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Adventure
Beach
Nightlife
Capital of Ceará, in the northeast, this is much more than a paradise destination. The “brazilian Miami” mixes rest and unrest to perfection. Book a flight to Fortaleza.

The sand will go on
There are 30 kilometres of beach and the beaches are of course the main image of Fortaleza. From Futuro, the most famous one, to Meireles, great for long walks, and Iracema, where sunset is unforgettable. Not far, in Pico das Almas, surfing dominates. But there’s also a sanctuary for the ecotourism fans: the Ubajara National Park.

You will dance!
In front of the beach, a line of skyscrapers extends throughout the city. There are parties all the time and people dance the forró both by the water or in the clubs. But there’s so much to discover: book a flight to Fortaleza and see for yourself why Dragão do Mar is one of Brazil’s most important monuments.

Culture and Business

On a business trip, knowing the culture and customs of the country you are visiting can have a big impact on the success of your 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.