26/08/2026
These are just a few of the differences I've noticed since arriving in Sweden!
📅 Planning ahead
Swedes like to plan ahead, even for social activities. In Brazil, we're usually more spontaneous, and it's not uncommon to invite friends over or make plans on the same day.
🤫 Quiet public spaces
Brazil is a lively country, and public spaces are often full of conversations and energy. It's not uncommon to strike up a conversation with a stranger. In Sweden, people tend to keep to themselves and respect each other's personal space.
⏰ Punctuality
In Sweden, if something starts at 2 p.m., it starts at 2 p.m.! In Brazil, we're usually more flexible, especially when it comes to meeting friends. Arriving 30 minutes late to a birthday party or a get-together isn't a big deal.
🧥 Weather
While summers in Brazil are usually very hot, here in Sweden the wind can be surprisingly chilly even on warm, sunny days! So it's always a good idea to bring a jacket.
🤝 Greetings
Brazilians commonly greet people with a hug or a cheek kiss. In Sweden, if you're meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is usually the norm, while hugs are more common between friends.
👟 No shoes indoors
In Sweden, people usually take their shoes off before entering a home. Most homes have a space by the front door to leave your shoes. In Brazil, that's not very common, and people often keep their shoes on or change into flip-flops when they get home.
Moving from Brazil to Portugal and now to Sweden has been such an eye-opening experience! Every place has taught me something different. (:
One thing I've learned from living abroad is that there's no right or wrong, just different customs, perspectives, and ways of doing things. That's what makes the experience so enriching. 🇸🇪🇧🇷✨
