The Portuguese people are invariably hospitable and welcoming. Social behaviour tends to be reserved and understated, with the family firmly at the centre of life and the Roman Catholic Church maintaining a strong influence. But being conservative and traditional does not stop them chilling out and having a good time!

So, there are a few basic social niceties to bear in mind when socializing.

For instance: when meeting and greeting men, women and children you should shake hands with everyone, making direct eye contact; and on leaving you should do the same again. Male friends greet each other with an embrace and a pat on the back, while women kiss on both cheeks.

The correct form of address is ‘senhor’ for a man and ‘senhora’ for a woman. Only use a person’s first name if invited to do so.

Portuguese body language is much understated, with hand gestures kept to a minimum. If you want to beckon someone you should hold the palm of your hand down while waving your fingers or your whole hand downwards, like patting something. It’s very rude to point at someone with your finger.

Remember those little things and you’ll always make a good first impression.

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