Lisbon, Portugal
An expat in Lisbon talks about learning Portuguese, the warmth of the Portuguese people and living in Lisbon.
Lisbon
3 years
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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As readers likely know, the long tradition on this end of the Iberian Peninsula of traders, explorers, and mixing cultures means that Portugal is a place of extreme diversity. It should go without saying that one can find pockets of people with more narrow views. The influx of disadvantaged people from the ex-colonies in Africa and to a lesser extent Brazil means that there are those cold shoulders blaming economic hardship on immigrants. However, speaking from the point of view of a US citizen, even the most hard-lined opinions about politics and capitalism were nearly always tempered with a good measure of curiosity about my experience and life before Portugal. A little curiosity and understanding on the part of the newcomer about Portugal can almost guarantee a smile and a bit of friendly conversation.
The Lisbon area serves a great number of industries. Tourism and service tend to be areas of extreme importance at present. Technological industries and research in science and medicine also play important roles for many. But with the current austerity measure biting deep into the pockets of many Portuguese, potential immigrants to Portugal are well advised to research long and hard from abroad before making a move hear. Unemployment hovering around 17% means that there are plenty of eager local workers hoping to snap up the few job opportunities that exist. In fact, many young people graduating from universities are finding their opportunities outside of Portugal. Having a clear plan and perhaps prearranged employment behooves the would-be expat.
Without a doubt, the vast majority of folks that I have met are first and foremost concerned with quality of life. This begins with family and friends. Sure, the economic crisis is hitting hard in Portugal, so one can expect to hear a lot about the hardships and difficulties being wrought by the austerity measures, but one can also begin to feel right a home with new friends. Conversations can certainly be started by anyone interested in football, and any chance to question locals about the rich cultural history is met with excitement and enthusiasm. Basically, if one opens their hearts and minds to Portugal and the Portuguese people, they can expect to meet warm caring people with a propensity for eating, drinking, and sharing times with friends.
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First, plan on learning the language. One need not speak Portuguese in order to survive here, but in order to truly experience all of the wonderful aspects of the city and her inhabitants, speaking the language or even seriously trying too opens doors, shows real respect, and can help you work your way into the hearts of the Portuguese people. Work is a little hard to find right now, but the quality of life and the warmth of the Portuguese people means that if you have enough to get by, you just might feel richer than living a money driven life.
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Expats living in Lisbon, Portugal enjoy a historic cross-roads that has become an economic hub in Western Europe. Expats from all over the world enjoy the Mediterranean climate and diversity of people and culture.
There are a lot of options when picking a neighborhood in Lisbon. Find a few of the many possibilities for living and just exploring.
Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.
A highly-experienced expat offers a detailed look inside health care in Portugal, and the Lisbon area in particular. Covers access to the Portuguese system, medications, private insurance, area hospitals and much more.
An expat living in Lisbon offers advice to others moving to Portugal about learning Portuguese, meeting people and enjoying expat life in Lisbon.
Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.
As the growth of digital nomads has exploded in recent years, governments around the world are beginning to understand the potential they present. Madeira Islands is trying to seize this opportunity with its innovative digital nomads village project.
Not surprisingly, expats in Portugal are very happy with the quality of the expat experience they enjoy on the Iberian Peninsula. Read on to see how satisfied and read some quotes about what it's like to live there.
Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.
Portugal is a safe, expat-friendly country with stunning beaches, cities, popular beach towns and sleepy fishing villages. We've compiled a list of 12 of the best places to live based upon expats' recommendations. They include Lisbon, Cascais, Lagos, Tavira, Ericeira, Caldas da Rainha, Tomar, Nazare, Coimbra, Porto, Guimaraes and Braga.
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.
Joemabee1Anyone able to get health insurance with existing diabetes?
Joemabee1Anyone able to get health insurance with existing diabetes?
Get a quote for expat health insurance in Portugal from our partner, Cigna Global Health.
Get a Quote
Expats living in Lisbon, Portugal enjoy a historic cross-roads that has become an economic hub in Western Europe. Expats from all over the world enjoy the Mediterranean climate and diversity of people and culture.
Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.
There are a lot of options when picking a neighborhood in Lisbon. Find a few of the many possibilities for living and just exploring.
Support your favorite restaurants in Lisbon as they recover from the pandemic. Submit a free listing for them on Expat Exchange to help spread the word about them to the expat community.
A highly-experienced expat offers a detailed look inside health care in Portugal, and the Lisbon area in particular. Covers access to the Portuguese system, medications, private insurance, area hospitals and much more.
An expat living in Lisbon offers advice to others moving to Portugal about learning Portuguese, meeting people and enjoying expat life in Lisbon.
A New Yorker talks about moving to Lisbon in hopes of finding a slower pace of living, shorter commutes, more friends, better food, better weather and access to more affordable culture events.
Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.
As the growth of digital nomads has exploded in recent years, governments around the world are beginning to understand the potential they present. Madeira Islands is trying to seize this opportunity with its innovative digital nomads village project.
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