I’ve discovered six things the Brits do better than Europeans since moving abroad
AS THE irritating stereotypes go, Brits have questionable dental care, an abysmal cuisine and soggy weather.
However, as an expat of four years, I’ve come to the conclusion that the national flack we get as a country isn’t entirely fair.
Since I moved to Portugal in the summer of 2020, it has become clear to me that – while there’s room for improvement in some areas – the UK certainly has its strong points.
Here are some things about this country, which I’ve come to appreciate all the more since leaving…
Online shopping
Now, it’s not that this doesn’t exist outside of the UK, but ordering items to our doorstep – from clothes to gadgets – is such a seamless experience in this country that it has become second nature.
Depending on the retailer and where you live, many Brits can even expect delivery within hours – and you’ll be kept updated with tracking every step of the way.
I’ve found this is something of a foreign concept in Portugal, where I always allow a month for online purchases – and, as a result, will just shop the old-fashioned way if it’s more urgent than that.
Miss the delivery and there’s often no note or repeat attempt, meaning many packages destined for my Lisbon flat have found their way back to sender.
Supermarket convenience food
The range of local produce, deli counters and bakery options in foreign supermarkets, like those in Portugal, are truly impressive.
However, for those who – like me – aren’t so gifted at cooking from scratch, then they can be a daunting place.
Indeed, British supermarkets are a feast for the eyes in terms of kitchen shortcuts – from pre-chopped veg to pre-prepared sauces, and the odd ready meal should you be in a rush.
You’ll also usually find a range of own-brand items on the shelf at various price points – from budget to premium – and self-checkout or till-less stores means you’re out the door in no time.
(Fake) blonde hair
Like 39 per cent of Brits who colour their hair, according to a Mintel survey, I religiously head to the hairdressers to keep my brunette locks blonde.
Given its popularity on UK shores, colourists here are a dab hand at getting manes a perfect golden.
No shade, but after quite a bit of investigative research, I’ve struggled to get the same ‘natural’ look for my tresses on the continent.
I can’t help but think it’s because blonde is a less popular request, in a place where gorgeous thick dark hair reigns supreme.
As a result, I’ll even prioritising scheduling in trips back to the UK when my roots are in desperate need of doing.
Royalty
Whatever your personal beliefs, there’s no doubt the royal family are one of the most globally recognised parts of our national identity.
TV stations in Portugal, who abolished theirs in 1910, didn’t just include the Queen Elizabeth’s death on their news bulletins – they practically paused all other coverage.
Prior to that, when Prince Harry and Meghan Markle appeared on Oprah in 2021, it was a huge talking point here.
The royals are also the single thing I’m asked most about with regards to the UK, with those from other countries keen to know if I’ve ever seen them or my thoughts on the system.
I can see why it’s a fascination that draws so many tourists, with as many of 60 per cent found in research by Visit Britain to visit places associated with them.
Bank holidays
In the UK, we may moan about not having enough bank holidays or that so many are lumped into May.
However, our eight days at least make a bit more sense than Portugal’s 13, which are similarly linked to religion or history.
Unlike in the UK, where we tend to have these official days off on a Friday or Monday – to align nicely with the weekend – in other European countries they stick vehemently to a particular date.
This means that, in 2024 in Portugal, many public holidays are on an awkward Wednesday or Thursday – forcing many Portuguese to have a disjointed week or use annual leave to fill in the gaps.
Lunchtime ‘meal deal’
There’s nothing wrong with a leisurely three-course midday meal if you are on holiday, but ‘grabbing something nice and quick to eat’ if you’re pressed for time isn’t so much of a reality in Portugal.
Indeed, one of the UK’s unlikely national treasures has to be the humble lunchtime ‘meal deal’ that keeps countless busy Brits fuelled until dinner.
The clever concept was pioneered by none other than Boots all the way back in 1985, with its popularity thanks to value and convenience causing numerous other brands to follow suit.
Today, for many of us, the foundations of lunch are a sandwich, snack and drink, and we shouldn’t have it any other way…
What do Portuguese call Brits abroad?
‘Camone’ – pronounced ‘cam-moan’ – is used for people who speak English as their first language.
While there are many other northern European visitors to Portugal – like Germans, Dutch and those from Scandinavian countries – this nickname is used for us alone.
It derives from the words “come on”, which natives used to frequently hear Brits say to one another, when we first started holidaying in the country decades ago.
While ‘camone’ may be said in a hushed way by the Portuguese, instead of the ‘inglês’ – which is easier for us to translate – it is usually meant endearingly and isn’t generally intended to be offensive.
The other nickname locals have for us, while also not meant to be rude, is slightly less than flattering.
It is ‘bife’ – pronounced ‘bee-fee’ – and is the Portuguese word for a meat steak, of the kind you may order in one of their restaurants.
Brits have acquired the nickname thanks to our tendency to sunbathe without using enough sun protection on our generally paler skin – leaving us alarmingly red in the eyes of the locals.