

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Deadlines can be flexible, depending very much on the situation. However, if you encounter difficulties meeting the original dates, you are expected to discuss the issue with your supervisor.

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For a social dinner at someone’s home, it’s acceptable to arrive 30 minutes late, and up to an hour late for a party or large gathering. (Arriving 15 minutes late is usual)

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Two other interesting things a visitor need to know about the culture in order not to insult their host/hostess

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The "OK" sign used in North America (thumb and index finger joined in an "o") closely resembles an offensive Brazilian hand gesture. In Brazil the "thumbs-up" sign is used to indicate approval.

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It is considered acceptable to interrupt someone who is speaking. But avoid confrontations. Since this is a group culture, it is important that you do not do anything to embarrass a Brazilian. Appearing frustrated with Brazilian causes that person to lose face with the others.

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REFERENCES: http://www.intercultures.ca http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/resources/global-etiquette http://www.1worldglobalgifts.com http://www.WorldTradePress.com http://www.wikipedia.org http://globaledge.msu.edu

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