Do and don'ts in Portugal?

In Portugal, embrace a relaxed pace by tipping 5-10% in restaurants, dressing modestly (avoiding beachwear in cities), and learning basic Portuguese greetings. Respect local,, conservative, and often formal customs, but expect a more lenient approach to time. Key DON'Ts include speaking Spanish, assuming bread/snacks placed on the table are free (they are paid items), and being overly loud in public.

What are must-dos in Portugal?

Top 9 Places to See in Portugal - Must-See Attractions & Experiences

• Visit the historic Belem tower near Lisbon.
• Douro River Vineyards, Portugal (Ana Maria Betancur)
• Explore the incredible streets of Porto.
• Striking scenery of the Azores Islands.
• Wander through colorful Madeira.

What is considered rude in Portuguese culture?

Tips on culture and etiquette in Portugal

Don't call at mealtimes. This means you shouldn't call before 09:00, between 12:00 and 14:00, and between 20:00 and 21:00. Don't spit on the ground or litter as the Portuguese consider this disrespectful.

Is it okay to wear shorts in Portugal?

Portugal has no dress code—Lisbon and Porto do not have dress codes! In the summer, many tourists wear shorts and bermudas, oversized T-shirts, and sneakers.

What is the 3-3-3 rule for outfits?

The "333 rule" in clothing refers to two popular minimalist fashion concepts: the viral TikTok trend of using 3 tops, 3 bottoms, and 3 shoes to create numerous outfits (9 items total) for styling practice, and the more extensive Project 333, where you select 33 items (including clothes, shoes, and accessories) to wear for three months, excluding essentials like underwear, workout gear, and sleepwear, to simplify your wardrobe and reduce decision fatigue. Both methods focus on versatility, quality over quantity, and creating a functional capsule wardrobe.

12 Things NOT to do in Portugal 🇵🇹

What not to bring into Portugal?

It's not permitted to import meat or dairy products into Portugal from outside the EU. Also prohibited are unauthorized firearms and ammunition.

Should I carry cash in Portugal?

For initial convenience, we recommend you bring approximately EUR100 cash with you from home. Tourists reaching Portugal without foreign currency can obtain Euros through any bank or ATM machine. One of the best ways to get local currency is to use a debit card in an ATM.

Is English widely spoken in Portugal?

While English is widely spoken across Portugal, it doesn't mean the language is spoken fluently in all the regions of the country. Basic communication may be achieved on an essential level in most of the territory, but as the distance grows from the largest cities, English fluency tends to decrease.

What is a curse word in Portuguese?

In Brazil, 'caralho' is a very bad word. ' Filho da puta' is also very common, but 'puta de merda' is not used around here. We usually use just 'merda' or 'puta merda' to express frustrations, which is just like 'shit'.

What is the weird tradition in Portugal?

The Portuguese ring in the New Year by eating 12 raisins

In Portugal, there's a New Years tradition which sees men and women ring in the New Year by eating twelve raisins; one raisin at each chime of the clock which symbolizes one for every month in the New Year.

What food is a must try in Portugal?

15 Must-Have Traditional Portuguese Foods to Try on Your Next...

• Pastel de Nata. Image Source: Insight Vacations. ...
• Peixe Grelhado. ...
• Alheira de Mirandela. ...
• Bacalhau. ...
• Bifana. ...
• Caldo Verde. ...
• Carne de Porco Alentejana. ...
• Ovas.

How to show respect in Portugal?

Tourist Etiquette in Portugal: How to Be a Respectful Visitor

1. Learn a Few Words of Portuguese. ...
2. Greet People Politely. ...
3. Dress Appropriately, Especially in Religious Sites. ...
4. Don't Rush Meals. ...
5. Tipping: It's Appreciated, Not Expected. ...
6. Respect Quiet Hours. ...
7. Don't Assume Everyone Drinks Port Wine. ...
8. Avoid Sensitive Topics.

Should I get euros before I go to Portugal?

Resist the urge to buy foreign currency before your trip.

Some tourists feel like they must have euros or British pounds in their pockets when they step off the airplane, but they pay the price in bad stateside exchange rates. Wait until you arrive to withdraw money.

What is the 2/3/4 rule for credit cards?

The 2/3/4 rule for credit cards is a guideline, notably used by Bank of America, that limits how many new cards you can get approved for: no more than two in 30 days, three in 12 months, and four in 24 months, helping manage hard inquiries and credit risk. It's a strategy to space out applications, preventing too many hard pulls on your credit report and helping maintain financial health by avoiding over-extending yourself. 

Are there pickpockets in Lisbon?

Lisbon is a friendly and welcoming city, but in tourist-heavy areas like Baixa, Alfama, and public trams, pickpockets do operate — discreetly and professionally. The good news? With a few simple precautions, you can outsmart them easily.

What are the funny laws in Portugal?

When it comes to quirky laws around the world, Portugal stands out for a rather unexpected regulation: it's the only country in Europe where it's explicitly illegal to pee in the sea.

What is the 85 15 rule in Portugal?

The 85/15 rule, established under Article 54 of Portugal's Personal Income Tax Code (CIRS), provides tax relief for certain types of pension income. The basic principle: When a pension includes a return of capital that you personally contributed (and already paid tax on), that portion shouldn't be taxed again.

What to be careful of in Portugal?

Crime rates are low but pickpocketing, bag-snatching and theft from holiday properties are common in major tourist areas. Foreign-registered and hire cars are often targeted by thieves. Thieves may use threats or violence.

Is it forbidden to wear jeans in Portugal?

I find Portugal – even in the middle of the cities – tends to be very casual. People mostly dress not to stand out – think muted tones, lots of jeans and t-shirt combos with sneakers. Practical, comfortable and smart casual is how I'd describe true Portuguese style.

What is the most common crime in Portugal?

What Are the Most Common Types of Crime?

• Pickpocketing and bag theft — frequent in busy tourist zones, public transport, and major events.
• Bicycle and scooter theft — rising in urban areas like Lisbon and Porto.
• Car break-ins — often in unmonitored parking areas, especially near beaches or tourist viewpoints.