The information below has been adapted from portions of Jaime Sichman's excellent informational page on Brasil
Brazilians usually greet each other with a handshake. Brazilian handshakes, however, may be somewhat less firm than American handshakes. Women customarily kiss each other on both cheeks (they actually just touch cheeks and "kiss the air"), and good friends often embrace. When leaving a small group, it is customary to shake hands with all who are present.
Visiting:
An invitation to a Brazilian home should be considered a special honor. When visiting in Brazil, it is customary to arrive 10 to 15 minutes late. If one has been invited to dine, a box of candy, bottle of wine, or a small figurine is an appropriate gift for the host. Visitors will always be offered coffee or some other refreshment, or will be invited to eat if a meal is in progress when they arrive. Discussions on politics, religion, or other controversial subjects should be avoided. Visitors are expected to stay at least 2 hours or more.
Eating:
Meals are social events in Brazil. Brazilians eat in the continental style, with the knife in the right hand and the fork in the left. Both hands should remain above the table at all times and the elbows should not be rested on the table. Brazilians enjoy conversation after the meal, usually over a demitasse of cafezinho (strong black coffee). In restaurants, the waiter is called by holding up the index finger or by softly saying garcon (gar-SOHNG), and the check is requested by saying conta, por favor (KOHN-tuh, POR fah-VOR). The tip is usually included in the bill. Toothpicks should be used very discreetly. A bar in Brazil serves alcoholic drinks, but is also comparable to a neighborhood store where milk, bread, sandwiches, sweets, and soft drinks can be purchased.
Personal Appearance:
Warm-weather European fashions are the most popular in Brazil, but because of the hot and humid climate, many Brazilians wear as little as possible. Many Brazilians (especially women) are fashion-conscious, and wear the latest styles. Men usually wear conservative earth tones. Shoes are a status symbol and are polished often. Manicures and pedicures are very popular in Brazil.
Gestures:
The traditional American OK sign , with thumb and index finger forming a circle, is an obscene gesture . The "thumbs-up" sign is used to show approval. Brazilians beckon each other with the palm of the hand facing down. To get someone's attention from a distance, Brazilians say "pssssst." They never whistle at people.
Traveling:
Intercity buses are plentiful, reasonably efficient, and crowded. Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have rapid-transit systems. City buses must be hailed by a wave of the hand. All taxis in the large cities have meters with fixed prices, but because of high inflation the taxi driver may use a special table to keep the fare up to date. Taxis can be hailed at taxi stops, by telephone, or on the street by a wave of the hand. Tipping is not required, except when traveling with luggage. Taxi drivers are skilled motorists and usually drive at high speeds.
Families are traditionally large and include the extended family. Godparents are practically family and in many cases will assume responsibility for god children. Family members often spend their free time together and rely on each other for assistance. Among the youth, however, many of the traditional mores and values are becoming increasingly less important.
Dating and Marriage:
Group dating may start at age 15 or 16. Couples gradually emerge from the group. Serious dating and the engagement period may last as long as 2 or 3 years. Traditional families expect the young man to ask the girl's father for permission to be her boyfriend. Weddings may include 2 ceremonies: the legal civil ceremony, and the optional religious ceremony. Weddin parties are lavish and elegant, with much food, drink, and music. Until 1977, divorce was illegal in Brasil. Young married couples occasionaly live with their parents for a time although this custom is changing.
Jaime Sichman (Jaime.Sichman@imag.fr)