Portugal issues warning to UK tourists over making 'big mistake' while on holiday

Portugal issues warning to UK tourists over making 'big mistake' in country
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


UK tourists have been urged not to make a "big mistake" while in Portugal on holiday. European Union holidaymakers have been warned by an expat over a big error they can continue to make while abroad in the sun-kissed holiday destination.

The holidaymaker addressed the "first things" people get wrong when living in Portugal, naming four main misconceptions, including mistaking the Portuguese for the Spanish. @AlexandraVictoriaBonte said on YouTube the mistake is often "assuming 'obrigado' works for everyone."

This is the Portuguese word for "thanks", is gender specific, so expats should remember "it's 'obrigado' for male and 'obrigada' for female". The second point she raised is foreigners often "think Portuguese food is just about bacalao".

ADVERTISEMENT

READ MORE: New restaurant replacing lost Birmingham city centre bar 'will be totally unique' says boss

READ MORE: Aston Villa linked with January transfer move for defender who cost £38m

READ MORE UK faces 'six inches' of snow with England hit on 'five more dates' in January

Alexandra continued: "Expats often think that bacalao is the only dish - it's codfish. No, here we have amazing fresh seafood, and that's what [we're] known for." She explained: "The Algarve has pretty beaches but get ready to have a bit of a cold plunge because that Atlantic ocean is pretty chilly."

Finally, Alexandra said one of the most common misconceptions is "assuming Portugal is just like Spain", which she described as a "big mistake". Alexandra added: "Do not confuse the Spanish with the Portuguese they will not like that. You don't say 'gracias'."

ADVERTISEMENT

A second expat explained the culture can take some getting used to. He said: "It's hard to say this, but the culture of Portugal has been very, very difficult for me to understand." He said: "But the minute you dig deep into it you realise there is a massive culture difference between Portugal and many other places in the world".

Residents, particularly "older people", will "tell you what you want to know if you ask a question, but they won't use initiative and tell you anything else", the YouTuber explained. He added there is a "very, very slow pace of life".