What do expats in Portugal appreciate most about the local culture?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they appreciate the most about the local culture in Portugal. They wrote...
"Politeness. I found the Portuguese to be very polite. Even if they tap you just ever so lightly by mistake, they say "Desculpe" (sorry). You wait your turn and never cut in, even just to ask a quick question. When it’s your turn, you get full attention and never rushed even if the line waiting is long. So as a New Yorker, while the line may be long or slow, when it’s your turn, you learn to wait patiently and enjoy a conversation with others on line, knowing that when it’s your turn, you get full attention and all the time you need. Another thing, Portuguese love, love kids. Kids go everywhere with their parents and are polite and usually well-behaved. Often I see waiters in busy restaurants just stop at a table that they may not even be serving just to interact with some children. Disabled persons and pregnant women get priority on lines ( often also with young children) and reserved good spaces at events. Giving up your seat for them on public transportation is a given. Portugal is very civilized- no yelling, interrupting, and always politeness and kindness. Great place to appreciate life at its best," remarked another expat in Portugal.
"Kind, helpful and genuinely friendly Portuguese people. The beautiful and, mainly, pristine beaches, forests, villages, towns, rivers and ocean," said a member in Cascais, Portugal.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Portugal?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Portugal?
- Will I be able to find a job in Portugal?
- What is life like in Portugal?
- What do expats in Portugal appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Portugal?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Portugal accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Portugal like?
- What are healthcare services like in Portugal?
- What are medical services in Portugal like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?
- What are emergency services like in Portugal?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Portugal?
- How are local medical facilities in Portugal?
- As a foreigner living in Portugal, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do expats in Portugal appreciate most about the local culture?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.