The Brazil Business Travel Guide provides a useful range of valuable resources and travel information to assist business travellers. The guide contains facts on Brazil, visa information, business customs, useful tips and other resources. Having an appreciation and understanding of other cultures, languages, customs and traditions can be of great significance to business travellers helping to give a real advantage to ensuring a successful business trip.
Brazil has a fast growing economy and is one of five members of the BRICS emerging national economies. Brazil has growing regional and global influence and includes an expanding economy and large population offering a number of business opportunities. Major trading partners include neighbour Argentina and Germany, South Korea, China and the USA. Brazil is a multicultural, multiracial and home to a number of ethic groups.
The largest country in South America includes a wide array of landscapes including beaches, mountains and rain forests. Famous attractions include Copacabana beach, Iguazu Falls, Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain, Amazonia National Park and Amazon River, Rio Carnival And Tijuca National Park.
Brazil Guide
Quick Facts on Brazil
Brazil Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
Business Customs and Etiquette
Travel Advice and Tips
Public Holidays
Brazil Map
Brazil Weather & Climate
Quick Facts on Brazil
Country: Brazil
Capital: Brasília
Currency: Brazilian Real (1 Real = 100 Centavos)
Population: 198.3 Million (UN, 2012)
Area total: 2,514,900 sq km
Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, French
Time Zone: GMT -2 to -5
Daylight Saving Details: Starts in October until February (used in the South of Brazil only)
Electricity: 127-220V 50Hz
Dialling Code: 55
GDP: USD 2.246 Trillion (World Bank, 2013)
Religion: Catholic, Protestant, Spiritualist, Bantu.
Political System: Republic
Internet Domain: .br
Brazil Travel Advice
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office offers travellers useful advice when travelling to Brazil. You can find further information on entry requirements for Brazil, advice on local laws and customs, health considerations, useful tips on safety and security and the address and contact details of the British Embassy in Brazil. The information is regularly updated making it a useful resource to consult for both business and leisure travellers when searching for the latest up to date travel advice and information on Brazil. For more information please see: Brazil Travel Advice
Visa Requirements
No visa requirement for nationals of the UK, most EU member states, all others countries citizens including Canada and the USA need to have a valid visa before they enter Brazil. Visa requirements are subject to change with changes in requirements and rules for further information please see: Brazilian Consulate General UK
Business Customs and Etiquette
Business dress is elegant, conservative and smart, great pride is taken in appearance. Usual first business greetings are with a handshake while maintaining eye contact. Business cards are exchanged after the greetings and usually given to all at the meeting. Communication is often informal without following strict rules of protocol evident in some other countries. Punctuality for meetings especially in the big cities is expected, however do not be surprised if the hosts are a few minutes late.
Business is done with people the hosts feel comfortable with and have a good business relationship, this can take some time to build up. There will often be a lot of small talk before getting on with business matters, it is wise not to rush this as business is conducted this way here. Decisions are taken by the most senior people so expect there to be some time taken to reach decisions and remain patient in the mean time.
Travel Advice and Tips
Most trips to Brazil for both business visitors and tourists go ahead each year without incident. However you should be aware of incidents of street crime, robbery and credit fraud, levels of crime are high in certain areas. It is wise not to show valuables in public and keep them in a safe place, also jewellery and items such as mobile phones should be put away from public view as much as possible to maintain a low profile and avoid trouble. Seek expert local advice on areas to stay away from and use official/trusted transport only. Ensure you are always vigilant and fully aware of your surroundings and environment.
Travel Checklist: See our Checklist for Travellers containing useful tips and reminders to ensure you have everything you will need on your trip.
Travel Vaccinations: It is recommended you check with your GP whether you require any travel vaccinations for your trip up to eight weeks before you travel. For more information and advice on travel vaccinations please see the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Tipping: If service charge is not included usually around 10%, taxi fares are usually rounded up.
Hours of Business:
For Businesses:
09.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
For Shops
09.00 to 18.00 Monday to Friday
NOTE: Majority of companies closed at Weekends.
Public Holidays
Public Holidays (2015):
January 1: New Year's Day
February 16: Carnival
April 3: Good Friday
April 21: Tiradentes Day
May 1: Labour Day
June 4: Corpus Christi
September 7: Independence Day
October 12: Our Lady Aparecida - patron saint of Brazil
November 2: All Souls' Day
November 15: Proclamation of the Republic
December 24: Christmas Eve
December 25: Christmas Day
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Brazil Map
Map of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Related Resources
Brazil Weather & Climate
Brazil is located in the southern hemisphere and within the tropics therefore is an all round destination for visitors with temperatures rarely seen below 20°C. Within the country there are variances, the north that includes the Amazon can get very hot and humid with temperatures in excess of 40°C degrees. The coastline is warm for most of the year n is especially popular to visit during the dry season from March and November.
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing can be warn for most of the year given the warm climate. Rain coats and rainproof clothing are advisable especially in the rainy season. Additional layers and warmer clothing is required in the winter especially in the south (June to August) with the cooler mornings and evenings. The extra humidity and heat in the Amazon means visitors should seek specialist clothing designed for activities and treks in the area.
Disclaimer: The information given in on this website is given in good faith and to the best of our knowledge. If there are any discrepancies in no way do we intend to mislead. Important travel details and arrangements should be confirmed and verified with the relevant authorities.
