Culture

Contrary to popular belief, Portuguese is not descended from Spanish. Many of the younger people know English, while many Portuguese people have a rudimentary understanding of Spanish. Although some fundamental Spanish terminology will be understood by Portuguese speakers, try to save the usage of it for dire situations only if you are a non-native speaker of the language.

If you use it, be ready to hear anything along the lines of "In Portugal, people speak Portuguese, not Spanish" or they may just say they don't understand you even if they do. They most likely won't say anything and will still assist you, but they won't enjoy it internally.

The historical rivalry between Spain and Portugal is to blame for this. The ideal way to get this kind of assistance is to converse in English or your original tongue while using hand signs, or at the very least, by initiating a conversation in Portuguese before switching to English.

Smoking is prohibited and punishable by a fine in public enclosed spaces such as cabs and public transportation, stores and malls, cafés and hotels, etc., unless those spaces have the corresponding blue sign posted. On Portugal's beaches, topless female sunbathers are common, and there are also a number of naturist beaches. On all of the beaches in the nation, thong bikinis are acceptable.