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Brasília
Culture
Food
World Heritage Site
A reference in architecture and urban planning, Brasília owes much of its fame to Oscar Niemeyer. There are plenty of historical buildings, but the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora Aparecida, the Planalto Palace and the National Congress are probably the most prominent.
Modern beyond infrastructures
There are also attractions typical of a city with 2 million people and good living standards. Known as the “capital of rock” and connected to artists like Ney Matogrosso, Brasilia offers a futuristic Cultural Complex and great amusements in the City Park, which is the largest in the world.
Culture and Business
Before leaving
Make sure you have your passport and boarding pass with you. Depending on your country of origin, arrange your visa or other required documentation well in advance. Go to the traveler's office and take all the necessary vaccinations and prevention medications, if applicable.
Climate
The climate in Brazil varies greatly between the tropical north (next to the equator), and the more temperate zones in the south. The cities of Belo Horizonte and Brasília have moderate temperatures. Rio de Janeiro, Recife and Salvador are on the coast and have a warmer climate. The city of São Paulo has a subtropical climate.
Time zone
GMT - 4 Bela Vista
GMT - 3: Belem, Fortaleza, Natal, Recife, Salvador.
GMT - 2: Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Porto Alegre, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo.
Geography and Politics
Brazil occupies almost half of South America, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast. The longest river in Brazil is the Amazon and the rainforest occupies a large area of the country. Brazil is a Presidential Federative Republic, where the president of the republic is head of state and also head of government and the states have political autonomy.
Tips and Payment
The official currency of Brazil is the Real (BRL). In major cities you can easily find ATMs where you can withdraw cash. If you go to a location outside the city, always take cash with you. It is considered normal to tip 10% in restaurants, although that amount is often included on the bill as a service charge.
Language and expressions to memorize
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. Some useful phrases in Portuguese are: “olá” = hi, “por favor” = please; “muito obrigado/a” = thank you very much; “desculpe” = sorry.
What to do
Brazilians tend to be more relaxed when it comes to arriving on time for social meetings, so do not worry if someone is late. That does not mean you should not be on time. Maintain eye contact to show that you are attentive and interested and cultivate a relationship of closeness and trust.
What not to do
Do not offer gifts that are purple or black in color as they are usually associated with death and mourning. Do not feel offended if you are interrupted, it is common and acceptable in Brazil and indicates interest and enthusiasm.
What to wear
Choose a classic and professional style. Men should wear suits and ties and women suits or a dress with stylish accessories.
First contact
Brazilians are a very warm and extroverted people. It is customary to greet someone with two kisses when you meet them for the first time. The usual greeting between two men is a handshake. The most common form of greeting in business is the handshake.