Oh right, how about tipping?
As just mentioned, restaurant tipping is 10 %. But you need not to tip all of that should the service not be good, you would be expected to explain, however. Otherwise, where you would hand out one dollar, give one Real (that’s about 50 cents). You need not tip taxi drivers. It is customary to tip highly trained, bilingual tour directors about US$3 to $5 per person per day, and your coach or car driver about US$2-$3. (return to top) Language problems? Yes, but no communication problems! Brazilians are very helpful; they love to practice the little English they know. But do not expect everyone to speak English fluently. Use body language! In larger cities, everybody knows someone who speaks a bit of English, at least. In the more remote areas, Portuguese is best. Spanish, with a bit of patience, is often understood. Good hotels usually carry at least two TV-channel that are English (CNN, HBO). Many movies and programs on television, such as Seinfeld or Frasier, are in English with Portu
As just mentioned, restaurant tipping is about 10 %. Otherwise, where you would hand out one dollar, give one Real (that’s about 35 cents). You need not tip taxi drivers. It is customary to tip your highly trained, bilingual guides and/or tour director about US$3 to $5 per person per day, and your coach driver about US$2-$3. (return to top) Language problems? Yes, but no communication problems. Brazilians are very helpful; they love to practice the little English they know. But do not expect everyone to speak English fluently. Use body language! In larger cities, everybody knows someone who speaks a bit of English, at least. In the more remote areas, Portuguese is best. Spanish, with a bit of patience, is often understood. Hotels usually carry at least one TV-channel is English (CNN). Just learn the two magic words: Please Por favor (easy, isn´t it!) and Thank you! Obrigado (if you are a man) Obrigada (if you are a women), it gets you a lot of friendly smiles.
