Portugal - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Sandy Pinto Basto

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.

Legend has it that when Caesar’s general arrived on Portuguese soil in the first century CE, he claimed to have discovered a country blessed with a mild climate and a beautiful coastline, but whose inhabitants were ungoverned and ungovernable. Today, the Portuguese are still impulsive, set in their ways, and resistant to change, yet they are ever charming, romantic, and nostalgic, with an unshakable loyalty toward family and friends.

Culture Smart! Portugal takes you beneath the surface of this fascinating country and shows you how to blend in and make the most of your visit. In these pages, you will gain insight into Portuguese priorities and learn how to tap into a helpful and resourceful nature that is often overlooked by the casual visitor. Beneath a sometimes vociferous manner, the Portuguese are laid-back and gentle, so slacken your pace, put away your watch, and enjoy the rich meals, lively festivals, and ancient traditions of this great land.

Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas.

Genres: Travel, Portugal, Nonfiction

200 pages, Paperback

First published October 30, 2005

Reviews

[Michael Cahill · Rating 5 out of 5]

For this compact little volume almost the size of my hand, there’s a tremendous amount of vital information describing the cultural norms and behaviors of Portuguese life, as opposed to typically American habits. Very much the sort of short-cut know how that a stranger would wish to be armed with before setting foot in this beautiful country. I’ve reviewed a number of volumes on the subject and, as someone planning to permanently relocate to Portugal, I found this little book to be the most candidly informative and easily digestible of all. Would that the author might have expanded this title to five times its length since it only whetted my appetite for more. No larger or more in depth writing I’ve found so far compares with the sheer pleasure of Carlos Cunha’s competently compiled book. A delightful and recommended read.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Covered alot of topics efficiently and clearly. While of course generalizing in most cases, I feel like I have a decent feel for the flavor of the country, or at least a base line against which to compare my own experiences.

[Michele Desoer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just OK. There were several mistakes (for example, no Lyft in Portugal and the city of Guia, not Lisbon is the home of piripiri chicken) and I wanted deeper information about habits and customs. Parts were a bit patronizing.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable and informative of the ‘way’ of Portugal. Worth a read if you plan a visit .

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Helpful background info for travelers. Geared more towards expats and business travelers.

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read - some useful facts, for the most part, this would be very useful for someone planning to live or conduct business in Portugal.

[William Beauvais · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful for those planning to visit this beautiful country.

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information overall, could have been presented better, but it a good way to learn about the history and culture of Portugal.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, short read, but worthwhile if planning a trip.

[Dani Ollé · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very short review of Portugal and its people

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

I read this only because I was in Portugal & had run out of books about the country available from my Japanese Kindle account. It's readable, but also as superficial as one might expect.

[Simonas Puškorius · Rating 3 out of 5]

thought that it will cover more customs/traditions, nuances of Portugal. In general, a good essential guide for someone who plans to live in or visit Portugal

[Patty · Rating 3 out of 5]

preparing for my trip to lisbon!

[Joanne P Bean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical, valuable, fun to read guidebook

A practical and valuable guidebook, that is enjoyable to read, for those planning a vacation, doing business or moving to Portugal.

[Marianne]

164 pages. Interesting read whether or not you actually visit Portugal.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A short little guide I read at the airport and on the plane. It was helpful, but very repetitive and lots of info not relevant to a tourist.