Portugal Gift Giving Customs

Host/Hostess Gift Giving Etiquette

If you are invited to a Portuguese home for dinner, Portugal gift giving customs suggest that a gift is expected. The gift should be small but luxurious, with a glamorous presentation. Good quality chocolates, candy, flowers or upscale souvenirs from your home country are good choices. Expect that your gift will be opened immediately and in your presence. If you did not bring a gift for the hostess, send flowers the next day. Gifts for the children are welcome, especially if they will be present at dinner. Thanking for a gift is usually done verbally but a written note, while not necessary, is always appreciated.

Hostess Gifts to Avoid

• Wine - unless you know what wines your host prefers.
• Lilies or chrysanthemums - they are used for funerals.
• Red flowers - red is the symbol of the revolution.
• 13 flowers - the number 13 is considered unlucky.

Dining Etiquette

• Dining etiquette is formal and table manners are important.
• Graciously accept wine or beer when offered by your host.
• Remain standing until invited to sit down.
• Wait until your host says "bom appetito" to begin eating.
• The fork is held in the left hand and the knife in the right hand.
• Your hands should be visible at all times. Never rest your elbows on the table.
• Your napkin remains to the left of your plate while dining, not in your lap.
• When you have finished your meal, place your napkin to the right of your plate and lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate, handles facing to the right.
• Always leave some food on your plate.

Business Gift Giving

• It is accepted practice in the Portugal business culture to give and receive gifts. Gifts are considered a sign of mutual respect and not a bribe.
• Expensive gifts can be appropriate depending on the status of the business colleague.
• Quite lavish gifts are often distributed to customers at Christmas.
• Liquor, especially whiskey, is acceptable. Avoid wine as the Portuguese believe their wine is far superior.
• Gifts from your home country are appreciated.
• Apparel accessories such as scarves or ties are acceptable.
• Coffee table books are commonly given.
• Gifts should be unwrapped immediately upon receipt.

If you will be visiting Portugal, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• People stand closer in conversation and have more direct eye contact than in the US.
• Do not address someone on a first-name basis until invited to do so. 'Senhor' and 'senhora,' along with the surname, is proper.
• Always shake hands with people upon meeting.
• Handshakes should not be too firm.
• Women often kiss on each cheek upon meeting both men and women. You should do this only if the woman offers her cheek.
• Never speak Spanish to a Portuguese person. It is rude and you may be considered ignorant.
• Never use your finger to point, as this is considered vulgar.
• Never eat with your fingers or lick your fingers.
• Appearances matter. Dressing well demonstrates social and economic importance.
• Never write anything in red ink. Red is offensive – only teachers are allowed to correct school work in red ink.