Portugal Culture Shock for an American (After 2 Years)

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[daveinportugal]

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[SuperMario_the_Tuktuk_driver]

People do tip in Portugal, and there's nothing against doing it. The difference is that here you must EARN or DESERVE your tip, by doing your job especially well, or as you say, above and beyond. But Portuguese people do tip - sometimes generously - if they are happy with the service they just had. So, don't think you are changing the culture by tipping. If you are happy with your service, tip. If you are not, don't. That's the difference.

[marcomartinscastanho]

About the tipping culture, the problem of tourists doing it here is not that they're "changing the culture", it's that by doing so you're telling the restaurant manager that they can pay the waiters less because you (the customer) are paying more, and that's a problem. It's not up to the good-hearted customers to pay a worker's salary; it's up to their boss.

[anadd]

I am Portuguese, I'm 34 and I still get culture shocks within my own country. 😂❤

[Rina_]

As a supermarket cashier in Portugal, the elderly people talking about the weather and the prices it so real. If I don't have anyone behind them I'm more than happy to have a conversation but if there's a big line I get so frustrated because I can't simply tell them to go away I have to nod and smile and ignore the glares that the customers in line are giving me! As if it's my fault, I'm actually really quick with scanning groceries 😭😭

[OliviaSilvaCompositora]

What you said in the section about professionalism in Portugal is completely true, but especially with construction work companies. You have to almost stalk them constantly to get the job done. My brother is renovating his house and the people either say they're showing up but they don't, or they do show up but only work for 3 hours out of the whole day. It drives people insane, it's so infuriating. And when they do show up, they even give suggestions on how you can improve this and that and we're like "Yeah, I would pay you for it, but are you actually gonna show up to do it?" 💀

[TreshToons]

I'm Portuguese, my girlfriend is soon to move here and she is from Michigan, your channel has been a very nice window for her into things I don't realize here.
As the professionals you mentioned, 100%, it is what it is unfortunately. My best advice is to find someone who had some service similar to yours and knows "a guy", befriend that guy, keep that guy, don't let that guy go ever, tip that guy.

[eliorasherie]

Portugal (Lisbon, Sesimbra) beautiful. My experience visiting Portugal has been humbling and eye-opening. In my opinion, if you’re considering moving to Portugal, learn the language (at least the basics) and customs. Trying to conduct business or get services done in a timely manner here is challenging; patience is required. My advice to anyone contemplating moving to Portugal is to visit and spend at least a month in the country before making a final decision

[pauloribeiro]

Hey, I'm Portuguese, and my whole family and I always tip for anything that saves the food, if the service is good.

[awalker]

The "clean bum bum" comment made me laugh. Hey Dave, I read the article about you in the business magazine. Nice piece. Keep up the great videos!

[GabrielRodrigues-uyso]

I’m half Portuguese, half Kiwi and 32! I’ve lived in New Zealand most of my life and want to live in Portugal to learn the language and my culture ❤! But I’m a bit nervous and don’t know where to start! Thanks for the videos, they are giving me a bit of confidence to give it a go!😊

[brochacho]

Mexican here. My wife is from Porto and wants to move back. Currently waiting on my citizenship. I Lived in San Diego and know Baja style Mexican food well. Portugal had TONS of seafood and I look forward to seeing what I can source when I move there and maybe open a small Ensenada style taqueria… All depends on if I can source what I need to get the flavors and quality I require to do it.

[kittimcconnell]

We lived in southern Germany when I was young, and my older teenaged sisters could walk home from a friend's house at 10:30pm ore even midnight in perfect safety. I really miss that!

[maxflight]

What’s the best thing about Portugal 🇵🇹?
*almost zero crime* (compared to the rest of the world !! )
Thank the hard working and efficient GNR

[voxjanet]

Well done, as usual! And love your recent makeover! Also, this set with the plants and tiles, plus nice lighting - lovely!

[billify]

Another great video, Dave! I have to say, your commentary on toilets is spot on. I'm so glad that someone said the quiet part out loud. After almost 2 years in Portugal, I thought that I had maybe developed some sort of disfunction. Good to realize the it's not just me. Smooth move, my friend! (sorry, I couldn't help myself) 🤪

[pt]

Great show Dave. Always look forward to your commentary

[elainemcguirk]

Great video ! The toilets and the driving fast and cutting corners on rural roads really resonated . I thought maybe it was only me that had noticed 🤨

[jorgegarrido]

I am Portuguese. Just to say that I liked your video, as it is mostly correct. Some of the “bad” things you mentioned, I don’t like them also. I am 60 years old I have experienced a lot of changes (for good) in this great small country. I have hope that those little “bad” things are going to be corrected over time. We count on you that come abroad, to help! Please be very welcome!

[andreaorofalo]

Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Any way is not just about safety...Portugal is beautiful beyond words.