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Dating in Brazil

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Published on 28 March 2022

If you're single and ready to mingle, then you might want to try your hand at dating after you've settled in your residence in Brazil. But as with any country and culture, there are certain things in the dating scene you might not be familiar with. This article discusses what to expect so you aren't caught off-guard.

Don't expect punctuality

As a people, Brazilians are never on time for anything, not even important meetings at work. So if you plan a date with a Brazilian and you're sitting around tapping your foot, don't get angry or upset. It's normal for people to show up 10 minutes late, or even up to 2 hours later!

Brazilians march to the beat of their own drum. So be ready to wait a little bit when you go on dates in this country.

Don't expect planned dates either

Brazilians are very spontaneous. So not only are they usually late to dates, but they ask you out last-minute as well. Don't expect to be asked out for a date on a certain day with a certain activity. Your person of interest will probably just ask you to go out on the same or the next day, and you'll go on an adventure!

Flirting in Brazil

Latin American countries have a reputation for being flirtatious, and Brazil's no exception. If you don't have a good flirting game, then it's time to brush up your skills and practice.

People of both sexes are used to people flirting constantly with them, so you need to go above and beyond to impress them. But be careful not to try too hard, as you'll come off as desperate.

PDA is normal

On that note, PDA (public displays of affection) is very normal. Whether it's cuddling, holding hands, kissing, Brazilians won't be shy about it. If you're not used to this, then you might have a hard time dating in Brazil since a lack of PDA can feel cold and as if you're not interested.

Don't take labels too seriously

The term "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" typically means you're in a serious relationship. But in Brazil, it's normal for people to call each other that after a few days. However, that doesn't necessarily mean you're in a serious relationship. These are just labels that don't really mean anything. In fact, many young people just date for the fun of it, even if they're not interested in a long-term relationship.

How to meet people

Nowadays, many couples meet online. You can always try Tinder, a popular dating app that's used around the world and also in Brazil. Other popular apps include Happn and Bumble.

Events are also a great place to meet people, although they're more for casual flings rather than serious relationships. For example, Carnival and Gay Pride are both ideal for this, although you just might meet your soulmate at events, you never know.

As with other locations, bars and clubs are also excellent places to meet potential dates. If that's not your style, then meeting people at the beach works too.

You don't have to stick with dating Brazilians either. If you'd like to widen the dating pool and are open to dating other expats, then joining local expat groups isn't a bad idea. An added benefit is you can feel less homesick and make some lifelong friends to hang out with in Brazil.

We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.

About

Anne-Lise studied Psychology for 4 years in the UK before finding her way back to Mauritius and being a journalist for 3 years and heading Expat.com's editorial department for 5. She loves politics, books, tea, running, swimming, hiking...

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Comments

  • Michael P369
    Michael P3692 years ago
    Important Info if things get serious:

    For Brasileiras the "status" as a official girlfriend is then important and this will be achieved by asking her in a "official" way like: Maria, you want to be my girlfriend?

    Up to that point for Brazilians it'S just dating, but no relationship :) Remember the date and from now on every month you should "celebrate" this day with a little gift/ect.

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