08 Apr 2025
Relocating to Portugal is an exciting experience for Nepalese expats, students, and workers. The country offers a warm climate, a high quality of life, and excellent work opportunities. However, despite the welcoming atmosphere, many Nepalese in Portugal encounter a culture shock they never anticipated. While adapting to new customs and ways of life is expected, one aspect of Portuguese culture tends to catch Nepalese entirely off guard.
Adjusting to a foreign country means learning new habits, embracing different social norms, and sometimes feeling out of place. This transition can be challenging, especially when confronted with customs that differ significantly from what is familiar back home. Understanding this cultural contrast and navigating it can make the adaptation process smoother.
For new Nepalese in Portugal, here are the major cultural shocks that will affect them.
One of the most unexpected cultural shocks for Nepalese in Portugal is the stark difference in communication styles. Nepalese people are known for their polite, indirect, and respectful way of speaking. In Nepalese culture, being too direct is often considered rude or inappropriate, especially in professional and social settings. However, in Portugal, people value openness and directness in conversation.
Portuguese people do not hesitate to express their thoughts or opinions candidly, even when discussing personal matters. They may openly disagree with you or give blunt feedback without sugarcoating their words. This can feel overwhelming or even rude to Nepalese, who are used to a more subtle and diplomatic way of communicating. However, understanding that this directness is a cultural norm rather than an act of rudeness can help ease the discomfort.
Another surprising difference is Portugal's relaxed approach to work schedules. Nepalese workers are accustomed to a structured, disciplined work culture where punctuality and hierarchy are strictly maintained. In contrast, Portuguese workplaces often have a more laid-back approach. People may arrive at work later than expected, take long lunch breaks, and engage in friendly conversations during working hours.
While this relaxed attitude can be refreshing, it can also be challenging for Nepalese professionals who are used to a faster-paced, highly structured work environment. Adapting to this change requires patience and understanding that Portuguese culture deeply values work-life balance. Retaining flexibility while maintaining personal discipline can help Nepalese workers feel more at ease.
Personal space and physical gestures are another area where Nepalese experience cultural differences. In Nepal, physical touch is often reserved for close family members or specific social contexts. Public displays of affection, such as hugging, kissing on the cheeks, or holding hands with friends, are uncommon. However, in Portugal, these gestures are a normal part of daily interactions.
Portuguese people greet each other with two kisses on the cheeks, even upon meeting for the first time. They may stand close during conversations and use hand gestures to emphasize their points. This can initially feel uncomfortable for Nepalese, who are used to maintaining a more reserved and distant approach. However, understanding that this is a form of friendliness rather than intrusion can help adapt to Portuguese social norms.
Every expat experiences culture shock as a natural part of moving to a new country. While the biggest cultural surprises for Nepalese in Portugal are often the directness of communication, relaxed work culture, and different social norms, adapting to these changes is entirely possible. The following tips will help you seamlessly blend into your new environment in Portugal.
Adjusting to a new culture does not mean changing one’s identity; it means understanding and respecting the local way of life. Observing social cues, such as how people greet each other, interact in public, and communicate at work, can help Nepalese expats blend in more comfortably.
Learning basic Portuguese phrases can also make communication smoother and signal a willingness to integrate. Mastering basic Portuguese phrases can ease communication barriers. Apps like Duolingo or professional tutors on Italki help expats improve their language skills for better social and workplace interactions.
Additionally, being open to new ways of interaction—whether through gestures, eye contact, or tone—can help bridge cultural gaps.
Cultural adaptation does not mean abandoning one’s roots. Nepalese in Portugal can embrace Portuguese customs while still maintaining their values and traditions. For instance, one can still practice respectful dialogue while adapting to direct communication. Similarly, while getting accustomed to a relaxed work culture, maintaining personal discipline can ensure a balance between professionalism and flexibility.
Celebrating Nepalese festivals, cooking traditional meals, and practicing cultural customs at home can also provide a sense of belonging. At the same time, participating in Portuguese traditions, such as local festivals or social gatherings, can help Nepalese expats feel more connected to the new environment.
One of the best ways to ease culture shock is to connect with other Nepalese expats and local Portuguese communities. Expats who have lived in Portugal for a while can offer valuable insights, guidance, and emotional support. Engaging with local communities also helps one understand and embrace Portuguese culture more effectively.
Various Nepalese and international expat groups in Portugal provide networking opportunities, social gatherings, and cultural exchange events. Being part of such communities not only reduces feelings of isolation but also helps one learn and adapt more quickly.
With an open mind, patience, and a willingness to embrace new customs, Nepalese expats can integrate successfully into Portuguese society. Over time, what once felt unfamiliar will become a regular part of everyday life. By maintaining a balance between Nepalese values and Portuguese traditions, expats can create a fulfilling and enriching experience abroad.
For those sending financial support back home, finding a reliable way to send money to Nepal from Portugal is essential. Ensuring a secure and cost-effective money transfer allows Nepalese expats to stay connected with their families while managing life in Portugal. Embracing cultural adaptation while staying rooted in one’s heritage makes the journey of living abroad more rewarding.
Nepalese are used to indirect and polite communication, while Portuguese people express their thoughts openly, which can initially feel blunt.
Understanding work-life balance, being flexible with schedules, and maintaining personal discipline help adapt.
While not mandatory, participating in local customs helps with integration and makes social interactions smoother.
Observing social cues, joining expat communities, and keeping an open mind are key to adjusting successfully.
They can celebrate Nepalese festivals, cook traditional meals, and stay in touch with the local Nepalese community while embracing Portuguese customs.
