The Portuguese business culture

Tags

Portuguese business culture

The Portuguese business culture

It is always important to know the cultural aspects of your Portuguese partner while doing business. These elements can help you to overcome some potential difficulties in communication. You should know some basic rules of trading etiquette such as punctuality, dress code, and gift giving.

Punctuality

In Portugal, punctuality is not seen as an important aspect. But the people in North Portugal are usually more punctual than those from the south. It is acknowledged as polite if you arrive five minutes late and being late by almost 30 minutes is considered to be coarse. In case, you would be running late for a meeting with your Portuguese counterpart it is proper if you call them and advise them of your delay. Do not be annoyed if you are kept expecting for up to 20 minutes since this is usual practice but you are free to express some discontent if you are kept waiting for 30 min.

Gift giving

In the Portuguese business environment, it is very normal to give gifts to customers and business partners. It is very offensive to turn down a gift. The gift is always viewed as a personal gesture, and it is not polite to re-distribute a gift to any staff. It is always recommended tat you send a thank you note even after you have said thanks.

Dressing code

In the Portuguese society, In general appearance is paramount. The Portuguese people are always keen on fashion, and the clothes, one puts on, is often used to gauge one’s status and success. When invited to a cultural event it is really advisable to dress carefully and also ensure that your accessories are coordinate, and you are well groomed. During a business meeting, it is always desirable to wear long sleeved shirts as short sleeved are considered casual. It is also fine to take off your cat in case you feel hot but make sure that your counterparts are comfortable with it. The women are advised to dress well but not to overdress. Conservative fashion is also preferred for any business meetings. Trousers and pants suits are also acceptable as part of women business attire

The Portuguese Cobblestone Village of Monsanto

Tags

Castelo Branco, Monsanto, spectacular Portuguese village, the village entrance

Since being honored as the most spectacular Portuguese village, Monsanto has been largely shielded from modernization. Several houses near the village entrance are surprisingly grand, some sporting Manueline doorways and stone crests. Midway to the castle you will come over the gruta; a snug cavern supposedly once used as a drinking retreat, and still used as such, judging by the half-empty glasses of beer inside.

The Castelo

This formidable stone fortress appears almost to have grown out of the boulder-littered hillside that sustains it. It is a hauntingly beautiful site, populated by lizards and wildflowers. Immense sights include Spain to the east and the Barragem da Idanha dam to the southwest. Just below the entrance is a plaza used for folk dances at festival time. To the right is a ruined Renaissance church and bell tower, as well as five ancient tombs carved into the rock.

Festivals and Events

On May, Monsanto comes alive in the Festa das Cruzes, commemorating a medieval siege. The story goes that the starving villagers threw their last lonely calf over the walls, taunting their besiegers as if they had plenty to spare. And apparently, their attackers were hoodwinked, because they promptly abandoned the siege. These days, young girls throw baskets of flowers instead, after which there is dancing and singing beside the castle walls.

Getting There and Away

Without a car, Monsanto can be difficult to reach. The Rede Expressos usually has one bus daily to Castelo Branco, but departure times often change. There is often additional service during the school year and an extra afternoon bus on Sundays. Ask at the Turismo in either Monsanto or Castelo Branco for the latest schedule. But the best way to enjoy transportation in Monsanto is to hire your taxi.

Sleeping and Eating

Estalagem de Monsanto; near the village entrance, this modern inn, built in a somewhat successful effort to mimic the stone houses around it, offers spacious, comfortable digs, and a few with grandstand views. There is also a restaurant downstairs.
There is also the Lapa da Moura that has exquisite and tasty specials. However, the hotel has no sign; all you have to look for is the knife-and-fork symbol outside.