bigglobaltravel.com Open in urlscan Pro
13.227.254.101  Public Scan

Form analysis
0 forms found in the DOM

Text Content

utm_source: nxs
These 40+ World Borders Blew Our Minds
utm_source: nxs
utm_source: nxs
 * Adventure
 * Attractions
 * Cities
 * Cuisine
 * Hotels
 * Trends


utm_source: nxs


THESE 40+ WORLD BORDERS BLEW OUR MINDS

By Veronica Pannell - September 28, 2022



Breathtaking World Borders

There’s a reason so many people love to travel. Traveling can open the door to
so many new experiences and breathtaking sights. In fact, you might notice some
gorgeous views right as you cross borders from one country to another. These are
some of the most stunning and surprising views countries around the world share
at their borders.


SWEDEN AND NORWAY

Sweden and Norway are two northern European countries. Unsurprisingly, this
comes with a rather chill climate, especially when winter rolls around. This
motorcycle rider was right on the border of Norway and Sweden when someone
snapped this shot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sweden and Norway


The photographer did a great job here, as you can really see how beautiful the
snow has made this tree-lined landscape. Not to mention, the steep climb of the
road ahead is really breathtaking in its own right.





MORE SWEDEN AND NORWAY

Before moving onto a different border, it's worth looking at another border
between Sweden and Norway. It isn't all snowy landscapes!

ADVERTISEMENT

More Sweden and Norway


This person snapped a picture on a Sweden and Norway border you could drive
right through. The line is even painted on the road with a label to tell you
which side you're on! Alternatively, like this person, you could take the chance
to visit both at once.

ADVERTISEMENT




ARGENTINA AND BRAZIL

Another natural border that really stuns anyone who sees it sits between
Argentina and Brazil. You won't see a painted line on the ground but you'll see
something much more memorable.

ADVERTISEMENT

Argentina and Brazil


The border is made up of the pictured Iguazu Falls. This is more than just a
huge waterfall system too — it's the largest in the world! All in all, the
system is made up of more than 275 individual falls. If you stop by this wonder,
you won't forget it anytime soon!

ADVERTISEMENT




ESTONIA AND RUSSIA

There are a lot of ways countries' borders can stand out. Some opt for
structures to mark the spot. You can recognize the border of Estonia and Russia
from some striking structures.

ADVERTISEMENT

Estonia and Russia


At the end of the day, not every country sports castles on its borders. The
border is split by the Narva River and on either side of the river is Ivangorod
Fortress and Hermann Castle. Herman Castle is in Estonia while Ivangorod
Fortress is in Russia.

ADVERTISEMENT




POLAND AND SLOVAKIA

Slovakia and Poland are another set of countries that share a striking natural
border. This time, you'll have to climb a bit to see it. The two countries are
broken up by the High Tatras Mountains.

ADVERTISEMENT

Poland and Slovakia


These mountains are in the National Park High Tatras, which is largely situated
in Slovakia — although part of the park does share some of its area with Poland
as well. The photographer definitely caught a rather stunning image of the
border here.

ADVERTISEMENT




BRAZIL AND URUGUAY

If you don't live near a border, you probably don't picture them as very nearly
unnoticeable if you didn't know they were there. This border between Brazil and
Uruguay is easy to walk right past — or over — if you're not paying attention.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brazil and Uruguay


After all, it's not often that you can walk across the street after parking your
car and end up in another country altogether! It looks like one bird here was
wandering between them on its travels.

ADVERTISEMENT




LAOS, MYANMAR, AND THAILAND

Of course, sharing a border isn't something that happens between just two
countries. The world isn't broken up into perfectly lined-up squares.

ADVERTISEMENT

Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand


For a border where three countries meet, we can look to Laos, Myanmar, and
Thailand. These three meet and the spot is marked with a triangular marker. The
green side marks Myanmar, red for Laos, and yellow for Thailand. You could be in
all three at once!

ADVERTISEMENT




ARGENTINA, BRAZIL, AND PARAGUAY

Another triple-border lies between Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It's much
easier to see it in an aerial shot like this. A river breaks up the continent a
bit, carving out the three different landscapes you see in the picture here.

ADVERTISEMENT

Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay


In dividing up these borders, the river provided a clear natural option and now
someone could swim from one to another if they really tried but a boat might be
an easier choice.

ADVERTISEMENT




AUSTRIA AND GERMANY

Jumping back to Europe, Austria and Germany share a memorable border as well.
This one is particularly interesting for its placement.

ADVERTISEMENT

Austria and Germany


The two who were in this picture are standing inside the Purtschellerhutte
Mountain Cottage, which is already an eye-catching place beneath the peak of
Hoher Goell. Once you get inside, the border is marked as well. Walking from one
room to the next, you can visit Germany or Austria.

ADVERTISEMENT




BELGIUM, GERMANY, AND THE NETHERLANDS

We've seen a few monuments and milestones marking the border at this point. Some
of these views are a bit hard to get to and enjoy, though. This border was one
they wanted visitors to enjoy.

ADVERTISEMENT

Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands


Outfitted with the flags of all the countries that meet, you can grab a seat at
the spot where Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany meet. The spot is close to
the city, Aachen.

ADVERTISEMENT




ARGENTINA AND CHILE

If you head to the border between Chile and Argentina, you'll find a small
plaque that marks which country you're in. If you stand on this spot of the
border, they have a rather clever double-sided sign.

ADVERTISEMENT

Argentina and Chile


If you stand on the Chile side, you'll look to see the sign showing you where to
go to get to Argentina. Once you cross over and look back, the sign tells you
how to get back to Chile.

ADVERTISEMENT




ASIA-EUROPE BORDER IN RUSSIA

This one is a little different because it isn't a border between countries. This
border lies within a single country — Russia. However, Russia actually spreads
across two continents.

ADVERTISEMENT

Asia-Europe Border in Russia


You could stand in Europe or cross over into the parts of Russia that fall
within Asia on the map. This photo shows a couple of people standing right on
the line where Asia and Europe meet, marked clearly so you can tell.

ADVERTISEMENT




EGYPT AND SAUDI ARABIA

Some borders don't start where land meets land. Sometimes, the border is a bit
wider, making it hard to see both sides at the same time.

ADVERTISEMENT

Egypt and Saudi Arabia


At first glance, you might think this is just a beach but you can see the other
side of the border off in the distance. These two pieces of land belong to Egypt
and Saudi Arabia. The body of water between them is the Red Sea.

ADVERTISEMENT




AUSTRIA, HUNGARY, AND SLOVAKIA

This is yet another great spot if you want to see three countries meet at a
single border. You can even take a moment to rest here.

ADVERTISEMENT

Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia


The border here is where Austria, Hungary, and Slovakia meet one another and
it's marked with a table. You can sit here and enjoy the scenery or grab a photo
of yourself in each country. To tell what's where the table is marked with the
seals of each country.

ADVERTISEMENT




KENYA AND TANZANIA

This stone might seem rather uneventful at first glance, even though it sticks
out, especially against the flat plain serving as a backdrop here. This person
isn't standing on just any stone.

ADVERTISEMENT

Kenya and Tanzania


This marker is set to mark the border between Kenya and Tanzania. The person
posing is positioned with Kenya to their left while their right hand is in
Tanzania. It makes for a must-stop spot if you like to grab photos that are
technically in two countries at once.

ADVERTISEMENT




CHINA AND VIETNAM

Making up another natural border is the line between China and Vietnam. One of
the landmarks between these two countries is a set of beautiful waterfalls.

ADVERTISEMENT

China and Vietnam


The falls belong to the Ban Gioc Waterfall on the Quay Son River, which
straddles the border between the countries but mostly falls in Vietnam. As such,
they have a reputation as Vietnam's widest waterfall at a full 300 meters across
with three distinct levels the falls tumble down.

ADVERTISEMENT




SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

We've seen a few types of borders so far. Some are easy enough to just walk
across and visit — or you can pose with a marker to commemorate the line.

ADVERTISEMENT

Spain and Portugal


Between Spain and Portugal, they decided to make things a little bit more fun.
Instead of simply walking across, you can hop on a zipline to visit one side of
the border or the other. Of course, it does take a little bravery.

ADVERTISEMENT




HUNGARY AND SLOVAKIA

There are quite a few borders around the world that rely on natural water
features to break up the land. This is true for Hungary and Slovakia, too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Hungary and Slovakia


You won't have to get wet to jump from one locale to the next. In this picture,
you can see Hungary on the left and Slovakia on the right. If you want to jump
from one to the other, all you have to do is drive across the bridge.

ADVERTISEMENT




AUSTRIA AND SLOVENIA

If you don't have any water features around the border, other landmarks work
just fine. Mountain ranges are often noticeable dividers. The mountain range
pictured here is none other than the Alps.

ADVERTISEMENT

Austria and Slovenia


If you look closely, you'll notice that the Austrian side is a lot snowier than
the Slovenian side. You can thank the sun for this effect and it's easy to see
why some note Slovenia for being on the "sunny side of the Alps."

ADVERTISEMENT




BAHRAIN AND SAUDI ARABIA

If you have a fear of bridges, this might be breathtaking for all the wrong
reasons. Still, it's a striking feat of engineering. The body of water here
separates Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bahrain and Saudi Arabia


The long bridge connects the two countries and it's stunningly long — at a
little over 15 and a half miles. It's an impressive way to promote movement over
the water breaking up this border.

ADVERTISEMENT




FRANCE AND GERMANY

A lot of the borders we've seen here are clearly marked although a few break the
mold. France and Germany have one area of their border that's hard to miss.

ADVERTISEMENT

France and Germany


The only thing to tell you that you're somewhere new is a sign telling them the
locale they're in. If you drove past this sign that said "Leiding" without
noticing, you might just miss that you crossed the border between Germany and
France.

ADVERTISEMENT




BELGIUM AND THE NETHERLANDS

You don't need a lot of pomp and circumstance to mark every part of the border.
Sometimes, it's a little inconvenient to do so.

ADVERTISEMENT

Belgium and the Netherlands


At this place where Belgium and France intersect, at least in the section shown
in the photo, you could easily step across into the other country whenever you
wanted. In fact, if you sat in one of these seats, you could stick your arm out
and reach into Belgium!

ADVERTISEMENT




GUATEMALA AND MEXICO

Guatemala shares one side of its border with Mexico. So, there's a lot to see
along the border here when you're taking in the sights.

ADVERTISEMENT

Guatemala and Mexico


One that really took our breath away is Lake Yichen, also known as
"International Lake," named for the shared border. The photo here paints a
rather serene picture, complete with some atmospheric fog to give us a sense of
the border lake in the early morning.

ADVERTISEMENT




BELIZE AND GUATEMALA

Before we step away from Guatemala yet, they have another beautiful border spot
that's stunning. This one they share with Belize. If you don't know where it is
or just aren't feeling very adventurous, you might miss this one altogether.

ADVERTISEMENT

Belize and Guatemala


That's because it runs through the jungle and rather than a painted street or
man-made marker, it seems like nature rules for at least the section of the
border pictured here.

ADVERTISEMENT




CZECH, GERMANY, AND POLAND

Another triple-sided border in Europe is this border dividing up Czech, Polish,
and German land. It's not hard to see which one you're in either.

ADVERTISEMENT

Czech, Germany, and Poland


Each one is marked with a banner flag of the country they represent, all tied
together nicely with the flag of the European Union in the middle. Well, roughly
the middle, given that Germany is separated from the other two by a narrow body
of water which is why you can't see it here.

ADVERTISEMENT




GERMANY AND POLAND

Beyond where the three countries we just looked at share a border, Poland and
Germany continue a border beyond that as well. That's exactly what you can see
here — a section of it, at least.

ADVERTISEMENT

Germany and Poland


Instead of banners or flags, each side of this beachside boardwalk is decorated
in accordance with each country's flag's colors. Plus, it seems like a nice trip
to the beach no matter what side you're on!

ADVERTISEMENT




MACAU AND CHINA

This isn't quite a border between countries — Macau is still technically a part
of China. However, it operates as its own special administrative region or SAR.
One difference between Macau and mainland China is the side of the road they
drive on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Macau and China


If you drive in Macau, you'll be on the left side of the road. Coming from the
rest of China, you'll be on the right side. This is how the roads converge to
accommodate the change.

ADVERTISEMENT




CANADA AND THE U.S.

Canada and the United States share a pretty long border. With that in mind, it
makes sense that there are a few different sights to see along the way.

ADVERTISEMENT

Canada and the U.S.


Sometimes, not all of the sights are all that striking. Still, this aerial view
of the border shows a striking divide. The United States is on the left in this
picture while Canada is on the right. The path running down the center marks the
border between the two.

ADVERTISEMENT




U.S. AND CANADA - ANOTHER TAKE

This is another spot that marks the transition from the U.S. to Canada. Once
again, this one doesn't have too much fanfare behind it.

ADVERTISEMENT

U.S. and Canada - Another Take


The only thing marking the difference here is a painted line on the ground. It's
interesting to see where it's placed, though. It seems like you could leave your
apartment in the United States and pull right into Canada even to just run down
the road.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE HASKELL PUBLIC LIBRARY

What if you didn't even have to cross the street to go to another country,
though? What if you could just grab a few books in one country and check them
out in another?

ADVERTISEMENT

The Haskell Public Library


If you visit the Haskell Public Library, you have the chance to do just that.
The library is split between the United States and Canada with part of it in
Derby Line, Vermont, and another part in Stanstead, Québec, Canada.

ADVERTISEMENT




FINLAND, NORWAY, AND SWEDEN

This border does cross over a body of water but that doesn't mean these three
countries weren't ready to mark the spot anyways.

ADVERTISEMENT

Finland, Norway, and Sweden


If you follow this narrow path out to the pedestal, you can talk a short walk
around it to visit three different countries. Given that these countries are
Finland, Norway, and Sweden, you might want to bring a sweater for your
waterside walks.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE CZECH REPUBLIC AND POLAND

The view of these two towns is beautiful, to say the least. Separated by a
waterway, the two towns on either side of the water actually belong to different
countries.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Czech Republic and Poland


On the left, you can see Poland, specifically the town of Cieszyn. If you cross
the water and visit the town on the right in this photo, you'll be in Český
Těšín which sits in the Czech Republic.

ADVERTISEMENT




POLAND AND UKRAINE

A lot of countries go for go-to signals of their borders. For instance, maybe
you'll see a sign or a line painted on the road.

ADVERTISEMENT

Poland and Ukraine


At this border, they got a little more artistic and it's definitely eye-catching
if you get an aerial view like this photographer did! The giant fish here —
along with the line dividing them in half — marks the border between Poland and
Ukraine in a way that's hard to miss.

ADVERTISEMENT




SLOVAKIA AND UKRAINE

Ukraine shares another part of its border with Slovakia. Some parts of this
border are largely natural as this picture here shows.

ADVERTISEMENT

Slovakia and Ukraine


If you're up for a hike along a trail, you could follow the border between
Slovakia and Ukraine for a while to see both countries at one. The left side of
the photo shows Slovakia while the right side of the photo is in Ukraine. This
person is standing right in between!

ADVERTISEMENT




PORTUGAL AND SPAIN

There are some places around the world where your easiest choice to get from one
country to another is to grab a ticket to fly from one place to another.

ADVERTISEMENT

Portugal and Spain


If you live close to the border, you might have a few easier — or at least more
convenient — options to get from one place to another. If you drive down this
stretch of road, you can hop between Spain and Portugal. The vehicle pictured
here is heading out of Portugal and into Spain.

ADVERTISEMENT




ESTONIA AND RUSSIA

Some settings are so picturesque that you don't expect to see them in real life.
However, some sights will surprise you.

ADVERTISEMENT

Estonia and Russia


This picture would be fitting in brushstrokes too and the ramparts pictured here
seem like something from a painting too! Yet, this is a real scene and it's
actually the border between Estonia and Russia. Russia is shown on the left side
of this body of water with Estonia on the right.

ADVERTISEMENT




BELARUS AND RUSSIA

Another Russian border is marked by a much more unassuming stretch of land. You
could drive right past if you aren't paying attention. Well, to be fair, there
is a marker off to the right side of this photo but it's not fully featured in
the image the photographer snapped.

ADVERTISEMENT

Belarus and Russia


On the side closer to the photographer is Russia but if you follow the road from
where the photographer is standing, you'll quickly find yourself in Belarus.

ADVERTISEMENT




FRANCE AND SPAIN

A lot of people love to bike. Even if you don't use it as a mode of
transportation, it can be a fun past-time or a bit of exercise. These two are
biking in a spot with a picturesque view.

ADVERTISEMENT

France and Spain


Instead of going around the block, they can bike from one country to another!
The spot they've stopped to rest at is actually the border between France and
Spain.

ADVERTISEMENT




DENMARK AND SWEDEN

If you look at a map, you might not think of Denmark and Sweden sharing a
border. They do, it just isn't a land border you can stand on.

ADVERTISEMENT

Denmark and Sweden


Still, they've found a way to connect the two without requiring the help of a
ride on a plane or boat if people want to visit the neighboring country. This
picture shows an impressive bridge connecting the two countries. This bridge is
called the Øresund Bridge and it's Europe's longest rail and road bridge.

ADVERTISEMENT




FRANCE, GERMANY, AND SWITZERLAND

The picture here was taken in Basel, a city in Switzerland. However, the
monument in the middle marks the border of the three countries connecting.

ADVERTISEMENT

France, Germany, and Switzerland


As you might have noticed from the zoomed-in image in the corner, each side of
the statue is decorated with an emblem matching the country's flag. The border
here connects Switzerland with both Germany and France. You could walk around
the statue to visit all three!

ADVERTISEMENT




MOLDOVA AND ROMANIA

This picture really gives us a bird's eye view. Well, technically the view from
a plane but it's still a pretty clear view of the border.

ADVERTISEMENT

Moldova and Romania


Not to mention, you usually can't see so much of the border at once when you're
standing directly on it. This image shows the border of Romania and Moldova. You
can even see the border physically this time, thanks to its definition by the
river.

ADVERTISEMENT




FRANCE AND ITALY

There are some borders you could walk right over and miss. Others have markers
that make it hard to miss them as you walk past. While made with a natural
material, it's easy to see why this stone block would stand out against the rest
of the scenery here.

ADVERTISEMENT

France and Italy


After all, most stones don't have such a perfectly-sculpted shape and they would
stand out against the flatter stones behind them, right on the edge of Italy and
France.

ADVERTISEMENT




POLAND, SLOVAKIA, AND UKRAINE

If you're willing to take a hike to the top of Mount Krzemieniec, you can take
another photo at an intersection of borders. At the peak of the mountain, you'll
find the monument pictured here.

ADVERTISEMENT

Poland, Slovakia, and Ukraine


The statue marks the point where the borders of Poland, Ukraine, and Slovakia
meet. It's a short walk around the statue to stop by all three but, of course,
you do have to make it to the peak first. A trail makes that much easier than it
sounds, though!

ADVERTISEMENT




ITALY AND SWITZERLAND

For those willing to take on an even higher climb, there's another stunning
border to see. This particular picture isn't a tourist destination, though.
You'd have to climb pretty high in the Alps to reach this research center on the
Italian and Swiss border.

ADVERTISEMENT

Italy and Switzerland


It's not anything new either. The research hut was first set up all the way back
in 1893 when the Queen of Italy ordered it built but it's still functional more
than a century later.

ADVERTISEMENT




AUSTRALIA

To be fair, Australia doesn't necessarily share a border with another country —
at least, not directly. Instead, they share every part of their border with the
ocean. This means that Australia boasts some breathtaking beaches.

ADVERTISEMENT

Australia


As a giant island, it's expected that you'd see plenty of ocean and the warm
climate means they're constantly attracting visitors too. Plus, you have plenty
of options when you want to pick a beach in Australia!

ADVERTISEMENT




AFTER LIVING IN BRAZIL FOR 6 YEARS, HERE ARE 30+ INTERESTING THINGS TATI LEARNED
ABOUT EVERYDAY LIFE FOR BRAZILIANS

By Dawn Schuster - July 27, 2021





37-year-old Tatiana has been living in Brazil for six years now with her husband
and two sons. She's now sharing her everyday experiences so it’s easier for
prospective tourists and immigrants to fit into Brazil.


DIFFERENT BEAUTY STANDARDS

Countries vary in their beauty standards. What’s considered attractive in Asia
wouldn’t fit the conventional beauty standards in Europe or America. Similarly,
in Brazil, the people have a very fixed image of what the best look is for a man
or woman. Tanned and healthy women are considered to be desirable in Brazil.

ADVERTISEMENT

Different Beauty Standards

ADVERTISEMENT




FLOWY, LOOSE FASHION

Women in Brazil stick to minimalism in everyday attire. It’s normal to see a top
with an open back being paired with shorts or skirts. And since everyone’s
comfortable in their own skin, clothing is never that big of a concern.

ADVERTISEMENT

Flowy, Loose Fashion


Everyone loves their Havaiana flip-flops. People can be seen sporting them to
the beach, work, restaurants, or just a walk around the block. Don’t be shocked
when you see Brazilian women show up in casual beachy wear to a formal event.

ADVERTISEMENT




CARNIVAL FOR ALL

The calling card of the nation, Carnival brings different experiences for the
locals. Some try to venture out of town as nobody works during Carnival. Others
love the event wholeheartedly. The main event takes place at Sambadrome.
Generally clogged with traffic, the parade area turns into a stadium.

ADVERTISEMENT

Carnival for All


Many samba schools bust their moves in the Carnival. The best part is that
anyone can take part in the celebration — all you need is a costume. Depending
on the design, a costume’s price can range from hundreds to thousands of
dollars.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE CONTRAST IN LIVING

A majority of the population of Rio de Janeiro is limited to a life in the slum.
Middle-class and wealthier people reside in pricy condominiums. Walking in the
streets of the town is like seeing the world from two completely different
lenses where two unique lifestyles co-exist.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Contrast in Living


Not only the living styles, but the people differ vastly in appearance,
mannerisms, attitude, and culture. The needier section lives in favelas — two to
three-story apartment buildings situated in an unorganized manner. On the other
hand, the rich live in condominiums filled with all sorts of amenities.

ADVERTISEMENT




RICH FAMILIES HAVE HOUSEKEEPERS

The wealthier people in Brazil generally have housekeepers, who usually reign
from poor districts of the same or a different city. Many families pay for a
housekeeper who drops in once or twice a week to help them with chores.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rich Families Have Housekeepers


If a girl works more than two days a week, she needs to register. Not only that,
but it’s pretty hard landing a job like this in general. However, there’s a
paradox too — finding a housekeeper is a challenge as many people are too lazy
to work.

ADVERTISEMENT




A UNIQUE WINTER

July is the coldest month in Brazil and even then, it’s not that cold. In Rio,
the temperature fluctuates between 70°F during the day and 62°F at night. The
locals aren’t that used to the cold so they will cover themselves in scarves,
hats, beanies, and whatnot before leaving the house in the winter.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Unique Winter


Even if it’s around 86°F, that’s still counted as winter and the beach will
likely be empty. However, if you’re a foreigner, you’ll love this time. It’s
perfect for enjoying nature without a crowd.

ADVERTISEMENT




CHILD-FRIENDLY MOVIE THEATERS

One amazing thing about Brazil is how some movie theaters cater to small
children. Many years ago, some young mothers from São Paulo decided to go to the
theaters with their babies. A child under the age of 18 months is welcome, too.

ADVERTISEMENT

Child-Friendly Movie Theaters


They play different children’s movies that are generally sponsored by companies
that produce children’s products. Tatiana would describe the theater as one
filled with mothers and children in which the kids can run around, scream, and
play. On the floor, there are toys and a special changing table.

ADVERTISEMENT




NO INTERCITY TRAINS

Foreigners would find it very strange how a country as big as Brazil doesn’t
have trains. The cities are rather far from each other and you can only travel
between them by car, bus, or plane.

ADVERTISEMENT

No Intercity Trains


Planes are definitely the best way to travel but they are quite expensive, so
not everyone can afford them. You can always look into public buses for
transportation. Some of the more luxury brands offer a premium experience.

ADVERTISEMENT




A KISS FOR YOU

Tatiana said that she hasn’t been able to get used to this one habit even after
living in Brazil for six years. Brazilians like to greet or say goodbye with a
kiss on both cheeks. This interaction isn’t limited to friends and family, but
strangers too.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Kiss for You


Men and women kiss — it’s their way of saying hello and there’s nothing wrong
with it. A simple greeting or farewell can take several minutes as the person
will go through 20 to 30 people, kissing them on each cheek.

ADVERTISEMENT




ABSOLUTELY NO RETURNS

Americans are accustomed to asking for a receipt when they make a purchase. If
the item doesn’t fit or look flattering on them, they will return it for an
exchange or refund. However, in Brazil, refunds are a difficult task to
accomplish.

ADVERTISEMENT

Absolutely No Returns


Whatever you buy, getting a refund on it after the return is hard. Some stores
won’t entertain your requests at all. You can, however, exchange it for another
product. Just accept that you won’t be able to return anything in Brazil.

ADVERTISEMENT




FOR THE LOVE OF FOOTBALL

The world knows how much Brazil loves football. Everyone gathers to watch the
national team in shades of yellow and green, pride beaming in their eyes. When a
big game is scheduled, everyday life stops, and people focus on the game.

ADVERTISEMENT

For the Love of Football


Many employers will even issue holidays so people can enjoy the match. And it’s
safe to say that the lion’s share of the population plays soccer — doesn’t
matter how much or how little. Many international footballers grew up playing
soccer on the lanes of a Brazilian favela.

ADVERTISEMENT




SURF’S UP FOLKS!

On that note, there is one more sport that Brazilians can’t live without, and
that’s surfing. There’s a common misconception that Brazilians only care about
soccer and that’s only half the truth.

ADVERTISEMENT

Surf’s Up Folks!


According to Tatiana, surfing is as popular as soccer in Brazil. Loads of people
try to tame the waves by the beach every day. This love for the water might stem
from how hot the country’s climate is. People like spending time by the water.

ADVERTISEMENT




NO FREE WI-FI

Americans, get ready to gasp dramatically! There’s rarely any free Wi-Fi in
Brazil. When you go to a restaurant, café, or even a store, don’t expect the
employees to just hand you the password. Some don’t have it at all while others
keep it limited to the employees.

ADVERTISEMENT

No Free Wi-Fi


This is why many foreigners and locals alike can be seen cooped up inside a
Starbucks — that’s the only place you can get free Wi-Fi. Can you imagine living
in a world where you have to buy data all the time?

ADVERTISEMENT




ALL THINGS AMERICAN

Brazilians love America! This means travel destinations, foods, drinks, and even
currency. Miami and New York are two of the most popular travel destinations.
They love American TV shows as much as the world loves Brazil's over-the-top
telenovelas.

ADVERTISEMENT

All Things American


Even the medicinal system works according to American standards. There is a
replica of the Statue of Liberty inside the largest shopping center in the
country. It’s safe to say, Brazilians are obsessed with all things American.

ADVERTISEMENT




IN BROAD DAYLIGHT

Don’t let the brightness of the sun and the colorful people distract you! One
moment of nonchalance could cost you valuables and money. Rio de Janeiro is
infamous for robberies. You could even get robbed in broad daylight.

ADVERTISEMENT

In Broad Daylight


It doesn’t take much for a thief to sneak up on you and steal your phone,
laptop, money, and whatever other valuables you have. This can also happen in
cars and public transports. Tatiana suggests not to wear flashy clothes with
accessories, and try not to take out your expensive phone or camera too often.

ADVERTISEMENT




FUMING WITH JEALOUSY

Monogamous couples would definitely not like sharing their significant other
with someone else. However, this attitude depends on geographical location, too!
In some countries, the general population is just very relaxed and doesn’t
really feel possessive that often.

ADVERTISEMENT

Fuming With Jealousy


However, Brazilians get jealous really easily — the mad, fuming kind of jealous.
They do it out of love and unwillingness to let their significant other give
attention to anyone else but them. Over time, Tatiana has become a little like
that as well. And her husband has always been somewhat prone to jealousy.

ADVERTISEMENT




FAMILY CENTERS EVERYWHERE

A family center or area can be found in all major shopping centers of the
country. The point is to make it easier for parents to look after their children
while they’re out of the house.

ADVERTISEMENT

Playrooms Everywhere


There, you can rent a stroller, use the microwave to warm up food for your
child, change their diaper, and even give them a bath. You can find shampoo and
soap in the bathroom. Lactating mothers can feed their babies in the special
breastfeeding room. This is by far, one of the best national initiatives.

ADVERTISEMENT




SCARED OF CONFRONTATION

If you are the kind who hates confrontation and cannot deal with criticism in
general, you’ll love being in Brazil. The people there are very friendly and
will not speak up if they find something clashing with their opinions.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scared of Confrontation


They will just skip the conversation. Locals get so involved in small talk with
people on the streets that they wouldn’t mind risking being late somewhere. If
someone wants to lay off their maid, they will have to come up with an intricate
story to soften the blow.

ADVERTISEMENT




BRAZILIAN INTERIOR 101

In the eyes of Tati, the Brazilian interior exudes comfort and simplicity at its
best. Usually, middle and upper-class people live in condominiums. The number of
bedrooms is taken as the number of total rooms in the house — the living room
doesn’t count. Expect to find multiple bathrooms in even smaller spaces.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brazilian Interior 101


Modern condos feature American-style kitchens in which a narrow kitchen is
connected to the living room. The dining table is in the dining room where
Brazilians have breakfast, dinner, lunch, and host guests. When there are no
guests, there's always some sort of object in the center of the table. Most
often, a vase of flowers or a beautiful plate.

ADVERTISEMENT




EXTRA FRIENDLY PEOPLE

Finding a Brazilian who isn’t extremely amicable is difficult. Tatiana would
often wonder why the people are that nice. That’s when it hit her — the climate
plays a huge role in the general attitude.

ADVERTISEMENT

Extra Friendly People


Thanks to the warm climate, people can enjoy more fruits and vegetables,
ensuring better nutrition. Locals fall sick less and have a better mindset.
Plus, sunrays are known to be a natural antidepressant. Brazilians spend a lot
of time in the sun and are usually in a happy-go-lucky mood.

ADVERTISEMENT




LESS REGARD FOR TIME

Tatiana prepared a checklist for people to self-test if they could live in
Brazil. The very first point mentioned how a punctual person would have a
challenging time living in Brazil. Brazilian culture, for the most part, is
relatively informal.

ADVERTISEMENT

Less Regard for Time


Pair that with their fashion consciousness and expect to see everyone
“fashionably late” in all instances. In general, they arrive 15 to 30 minutes
late to a social gathering. Overall, punctuality is 10 times more relaxed than
what you would have to stick to in America.

ADVERTISEMENT




VARIATIONS IN BABY FOOD

Forget buying 18 different brands of baby food for your child because Brazil
doesn’t have that. Mashed potatoes for six-month-olds are mixed with bits of
meat. The shelves don’t hold any juices, yogurts, or milkshakes for little
babies.

ADVERTISEMENT

Variations in Baby Food


Although available, the choice of porridges isn’t the best. Locals don’t care
about any citrus allergy the child might have and start treating them to fruits
when they’re as young as four months old. In a few more months, they are fed
solid foods like rice, meat, beans, veggies, and fruits.

ADVERTISEMENT




WHOLE LOT OF SUGAR

Coming to you straight from the land of sugar is Tatiana. Despite not having any
strange eating habits and local cuisines, Brazilian food is simply too sweet for
the blogger. Almost everything is laced with boiled or regular condensed milk or
Nutella.

ADVERTISEMENT

Whole Lot of Sugar


The maximum cacao percentage you would see on a bar of chocolate is 50% to 60%.
Only an imported bar could have 70% and above cacao density. There is an
interesting snack called potato balls that come with cod. That’s a street food
staple.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE NATIONAL DELICACY

Beans are an inseparable part of the local Brazilian cuisine. They eat it with
literally everything. It’s comparable to water on a level — when you order
anything at a restaurant, they will serve you an extra plate of beans.

ADVERTISEMENT

The National Delicacy


To them, the perfect palate consists of a hearty serving of rice, a spoonful of
beans, and some sort of meat.

ADVERTISEMENT




MORE ON LOOKS

How would the locals define the perfect girl? First of all, she needs to be
blonde and have straight hair. Straight hair is a big trend now in Brazil and
people actively use straightening products. Brazilians naturally have great
form.

ADVERTISEMENT

More on Looks


Women are so into having a small waist that many will undergo waist reduction
surgery to get that snatched shape. The locals love manicures and pedicures,
regardless of age. They will typically keep their nails prim and proper. Most
city-dwellers love hitting the gym and playing sports.

ADVERTISEMENT




LOVE FOR FOOD AND CONVERSATION

If there’s something Brazilians love, it's dinner outside. Friends, families,
and coworkers will get together every other weekend in a cozy restaurant and
share life updates over a meal. These restaurants are generally so crowded that
a long line forms outside the entrance.

ADVERTISEMENT

Love for Food and Conversation


Given the crowd, the noise is exceptional too. The tables are almost tailgating
each other. Due to the large volume of orders, delivery gets delayed and locals
don’t really mind that. They will comfortably sit and wait for their food to
arrive.

ADVERTISEMENT




RULES OF BLACK FRIDAY

Tatiana is a self-confessed shopaholic. She loves sweeping shopping malls and
stores for a good deal. Brazilians love shopping as well. Apart from the three
days in November for the big Black Friday event, there are two big sales
annually — one between January to February, and the other from July to August.

ADVERTISEMENT

Rules of Black Friday


What’s ironic is that local sellers don’t like providing huge discounts. Mostly,
it’s 30% to 50% on selected items with additional conditions. Allegations of
hiking up the prices before the sales were raised against sellers.

ADVERTISEMENT




IDEAS FOR DOUBLE NAMES

Double names are the norm in Brazil. Often, parents come up with the child’s
first name. The second name is given in honor of someone — it could be a
relative, their grandparents, mothers or fathers, and even saints.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ideas for Double Names


Sometimes, a person only uses their first name everywhere and the people around
them don’t know what their second name is. In daily life, locals tend to shorten
each other’s names. Tatiana herself goes by Tavo or Gugu. Brazilians also like
using suffixes in their names.

ADVERTISEMENT




LACTOSE AND GLUTEN INTOLERANCE

It’s interesting to see what different items adorn the shelves of the same
supermarket chain across different countries. In Brazil, you will see endless
arrays of lactose and gluten-free ingredients. Popular substitutes for your
favorite allergy-inducing items can be found almost everywhere.

ADVERTISEMENT

Lactose and Gluten Intolerance


Tatiana says that many locals suffer from lactose and gluten intolerance in
Brazil, even month-old kids. However, that hasn’t hindered their love for food
and whipping up delicious, new dishes every day using substituted ingredients.

ADVERTISEMENT




A RELAXED LIFESTYLE

A person living in Rio de Janeiro is termed as Cariocas. Experience Cariocas,
Tatiana explains how Brazilians are all about that relaxed lifestyle. There’s no
rush, and no stress for things to get done within a deadline.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Relaxed Lifestyle


For instance, if you bought a washing machine that was supposed to get delivered
in two to three days, don’t take the seller’s word for it. It will usually take
double or triple the time for them to deliver your goods. Locals are aware of
this and plan their purchases accordingly.

ADVERTISEMENT




EXPENSIVE AND POOR INTERNET CONNECTION

Can’t stay for a minute without your devices and a stable internet connection?
Brazil isn’t the place for you! Not only is internet connectivity expensive in
the country, but it’s also rather poor. If it rains for days at a time, you
won’t get internet access for that entire period.

ADVERTISEMENT

Expensive and Poor Internet Connection


As mentioned before, there’s no free Wi-Fi either, primarily due to how costly
it can be. In general, living in São Paolo or Rio de Janeiro is very expensive.

ADVERTISEMENT




ICE IT UP!

There’s no shame in admitting that some of us go through ice cubes like gummy
bears. And for the ones who can’t ditch the ice, you will love spending a summer
in Brazil. Why? Because Brazilians put ice in all their drinks — and it’s never
just a little bit.

ADVERTISEMENT

Ice it Up!


The scorching sun is always right over their head, making them vulnerable to
overheating and dehydration. Locals love adding ice to their drinks so it can
quench their thirst and cool them down.

ADVERTISEMENT




DARK SECRETS OF THE FAVELAS

There are certain rules and regulations that favela dwellers live by. First of
all, they cannot take the lives of one of their own. It’s “legal” to harm an
outsider. That’s why the criminals hunt for unsuspecting victims on the streets.

ADVERTISEMENT

Dark Secrets of the Favelas


If you’re visiting Brazil and come across a hijacker, hand them what they’re
asking for without making a fuss. If you go to the police, they will typically
not take any action. Criminals live deep into the favelas, armed to the teeth
with weapons capable of taking down helicopters.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE ALL-ROUNDER INGREDIENT

The Brazilian açaí plant is a super popular and healthy ingredient. This kind of
palm tree grows in the state of Para in Brazil. Rich in nutrients and vitamins,
these dark purple berries can be used to make a bunch of items.

ADVERTISEMENT

The All-Rounder Ingredient


Locals use it to prepare various kinds of drinks — both soft and energy drinks,
make sherbet out of it, cook it into a myriad of sauces, use it as a filling for
bakes, churn it into ice cream, and even put it in their cosmetic items.

ADVERTISEMENT




WHY WARM WATER ISN’T AVAILABLE

Brazil is incredibly warm almost all year around. Locals don’t generally have a
need for hot water. The taps don’t produce warm water and that can be an issue
for some when washing the dishes. How can the chore be completed with just cold
water?

ADVERTISEMENT

Why Warm Water Isn’t Available


Due to the overpowering heat, the central water system is always hot. They can’t
afford to use that water for every purpose so they switched to cold water
indefinitely. If you want to wash your dishes the American way, get a
dishwasher.

ADVERTISEMENT




NOT EVERYONE IS WELCOME

Shopping malls have strict rules about who can get in and who can’t. Usually,
the doors are guarded by muscular security guards who inspect every potential
shopper. If someone is dressed in shabby clothes, they will not be allowed to
enter.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not Everyone Is Welcome


Tatiana herself has witnessed a security guard restricting the access of a man
wearing shorts and flip-flops. This condition can be attributed to the high rate
of criminals wandering the streets of cities. Mostly, it’s to preserve the
overall “wholesome appearance” of the malls.

ADVERTISEMENT




BLEACH VS. WAX

Generally, leg hair is considered masculine in Brazil. So, many women don’t want
to draw attention to it. Contrary to popular belief, not all Brazilian women wax
their arms and legs. Instead, they have a much less painful way of dealing with
it.

ADVERTISEMENT

Bleach vs. Wax


They simply bleach it. Women noticed how some of their blonde friends could pass
for not having any or having a little fuzz on their bodies. Bleaching is a
rising trend among Brazilian women.

ADVERTISEMENT




A FRIENDLY VALET

When you’re in Brazil and lease or buy a car, there is one thing you should
know. Don’t be alarmed if a person approaches you after you park your car.
They’re known as “flanelinhas” and they will take care of your car for you.

ADVERTISEMENT

A Friendly Valet


If you park in a public parking lot, people will come up to you and make the
offer. Given your agreement, the flanelinhas will wait with your car until your
return. For the most part, this service is free. However, paying them is
considered proper.

ADVERTISEMENT




BRUSH ON-THE-GO

If there’s something Brazilians will not compromise, it’s their dental hygiene.
They take excellent care of their teeth — so much that they will carry a
toothbrush and toothpaste with them everywhere. It’s normal for locals to brush
after every meal.

ADVERTISEMENT

Brush On-the-Go


This is what your dentist wishes all of their clients would do. Restaurants
stock mouthwash, dental floss, and other hygiene goodies so you can always keep
your pearly whites beautiful. Tatiana says she’s never seen a local with yellow
teeth.

ADVERTISEMENT




MAN’S BEST FRIEND

Dog lovers, we have great news! Being a tourist in Brazil means being able to
pet a dog every five minutes. Among all pet owners in the country, only 28% have
a cat while 58% own a dog.

ADVERTISEMENT

Man’s Best Friend


They consider their canine buddies to be family members and dress them in
various clothes. If you spot a dog wearing jewelry while visiting Brazil, you’re
not hallucinating.

ADVERTISEMENT




NOT ONLY SPANISH

Tourists tend to foster this assumption that Brazilians only speak Spanish. In
reality, the national language of the country is Portuguese, and about 98% of
the population speaks it. Brazilian Portuguese varies in speaking and writing
styles from European Portuguese.

ADVERTISEMENT

Not Only Spanish


In addition to that, there are more than 200 indigenous languages from the
natives, like Ye’kuana and Arára. A few languages like Italian or Japanese were
brought by immigrants and have legal status in specific regions. Interestingly
enough, about four percent of locals speak Spanish.

ADVERTISEMENT




STRUGGLES WITH TOILET PAPER

Brazil’s local sewage system isn’t the best at handling toilet paper, which is
why people don’t ever throw it inside the toilets. Bathrooms in every house,
hotel, and café have a designated bucket for this purpose.

ADVERTISEMENT

Struggles With Toilet Paper


Keep in mind that flushing toilet paper will clog the pipes and cause everything
to spill out. It’s also best to carry toilet paper along because you can’t find
them in many public places. You don’t want to risk that awkward situation.

ADVERTISEMENT




THE TYPICAL GIRL’S WARDROBE

Locals have this particular way of differentiating between a girl from a wealthy
family and a girl from a favela. Women living in favelas generally wear short
skirts paired with crop tops and t-shirts.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Typical Girl’s Wardrobe


Women hailing from wealthier families generally dress more conservatively.
Unfortunately, for the women living in the slums, life is pretty awful. They
rarely get proper education and often resort to a life of crimes to support
themselves. Teenage pregnancy is common there.

ADVERTISEMENT




HOW TO WASH A FLOOR

Cleaning the floor in Brazil is super easy and convenient. Drains can usually be
found on the floor of the apartment or condo, so it's easy to drain the water
after cleaning. Locals rarely bring out a vacuum cleaner for the task but do
sweep the floors daily.

ADVERTISEMENT

How to Wash a Floor


They clean with a “rodo,” a giant squeegee made for wiping. This tradition
actually started to prevent flooding but ended up changing the cleaning game
completely. According to the locals, a damp rag has to touch every corner of the
house for it to be deemed clean.

ADVERTISEMENT




CARPETS: UNDESIRED DÉCOR

The conventional Brazilian floor is a blend of granite and wood. Locals take
their cleaning very seriously, especially if they live in “posh” neighborhoods.
A carpeted floor isn’t the most Brazilian thing you can do to your décor.

ADVERTISEMENT

Carpets: Undesired Décor


One of the primary reasons carpets are so undesirable is because they are quite
hard to clean. The Brazilian cherry hardwood floor is a popular option. While it
looks very elegant, it’s hard to maintain. Carpets become a hindrance.

ADVERTISEMENT






BigGlobalTravel aims to bring you the best recommendations on where to travel,
what to see, why and how to do it.

© BigGlobalTravel 2023
 * Terms of Service
 * DMCA Policy
 * Contact Us
 * Cookie Policy
 * Work With Us
 * Advertise With Us
 * BigGlobalTravel Privacy Policy
 *