General Etiquette
Greetings
Initial greetings are reserved, yet polite and gracious.
The handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
Man greeting Man – Men usually shake hands when greeting one another. A somewhat relaxed grip tends to be the norm. Good friends and family often engage in a light hug or taps on the back.
Woman greeting Woman- Light kisses (usually one on each cheek) are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually do.
Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
Communication Style
The Portuguese tend to be direct in their communication style. They will often tell you the truth but usually in a polite manner.
Communication tends to be more on the formal side when in public and much less so in private.
Many people tend to speak quite fast and somewhat loudly. This show of emotion is quite common and does not usually signify anger or displeasure.
The Portuguese and their language are very polite - you will hear 'please' (por favor or se faz favor), 'thank you' (obrigado/obrigada) and 'my pleasure' (de nada) as much as you will hear similar in England for example. It's customary to say good morning (bom dia), good afternoon/evening (boa tarde) and good night (boa noite) as well as good-bye, cheers etc etc!
Conversation
It will not be necessary for a translator in most situations; however, speak clearly and slightly slower than usual.
Family is a popular topic of conversation, as well as soccer, literature, fine arts, food and wine.
Avoid politics and religion, and sports other than soccer.
Portuguese names can be difficult to pronounce. Your host will most likely not be offended if you mispronounce his name, but will be especially impressed if you ask him for the proper pronunciation.
In general, the Portuguese are friendly and laid-back. They are aware of cultural differences and will not be offended easily.
Personal Space & Touching
An arm's length distance is usually an appropriate amount of personal space during conversations.
The Portuguese tend to touch a bit during conversations. This is more common with good friends and family then say in business or formal situations.
It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the street, etc. Public displays of affection are considered normal within certain limits.
Eye Contact
Direct eye contact tends to be the norm and is expected and appreciated.
Views of Time
The view of time tends to be somewhat flexible. In social situations it is common to show up late but being on time for business situations is expected.
Appointments and deadlines tend to be kept and most transportation services run on time.
Gender Issues
Women are socially and legally equal to men, however there is still discrimination and many men tend to view women as the housewife and homemaker.
Women hold a variety of positions of power in several industries, although salaries tend to be lower and they may have to work harder to achieve success.
Gestures
Table manners are extremely important. A knife and fork are to be used in restaurants and it is not usually polite to eat with the hands.
Avoid putting your feet up on the furniture in public places.
Law & Order
The legal age is to purchase alcohol is 18 but it is not readily enforced.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders
Initial greetings are reserved, yet polite and gracious.
The handshake accompanied by direct eye contact and the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
Man greeting Man – Men usually shake hands when greeting one another. A somewhat relaxed grip tends to be the norm. Good friends and family often engage in a light hug or taps on the back.
Woman greeting Woman- Light kisses (usually one on each cheek) are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake or simple nod of acknowledgment will usually do.
Greetings between Men & Women- Light kisses on the cheeks are the most common form of greeting for friends and family. Often times it is just a light touching of cheeks rather than actual kisses. At a first meeting a regular handshake will do. It is customary to let the woman offer her hand first.
Communication Style
The Portuguese tend to be direct in their communication style. They will often tell you the truth but usually in a polite manner.
Communication tends to be more on the formal side when in public and much less so in private.
Many people tend to speak quite fast and somewhat loudly. This show of emotion is quite common and does not usually signify anger or displeasure.
The Portuguese and their language are very polite - you will hear 'please' (por favor or se faz favor), 'thank you' (obrigado/obrigada) and 'my pleasure' (de nada) as much as you will hear similar in England for example. It's customary to say good morning (bom dia), good afternoon/evening (boa tarde) and good night (boa noite) as well as good-bye, cheers etc etc!
Conversation
It will not be necessary for a translator in most situations; however, speak clearly and slightly slower than usual.
Family is a popular topic of conversation, as well as soccer, literature, fine arts, food and wine.
Avoid politics and religion, and sports other than soccer.
Portuguese names can be difficult to pronounce. Your host will most likely not be offended if you mispronounce his name, but will be especially impressed if you ask him for the proper pronunciation.
In general, the Portuguese are friendly and laid-back. They are aware of cultural differences and will not be offended easily.
Personal Space & Touching
An arm's length distance is usually an appropriate amount of personal space during conversations.
The Portuguese tend to touch a bit during conversations. This is more common with good friends and family then say in business or formal situations.
It is common to see people hug in public; couples kiss in public, women interlock arms with men while walking in the street, etc. Public displays of affection are considered normal within certain limits.
Eye Contact
Direct eye contact tends to be the norm and is expected and appreciated.
Views of Time
The view of time tends to be somewhat flexible. In social situations it is common to show up late but being on time for business situations is expected.
Appointments and deadlines tend to be kept and most transportation services run on time.
Gender Issues
Women are socially and legally equal to men, however there is still discrimination and many men tend to view women as the housewife and homemaker.
Women hold a variety of positions of power in several industries, although salaries tend to be lower and they may have to work harder to achieve success.
Gestures
Table manners are extremely important. A knife and fork are to be used in restaurants and it is not usually polite to eat with the hands.
Avoid putting your feet up on the furniture in public places.
Law & Order
The legal age is to purchase alcohol is 18 but it is not readily enforced.
Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs are severe, and convicted offenders