I’ve been to Portugal a couple of times, and have had a chance to learn quite a bit about its culture from local friends, guided tours, and my own explorations.
Still, when I read the Culture Smart guide to Portugal, I saw how a good book can really expand your perspective.
Culture Smart is a series of pocket-sized books about local cultures worldwide.
The book has a travel section with all the essential tips, but it’s not a standard travel guide.
In a nutshell, it gives you a great overview of Portuguese local customs, habits, beliefs, traditional values, and rituals.
It’s a great preparation both for short visits and for anyone who wants to stay in Portugal long-term.
The author, Sandy Pinto Basto, was born in Portugal but has lived in other countries as well. This background, plus her work as a relocation consultant, gives her the kind of perspective needed to fully introduce Portuguese culture to anyone.
Learning about Portuguese culture
The book covers any relevant aspect you might think of, from the history of Portugal, its food and wine, and family traditions to current business culture.
I like how the author goes beyond just sharing facts; she gives some great insights into what the Portuguese are like, especially in terms of their attitude towards foreigners.
The book describes the Portuguese as suspicious of strangers, but laid-back, warm, and gentle, once they open up to you.
This kind of information is super useful when you try to make friends with locals. Knowing what to expect can prevent all sorts of misunderstandings.
Observing manners is important in Portugal and the book even gives us a handy list of “Dos and Don’ts”, alongside another list of common body language gestures.
It also offers plenty of tips on how to behave in public, in business situations, and when a local invites you to their home.
Why read a culture guide?
Getting to know the culture gives you a deeper and richer understanding of what you experience in a new country.
It helps you communicate with locals. You’ll learn about their manners, sensitive issues in their culture, and generally what to expect of them.
Reading this book before a trip to Portugal feels a lot like interviewing a local who gives you all the info you need to prepare for your trip.
Who is this Portugal culture guide for?
I can think of different types of audiences that will find this book helpful:
- Curious travellers looking for a more meaningful experience
- Digital nomads
- Immigrants/expats
- Employees on relocation
- International students
Final thoughts
I enjoyed reading the book and bookmarked some parts to read again before my next trip to Portugal.
The book covers a great range of topics despite its compact size. It’s super practical and packed with current, accurate, and usable information. It gives you just the right amount of detail you need.
The author’s writing style flows smoothly, making the book very readable.
It’s about 200 pages. If you’re on a long flight or train ride, reading this guide can be a great way to pass the time and get the information you need just at the right time before you arrive in Portugal.
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