Disclaimer
The positions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the
European Union. Neither the European Union nor any person acting on behalf of the European Union is
responsible for the use which might be made of this information. Neither the European Union nor the ElanBiz
consortium members are responsible or may be held accountable for any loss suffered as a result of reliance
upon the content of this Fact Sheet
General Information
Geographic situation:
Brazil has a privileged location, occupying almost half of South America area. Brazil
borders with all South America countries except Chile and Ecuador. It is the fifth largest
and fifth most populous country in the world, with over 200 million inhabitants. It has
over 8.5 million square kilometers in area and about 8,000 km of coastline.
Most of the population is concentrated in the south-east (including the triangle formed
by the cities of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte, largest industrial and
commercial relevant area of the country) and in the south. Other areas of importance in
economic terms are set around the cities of Salvador, Curitiba, Manaus, Porto Alegre
and Goiânia.
In addition to the continental size of the country and the dispersal of the centers of
economic interest, it should be noted the wide disparity of tastes and consumption
habits due to the mix of cultures and origins of the population, social inequality and the
difference in purchasing power.
Time zone:
Brasilia is UTC-3, but throughout Brazilian territory there are 3 time zones:
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UTC-2 (Fernando de Noronha Time): Atol das Rocas, Fernando de
Noronha, São Pedro e São Paulo, Trindade e Martim Vaz.
UTC-3 (Brasília time): Federal District; South, Southeast and Northeast; Goias,
Tocantins, Pará and Amapá.
UTC-4 (Amazon Time): Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Rondonia, Roraima,
and two thirds of Amazonas state.
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Fact Sheet ELANBiz: Business Travel Brazil
Language:
The official language of Brazil is Portuguese, Spanish being the second language,
compulsory in schools. Both English and Spanish are used very frequently in business.
Religions:
Climate:
Brazil is usually divided into five regions (north, center-west, northeast, southeast and
south). Brazil has a great diversity of climates but frequently turns up to the conditions
of a tropical country.
National holidays:
National holidays in Brazil are:
• January 1st (New Year)
• Monday and Tuesday of Carnival (variable dates)
• Good/Holy Friday (variable dates)
• April 21th (Tiradentes)
• May 1st (Labor Day)
• Corpus Christi (variable dates)
• September 7th (Brazilian Independence)
• October 12th (Nossa Senhora da Aparecida, Patron saint)
• November 2nd (All Saints' Day)
• November 15th (Proclamation of the Republic)
• December 25th (Christmas)
In addition to these days, there are other festivities at the level of states and
municipalities.
Opening hours: the most common opening hour is 8h00-17h00 (variable between
8h-18h)
Mainstream media:
Estado de São Paulo Newspaper: www.estadao.com.br/
Folha de São Paulo Newspaper: http://www.folha.uol.com.br/
Globo Newspaper: http://oglobo.globo.com/
Exame Magazine: http://exame.abril.com.br/topicos/jornais
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Brazil is a secular country. Catholicism is the most representative religion in Brazil,
although other Christian religions emerge in several varieties and the country has
important groups of other religions that coexist in harmony (Judaism, Muslims, etc. ...).
Veja Magazine: http://veja.abril.com.br/
Istó é Dinero Magazine: http://www.istoedinheiro.com.br/
Before travelling
Holidays:
Visas:
Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa up to 90 days (tourism or
business purposes). Brazilian authorities require: a) Valid passport (into effect of
minimum 06 (six) months); b) round-trip ticket; the return date must be confirmed;
maximum stay without visa is 90 days; c) Financial means prove and it can be checked
(R$ 170.00 daily minimum value); d) Document confirming hotel reservation (already
paid or guaranteed by credit card); or d1) In case of lodging in private residence:
invitation letter from the residence owner in the Brazilian city of destination.
Entry of commercial samples:
Are considered as commercial samples of insignificant value or no commercial value:
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Any goods or imported product supplied free of charge by the supplier to the
importer, for promotional purposes, advertising, exhibition or other similar
activity.
Raw materials and goods as well as the remains of these raw materials or
goods, useless for anything other than demonstration (with no possibility to
trade them).
Those used for testing, laboratory analysis and similar activities.
Commercial samples disqualified for sale, evaluated individually or taken
together, of not more than ten dollars.
It is considered sample with commercial value that ones that cannot be proved to be
with no commercial value. Samples with commercial value don´t have tax exemption
and they will be sent together with the customs duties payment concerning its
category.
Communications:
Brazil has a good broadband internet and telephone coverage in major cities and
surrounding areas. The main mobile operators are Claro, Telefonica-Vivo, TIM and Oi
(Brasil Telecom). Cable operators are entering into the telecommunications sector
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
In Brazil there are two holidays that coincide with school holidays: from December 15th
to January 31th (summer holidays), and from 1st to 31thJuly (winter holidays). Avoid
carnival week and the weeks of extended weekends to do business in Brazil.
offering competitive telephone, voice, data and cable full range. All operators offer
international roaming services.
Brazil´s official currency is the Brazilian real. All payments and receipts are in that
currency as Brazil maintains strict exchange controls. It´s easy to change money in
dollars and euro in all cities (airport, exchange houses, hotels). Credit cards and debit
cards of all flags are widely accepted in shops but international credit cards can
present problems, it is recommended to carry cash (Brazilian reals). Numerous ATM
accept some other flags (24 hours ATM for example) and is possible to use the ATMs
to withdraw cash money from bank accounts located abroad, although in that case not
all ATMs should work. It´s important to be informed previously which banks allow
withdrawals abroad.
Hotels:
Prices of hotels located in the neighborhoods of São Paulo that offer greater security
vary between 120 euros (4 stars) and 220 euros (5 Stars); it is not recommended to
stay at lower quality hotels if the hotel flag is unknown. The rate per night usually
covers a double room, including breakfast in most cases. Depending on the date of
travel, to book in advance will be necessary, as São Paulo concentrates a large
number of events and there´s not availability of rooms left.
At the country
Security:
Brazil is considered an unsafe country, so safety measures must be taken, especially
in medium and large cities. It is important to be well informed and follow basic safety
measures for a safe stay. Is it safe to travel by road between cities.
Health Services:
Main Brazilian cities have excellent hospitals, laboratories and private clinics. In São
Paulo the most recommended hospitals are, among others, Albert Einstein, São Luiz,
Sirio-Libanês, Nove de Julho, Samaritano, Santa Catarina ... all of them have
emergency services. Fleury and Delboni are reference laboratories. It is essential to
have health insurance with coverage in Brazil, covering any of those mentioned
hospitals or other similar in large cities. Health insurance is necessary both for
business and when established. There is no particular food to avoid in hotels and
mid/high restaurants, but it is recommended avoiding restaurants “open-air” at the
street for it´s questionable hygiene, as well as low-level restaurants.
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Money and payments:
Transport:
Big cities have a good public taxi service. Taxis can be taken at street (at called "Ponto
de taxi") or call them by phone from the company. Generally, it is also safe to take taxis
circulating in the street. Major international car rental companies operate in Brazil.
Lunchtime:
Tips:
Tipping is voluntary in Brazil, but in practice, it is "mandatory" as it is included as a
service fee on the account. It corresponds to 10% of total bill value. However, if the
customer is not satisfied with the service, he/she has the right to exclude tip from the
bill and is not required to pay.
Business protocol
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Schedule your meeting at least one month in advance, confirming a week
before the meeting. Provide 1,5 hour per meeting.
Due to traffic jam in large cities, it is permissible delays of 15 minutes to half an
hour, but always inform the delay previously by telephone as a sign of
deference.
Try to adapt your meetings respecting local lunchtime.
In Brazil, the outward appearance at business is similar to European costume;
"social" jacket is used. Always take your visit card with you.
At the beginning of the meeting, take a 5/10 minute informal introductory talk
about issues like the country, the climate, the food, the football…because that
will help to build confidence between both parts.
Brazilian are very friendly and emphatic at negotiation, do not give a direct
"no". Most times, this initial interest will cool off.
Prepare properly your business conversation, email and presentation meeting,
be polite and introduce your company in the sector context. Follow assiduously
the business negotiations. The key point to succeed in Brazil is to show
continuity and assistance in business, deserving the confidence at business
with your partner and your consumers.
Insist with kindness, but with perseverance. Brazilian buyers receive many
offers with price disparity. The lowest bid price is usually the chosen, so your
offer has to be competitive and offers a differential in service, quality,
technology and degree of specialization.
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Lunchtime is between 12h00 and 14h00 generally. There is a large range of
restaurants for lunch in big cities. On the day-to-day, lunch system is by weight (pay for
the weight of the food). For Business-purposes, it is recommended to have “a la carte”
(regular dish prices) lunch at restaurants, previously booked.
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Local references are more important to government and local companies, than
successful business cases abroad.
Have a website in Portuguese, Spanish and English. Portuguese language is
essential as well as a .com.br domain.
Partner with local companies can provide getting working licenses, marketing
your services and the provision of an adequate after-sales service.
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Do not discard doing business in Brazil for safety reasons. Safety at business
is ordinary in all major cities of the country.
From time to time, Brazil has unstable economic cycles that overcome rapidly.
Do not give up of the country for it current economic situation, as the market
presents tremendous opportunities and it´s necessary to undertake a position
ahead of 1-2 years before recovering the initial investment.
Before arriving for business purposes, it is recommended to learn a bit of
history, culture and language of Brazil, they will highly appreciate it at
meetings.
It is also recommended to arrive in Brazil the day before your meeting, due to
traffic or flight delays that can cause lost meetings.
Depending on the region to visit, there may be climatic variations, check the
weather before you travel, and pay attention to the maximum and minimum
temperatures.
Be cautious while in Brazil and inquire at the hotel and with your local contacts
about the dangerous areas of the city.
Contact details and useful links
Delegation of the European Union in Brazil
Tel.: (55 61) 2104-3122 http://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/brazil
Useful contacts for doing business in Brazil:
http://eeas.europa.eu/brazil/index_pt.htm
Relevant contacts:
Brazilian Federal Police: 194
www.dpf.gov.br
Military Police of São Paulo: 190
Civil Police: 191
Service Mobile Emergency healthcare SAMU: 112
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Practical advise
Taxis (São Paulo)
On the arrival to São Paulo, it will be obligatory to take the taxi service from
Guarulhos Airport: Guarucoop: (55 11) 2440-7070
www.guarucoop.com.br/
Other taxi services:
Use Taxi: Tel. (55 11) 5582-2000 http://www.usetaxi.com.br/
Chame Taxi: Tel. (55 11) 3103-8100 http://www.chametax.com.br/
Ligue Taxi: Tel. (55 11) 2101-3030 www.liguetaxi.com.br
99 Taxis (app) : www.99taxis.com
Hospital contact list (São Paulo)
http://www.planosdesaudetodosaqui.com.br/mapa/lista-hospitais-saopaulo.index.htm
Tourism
Brazil – Official Travel Guide
http://www.visitbrasil.com
Disclaimer
The positions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official opinion of the
European Union. Neither the European Union nor any person acting on behalf of the European Union is
responsible for the use which might be made of this information. Neither the European Union nor the ElanBiz
consortium members are responsible or may be held accountable for any loss suffered as a result of reliance
upon the content of this Fact Sheet
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Fact Sheet ELANBiz Business Travel Brazil
Ambulance: 192
Firefighter: 193
Federal Highway Police: 191