Portugal is much sought as the country for the dream vacations, for the dream holiday home, and, more recently for business opportunities.
Like every community, Portugal has its own rites and rituals of living, its own rhythm of life, its unique little things that, despite their affinities with their neighbours, give the Portuguese their own distinctive way of life.
So, if you are thinking about Portugal lately, here are a few tips to you.
Portuguese appreciate personal contact. That's why they prefer face-to-face meetings to "business communication" through e-mail or telephone calls. They like to associate a face with the communication they are getting, otherwise it is deemed too impersonal. They like to get to know the person(s) they are considering doing business with, and they prefer to do business only with those they feel comfortable, with those they know that they can trust. So, whether a mutual contact introduces you to the potential Portuguese partner, or if you chose to enter in contact by telephone, e-mail, etc., remember that you should give a lot of time to developing the relationships. And since Portuguese deal with people, not companies, you will have to start all over if your company changes its representative.
Portuguese expect you to treat business colleagues with respect and not embarrass them – voluntarily or not. They are usually reserved in business communications. If they have questions or need clarification, they will wait until you have finished your talk or your presentation. And although honest people, Portuguese will not speak their mind unless you ask them to. And although warm people, they do not use hand gestures: your own may incorrectly be considered overly demonstrative. Any business conversation is probable to start with getting-to-know conversations.
They have a more relaxed attitude towards time and deadline, and it is not unusual for them to be late at meetings. Remember to make appointments at 1 or two weeks in advance, and reconfirm your meetings a few days in advance. You should arrive on time for the meeting, but remember that five minutes late is considered on time. Also bear in mind that business is conducted slowly in Portugal. Be patient and avoid especially looking impatient.
Most Portuguese go on holidays in August, so remember that August is not a good time to schedule meetings. Avoid the time between Christmas and New Year too.
If, during your stay in Portugal you suddenly wake-up in the middle of the night at the thunder of fireworks or in the early morning at the sound of stomping giant drums, don't worry: you are still in Portugal. Portugal is still a fairly religious country and different feasts and celebrations are very common. "The drums welcome the dawn visitors in the feasts, fairs and festivals. The "cabeçudos" and "gigantones" (giant puppet heads worn by dancers) accompanied by the deafening beat of the drums welcome the dawn visitors in the feasts, fairs and festivals."
Musical bands take part in these processions dedicated to different patron saints. "In the New Fairs (Feiras Novas) usually there are two bands acting at the same time. They do their performance in a place called Coreto…" 1
Different feasts have different rites, but they all seem to end eventually with happy eating and drinking ceremonies.
So fun is always there, business is business and then having fun like crazy at the sound of gigantic drums is yet another trill in your visit to Portugal.
