Try to get to know SOMETHING about your local admin/governmental set-up.
Even if you live in a smaller village or`out on your own`, there WILL be a presence on hand. Think Portuguese - they have questions and concerns, too, and they certainly don`t all have transport.
Whether it`s the Municpio (Camara) or your own Freguesia, that`s the place where you`ll find loads of invaluable information and help. At least try to converse in the language (which WILL create empathy, even if somebody who wasn`t even in the room when you started, begins to act as unofficial interpreter!). Local people might not have the answers, but they WILL be local people, and they`ll know someone who can push your search forward.
Good for ALL public-facing shops and offices, but especially those under State control; use, hopefully sparingly, but as required, the `Livro de Reclamations` (Complaint Book). IT IS A LEGAL OBLIGATION TO PROFFER THIS ITEM WHEN REQUESTED, you may write your complaint in English, you retain a carbonised copy, and you WILL receive feedback.
ReplyDeleteThat`s if you actually get as far as writing IN it. Officials/Management hate (with a vengeance) being criticised, and so the casual introduction of the phrase (pronounced “Leave-ro do Wrac-lam-ashions”) is normally enough to ensure remarkably improved service, and often enough to render further action unnecessary .
I know, I know; shouldn`t come to that. But trust me, it sometimes does. I`ve used said book(s) -twice in eight years- and I`m still here, never been arrested, am not ostracised by the community ……… and had both problems resolved.
Just threaten/use it as a last resort; and be sure of your facts.