Hostility to expats, particularly Americans? Spain and Portugal
Posted by Oogiville@reddit | expats | View on Reddit | 146 comments
Maybe I'm overthinking everything but my husband is Portuguese and I am from New York. We are seriously considering a move to Portugal and then to Spain. My husband is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. I only speak English, but I enjoy learning languages and am learning Portuguese, then Spanish.
Do you get a lot of hostility from locals and other expats for being American? I see how people talk about and think towards Americans on Reddit. I don't know if that hostility is experienced outside of the internet though?
I would really appreciate any experiences, positive or negative.
RoosterExtension393@reddit
As a person of Spanish descent with a Portuguese last name who also happens to speak Spanish, some of these responses bother me a bit. I understand the competitive pricing completely and maybe being a drunk babbling idiot but a lot of the economy is boosted by American tourism. On one hand you have europeans migrate to America and Americans are like infatuated with them. I know I'm one of those people but then Americans have to walk on eggshells in Europe as to not upset locals like this is a skatepark or surf setting. I'll be in Portugal in a couple of days and I just want to observe the beauty of the land and learn about the history. I specifically picked Portugal because I'm taking my sister but Spain is something I'd like to try next year. I hope my first experience in Europe isn't like most have told me. I know certain places in America can be unwelcoming but those same places are usually blue cities that even hate other Americans because this country is race obsessed
No_Onion_1033@reddit
how was it my friend? did you visit Porto?
RoosterExtension393@reddit
Porto was amazing. Unfortunately I had to keep it very close and so Gaia and Matosinhos were as far out as we made it. The portuguese people were exceptionally friendly and the views were amazing. Aside from my pets I felt 0 homesickness
No_Onion_1033@reddit
nice! i am looking to move to Porto upon receipt of a job, i play music and video edit. my time in america has come to an end but its that dang finding an employer willing to sponsor me thats holding me up. i wish i made enough as a freelancer to qualify for the D7 or D8 but I don't...
No_Onion_1033@reddit
did you get a chance to check out the music scene (if thats in your wheelhouse)?
DeliciousFrosting402@reddit
We got to hear it all from the American point of view.
Chelz910@reddit
My sister lived in Spain and spoke pretty decent Spanish. She made a solid effort to blend in and be accepting of their culture. However, she barely made friends, was met with rudeness because she wasn't Spanish (mind you, I didn't say American), and she hated it and was dying to come home after 6 months.
I didn't find Spain to be particularly friendly to anyone other than Spanish people. This didn't have much to do with me being American, though. This may not apply to everyone; I'm not talking crap about Spain - I'm just sharing my own actual personal experience. It just seemed like the people didn't like anyone who wasn't Spanish, and anyone who wasn't full-blooded Spanish was some mutt that they looked down upon. I mean, literally look down. This happened in most places I went. I also felt this in Austria. So I got this unfriendliness when I was staying in a larger city. Now, when I went to the outskirts and to the beach, the people were much friendlier, and it was such a relief to be around normal, nice people again. It made me wish I had stayed in the country/beach side instead of the larger city, mostly because of the kindness of the people and complete attitude change.
I can't speak for Portugal. I've never been there. However, I have found that in any country I go to, I try to adopt principles of their fashion/dress/modesty so I don't stand out like a sore thumb. I learn at least the basics of their language and use it to get around, even if it is obvious it is not my first language. I do make an effort to respect their culture and language, and I'm kind to whatever country I'm in. Generally, I'm not asked too much about where I am from unless it comes from friendly curiosity. Most are surprised I'm American. I also don't flaunt this information whatsoever because I myself am not personally proud to be American.
So, to answer your question, in general and outside of Spain/Portugal I am rarely met with hostility for being American. People rarely assume that. But I am met with rudeness because I am not "one of them." This generally only happens after I've opened my mouth, though, and they can tell my attempt at their language is not my first. The only country I've never experienced this in was Italy.
JosebaZilarte@reddit
Strange... maybe they confused you with one of the many illegal Latin American immigrants that are entering the country? Because Spaniards are really friendly but most of them (specially younger generations) are going through really hard times, and latin immigrants are the first to be blamed for lowering salaries to the point that local people can not compete for the jobs (without lowering their living standards).
Heavy-Bad-8283@reddit
Or maybe Spanish people should learn to work and not drink and have siestas everyday. Stop blaming minorities when the system is at fault
happygolucky1978@reddit
Spaniards look down on them. And they can tell American "latinos" and criticize what they see as very poor Spanish.
xavier_alfonso@reddit
I spent a semester in Spain many years ago, and have returned frequently to visit since then, and I have had overwhelmingly positive experiences there… I am an American (USA) of Latin American origin and a native Spanish speaker…Spain is my favorite country, and I have some very good Spanish friends…if my experience had been negative there, I wouldn’t be returning there as much as I do…I’m not saying other people haven’t had negative experiences there, but that hasn’t been my experience at all
Diamond-Breath@reddit
I hated being in Spain as a Latina, they're really unfriendly and rude. At least most of them.
JosebaZilarte@reddit
This is a critical data point. No matter where are you from. If you look like one of the many illegal immigrants from Latin America, you are going to be look down by default. Not exactly because of racism per se (in fact, your physical appearance and accent might even be appreciated), but because of association with them.
Diamond-Breath@reddit
Racism, in other words.
JosebaZilarte@reddit
It is not as much racism as xenophobia. The kind that it is amplified by economic problems. In other circumstances, Spaniards would have find you "exotic" and would have welcome you into their social groups.
Diamond-Breath@reddit
I was staying with my cousin who's married to a Spaniard and we spent a lot of time with her family. They were good people. But I did notice how strangers treated my mom and her when we were out. Very rude and uncivilized.
xavier_alfonso@reddit
I spent a semester abroad years ago in Spain, and I return frequently and I am an American (USA) of Latin American origin and a native Spanish speaker, and I had a positive experience there overall…if I didn’t, I wouldn’t return frequently to Spain.
Diamond-Breath@reddit
I'll be honest, I went for 3 weeks to Spain and they were awfully rude. A Spanish lady got mad at my grandma (who is Spanish btw) for saying that her dog had no hair. They also scream at you in the stores when you ask questions. And in another incident my cousin accidently bumped a couple of Spaniards and they cussed them out. They're really dry and have an air of superiority.
We're from PR btw, Latinos with US citizenship. I was really disappointed with how they treated us there. Spain has beautiful architecture but I didn't like the people.
happygolucky1978@reddit
They look down on PR and don't think you speak proper Spanish. I'm Portuguese and spent a lot of time in Spain/ have a lot of Spanish friends. I've heard it all (their opinions)
MexicanPete@reddit
Spanish are mostly racist / hostile to Africans and Latinos. All locals will have some level of disregard due to rising costs caused by migrants from wealthy countries. That's normal.
I'm American and have never felt anything more than maybe a mild annoyance in either of those countries (I do speak Spanish though) but usually people are very nice.
atzucach@reddit
So you've assigned a negative quality in broad strokes to "most" of 47 million people.
I know there's some sort of term for this, but I can't quite put my dinger on it....
dinochoochoo@reddit
You got downvoted because it seems that you misread the comment. They were saying that of the Spanish people who are racist, they are mostly racist toward those groups.
They didn't say that most Spanish people are racist or hostile toward those groups.
Entire_Sky2884@reddit
You also got downvoted
jnnrz@reddit
He's not wrong
MexicanPete@reddit
You're right. I really hate generalizing countries populations this way. My mistake.
In my experience I haven't seen any prejudice by Spanish people towards any other groups except Latinos and Africans. Of course not all Spanish people are prejudice and my previous comment didn't make that clear and it should have. My apologies
AppropriateStick518@reddit
Don’t apologize for being right.
atzucach@reddit
Right according to anecdotal experience? On what are you basing this certainty of Spanish racism?
atzucach@reddit
Downvotes but no answers. Classic reddit lol
EffectiveEggplant787@reddit
What about Eastern Europeans like Bulgarians and Romanians?
szayl@reddit
And Asians
JosebaZilarte@reddit
Not all Asians. If you identify (or are recognized as) Japanese, you'll get an even better treatment than locals (but also be considered an "easy target" for pickpocketers). Such is the good reputation of tourists from that country.
Conversely, if you are labeled as Chinese...
Quiet-Department-X@reddit
Avoid basing your views on Reddit and you’ll be ok. People are the same everywhere.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
I agree - don't only do your research on Reddit. However, I beg to differ. Some places, more insular towns, perhaps, that historically receive less foreigners, may be xenophobic and this can come off as racist. Some of these towns know how special they are in beauty, etc. and do not want foreigners coming in, taking over, and becoming gentrified. Its understandable but on the receiving end also painful.
Quiet-Department-X@reddit
The idea that “insular” towns are automatically xenophobic or racist feels like a hasty generalization. Sure, some places may be less accustomed to foreigners, but that doesn’t mean they’re hostile by default. A lot depends on how individuals integrate into the community — learning the language, showing respect for local customs, etc.
The claim that beautiful towns don’t want foreigners “coming in and taking over” sounds like a bit of a slippery slope, too. Gentrification is a real issue, but it’s more complex than just people moving in from abroad. It often has more to do with housing policy and economic factors than someone’s nationality.
Anecdotally, I know many expats who’ve had overwhelmingly positive experiences in both countries — especially when they made the effort to connect locally and weren’t just living in expat bubbles.
thinkscotty@reddit
People in real life tend to be about 6,000% more welcoming than on Reddit. Of course there are always going to be exceptions but I can almost guarantee that if you act like a normal, humble human being you'll be great!
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
I think the vast majority of travelers don't speak the language fluently when visiting, especially when they're just getting to know a country. You could be an angel and all you have to do is open your mouth and they'll hear your broken language for that country and then it's over. You can be as nice as you please and they'll still treat you poorly. Its sad, but true.
emeaguiar@reddit
Keep in mind that most “expats” inherently are not good for the country. Gentrification, a rise in prices, etc. can make people cautious of them
That plus most expats not speaking the language, not socializing with the locals. Maybe it will not be the case in Portugal.
Just don’t be an asshole, nor think you deserve some special treatment for being American
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
I agree with you. But you could not bother anyone and still get flack.
greasemonk3@reddit
I’m an American and have been living in Spain for 9 years now. I’ve received zero hostility for being American lol.
People think it’s real cool I’m from there but then it’s not uncommon for them to ask me what I think about US foreign policy, guns or Trump as they usually think all that shits crazy.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
Just like 50% of us do.
Extension_Giraffe986@reddit
May I suggest that speaking the language above basic level will go a long way towards showing respect for the country and willingness to integrate 🙂
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
Absolutely! Eu estou a aprender.
We went to Portugal in June to visit family and although my Portuguese is still basic, everyone was thrilled I made an effort to learn and try. I had made this post before visiting Portugal, but after visiting I have no concerns about hostility. Everyone was incredibly kind and welcoming.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
If you don't have family there it can be a different story.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
True. But that takes time & money. So, until then expect rude, unwelcoming behavior?
Unusual-Olive-6370@reddit
I’m from the U.S. living in Portugal now and I can Reddit does not reflect the majority of the population here who are very warm to everyone.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
Not true in Viseu, Portugal.
ISuspectFuckery@reddit
To me, it’s entirely in how you act - the Americans (and Brits) that seem to be disliked in Spain speak English loudly in public, are often drunk, and pay higher rent than the locals thus pricing the locals out of their own towns.
The first two are easy to avoid, the last one can be difficult.
amadorUSA@reddit
I was born in Spain and this is the right answer. It's mostly the attitude you have. Try to get involved in local culture and activities. Do not wall off your existence to expats only.
Definitely do not appear on internet sites or cable news boasting how "easy" it is to live in Spanish or Portuguese towns or province capitals with your American salary or pension. This is spitting on the face of people that have lived there their entire lives and are being priced out of the places they grew up in.
Lopsided_Session1504@reddit
We did none of the things you mentioned, visited Portugal for 3 months having a mostly wonderful time until we visited the beautiful town of Viseu, Portugal where they won the prize for the most hostile behavior towards us. It was quite shocking from the KTEL bus driver to the taxi driver to the Airbnb Host to the cafe/bar owner in the center of town. Beware!
Sanskrit-beautiful@reddit
What if you're still in the very early stages of learning Spanish? Does that cause Spanish people to look down at you when you try and speak their language in a pretty broken way in the street/store/etc?
amadorUSA@reddit
It kinda shows who's a tourist or a recent arrival, and who lives there, doesn't give a fuck, and sees locals as service or as a cultural background.
Sanskrit-beautiful@reddit
So what - only come there when you're fluent? Seems ridiculous to me
I'm a pretty slow learner, hence the question - and I'm learning the language in advance exactly because I do give a f***
derLudo@reddit
Its more the like, nobody will complain if do not speak the language when you are still new in the country. In fact, people are usually happy that you are putting in the effort and will be understanding if you struggle with the language.
But if you live in the country for multiple years, still speak only very limited Portuguese or no Portuguese at all and then go on to complain about the locals not speaking English being an inconvenience to you as an expat, thats the kind of behaviour people rightfully dislike.
Sanskrit-beautiful@reddit
Yah, this rings true, thank you
Waterglassonwood@reddit
The locals will appreciate if you try to speak some Spanish/Portuguese, even if you struggle.
prooijtje@reddit
That's not what they said.
As long as you're putting in effort most people will appreciate it. There will always be assholes though, even once you're fluent in Spanish but still have an accent.
amadorUSA@reddit
Haven't said anything of the sort.
I'm glad you're learning the language.
szayl@reddit
Americans aren't the ones going to Spain, getting into drunken fights in the street and jumping off balconies
acidxjack@reddit
As an American, this is surprising for me to hear 🤣🤣
dscord@reddit
I very much doubt any loud-mouthed American would be able to out-loud your average Spaniard even if he tried. Not even the same league.
alfred-the-greatest@reddit
Yep. I lived in London for ten years. The loudest groups on the tube were ALWAYS Spanish.
Lopsided_Pickle1795@reddit
Maybe they were trying to teach Brits a lesson.
ciaociao-bambina@reddit
The most international city is actually Dubai, then Brussels
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
I don't like obnoxious people either so can relate lol. I was definitely getting in my own head about it all, this has been reassuring.
TheRealMcCoy79@reddit
An asshole is an Asshole whatever passport they hold. Don't be one and you'll be fine.
Dependent-Working-22@reddit
Who is the asshole, when the local or all the digital nomads and expats colonizing and displacing locals?
random-andros@reddit
The locals.
solarboom-a@reddit
One man’s friend is another man’s asshole?
Soccergirl1979@reddit
And if someone us going to judge you poorly simply because you're American, they aren't worth your time.
atwegotsidetrekked@reddit
This is actually great advice.
Dramatic-Lemon-2112@reddit
I think the answer is simple. "Don't be the UGLY American"☮️☮️☮️
leave your UGLY American politics and divisiveness in America.
I'M MOVING TO PORTUGAL to get the hell outta America.
SEE YOU SOON!😊😊😊😊😊
Icy-String-593@reddit
I’ve noticed this online as well. I’ve never had an issue as a tourist, but I worry it’ll be different if I get residency. But I truly don’t understand it. Spain and Portugal colonized the entire world and are major catalysts for modern global migration. Other countries have dealt with the positives and negatives of immigration for hundreds of years, and certain European countries have gotten a taste relatively recently.
Don’t they realize Americans can’t afford groceries and rents and healthcare where we live and that’s why we want to move? Not to mention some of us are concerned for our safety for various reasons. It’s not to lord our income over ppl; America is a really hard place to be… People have always traveled to find a better life. This is a new iteration of that. I love the cultural contributions immigration has brought to America, and I hope European countries start to appreciate it as well.
latamluv@reddit
We don’t want to pay higher rent. It’s the locals who demand the higher rent. Geesh.
nonula@reddit
Well, but it’s complicated, especially because foreigners coming in with relatively large resources, like those who can get the Digital Nomad visa, can blithely do things that jack up local rent prices, without realizing they’re part of the problem. I’m hearing stories of landlords asking for 12 months of rent up front, and Americans thinking “oh that must be the way it works here” and paying it, because they can pay it, and they don’t know any better. From Portugal, I’ve heard of people not only paying a year’s rent up front, but offering “extra rent” above and beyond what was being asked for, just to get ahead of other potential tenants in high-demand places like Lisbon. So there are indeed choices you can make to not make things worse economically for locals. The difficulty is that it’s hard for some people to do something that doesn’t feel like it’s in their own best interest (like foregoing a choice apartment) just to avoid making life worse for other people.
Academic_Eagle_4001@reddit
TBF I did this in Long Beach California. I payed 6 months up front and I paid higher rent than listed. I’m not an expat here. But the housing market is so rough you have to do things to make yourself more desirable to landlords.
nonula@reddit
I understand! That’s what’s so insidious about this kind of geo-arbitrage. Everyone is simply acting in their own self-interest.
CountrysidePlease@reddit
It’s curious because I’m Portuguese and we are about to move to Spain. We see ourselves doing exactly that just to get in the race of getting an apartment. Mind me that it’s not to GET the apartment, but to just be considered. And why? Because they ask for a lot of things that we don’t have yet… it’s one of those situations: we want to move there, we have work there, but we need to live there in order to work. But they only consider you if you have been working there for at least a year… or provide income receipts which we still don’t have… so where should we live? It’s been a hard journey.
nonula@reddit
That’s got to be tough. Maybe just connecting with other people and trying to find a place by word of mouth would be helpful. In the meantime, staying in an AirBnB isn’t the worst idea (although, yes, they’re also part of the problem).
MeggerzV@reddit
The reality though is Portuguese landlords are asking for those extra rents because we don’t have guarantors here. It’s a difficult situation, damned if you do and damned if you don’t. We were told 6 months up front was normal and our landlord is from Estoril.
nonula@reddit
I don’t know what the law is in Portugal, but in Spain it is not legal to ask for more than one month’s rent as a deposit, in addition to the first month’s rent on a lease of over 12 months. Some shady landlords are now offering 11-month leases that aren’t subject to these requirements, and saying it is a “try-out” or some such, again, taking advantage of foreigners who don’t know the law.
Armchare@reddit
No none
Daffidol@reddit
Just downsize your car and you'll be fine europeans like their cities compact with lots of clean air, low traffic and walkable space.
Shooppow@reddit
Eh, it occasionally happens. Last time was when I was helping my wheelchair-bound son get on a tram and a lady tried to shove her way in, in front of him, and I stopped her. I tried to tell her to wait her turn, but she was too busy being incensed that I dared to stop her, and then, when I switched to English and repeated myself, she went off on me because, “We don’t speak English here! Speak French!” She was shocked as shit when my native Francophone husband proceeded to tell her where to go copulate with herself!
I get the feeling people just assume I don’t speak/understand French because of my accent, and then they’re too proud to apologize when they get called on their hatefulness. I’ve been here 5 years and anti-American/anti-Anglophone hate has only happened to me 2-3 times. Believe it or not, but my native-Swiss, Geneva-born husband actually gets more abuse because he is half-N African, so people assume he isn’t from here.
parachute--account@reddit
Yeah the Swiss often aren't great at think of other people
bonspe7@reddit
yeah that's switzerland for you. i know because i live here too
Significant_Owl7745@reddit
Dont learn Spanish then youll never know if they swear at you XD.
szayl@reddit
Just tell the guiris that "tu puta madre" means "have a nice day"
SensitiveDonkey5784@reddit
Emily in Madrid.
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
Big brain idea right there
JosebaZilarte@reddit
One important thing that you should be aware of is than the term "American" does notalways apply just to US citizens. Specially in Spain, where they have to deal with a lot of illegal immigrants from Latin America. Generally, people will understand what you mean by your accent and appearance, but do not take it for granted.
atwegotsidetrekked@reddit
I can’t speak for Portugal or Spain, but expats in Europe do tend to hang out together often.
Here in the Netherlands, our social circle is a mix of Spanish, French, English, Americans (North And South) and Eastern Europeans. Several of them are married to Dutch and they hang around as well.
So in my experience, Europeans who don’t travel much or have always lived in the same place, would be difficult to be friends with, but those who are already living outside their country share your experience.
cjgregg@reddit
Staying in an “expat” bubble where everyone imagines they are very special and much more interesting than the “locals” is incredibly sad.
SensitiveDonkey5784@reddit
They are all experiencing the same huge life changes, of course they're going to gravitate towards each other
atwegotsidetrekked@reddit
That is a big assumption. You are assuming I don’t have social or professional relationships with local people, I do.
It doesn’t take away from really having good friends who are also expats. We share similar challenges and experiences, many of us also share similar interests.
HVP2019@reddit
“A lot” is subjective.
Accept that there is a chance of this happening ( rude, hostile people exist everywhere).
Be aware, as American you will NOT be in “the most hated category of foreigners”. There will be other categories of immigrants who will be hated and discredited way more.
So as long as occasional, rare incident will non border you, you should be OK. But if you want zero chance of such incidents happening, then migration isn’t for you.
SensitiveDonkey5784@reddit
This is a good answer. If you never want to be blatantly and unfairly disrespected, never choose to become a foreigner in another land.
These things happen.
greenplastic22@reddit
I haven't gotten any hostility at all. I'll get stares. Lots of stares. And I guess they could be hostile?? My husband just greets them and then it's fine, sometimes people will start asking questions out of curiosity. I feel a lot more general hostility just existing in America than I do in Portugal. People in my area mostly joke about Brazilian immigrants. I don't think Americans have really heard of where we are, so there's that. There just isn't a high concentration - been here a year and haven't crossed paths with another American where we live. My husband is Portuguese and we moved to his family's home town.
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
Interesting our situations sound like they'd be fairly similar because I am also moving to my husband's home city, and there's hardly any Americans there I think. We're planning to move to a town outside of Viseu.
Peach-Bitter@reddit
I'm in Portugal now and worried that Reddit might reflect a larger shift in attitude since my last visit. Instead, I have been shocked at how kind people are to me. I speak Portuguese poorly if enthusiastically. I have been stupid, clumsy, and troublesome. Yet I have received nothing but kindness.
gigsope@reddit
For what it's worth even in Cascais I rarely see Americans unless I'm in the town and I can't be sure who's a tourist and who lives here. Maybe the Americans are all in Lisbon proper but i rarely see them. Halloween though brings them all out. Huge concentration of Americans at Halloween events. It's fun.
The internet really blows things out of proportion. I thought I'd see tens of thousands of Americans in the Algarve but even there I didn't see it. They're here but so is everyone else.
BrandonLouis527@reddit
I was going to say, I think it depends on where you are. We spend a lot of our time in Pombal and around there when we're in Portugal, and we're usually the only Americans and everyone is very nice to us, but we're also not obnoxious.
If we're in Nazare or Lisbon there are obviously other Americans, but again, we get treated well, just as in any other big EU cities.
fuhrmanator@reddit
I'm an American who works in French and occasionally there's flattering admiration (although I think it's because of a stereotype that Americans can't learn another language). I worked in an international lab in Switzerland and everyone had something to say about the USA, not always kind things, and frequently with little tact. So, it can go both ways. Exposure to all that was an awesome growing experience.
Jsc05@reddit
Never had any issues living in Portugal
No-Guarantee5337@reddit
MeggerzV@reddit
Never. The Portuguese in Lisbon are super cool. Just ignore the online bullshit.
hansalucas6@reddit
My hatred for americans has 100% grown while being on Spain. I simply HATE people who yell instead of speaking at a regular voice volume. Just loud in general. Sometimes they'll do something normal like standing up from a table in starbucks and not lift the chair, hence making a ton of noise which they don't seem to be aware of. It's like yankees have 0 spacial awareness and that comes out disrespectful. I did meet a lovely guy from Texas while being here too, so not every American, I guess. But somehow always an American.
RevolutionaryBook01@reddit
You clearly couldn't have lived in Spain for very long then.... because Spaniards are incredibly loud as a default. Complaining about Americans being loud in Spain of all places just kind of shows your issue isn't loud people and you have some deep-seated prejudice against Americans.
And no, I'm not American.
formation@reddit
Loud Americans always get looked down on in Europe but there's nothing you can do about that 🤷🏾♂️
glwillia@reddit
yeah there is—don’t be loud.
formation@reddit
Try saying that to a pack of Americans excited to be in eataly or whatever.
NicoleJenee@reddit
I’ve experienced issues only with landlords taking advantage of you. Daily interactions are totally fine.
WIPLBH@reddit
Did you arrive and start going on about 'republicans' and other yank talking points? That could be it.
a_library_socialist@reddit
Can you explain this? Like, US Republicans, Spanish Republicans, etc?
WIPLBH@reddit
Like how yanks talk. It's insufferable.
a_library_socialist@reddit
Yanks talk . . . like Republicans? Like supporting guillotining kings or something?
WIPLBH@reddit
Yeah man you got it
Fabuladocet@reddit
At least you’re able to recognize insufferable traits in others. It’s a start!
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
No lol, personally, I've always had good experiences abroad but I know living somewhere can be very different from visiting so I don't want to romanticize what a move would actually be like.
NoProject2532@reddit
I was in portugal for six weeks with my husband’s family getting some things taken care of. I do not speak Portuguese but understand a fair amount. I was in a small town that whole time pretty much. The only time I was made uncomfortable is while getting my hair cut two of the stylists were talking about people coming and not speaking the language then expecting them to speak something other than Portuguese. I hadn’t talked to anyone at that point so they didn’t know i was a non Portuguese speaker. Even when it was my turn they were very nice to me as i struggled with google translate for replies.
btinit@reddit
Real life people are chill. Live your life. Most folks don't carry that many active prejudices.
MrJim911@reddit
I'm an American living in Portugal. I've found the vast majority of Portuguese to be incredibly friendly. I've never come across anyone outwardly anti-immigrant or hostile myself.
glwillia@reddit
in my experience, the obnoxious american behaviors that annoy people are: being loud, talking about how much better the usa is than, and barging up to people without even an “excuse me” and speaking to them in english directly. don’t do any of these and you’ll be fine.
NotAnAltAccount27@reddit
I can’t speak for Spain or Portugal but there seems to be a dislike of Americans from Brits online. In real life I don’t know anyone here who dislikes Americans, if anything we like them, so it could be a similar thing in those countries.
GungTho@reddit
It’s different for you, as a foreigner marrying a native you’re in a different ‘category’ of foreigner that’s much easier for anyone who would have issues to accept.
PeterNjos@reddit
Portuguese are very welcoming and there are few complaints against Americans. They have strong connections to the USA through emigration and if anyone, they are more concerned with Brits and Brazilians.
gigsope@reddit
I have an American accent when I speak English but I do my best with my Spanish and my rudimentary Portuguese. There's no doubt that I'm a foreigner.
Zero problems. Zero hostility. Haven't seen anything that I've read about in all the leaving Portugal groups as far as I'm concerned. Nothing. The only thing I saw was one very I'll behaved expat talking super loud as if the Portuguese were destitute animals in a zoo and everything he knew was better. They wouldn't help him and it was very embarrassing being in the same room. I'm sure he went on to further complain about how shitty everything is but it was all his fault. I was worried it would reflect poorly on my wife and I but we had no problems.
That's the foreigner you don't want to be. Since I've only seen it once I'm assuming it's rare but once you see that can you blame a local for being disgusted by foreigners? It's pretty foul.
You should also have some sense of the plight here. Real estate prices are completely out of control. Locals who don't own a place by now are completely screwed. Imagine tommorrow that you woke up and housing prices had quadrupled. Own a place? Awesome. Everyone else, especially the young people making a grand a month? They're all leaving. I'd imagine that the population pyramid here is very messed up and probably similar to Russia.
solarnoise@reddit
Some of my best friends I've made in Europe are from Spain, and whenever I go to visit them (Madrid/Toledo areas) I always feel welcome (as an American) and treated warmly.
CorporateNonperson@reddit
Not an expat but I just got back from a two week trip to Portugal. Did Regua, Porto and Lisbon.
Regua was the most remote. I'd say that roughly 50% of the population spoke English. Still, it was a tourist facing town. No hostility.
Porto is extremely tourist facing. About 80% spoke English. No hostility.
Lisbon is metropolitan. I'd say 95% spoke English. Multicultural. No hostility. Last day there we went to a lunch spot that was three streets off one of the main corridors. We were probably the only tourists there. It was sort of like a big diner. Probably sat 200. Seemed like everybody was taking a rather long lunch during a normal workday. Couldn't have been nicer. In fact, the more contact in physical interactions was a little strange to me. Lots of touching (hand on a shoulder, touching the back, stuff like that).
I did see some graffiti on expats, but this was in October, so a lot more Isreal/Palestine stuff. A tour guide also mentioned that rent had been driven up.
Given the number of abandoned properties I saw in the Douro and Porto, I'd say it's highly are dependent. I suspect that the towns surrounding Lisbon might be where you'd find the most hostility, given that's where most people working in Lisbon commute from and where most are likely being pushed out further.
tylerthe-theatre@reddit
I can't speak for the Portuguese as a whole but there does seem to be a bit of hostility to expats on the Lisbon sub and online I'm getting the feeling that people are a bit tired the nomad culture that's been bringing people over and raising prices.
barriedalenick@reddit
Outside of the internet I experience only nice warm human integrations here in Portugal and my American friends say the same. We are not in an "expat community" and there aren't many of us here and most locals are genuine, lovey and helpful - the ones who aren't are just generally indifferent. I can't say any of us have ever experienced open hostility - we were chatting about this the other day.
Civanno@reddit
I understand your concern and I believe that there can be some negative opinions but this can happen anywhere in the world. Still dont postpone your plan for these kinds of shits. If you have any problem, you can take mental treatment sessions on Expathy. They are expat psychologists and you can take free sessions from them. https://www.expathy.org/
Yak-Fucker-5000@reddit
From everything I've heard, the Portuguese are some of the friendliest people in Europe. That's with tourists though. Not sure about expats, but I imagine if your husband is Portuguese it won't matter.
StandClear1@reddit
Not while I lived in Spain. Helps that I’m fluent in Spanish. Helps to speak the language and treat people w dignity/respect.
Own_Fee2088@reddit
Just don’t speak Brazilian Portuguese and you’ll be good
deepuw@reddit
I don't think there's hostility towards Americans without there being something else to account for. Could be a certain attitude of entitlement, not putting in the effort to integrate, or even some of the housing issues created with the disparity of expectations about rent prices (or buying).
If you are learning the local language, integrating culturally, living like a local and not being an ass, the fact you're American won't ever be a disadvantage or reason for hostility.
John198777@reddit
People won't be hostile if you make an effort with the language. I've heard for years that French people are rude to tourists and Brits but I've never really experienced that because I studied French for 3 years before arriving.
However, in Spain, someone was rude to me because I couldn't understand what she was saying to me, so I think language is a big factor.
Something specific to Americans is the tax situation. A lot of Americans on Reddit want to claim the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and then pretend to be tourists in the EU, in order to pay no income tax, and I personally get annoyed by these types. You can't tell the US your money is earned in Europe and then tell your European host country that your money is earned in the US, it's tax fraud.
krkrbnsn@reddit
Last year I went to Spain three times and Portugal once. I'm black American and had no issues at all - everyone was friendly and welcoming. That said I've lived abroad for a while now and have dialed down any negative Americanisms - loudness, exceptionalism, entitlement.
Living there is likely a different story due to the housing crises in many cities and remote workers influencing that.
Luvbeers@reddit
It was worse during the Bush years when America invaded Iraq... these days there is not so much hate, they just think we are crazy for shooting each other.
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
I mean fair, we think we're crazy for that as well
Luvbeers@reddit
It was really bad in Europe when Bush invaded Iraq... we were the "evil russians" funny how things change in 10 years.
sleepysparrow-@reddit
I'm going on my second year here, and still struggling to learn the language (though I'm trying!). I have not experienced any rudeness. Portuguese people are actually extremely friendly and helpful and welcoming. When I enter a store or an uber, I always greet people in portuguese and try to stumble my way through what I need in portuguese, excusing myself for not knowing the language and letting them know I am still learning before switching to english (if I have to). Every time, I am treated with kindness!
If you come here just do your best to integrate, learn about the language and the culture, be courteous and polite, and you'll be fine.
bonspe7@reddit
no. it's not germany. learn the language and people will treat you well.
napalmtree13@reddit
People exaggerate on social media because it gets them engagement. You’re also more likely to see similar videos if you show the algorithm that’s what you’re interested in, so then TikTok shows you more videos of smug Europeans making fun of Americans. Or, worse, pick-me Americans trying to prove they’re one of the good ones.
Reddit is just, well, Reddit. Extreme comments are more likely to be replied to. It’s also anonymous (or at least we like to think it is) so people use it to vent/complain.
The reality is that few will have the guts to say negative things to your face and, if they do, it’s actually a good thing because now you know they’re an AH and you should avoid them.
Oogiville@reddit (OP)
So true, I would totally rather people be upfront with it so I know what they're about and avoid them.
ApprehensiveStudy671@reddit
To the contrary ! In Spain, at least here in Madrid, Americans and Canadians are welcome and respected.
There aren't many Americans around but the ones residing here, are pretty happy!
Wide_Annual_3091@reddit
Don’t overthink it. As far as you’ve written, you don’t seem the type to try and bring America with you wherever you are going and you are making the effort to learn the languages. You’ll be fine - people will be more interested than hostile I suspect (though obviously that’s a generalisation).