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Business hours are generally from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with executives beginning later in the morning and working later into the evening. The best hours for meetings would be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Meetings should be scheduled at offices rather than in restaurants or bars.

Trust is an important element for Brazilian businesspeople: continuing relationships and long-term commitments are the aim here, so don’t expect to be able to negotiate a deal in a short time. It is rare for important deals to be concluded by telephone or letter. The pace of business in Brazil is thus much slower than what you may be used to. Don’t be fooled though, Brazilian executives and professionals are very knowledgeable about industrial technology and modern business practices.

If a colleague invites you to a small party and you must leave early and tell the host(s) upon arrival. Note that Brazilian associates do not often invite outsiders into their homes so such a privilege requires particular respect.

Brazilian public holidays in 2010 & 2011

2010

1 Jan - New Year's Day.
25 Jan - Founding of São Paulo.
12 Feb - 17 Feb Carnival.
2 Apr - Good Friday.
21 Apr - Tiradentes.
1 May - Labour Day.
3 Jun - Corpus Christi.
7 Sep - Independence Day.
12 Oct - Our Lady Aparecida, Patron Saint of Brazil.
2 Nov - All Souls' Day.
15 Nov - Republic Day.
24 Dec - Christmas Eve.
25 Dec - Christmas Day.
31 Dec - New Year's Eve.

2011
1 Jan - New Year's Day.
25 Jan - Founding of São Paulo.
4 Mar - 8 Mar Carnival.
21 Apr - Tiradentes.
22 Apr - Good Friday.
1 May - Labour Day.
23 Jun - Corpus Christi.
7 Sep - Independence Day.
12 Oct - Our Lady Aparecida, Patron Saint of Brazil.
2 Nov - All Souls' Day.
15 Nov - Republic Day.
24 Dec - Christmas Eve.
25 Dec - Christmas Day.
31 Dec - New Year's Eve.