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Portugal Forum

7 years ago

Safety, social atmosphere for retired American single woman?

7 years ago
I am 69, divorced, retired on SS pension and a civil service pension, probably together adequate to live in Portugal. Very well traveled (not afraid to travel alone and have lived and worked in all kinds of developing countries), political liberal and well educated former journalist. I am not the kind to sit around or play cards and shuffleboard....would like to travel, enjoy the food, mingle with the locals, and also find some forward-thinking, fun expat friends. Any suggestions on what part of Portugal might be a good fit for me when I am ready to come there in about a year (winter 2017)? I have read a bit about the non habitual residency visa. I don't want to become a Portuguese citizen, but I want ideally to stay in the country for years and come and go at will to other destinations around the world and periodic returns to the US. Is that even possible without some kind of citizenship comittment and/or big bank deposit such as one needs to make in Ecuador and Thailand to "buy" a resident visa. I don't have the $25,000 to do that. I am clueless on the long term visa situation (what you can get, the hoops to jump through,, the contacts in the US to accomplish the paperwork, etc). I am not planning to import any vehicles or pets or household goods, just want to rent a flat that is cheap, nice and furnished. I love the beach, I love the city, I love the country, I love the mountains! I don't mind the cold but I am not at all happy spending extended time in heat over about 80 degrees F. Ideally someplace in the country that is not more than an hour from the beach by rented car or public transportation. I can google but I would really appreciate having that invaluable advice that only expats living in the country or who have lived there recently can offer. Thanks so much!

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Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Flexible solutions allow you to tailor your cover to meet your needs and budget. Use Promocode: LIFE10 and get 10% off your international health insurance for life!
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Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

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