The 10 Strangest Unwritten Rules of Different Cultures

8. Brazil – Being Late Is No Big Deal

In Brazil, punctuality is a fluid concept. Arriving 15–30 minutes late to a social event is normal and sometimes even expected. Showing up exactly on time can make you seem overly rigid or formal. However, business meetings tend to follow a stricter schedule—though there is some flexibility. Why it matters: Understanding time expectations can prevent frustration and misunderstandings.