Communication Etiquette:
• Initial greetings are very polite and reserved
– Handshake
– Direct eye contact
– Appropriate greeting for the time of day
• Once a relationship builds greetings become more warm
– Men – Hug and handshake
– Women – kiss each other twice on the cheek starting with the right
• Address with proper titles
– Men – “Senhor”
– Women – “Senhora”
– With the surname
– Anyone who is a doctor is referred to as “Doutour and Doutoura”
– Wait to be invited to move to a first name basis
– Use formal rather than informal unless otherwise said
Business Etiquette:
• Appointments are mandatory and should be made well in advance
– It is always safe to reconfirm a few days before
– Initial correspondence should be in Portuguese
– August is a bad time of year to do any meeting
– Always arrive on time for meetings
– Sometimes 5 minutes late is considered on time
– Relationships are built with the people involved instead of the company
– Changing representatives will set you back
– They do not appreciate direct criticism
– Portugal’s business culture is a hierarchal system
– Treat all business colleagues with respect
– There is a more relaxed view on time
– Deadlines are not seen as crucial as other cultures
– Do not remove your jacket unless you associates do
– Maintain eye contact when speaking
– Decisions will not be made at meetings
• During negotiations there is a great importance on getting to know you
– Wait until they bring up the subject of business
