Greetings are warm
Two kisses on the cheek for women greeting anyone. Handshake for men meeting men. Always greet with 'Bom dia' (morning), 'Boa tarde' (afternoon), or 'Boa noite' (evening).
🤝 Etiquette in Portugal
Etiquette in Portugal is mostly invisible until you break it. Greetings, gestures, dining manners and the social cues locals expect are worth learning before you arrive.
In Portugal, etiquette comes down to a few things: greetings are warm, don't compare to spain, and politeness matters deeply.
Don't compare to Spain
Portugal and Spain are neighbors, not the same country. The languages are different, the cultures are different, and the food is different. Mixing them up is a fast way to offend.
Politeness matters deeply
'Com licença' (excuse me), 'faz favor' (please), and 'obrigado/obrigada' (thank you, gendered) are used constantly. Directness without courtesy feels aggressive.