The 7 Deadly Sins of Travel in Brazil: Brazilian culture & what not to do
- Rachel
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Traveling in Brazil is a unique adventure, from the vibrant cities to the stunning beaches and Amazon jungle. But if you want to make it out with nothing worse than a little sunburn, there are some common travel mistakes you’d be wise to avoid.
Brazilian Culture & Customs
Brazil is a country known for its lively spirit, rich traditions, and distinct customs that make it one of the most fascinating destinations in the world. Brazilian culture is as vibrant and diverse as its landscape. However, for visitors, understanding some of Brazil’s unwritten social rules can make all the difference in navigating the local scene smoothly.
Whether it’s small etiquette quirks or unspoken beach customs, knowing a few basics about Brazilian culture can help you avoid any accidental faux pas and give you a more authentic experience of this unique country. Here are the seven things to avoid while traveling in Brazil:
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1. Slamming the Car Door
In Brazil, getting in and out of cars can be a surprisingly delicate operation. Slamming the car door, especially with a bit too much gusto, is a surefire way to upset your driver or Brazilian friends. For some reason, many Brazilians view their car doors as fragile beings, so a gentle close is highly appreciated. Don't be surprised if someone reminds you to go easy on the door before you even get the chance to close it.
2. Wearing the “Diaper Bikini”
Brazilian beachwear is iconic—stylish, minimal, and often very tiny. But whatever you do, don’t show up at a beach in a high-waisted, full-coverage bikini bottom (or, as some may call it, the “diaper bikini”). In Brazil, bikini bottoms are usually more on the cheeky side. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule, but if you want to blend in and avoid curious looks, opt for the local style. On the flip side, Brazilian men tend to wear “sungas,” which are snug swimming trunks. If you’re comfortable with that style, go for it. Just be prepared to embrace a little less coverage than you might be used to.
3. Bringing a Towel to the Beach
If you’re heading to the beach, leave the bulky beach towel at home. In Brazil, most people use “cangas,” which are light, colorful, multipurpose sarongs that you can sit on or wrap around yourself. Cangas take up much less space, dry quickly, and won’t weigh you down. Plus, you’ll look more like a local instead of a tourist who dragged their bath towel from the hotel. Most beaches will have cangas for sale if you don’t have one—embracing the local canga just adds to the experience.
4. Ordering an Iced Coffee
Brazil is one of the largest coffee producers in the world, but the Brazilian coffee culture is centered around hot coffee, no matter the temperature outside. So, if you ask for an iced coffee, you’ll likely get a puzzled look or end up with something that’s more coffee-flavored dessert than caffeine boost. To keep it simple, order a “cafezinho” (a small, hot, strong coffee served black) if you want to go local. It's short, sweet (literally—they often add sugar by default), and gives you the same caffeine hit.
5. Forgetting Your Manners
In Brazil, greetings and farewells are essential, whether you’re chatting with your accommodation host, ordering at a restaurant, or buying something in a store. Brazilians are warm and social, so skipping these simple courtesies such as saying "bom dia" (good morning) and "tchau"(bye) is seen as rude.
And while you’re at it, remember that Brazilians speak Portuguese, not Spanish. A quick “obrigado” or “obrigada” (thank you) goes a long way; saying “gracias” can rub people the wrong way. You’ll probably get a polite correction, but better to skip that awkward moment altogether by using the right language from the start.
6. Keeping Your Food to Yourself
Sharing food is practically a national pastime in Brazil. Whether you’re out with friends, family, or even friendly strangers, people are going to share. They’ll hand out fries, pass around bites of dessert, and offer you a taste without a second thought. Not offering the same is, well, unusual at best. Keep in mind that sharing is a cultural thing – it’s how people show they care and want to bond with you. So, don’t hoard your meal; pass it around a bit. Your Brazilian friends will appreciate the gesture. Besides, sharing makes for a richer experience as you’ll likely end up trying foods you wouldn’t have ordered on your own.
7. Flushing Toilet Paper
In many parts of Brazil, the plumbing systems can’t handle toilet paper, so it’s common practice to throw it in a trash bin beside the toilet instead. You’ll see signs in restrooms reminding you of this. Yes, it feels strange at first, but failing to follow this rule is a one-way ticket to a clogged toilet. You’ll save yourself (and possibly a horrified host or hotel staff member) a lot of hassle by sticking to this. Just trust that Brazilians know what they’re doing when it comes to their plumbing.
Brazil is a fantastic place to visit, but like any country, it has its unique quirks and unwritten social rules. While most people are very forgiving of tourists, you’ll find your experience much smoother if you avoid these seven travel sins.
More resources for planning your trip
Find cheap bus, ferry, and private transfer tickets on Bookaway, where you can make reservations ahead of time from abroad. For more information on traveling by bus, read my full guide to taking long-distance busses in Brazil.
Book your accommodation on Booking.com, with thousands of options ranging from luxury hotels to budget-friendly backpacker hostels, there's something for everyone
Don't forget to read my packing check-list for Brazil
Finally, read this post to find out 10 things you should do before you travel to Brazil!