Kiss, Bow, or Shake Hands, Sales and Marketing: The Essential Cultural Guide—From Presentations and Promotions to Communicating and Closing

WORKWEEK

Monday through Friday is the normal workweek. Business hours vary.

People from São Paulo may have the most rigorous work ethic of all Brasileiros. Workdays may start earlier, lunches can be shorter, and work may sometimes be discussed after hours at restaurants, clubs, etc. Decision makers usually begin work later in the morning and stay longer into the evening.

On Fridays, happy hours tend to lure people out of the office earlier than on Mondays through Thursdays. A good bar will not close until the last client leaves.

Avoid doing business around Carnival, Christmas, Easter, or other holidays. In 2011, Brazil had 16 official holidays (which are not necessarily paid), and firms generally offer a minimum of 30 additional paid vacation ...