Lisbon, Portugal
"Lisbon is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. The city is known for its mild climate, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. Expats are drawn to Lisbon for its low cost of living, excellent public transportation, and diverse cultural attractions. The city is also home to a thriving expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support. With its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, Lisbon is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home." Here are some highlights of our article Lisbon, Portugal:
Cost of Living in Lisbon
When asked if the cost of living in Lisbon is lower than their home country, one member said, "Absolutely. My monthly cost of living in Lisbon is half of New York's and the quality of life has tripled." "The cost of a private plan is half or less than charged in the US. Health insurance can be purchased through banks or a few organizations, such as the Automobile Club of Portugal or 'afpop'. These offer even better group rates than the bank rates," explained another expat living in Lisbon, Portugal. For more on the cost of living in Lisbon, check out our article: Cost of Living in Lisbon.
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Healthcare in Lisbon
"As a foreigner living in Lisbon, you will have access to public healthcare. Portugal has a universal healthcare system, which means that all citizens and legal residents are entitled to free healthcare. The public healthcare system in Portugal is generally of a high quality, with a wide range of services available. The Portuguese government also provides subsidies for certain medical treatments, such as dental care and prescription drugs. In addition, there are a number of private healthcare providers in Portugal, which offer more specialized services at a cost," wrote one member. For more on the healthcare in Lisbon, check out our article: Expats Talk about Health Insurance and Healthcare in Lisbon.
Meeting People in Lisbon
"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."
Best Places to Live in Lisbon
Our article, 11 Best Neighborhoods in Lisbon , highlights some of the best places to live based upon the recommendations of our members. One expat recommended expat "find three or four agents at reputable agencies (ReMax, Coldwell Banker, and local ones that look good), some sites specify which agents speak English, in case you don't speak Portuguese. Tell them what you're looking for. Lots of nice areas, there should be more qualification than that though, like transportation, parking (if you need it), supermarkets nearby, jet noise ( a problem in some nice areas), accessibility to airport, if you think you will be traveling a lot. If you don't need to be in Lisbon proper, look at some of the areas around it, like along the Cascais rail line and across the river."
