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Brazil: Doing business & staying in touch
Doing business in Brazil
Brazilian business culture is warm, relationship-driven and often more personal than in many Western countries. Establishing trust is essential, and meetings typically begin with an informal conversation before moving on to business matters. Brazilians value face-to-face interaction, and maintaining good rapport can be as important as presenting figures or proposals.
Punctuality is appreciated but not always strictly observed, especially outside major financial centres. Nevertheless, visitors are expected to arrive on time. Greetings are usually friendly: a firm handshake with eye contact is standard, while close acquaintances may exchange light kisses on the cheek or a hug, depending on the region.
Business attire tends to be smart, particularly in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília. In warmer northern regions, dress codes may be slightly more relaxed, but a professional appearance is still expected. Titles and surnames are often used initially, though first names are adopted quickly once a relationship is formed.
Negotiations can be animated, with overlapping speech and expressive gestures considered normal. Decisions may take time, as hierarchy and consensus play important roles. Patience and flexibility are key, and written agreements should follow any verbal discussions.
Brazil has the largest economy in South America and one of the biggest in the world, shaped by its abundant natural resources, strong agricultural output and diverse industrial base. The country is a major global exporter of soybeans, coffee, sugar, beef and orange juice, and its vast mineral reserves, particularly iron ore, play a significant role in international trade. Manufacturing is also important, with sectors such as aircraft production, automobiles, petrochemicals and steel contributing to national output.
Services form the backbone of the modern Brazilian economy, with finance, retail, communications and tourism driving growth in major cities like São Paulo, Brazil's financial powerhouse, and Rio de Janeiro. São Paulo alone accounts for a substantial share of Brazil's economic activity and is home to Latin America's largest stock exchange.
Tourism remains a key sector, supported by Brazil’s beaches, cultural festivals, biodiversity and iconic attractions such as the Amazon and Iguazu Falls. Infrastructure continues to improve in many regions, though progress can vary, and economic conditions may fluctuate due to inflation, currency shifts or global commodity prices.
Keeping in Touch in Brazil
Mobile phone coverage in Brazil is generally good in cities, towns and along major highways, though it can be limited in remote areas such as parts of the Amazon and Pantanal. Brazil uses GSM networks, and most unlocked international phones will work.
Prepaid SIM cards are widely available from major providers including Vivo, Claro, TIM and Oi. SIM cards can be purchased at airports, mobile phone shops and convenience stores, though registration with a passport and local tax number (CPF) may be required. Coverage and data speeds vary by provider and region.
eSIM services are available through international providers and can be a convenient option for short-term visitors, particularly in urban areas.
Internet access in Brazil is generally good, particularly in cities and tourist areas. Most hotels, guesthouses, cafés, shopping centres and airports offer free Wi-Fi, though speeds and reliability can vary. In larger cities such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília, connections are usually fast enough for streaming and video calls.
In smaller towns and rural regions, internet speeds may be slower and coverage less consistent. This is especially true in remote areas of the Amazon and Pantanal, where connections can be limited or unavailable. Travellers who rely heavily on internet access should plan accordingly.
Public Wi-Fi networks are widely available but may not always be secure. Using a VPN is advisable when accessing sensitive information or online banking.
Brazil has a vibrant media landscape, with television remaining the most influential medium. Major networks such as Globo, Record and SBT dominate national broadcasting, offering news, entertainment and sports programming. Football coverage is particularly prominent and reflects the country's passion for the game.
Print newspapers and magazines are available in major cities, though readership has declined in favour of digital media. Online news platforms and social media are widely used, and international news outlets are accessible online. Media content is primarily in Portuguese, with limited English-language coverage outside major cities.
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