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

Culture Smart / Cultuur Bewust

by Sandy Pinto Basto

Culture Smart! Portugal will help you to navigate this multifaceted society. It gives insights into different aspects of life, from sleepy seaside towns to modern, trendy cities, so that you can experience firsthand how this society, which protects family and privacy so fiercely, is eager and proud to show visitors everything the country has to offer. Portugal is a small country that has had a huge cultural and political impact on the modern world. Portugal is now on the radar of world travelers and multinational corporations alike, and this has made its people more receptive to change and more modern in their outlook. This adventurous spirit is evident in the urban and cultural renewal that has swept the country, in harmonious contrast with its historic and traditional backdrop. Portuguese idiosyncrasies can be both confusing and enchanting. While rising to the challenges of the times, they have managed to maintain their values intact, preserving the history and traditions that give their country its flavor.

Genres: Travel, Portugal, Nonfiction

168 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.