Portugal is located in the western part of Europe. If you come to Portugal, you will definitely communicate with the locals. What temper the locals have, and what to expect from them, read in this article. The Portuguese are markedly different from other European nationalities. But Portugal has a fascinating culture and traditions that will interest you.

When coming to Portugal, the ideal decision is to hire a car Faro, using the cheap car hire Faro airport website. It will allow you to get a low price for hiring a car Portugal while booking to experience all the charm of the country.

Unhurried locals

While talking to the Portuguese, you’ll admit they are unhurried. They do not rush anywhere, their lifestyle is measured, and they love it. That's why being late for a meeting even for an hour, personal or business, is a usual thing. A tense situation: no one will come to the meeting on time. You'll have to get used to it.

The Person's Space

People, living in Portugal, are very slow. They are polite and don't cross the boundaries of other people's space. Being in the village, you can hear "desculpa," "com licença," "não faz mal," which means "excuse me" or "no problem". These are usual phrases. So, don't be surprised if you hear words of apology from a woman in a supermarket with a shopping cart standing a meter away from you. 

Hygiene

When the Portuguese return home, they do not wash their hands and jump on the couch with dirty shoes. Locals are not used to washing up their hands when they come home or before eating, or even after using the toilet! If a child drops a chocolate bar or candy bar on the ground, they may pick it up and eat it. At the gym, adults and children usually sit naked on the benches in the locker room. Another critical point you may face is the attitude toward hygiene in restaurants, beauty salons, any places, and even in the Faro cars for hire  company where the best services with coffee are offered. 

Communication

If the Portuguese start to talk to you unexpectedly, don't be afraid. These people are unbelievably friendly and love chatting, even with strangers. The same situation with children: don't be frightened that some woman who starts talking to them wants to steal kids. If locals speak to you at the bus stop or in the store, it is their habits and usual lifestyle situation.

Equality

You must be saying “thank goodness!” You have to know if a local calls you for a date, he won't pay for your dinner. Everyone has to pay for that. The same goes for public transportation. Of course, in Portugal, there are still gentlemen. They open the door to a woman, or when she comes out of a car. But if something is not what you are expected for, it's all about equality.

Family ties

Family and clan ties are quite strong. And they often play a basic role in the hiring process. Be ready for everything. If you are a great employee, have worked long hours, and have been promoted, it does not matter. Someone's son or niece can easily replace you. Relatives can even ask for a certain position! So, friendship and family ties are very important to the Portuguese.

Ban on video

A video blogger is a hard line of work and may not be pleased in Portugal. If you want to have a video blog in this country, going into different establishments and filming everything in a row, you may face problems. Video or audio recordings are strict here. And if you are the victim of an incident, somebody insulted you, and you decide to record the incident for the police, it can be used against you. Such laws exist in Portugal.

Conservatism and respect for authority

Locals prefer to avoid talking about politics and government in Portugal. That is why there are no meetings and protests in the country at all. But if you see one, it might be a group of 5-10 people who have decided to hold a "weekend strike," when the unions want to prolong the weekend.

Conclusion

Going to Portugal you will have a pleasant experience with locals. Everyone enjoys talking with the Portuguese. They are peculiar people with their own coloring, mentality and charm, which cannot be taken away. They are sociable, unhurried, open-hearted and good-natured.