Rio de Janeiro is one of those cities that holds a spot of honour on the bucket list of the world’s most seasoned travellers, and with good reason - this vibey metropolis is all about embracing life in all it’s passionate, inspiring, invigorating glory. It teems with culture and the food with leave you speechless. If you’re headed to Rio on a business journey soon, you’re in for a treat. Get ready for the Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City) to bowl you over!
Our seasoned travel management team has been instrumental in tailoring exceptional South American itineraries for many clients over the years, so we know what it takes to do business in Rio de Janeiro. Here are a few top tips we share with our valued clients before we pack them off to Brazil:
Building a good relationship with your peers is paramount is you wish to adhere to business etiquette in Brazil. Brazilians are very social and therefore business meetings usually begin and end with a fair bit of small talk, normally unrelated to the business at hand. This informal conversation is essential to building relationships and rapport, and should not be rushed. It’s also not uncommon for a business colleague to touch your arm or back to show their regard.
Brazilians dress to the nines and style is considered to be very important. Be sure to come properly attired - your dress should accurately reflect your profession, position and leadership position. Go for an elegant look and err on the side of overdressing rather than appearing too casual.
Although most Brazilians are friendly, law-abiding citizens, there can be a bit of a pickpocket problem at times. Rather play it safe by leaving your expensive watch and jewellery at home, and carrying your cash in a travel wallet beneath your clothes. Better yet, invest in traveller’s cheques if you can.
DID YOU KNOW? Rio's iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer was elected one of the world’s new seven wonders in 2007, alongside other masterpieces like the Roman Colosseum and the Taj Mahal. Officially the largest Art Deco statue in the world, the 30-meter-tall structure was unveiled in 1931 as a tribute to the city's centennial. Make a point of visiting it if your schedule allows.
There you have it - three guidelines to follow when you make your way to Rio de Janeiro on business in 2020 and beyond. Ticking all these boxes will ensure that your journey is as satisfying as it is rewarding. Keep an eye on the blog in coming months; we’ll be sharing more expert insight about travelling to some of the world’s top business destinations, including Salt Lake City, and Frankfurt. In the meantime, you can also feel free to reach out to us to find out more about our travel planning services - we’re here to ensure that all your corporate journeys go off without a hitch.
