craigandmicki replied to the thread
New Expat Tip Tool on the Portugal forum on May 15, 2013:
We wanted to send out a note to introduce our new Expat Tip Tool. It helps you offer advice and grab tips from other expatriates about international jobs, moving overseas, retiring overseas and more. Use it to keep track of your expat insights and save tips from others living abroad all in one place!
http://www.expatexchange.com/expattips
Or, click on "Expat Tips" on the top of any page of Expat Exchange!
Also, if you would like to add a photo to your profile, you can do that now, too. Click on "My Profile" - "Photo" and upload a photo today!
Fantastic Idea...I've been thinking about consolidating my research and posts in some manner that others can access, and this does the trick. Many thanks!
AliciaSunday posted
Electrician, Windows, on the Portugal forum on May 14, 2013:
Hi, we have just purchased a house near Cadaval, Lisbon and are in need of an electrician, glazier, bramble clearance, new shutters, and possibly above ground pool installation. They need to be able to speak some English. Can anyone recommend anyone or maybe someone to project manage with the contacts? Thanks.
Article Summary: We asked expats about great places to retire in Western Europe. While many Western European countries have prohibitively high living costs, there are a few areas that fit the retirement bill. These are some of the recommendations! (
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SOOOO appreciate all you do Betsy. I am retiring to Italy this year and know nothing about what to expect! Im trying to find other retirees who might like to be part of a group of us from America or Australia [wherever]. Surely making the move within a group would be easier in dealing with the obvious culture shock to be expected!
Thank you for the article. I'm considering Portugal and France, and have noted the areas you mention.

A beautiful place for retirement with sun near beaches and golf course. Opportunity to benefit from Golden Residence Permit Program
A reporter recently contacted Expat Exchange and is working on a story for a major U.S. newspaper about people who have retired abroad and are continuing to work abroad. Her deadline is today.
If you're a retiree who is continuing to work abroad, we would love to hear about what type of work you are doing, any challenges you faced getting the job or getting started on the job and anything else you would like to share. If you started a business as a retiree abroad, tell us about your business and how you decided to start it. If you would be willing to speak with the reporter, please let us know that it is okay to share your name, e-mail and telephone number with the reporter.
Send your comments to Betsy Burlingame betsy@expatexchange.com.
ofilha replied to the thread
update on cost of living on the Portugal forum:
I'm a little confused about how much it would take to have a fairly comfortable life in Portugal.
I currently make around $2500 usd a month living as a single male in Florida. That will go up a little once I start collecting social security in a few months.
I have researched this topic to death and posted the same question on other sites, but keep getting different responses from that would be a tight budget to that is plenty for a single person to live on. Now, if I look at it as euros, than I know that isn't much. Could someone please help me to get a more clearer picture of whether this amount is doable or do I need to rethink my plan. Thanks
ofilha replied most recently with:
I have checked into private health insurance and there are a couple big companies. The thing is that after 70 years old you are no longer eligible. So, after 70 you have to figure out a way to get health care.
From what you said and what i've read on other posts, it looks like getting private health insurance is the way to go. Could you give me a ballpark figure on how much it would cost for a 63 year old male in good health, no medical problems so far. thanks
A reader commented on the Expat Report
Living in Lisbon, Portugal
What activities, clubs and organizations would you recommend to newcomers to help them meet others?
In my experience, restaurants and cafes afforded me the opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships, and practice speaking the language. At nearly every turn, I was able to find people willing to speak English with me and to offer useful help in developing the ability to speak Portuguese. For my part, I have not made any attempts to join expat communities. Instead, a little humility and lots of hard work trying to learn the language has opened doors to friends and families in the local community. All this began by trying to frequent the cafes and restaurants that had employees and clients who were willing to communicate. (
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A reader replied most recently with:
Excellent snapshot of life in this part of Portugal, with a well-balanced view of what it takes to make a move here and to make that move work.
anibalventura replied to the thread
legal rights of expats on the Portugal forum:
I was wondering what the legal rights of expats are if they run into trouble in Portugal. I am not talking about breaking the law. I have read many horror stories about expats in foreign countries that are ripped off by contractors and even landlords and have no choice but to accept the financial and sometimes the legal costs because these countries usually favor the locals, no matter what the situation is. It is common knowledge in Mexico that if you get into a car accident and it's obvious it was the locals fault, it doesn't matter, you are in the wrong and you pay.
Any thoughts of this?
taking advantage of gringos ?
saw your post, and just wanted to say, in terms of legal system, there is no diference between a "local" or foreigner living legally in the country. Same set of rules applyes, and same dificulty dealing with the legal system occurs if you are a native of expat facing some problems or simple litigation.
A reader commented on the Expat Report
Review of CLIC - Colegio Luso Intenacional do Centro in Marinha Grande , Portugal
How would you describe the facilities at this school? What extra-curricular activities are available?
Great International enviroment.
Many Sport activities, Swimming, Ballet, Judo, Robotics, Art plus music club!
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A reader replied most recently with:
Can any tell me if the CLIC school based in Marinha Grande is good. I am thinking of enrolling may child there in 2014.
A reader commented on the Expat Report
Moving to Cascais and Estoril, Portugal
What advice would you give someone preparing to move to your area about the actual move, choosing a neighborhood and finding a home?
The same advice related to a move anywhere. You must be here for some time - a month or two - before you select your home. Walk the many neighborhoods, see what amenities are around you, and work with a local realtor who comes recommended. If you like a quiet, more rural life, there are many villages and towns that meet this need. A good urban life is in Lisboa, and the coast just outside of Lisboa offers access to everything. If you're an EU citizen, everything you do is easier. For Americans, the process of getting a residency is twice as complicated and twice as time consuming, so getting advice from someone who has done/is doing it will help reduce your effort and anxiety. (
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A reader replied most recently with:
One of the best comprehensive responses that addresses this same template of questions I have read (various countries)in a year.
Thank you Craig and Micki !