Brazilian Faux-Paus

Whenever traveling abroad, it's important to be aware of the culture of the country and what might be considered a faux-paus. While Brazil is not super strict as far as cultural rules, there are a few things to avoid doing and small things that you can do to really show Brazilians you appreciate their culture.

Faux-Paus:

• Making the "ok sign" is considered equivalent to flipping someone off 

• Giving a small tip is considered rude. 2 to 25 reais (Brazilian dollars) is considered the customary .

• Ringing doorbells: In some parts of the country, particularly rural ones in which many homes don't have doorbells, the custom is to stand in the yard and clap your hands. If no one answers, then you may knock. 

• Bad mouthing Brazil 

• Being invited to someone's home without bringing a small gift 

Not Offensive:

• Brazilians will usually offer you food several times, but it is not impolite to decline. 

• Asking personal questions sooner than most Americans are used to. 

• Showing up late

Bonus:

• Say thank you frequently, even for small things. In Portuguese, thank you is "obrigada" if you are a woman and "obrigado" if a man. (Trust me, learn to use this phrase! I stayed with a host family for two weeks in Brazil, and this was practically the only phrase I knew, but they really appreciated it!)

• The cheek kiss: this really is an art. You don't actually kiss their cheek (it's more like an "air cheek kiss" where you place your cheek against the other person).  Apparently, the number of kisses you are supposed to give varies by region, ranging from 1-3 kisses (although one or two is most common). This is usually only between women or between a man and a woman. However, the air cheek kiss is for informal occasions, and handshakes are used for formal ones. It is important to realize that someone may greet you with an cheek kiss even if you have never met them before! Don't be caught off guard. This is a friendly gesture and should be returned out of politeness. 

http://www.quora.com/What-are-some-cultural-faux-pas-in-Brazil

-Catie

Practice your air cheek kissing skills to avoid potentially award situations