Greetings
Greetings are an essential part of Portuguese culture and etiquette. People generally greet each other with a handshake, a hug, and two kisses on the cheek. Eye contact is important while greeting, and a firm handshake is expected. People in Portugal also tend to address each other by their titles and surnames. Greeting someone with a ‘bom dia’ (good morning) or ‘boa tarde’ (good afternoon) is also common.
Handshakes
When greeting someone in Portugal, it is customary to shake hands. In most social settings, men and women will offer their hands for a handshake when meeting someone new. However, if a woman is uncomfortable shaking hands with a man, it is considered respectful to wait for the other person to extend their hand first. Sometimes Portuguese people may also use two kisses on either cheek as a more intimate way of greeting someone. It is also common practice to involve yourself in conversations with strangers, so most people attempt to be as polite and friendly as possible when engaging with others.
In formal settings where the exchange of names may occur (e.g., between colleagues or business partners), a handshake should always include an introduction that begins with “Como Vai?” (How are you?). This phrase should be followed by a name introduction and possibly, depending on language level and familiarity, by a few polite conversational questions, e.g., “E tu?” (“And you?”). Finally, handshakes are usually given slightly longer than expected in Portugal due to their cultural connotations around being respectful and close.
Kissing
The most popular form of greeting someone in Portugal is the typical two-kiss greeting. This gesture is shared among family, close friends, and even strangers in some parts of the country. However, it’s essential to understand how it works before attempting it, as it can get awkward if done incorrectly.
In most cases, when two people meet and see each other for the first time, they will stand facing each other with arms at their sides and make eye contact. Then one person will start the process by leaning in slightly, lightly touching cheeks three times while kissing the air beside each cheek, beginning with the right cheek and ending with the left cheek. The other person will follow along with this motion; if both parties are unfamiliar with one another, then a kind smile should also follow after completing this gesture to show respect. If you are unsure about what to do or feel uncomfortable doing this, shaking hands is more than adequate in most situations.
Eye contact
Eye contact is crucial in social interaction and is associated with openness, respect, and trust. In Portugal, maintaining eye contact during a conversation is considered polite and respectful. It is essential when talking to people of the same or higher rank in society. On the other hand, many Portuguese think someone who avoids eye contact is dishonest or insincere at best and untrustworthy or shifty at worst.
Taking regular breaks from eye contact is seen as natural to show you are listening and engaged in the conversation; however, extended avoidance of eye contact can make the other person feel uncomfortable or even insulted.
Dining Etiquette
Dining etiquette in Portugal revolves around conviviality or gathering and socializing with good company while enjoying a meal. Keeping an informal atmosphere when dining in Portugal is essential, as this shows respect towards your hosts.
When dining in Portugal, specific manners and customs should be observed to ensure that everyone has a pleasant and respectful experience:
Table Manners
Understanding table manners is an integral part of learning the cultural customs of Portugal. Regarding dining etiquette, staying in line with established businesses will save you embarrassment and help you maintain a good relationship with the people around you.
It is customary to arrive 10 minutes late when invited to dine with Portuguese friends or family, which is considered respectful of their time. Additionally, it is polite to keep your elbows off the table and open gifts privately. At formal dinners, guests should dress appropriately for the occasion; whatever the attire, ensure that clothes are clean and pressed.
If dining at a restaurant in Portugal, some key pieces of advice include:
- Informing your server about any food preferences or allergies before ordering;
- Hesitating before accepting free tapas from restaurants;
- Not asking for diet drinks (most Portuguese are not familiar with them); and
- Most importantly, enjoy yourself!
In informal restaurants or homes, food may be served ‘family-style,’ meaning dishes may be awaited while guests help themselves. It may also be acceptable to share food if offered – politely use your knife and fork instead of your fingers when taking a bite from someone else’s plate. Conversely, some dishes may arrive separately and should be consumed before more are offered – wait for everyone at your table to receive their plate before eating.
Finally, one should signal that they’re finished by laying their knife and fork parallel across their plate with the handles pointing in opposite directions.
Meal Times
Mealtimes in Portugal often take place late, with lunch served between 1:00 and 3:00 pm and dinner at 8:00 or 9:00 pm. It’s polite to wait until your host invites you to start the meal by saying, “Bom apetite.” Portuguese etiquette emphasizes that meals should be taken slowly and enjoyed, no matter where they are enjoyed – so don’t rush! Respectable dress is appreciated when eating meals in a restaurant or someone’s home.
The eldest person at the table is expected to pay the bill when dining out. Alternatively, if you are invited to someone’s home for a meal, it is polite to bring a small gift: flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine. Wait to be offered alcohol when dining in one of their homes; you may occasionally find that some hosts may open the door with a glass of something alcoholic in hand, but wait for them to offer it before you accept.
If allowed by circumstances, Portuguese diners enjoy their food slowly while embracing conversation that runs through topics such as politics, current news, and sports events over loud discussions on family matters or other private business; this might also extend into occasional light-hearted jokes here and there. Eating should also move slowly so as not to rush each other; finishing too quickly may give an impression of greediness – always remember idle social chatter may still come into play during any given mealtime in Portugal!
Tipping
Tipping is seen as an optional gesture of goodwill in Portugal. It is unnecessary, but it is much appreciated if you are happy with the service. Portuguese people are not very generous when it comes to tipping. However, you can expect to tip 5-10%.
Waiters and waitresses will usually be given their tips directly rather than having them added to the bill. However, it is polite to tip wherever possible if you are participating in activities such as going out for dinner or attending performances. A service charge may already be included in your bill (normally 10%), so check this before leaving the establishment.
- Taxi drivers usually don’t expect a tip, but if you feel they deserve one, 5% is sufficient.
- It isn’t necessary to give tips to bartenders or hairdressers unless they are working on a commission, at which case 10% is considered everyday practice.
Some subtle differences from other countries should be observed regarding general tipping etiquette in Portugal. For instance, giving large tips when playing cards with friends won’t go down well as this would imply that money has more importance than friendship and hospitality in Portuguese culture, which could offend. Similarly, asking for change from a large bill will be frowned upon.
Conversation
Conversation in Portugal is generally friendly and laid back. It is important to remember that directness is culturally accepted and expected. Portuguese people don’t tend to beat around the bush when it comes to getting to the point. Eye contact, a firm handshake, and a warm smile go a long way in initiating a conversation.
Another important point to remember is that Portuguese people are quite animated and passionate when discussing topics of interest.
Small Talk
Small talk is the norm in Portugal when first introduced, and it’s usually polite to start with general introductions. It is common for Portuguese people to give compliments about your clothes or other physical attributes. You should complement back if you feel comfortable doing it. Anyhow, be aware that these conversations tend to remain relatively superficial.
Questions about business issues or personal affairs should only arise after mutual trust is established.
Humor is greatly appreciated in Portuguese culture, but innuendos and ribbing are not the norms in the context of business conversations – these types of notions may be deemed inappropriate and cause your interlocutor some concern about their reputation. For this reason, try to take comments at face value and feel free to question details if necessary to remain understanding and courteous.
Avoiding Controversial Topics
In Portugal, topics such as religion, the royal family, and regional pride are sensitive and should be avoided when conversing. Generally, when talking with Portuguese friends or colleagues, it is best to remember that they tend not to enjoy discussing topics that could divide people, such as politics. Instead, Portuguese conversations often focus on family, food, and leisure activities.
Additionally, specific terms and acknowledgments should be avoided to facilitate good conversation in Portugal. For instance, the oldest son of a family is often referred to as filho reis (king’s son), so it’s best not to use this term of address when speaking with someone with multiple children. Similarly, ‘God bless you’ or referring to religious figures are more polite ways of expressing gratitude than ‘thank god.’
In the context of conversation etiquette, greetings often involve contacts, such as two-cheek kisses for close friends or longer embraces for someone you have not seen for an extended period. Furthermore, it is important to address older people respectfully using titles such as senhor (Sir) or dona (Madam). However, elders can also be addressed informally by their first name if there is an established relationship between the two parties.
Dress Code
Understanding the local dress code is essential for visitors to Portugal as it is a very traditional country, and people often dress conservatively. In general, Portuguese dress in smart casual attire in both private and public settings. It is still important to dress appropriately in certain situations, such as when attending a religious service or meeting a government official.
Let’s discuss the details of Portugal’s dress code:
Business Attire
In the business environment in Portugal, men are expected to dress formally at all times. It generally involves wearing a suit and tie with a shirt, although there is some flexibility regarding clothing styles if the situation is relaxed. For more formal contexts, such as company events or meetings with senior executives, it is appropriate to choose darker colors and cleaner lines.
Women also should be formal when dressing for business in Portugal. The expectation is usually to wear a dress, skirt, or pantsuit that follows the current fashion trends but still looks professional and conservative. If a skirt or dress is chosen, then it should come to at least below the knee. Accessories should be kept at a minimum, and excessive make-up or jewelry should be avoided. It’s important to remember that even though business attire in Portugal might be more fashionable than in other countries such as the United States, it should always be dignified and reserved for business purposes only.
Casual Attire
When in Portugal, you should dress according to the rules of Portuguese etiquette and acceptable casual attire. Generally, it is essential to remember that you should dress modestly in the country without displaying too much skin or looking overly flashy.
The most common form of casual wear for men and women is trousers, a shirt or t-shirt (sleeveless shirts are also acceptable), and closed-toe shoes. Women may wear dresses or skirts that reach below the knee. Athletic wear is appropriate for days spent visiting parks or hiking around the countryside, but bear in mind that no one wears shorts over the age of 16 at any time outside these settings and not within cities.
When exploring Portuguese cities at night, women may opt for professional-looking separates such as smart trousers with a nice top and cardigan or blazer and one-inch heeled shoes. Men could opt for good-quality jeans and a crisp button-down shirt with high-quality sneakers—no flip-flops!
Beach Attire
In Portugal, different levels of dress code are expected depending on the beach you visit and the particular activity you plan to do there. Although beach attire may be more casual than other clothing worn elsewhere in the country, be aware that some geographic areas operate under stricter guidelines than others. Use common sense and study the place you are visiting before packing accordingly.
Beach attire can vary considerably when traveling to inland destinations; for men, shorts or trousers should be accompanied by a shirt or t-shirt, whereas women can wear a sundress or other more revealing clothing. However, visitors to more traditional areas such as religious sites and rural villages should observe stricter standards of decorum – cover-up in lightweight tops, trousers, and skirts that reach at least knee length.
Try not to wear open-toe shoes unless specifically allowed; sandals with ankle straps (for instance) may be considered acceptable footwear for the beach in some areas, while shoes are expected when going out at night. Lastly – no matter where you’re heading, never forget your swimsuit! Whether it’s a traditional one-piece or bold bikini – often required on more modern beaches – it’s vital to stay appropriately dressed when relaxing along Portugal’s stunning coastline.
Gift Giving
Gift-giving is an essential part of the culture in Portugal and is considered a sign of respect and admiration. Therefore, gifts are exchanged on various occasions, such as birthdays, anniversaries, job promotions, and other special events.
When giving gifts, it is important to understand Portugal’s cultural customs and etiquette to ensure that you don’t offend or embarrass anyone with an inappropriate gift.
Appropriate Gifts
In Portugal, various customs and etiquette affect the type of gifts you should give in Portuguese culture. It is not unusual for the Portuguese to exchange gifts, but certain things are considered inappropriate. Therefore, when giving a gift in this culture, it is important to choose something appropriate to show respect for their traditions.
When giving a gift in Portugal, it is essential to choose something given with thought and consideration, as this conveys respect and caring towards the recipient. Furthermore, gifts given as tokens of appreciation or friendship do not have to be expensive but should reflect a sentiment or sentimentality between friends or family members.
Some appropriate gifts include:
- Bottles of local port wine
- Food items such as fresh fruit or confectionary items like nuts and chocolate
- Traditional crafts, such as pottery or embroidery pieces
- Flowers – preferably one dozen roses – jewelry and timepieces
- Books with Portuguese authors/poets/writers
- Tickets for popular events around Lisbon like concerts etc.
It is also important to remember that when receiving a gift in Portugal, it is considered polite to open it only with the giver because they enjoy sharing the moment when their kindness is revealed. Additionally, it would be impolite not to accept any gift if offered, even if an attempt was made earlier to reject it politely, so make sure you thank them heartily for their thoughtfulness!
Gift Wrapping
In Portugal, gift-giving is a core part of cultural etiquette. Receiving and giving presents is a frequently-practiced custom, along with saying “thank you” for what has been received. Generally, gifts are wrapped with nice paper and colorful ribbons or bows to indicate the same effort as when preparing food in Portugal. Gifts are usually modest but well-chosen, considering the recipient’s feelings and interests.
It’s essential to be sensitive both to how a gift appears on the outside and how it will be seen by both genders – meaning separate wrapping for each gender in most cases. Similarly, if two grown-ups receive a single box as an anniversary gift, they do not expect a twin-wrapped package. Instead, they should receive two boxes next to each other, letting each present its personality.
Accompanied by flowers or culinary specialties such as cakes or bottles of Portuguese wine, these gifts should follow all customs on presentation; that is: properly wrapped with nice packaging materials – usually, tissue paper garnished in colorful ribbons – rather than bulky plastic wrap commonly seen at some local grocery stores. This gesture of wrapping reinforces that traditional customs are still alive and symbolizes respect for those who will have the honor to store them up; simple gestures like these can make someone’s day!
Gift Refusal
In Portuguese culture, politely refusing a gift is expected. Gift givers will ordinarily recognize that a recipient may not be comfortable accepting certain gifts for religious or other reasons and will appreciate someone’s refusal gracefully.
It is appropriate for the recipient to both thank the giver for his/her thoughtfulness and simultaneously explain the reasons for refusal. But, again, it should be done in a manner that is both gracious and sincere. The process may seem more formal than what many non-Portuguese are accustomed to, but it’s essential to ensure everyone involved is comfortable with the exchange.
When giving a gift in Portugal, it’s also important to remember that some gifts have specific meanings and taboos associated with them – some that can easily be avoided by researching different gifts before giving them. For instance:
- Avoid giving yellow flowers; this color symbolizes infidelity.
- Sharp objects such as knives or letter openers should not be given as a gift because they might signify the severing of relationships.
- Gifts such as wine or chocolates are widely accepted and also make great conversation starters when given during dinner with Portuguese friends and family.