Twelve Things That Will Shock You About Brazilian Culture
Greetings from Mariana, Brazil! Today we’re sharing the ten things of Brazilian culture that are going to shock you when you visit Brazil. If you think Brazil is all beaches and bikinis, you’re going to be shocked!
Brazilian Culture Shock #1 The “OK” Sign is Really Offensive
The hand gesture that we use in the U.S. to say “OK” means something very different in Brazil. It’s actually worse than the middle finger. Use the thumbs up gesture instead. And when I say the “OK” sign I should note that it is the “OK” sign backwards that is the really bad way.
Brazilian Culture Shock #2 Lack of Modesty
Modesty isn’t a thing in Brazil. You’re going to see more skin than you can imagine, especially when you visit the beach in Brazil. It’s all about having the smallest bikini that shows the most amount of skin. There’s no fat shaming in Brazil, either. Hence why I love Brazil so much.
Watch: The Don’ts of Visiting Sao Paulo, Brazil
Brazilian Culture Shock #3 Slower Pace of Life
The laid-back attitude in Brazil might shock you. Nothing happens quickly in Brazil. Whether it’s trying to get your restaurant bill, or buy your bus/train ticket, everything is a much slower pace. Punctuality isn’t a thing, either. If you say 9:00 and show up at 10:00, it’s all good.
Brazilian Culture Shock #4 You Can Send Back Warm Beer
This is a fun shock of Brazil: If your beer isn’t cold enough, you can send it back. In Brazil, beer is consumed “very chilled” so if it’s served to you less than very chilled, you can send it back!
Brazilian Culture Shock #5 Mosquitoes in Brazil
If you visit Brazil during mosquito season, you’ll be shocked. You’ll need to pull out every trick in your anti-mosquito arsenal, from wristbands to spray to completely covering your skin. If you miss a spot with mosquito protection, they will find it. Mosquitoes are the worst in the summer, so stock up on DEET before you come.
Read: Things Tourists Should NOT Do When They Visit Peru
Brazilian Culture Shock #6 Electric Showers
This one could be a literal shock! You might be staying in a posada or at someone’s house and notice electrical wires coming from your shower head. You might not see this as much in larger cities and hotels, but they do use electric showers in Brazil. Tip: if you turn the shower on full blast, it won’t be able to heat it as well, so use a lower flow to have hot water in the shower.
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Brazilian Culture Shock #7 Brazil Toilet Etiquette
The first time you use a toilet in Brazil can be shocking. You have to throw your toilet paper in the trash, rather than flushing it down the toilet. Plumbing in Brazil isn’t made to handle toilet paper, so there will always be a trash bin next to the toilet, and signs to remind you not to flush your T.P. If you’re staying at a hotel and you aren’t sure, just ask the front desk staff what the protocol is.
Read: Signs You Might Be a Bad Traveler
Brazilian Culture Shock #8 Brazilians are Crazy & Fun
You’ve heard that Brazilians are crazy and fun, and it’s true! You will be shocked at how awesome Brazilians are. They will show you their country, help you get around, tell you what to eat, or replace your beer if it isn’t cold enough! If you visit Brazil during Carnival, it’s amplified times ten! All the best food, music and celebration comes together for Carnival. They really love their music in Brazil.
Brazilian Culture Shock #9 Driving in Brazil
Driving in Brazil is not for the faint of heart, and whether you’re a driver, passenger or pedestrian, you’ll be shocked at the traffic. If there are traffic rules in Brazil, nobody follows them. Semi-trucks swerve around and pedestrians dart out into the highways, so it’s best to take a bus or taxi in Brazil, rather than trying to drive. Also, when you find parking on the street, you may have to pay a “tip” to someone on the street to keep anything bad from happening to your car.
Brazilian Culture Shock #10 Swimming With Alligators and Piranhas
You will be shocked that people swim with alligators and piranhas in Brazil. On the Pantanal, you can just float down the river in an inner tube. Even the alligators are laid-back in Brazil, so they are pretty docile. The piranhas won’t eat you, but you can fish for them and they are pretty tasty!
Brazilian Culture Shock #11 Inequality in Brazil
The inequality in Brazil is shocking. The favelas and the shanty towns are a testament to the amount of poverty in Brazil. You’ll see the favelas crawling up the hillsides in Rio, while in Sao Paulo, they are more spread out on the outskirts of town. As you travel around Brazil, you’ll see a lot of poverty, so if you are able to help anyone out, do so.
Brazilian Culture Shock #12 Food & Drink in Brazil
You’ll be shocked at the weight you gain in Brazil. The food in Brazil is amazing. Meat in Brazil is legendary, the fruit is delicious and don’t forget to try the cheese bread, or the Pão de Queijo. Did you know cashew nuts grow on top of a fruit? In Brazil, they make a juice from that fruit – it’s scrumptious! As you travel through different regions of Brazil, you’ll see different types of food to try.
You will be shocked at how much you fall in love with Brazil when you visit. The people, the food, the scenery and pretty much everything about Brazil is fantastic. Don’t let fears of Zika or crime keep you away. If you’re ready to plan your Brazil vacation, check out some of our other travel videos with Brazil travel tips:
- Five Tips for Visiting Brazil
- What to Eat in Brazil
- Is Brazil Safe to Visit?
- Ten Things That Will Shock You About Rio de Janeiro