Brazilian Habits that Can Get You Arrested in Other Countries: A Guide for Unsuspecting Travelers

Many travelers, used to the informality and the Brazilian way, may be surprised to discover that habits common in Brazil are considered crimes in other countries. To avoid embarrassment and even problems with the law, you need to be aware of cultural and legal differences before embarking abroad.

1. The "Brazilian way”: The famous Brazilian naughtiness, which often involves circumventing rules or gaining advantages in unconventional ways, can be seen as dishonesty and even corruption in countries with stricter, more legalistic cultures.
2. Cutting in line: Impatience and lack of respect for the order of arrival, common in Brazilian queues, are inadmissible in countries like Japan and England, where organization and discipline are valued.
3. Jaywalking: Crossing the street outside the crosswalk, a common habit in Brazil, can result in fines and even accidents in countries with stricter traffic laws, such as Germany and Singapore.
4. Throwing garbage in the street: Throwing garbage on the ground, even if it's a small piece of candy wrapper, is considered impolite and an environmental crime in several countries, such as Switzerland and Japan, which value cleanliness and sustainability.
5. Peeing in the street: Answering nature’s call in public places, an unfortunately common practice in Brazil, especially during Carnival, is considered an obscene act and punishable in countries such as France and Portugal.
6. Driving under the influence of alcohol: Tolerance of drinking before driving, still present in Brazil, is unacceptable in countries such as the United States and the United Arab Emirates, where dry law is strictly enforced.
7. Patting children: The belief that “a pat doesn't hurt” and educates, still present in some Brazilian families, is considered physical aggression and a crime in countries like Sweden and Germany, which prioritize non-violent education.
8. Photographing people without permission: The habit of recording moments with photos and videos, common among Brazilians, can be considered an invasion of privacy in countries like Italy and Canada, where the right to an image is protected by law.
9. Speaking loudly in public: The spontaneity and expressiveness of Brazilians, who often express themselves in animated conversations at high volume, can be considered impolite and disrespectful in countries such as Austria and Finland, where silence and discretion are valued.
10. Breaking hours: Being late, considered “normal” in some situations in Brazil, can be interpreted as a lack of professionalism and disrespect in countries like Germany and Japan, where punctuality is a fundamental cultural value.
11. Wearing bathing suits off the beach: Brazilian informality, which allows swimsuits to be worn in public places near the beach, is inappropriate in countries such as Spain and Greece, where people are expected to dress more conservatively outside the beach environment.
12. Spitting on the ground: Spitting in the street, a disgusting and unhygienic habit, is considered impolite and can lead to fines in countries such as Singapore and Japan, which value cleanliness and public health.
13. Cutting a path through private property: The practice of “cutting corners” to shorten a path by crossing private land or property can be considered trespassing and generate problems with the law in countries such as the United States and England, where private property is an inviolable right.
14. Bribing authorities: Attempting to bribe police or other authorities to avoid fines or obtain advantages, unfortunately present in some cases in Brazil, is a serious crime in countries such as Denmark and Sweden, which have high levels of transparency and fight against corruption.
15. Carrying firearms: The possession of firearms, which is allowed with restrictions in Brazil, is banned or severely regulated in countries like Japan and Australia, which have strict gun control policies to ensure public safety.

Adaptation and Respect: Keys to a Smooth Trip

When traveling abroad, remember that adapting to local customs is fundamental for a positive and safe experience. Find out about the laws and habits of the destination country, respect cultural differences and avoid behavior that could be considered inappropriate or illegal.

Traveling is an opportunity for learning and personal growth, and by getting to know new cultures, we can broaden our horizons and develop tolerance and respect for diversity.