Local culture in Brazil

Expats can expect their adjustment to local culture in Brazil to come slowly but surely. Most find that the initial honeymoon stage of living in Brazil lasts quite a while, and the later stages of culture shock are more difficult.

Brazilian locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Expats who have a positive attitude and are eager to learn about the local culture will have a smoother transition into life in Brazil.

Meeting and greeting in Brazil

Be prepared for lots of physical contact, especially when greeting in Brazil. Brazilians will often greet each other with a kiss or a hug. It’s also common for both men and women to either pat someone on the shoulder or place their hand on their hand or arm to make a point. Even in crowds, Brazilians maintain much less physical distance than expats from Europe or North America might find comfortable.

Learning the correct way to greet and address people is essential to living in Brazil. A stereotypical Brazilian greeting is the ‘air kiss’ – a kiss hello on each cheek. While this is a fun way to greet people, be sure to learn the appropriate contexts.

Brazilians are very appearance-conscious. As such, you may be on the receiving end of what seems like overly forward or brutally honest comments about your health, weight, or hairstyle. Don’t take this personally.

Cultural differences in Brazil

Perhaps the biggest factor contributing to culture shock in Brazil is its social inequality. Brazil may be a world economic powerhouse, but the disparity between its rich and poor is blatantly obvious. Huge slums, or favelas, are visible in most large cities.

Expats can generally afford to live comfortably in Brazil. Domestic help is easily obtained, and overseas and regional trips are the norm. For high earners, private healthcare is easily accessible, as are private schools.

Healthcare and Health Insurance in Brazil
Education and Schools in Brazil

Bureaucracy in Brazil

Another aspect of life in Brazil that may initially take some getting used to is the many levels of bureaucracy in government institutions. This is particularly evident to expats who apply for a residency visa. In recent years, some modernisation of e-visa systems for certain nationalities has been seen, but the general level of bureaucratic complexity has not improved much.

Brazilians try to maintain a balance in their social relations and general day-to-day activities. Business meetings are important, but so is football and family time. Expats will be impressed by the Brazilian people’s resilience and positive outlook – qualities that prove useful when dealing with bureaucratic red tape.

Residency Visas in Brazil
Work Permits in Brazil

Language barrier in Brazil

The language barrier in Brazil is more significant than many expats expect, and Portuguese is necessary rather than optional. Brazil ranks among the world’s lowest countries for English proficiency, with only about 1 percent of the population speaking English fluently. Even in larger cities, English proficiency is largely restricted to wealthier Brazilians, and rural areas have virtually no English speakers.

Learning Portuguese before you arrive isn’t just helpful – it’s practically necessary for daily life. As Brazil has so many enclaves filled with expats from different cultures, Portuguese becomes the common language that connects everyone, not English.

Time in Brazil

As with many other South American destinations, locals in Brazil take a particularly relaxed attitude towards time. It’s not unusual for Brazilians to show up anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes late to social events. While being late for social occasions is fairly common, punctuality will be expected of you in formal situations.

Spending hours at a social dinner is an important aspect of life in Brazil. Weekend afternoon naps are common, although Brazil doesn’t have the formal siesta tradition found in other Latin cultures.

Religion in Brazil

Brazil is home to one of the world’s largest Catholic communities, although the trends are changing. Recent surveys show that approximately half of Brazilians identify as Catholic, down from historical highs, and Protestant and Evangelical denominations have grown to around one-fifth of the population.

Many locals practice their Catholic faith alongside indigenous Amerindian spiritual traditions. Expats might find these unique religious expressions unfamiliar at first, and taking time to understand them will help you settle in. Despite this strong Catholic heritage, Brazil guarantees religious freedom, and you’ll find communities of virtually every faith represented.

LGBTQ+ in Brazil

There are conflicting circumstances for LGBTQ+ people in Brazil. The country legalised same-sex marriage in 2013 and has large Pride celebrations in major cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, but acceptance varies significantly across the country. Urban areas tend to be more progressive, and rural and conservative regions may be less welcoming.

São Paulo hosts the world’s largest Pride parade, drawing around 3 million participants each year. Rio’s Ipanema beach has maintained a well-known LGBTQ+ section for decades.

The legal framework provides anti-discrimination protections, but states vary on how strongly they enforce these. Brazil records concerning levels of anti-LGBTQ+ violence, so connecting with local community groups is wise for safety and support.

LGBTQ+, Diversity and Inclusion in Brazil

Women in Brazil

Many male expats find Brazil relatively easy to adjust to, but female expats often find it considerably more difficult.

Like many Latin American countries, Brazil is influenced by machismo culture and patriarchal religious values that still shape social expectations. Recent employment data shows this disparity clearly: over 70 percent of men have formal employment, compared to only 50 percent of women, and women are underrepresented in management and leadership positions.

Change is happening, but slowly. You’ll find women’s advocacy groups and professional networks in major cities that support career advancement and workplace equality.

Gender Equality and Women in Leadership in Brazil