About Diego56

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Portugal: Where to live in Portugal:

We are also planning a trip to Portugal to explore our options where to retire. We love the architecture of Lisbon and the vibe of an urban center. However, we are also avid tennis players and looking for friendly people who would like to play tennis. I am not necessarily seeking to live in an area where there are lots of expats. However, I am worried about the ability to make Portuguese friends as my Portuguese is not strong enough for communication and to make friendships (I am studying Portuguese now but it could be a years before I am fluent). Thus, I do not want to be too isolated. My question are two fold: 1) If my Portuguese is weak, will I feel left out and lonely even though many Portuguese speak English? Thus, should I abandon my desire to live in Lisbon and consider living in a bigger expat area such as Cascais and the Algarves (particularly Faro and Carvoeiro) which has good tennis)? My second question is there a city or town in Portugal that has good tennis and quaint cobble stone streets? I know this is probably the Algarves, but I am not a partier. Instead, I enjoy wandering through streets, culture and people. Thus, the Algarves may not be for me as the beach is not of primary importance and I am not looking for the next Cancun, Mexico or Miami Beach. As for Porto, I find this city very attractive, but I am looking for somewhat sunny climate and worry that it may be too cold and rainy. Please advise if I am wrong. Any suggestions to find the right fit would be great. Obrigado!! Diego

Portugal: Long term rental-Lisboa:

Can anyone recommend a website for long term rentals in Lisbon? I am particularly interested in a 2T in Chiado or equivalent neighborhoods. I have found lots of apartments for sale but very few quality rentals. Does Lisboa have a signifiant rental market? Diego56

Malta: malta verses lisbon:

I am interested in moving to either Malta or Lisbon (also possibly Cascais and Estoril). I have visited both but never lived in either. Both places seem like they could have similar desirable qualities. Could anybody comment if they know both places in terms of similarities and differences. Is Malta as safe as Lisbon and as friendly. I am also an avid tennis player. Is one city better than the other for tennis and finding people to play with. Many thanks for answering what could be basic questions. Diego

Portugal: Malta verses Lisbon:

I am interested in moving to either Malta or Lisbon (also possibly Cascais and Estoril). I have visited both but never lived in either. Both places seem like they could have similar desirable qualities. Could anybody comment if they know both places in terms of similarities and differences. Is Malta as safe as Lisbon and as friendly. I am also an avid tennis player. Is one city better than the other for tennis and finding people to play with. Many thanks for answering what could be basic questions. Diego

Portugal: Lisbon neighborhoods - tennis:

I'm thinking of moving to Lisbon and would like to focus more on neighborhoods that may be best for me. I am an avid tennis player. Could you advise if there are any tennis clubs in the city or do I need a car to reach them. What are some good neighborhoods that are close by tennis clubs/courts. Besides tennis, safety is my top priority. Thank you for any advice you can provide. Diego

Portugal: Potential places to live:

Thank you for your response to Auburngrad82. I find the feedback and advise on Expat Exchange very helpful. We are also planning a trip to Portugal to explore our options where to retire. We love the architecture of Lisbon and the vibe of an urban center. However, we are also avid tennis players and looking for friendly people who would like to play tennis. I am not necessarily seeking to live in an area where there are lots of expats. However, I am worried about the ability to make Portuguese friends as my Portuguese is not strong enough for communication and to make friendships (I am studying Portuguese now but it could be a years before I am fluent). Thus, I do not want to be too isolated. My question are two fold: 1) If my Portuguese is weak, will I feel left out and lonely even though many Portuguese speak English? Thus, should I abandon my desire to live in Lisbon and consider living in a bigger expat area such as Cascais and the Algarves (particularly Faro and Carvoeiro) which has good tennis)? My second question is there a city or town in Portugal that has good tennis and quaint cobble stone streets? I know this is probably the Algarves, but I am not a partier. Instead, I enjoy wandering through streets, culture and people. Thus, the Algarves may not be for me as the beach is not of primary importance and I am not looking for the next Cancun, Mexico or Miami Beach. Any suggestions to find the right fit would be great. Obrigado!! Diego

Portugal: Residency Visa (Not the Golden Visa):

Dear beeg1234, I hope this message finds you well and settled in Portugal. Thank you for your message as of 9.28.2016 as you were very helpful in answering my most major concerns regarding residency. Its seems as if my husband and I have very similar backgrounds to you and the same interests. If you don't mind, I would appreciate if you could comment and/or answer regarding the following questions/concerns: 1) Attorney-could you provide the law firm's name and your contact. 2) Internet-is the internet in Lisbon as fast as the high speed internet in SFO or will I have to be more patient? 3) Banking-do you use an international bank, such as Barclays, or a local bank. 4) Real Estate-Did you employ a real estate agent? Could you share her or his name and contact info? 4) Rental prices-If I were to pay about $7,000 in SFO or NYC for a 1-2 bedroom luxury rental, what would be the price of an equivalent apartment in Lisbon or Cascais? 5) Health insurance-We want to be very well insured and get excellent care. Would you suggest expat insurance through a carrier such as BlueCross Blueshield? 6)Language-If my Portuguese is rudimentary, would the Portuguese people be patient and friendly as I try to learn the language? I have lived in France where the French were not patient with me as I tried to learn the language. On the other hand, when I lived in Mexico, the Mexicans were very friendly and appreciative as I tried to learn Spanish. What would be the attitude of the Portuguese? 7) Tennis-I'm a tennis enthusiast who loves to play every day. Are there tennis clubs in Cascais, Estoril, or Lisbon I can join to find people to play with? 7) Economy-How is the economy? Are businesses still open and functioning? Do people have jobs? Is there increased crime? As I understand, the social PM rolled back austerity measures and will maintain fiscal discipline. Do you feel as if you are living in a depressed economy? 7) Pets-Were you able to bring your dog? Did you get a Euro pet passport? 8) Now that you have arrived, do you experience any major frustrations? What do you love the most about your new life and home? In advance, I'm sorry for so many questions, but would appreciate if could find time to answer. Best, Diego56

Date Joined:

10/17/2016

Total Posts:

11

Posts/Day:

0.06