Moving to Portugal

"Expatriates should be aware that the official language of Portugal is Portuguese, so it is important to become conversant in the language in order to be able to communicate effectively. Additionally, a good understanding of Portuguese culture and customs will aid in transitioning to life in Portugal. Expats should also be aware of its diverse climate, with temperatures ranging from hot and dry in the south to cooler temperatures in the north. Being aware of the cost of living in Portugal before moving is important, as it may be more expensive than what expats are used to. Lastly, as with many countries, expats should be aware of potential visa and permit requirements for staying in Portugal for extended periods of time," commented one expat who made the move to Portugal.

"I would recommend Gualtar or Trofa as an area of Braga to live in. It's part of the city, yet doesn't have the "city" feel. It's atmosphere is more "suburban" than anything. The city has everything you need to live a life that you've been accustomed to in the US. Additionally, it's location is spectacular because you have the beach 30 minutes to the west, (awsome) Geres mountains 15 minutes to the east and Spain 40 minutes to the North.... you can't go wrong. :)," remarked one expat in Braga, Portugal.

"Do your research! What are your priorities? Food, wine and weather were ours! Keep in mind that whatever your guess/estimate is it will cost 2-3 times as much as you think and will take as much more time than you think. Find a good realtor and attorney in your new country. Go there and look around and see what feels right. Trust your gut but know your parameters," said one expat in Porto.

"Rent a small property first do not buy as there are too many hurdles to cover without knowing the Portuguses system. There are also at present unscrupulous estate agencies and unless you know who they are you could be on a hiding to nothing," remarked one expat who made the move to Tomar.

"We travelled extensively around Portugal, and although we wanted to live in the far north it was too cold in winter so we travelled further south and loved Tomar with its peaceful atmosphere, good connections, good shopping for my wife, good facilities and excellent access. We lived close by for 3 years," said one expat in Tomar.

"I first lived in an apartment near the University. You can never go wrong living around a large school. People tend to be more open to help. I eventually bought a proprty and built a four bedroom home in a quiet section of the city. The land was a bit more expensive than other areas but it was well worth it. If your going to build.... please watch your contractor closely and NEVER pay for anything up front, only for work that has been done. You can get yourself into trouble that way," said one expat who made the move to Braga.

"We came to Portugal last year for 2 weeks. We explored two areas only: first, the Algarve and next, Lisboa. These selections were based on weather, as we didn't want the colder weather in the North of Portugal. The Algarve is dead in winter, congested in summer, and just stuffed with Brits. The Lisboa area was delightful but we were sold when we took a train from Lisboa to Cascais. This is ideal: generally reliably nice weather, pristine beaches, restaurants all over the narrow streets and squares as well as along the pedestrian esplanade along the ocean. An easy train ride into Lisbon any time you want more culture or diversions, while plenty of museums, shows and parks in the Estoril/Cascais area. IDEAL," explained one expat living in Cascais and Estoril, Portugal.

"One way to find a place to live in Portugal is to search online. You can search for real estate websites, such as idealista.com and imovirtual.com, which often list a variety of different types of rentals ranging from holiday apartments to long-term residence. Additionally, you can search on Facebook groups and Expat forums, as many expats offer advice and help finding accommodation on these platforms. For a more customised option, you may wish to consider using a rental agency or estate agent, as they will be able to find properties to fit your exact requirements. Finally, you can also search for classified ad sites, such as OLX, for places to rent," said one in Portugal.

"We decided to wait before jumping in and buying and watched the buying behaviours, issues other expats had, studied the market, visited houses extensively. At present we have decided not too buy due to the exchange rate issues," remarked one expat who made the move to Tomar.

"Expat homes and apartments in Portugal typically have bright, white-washed interiors with a minimalist style. In coastal areas, you can find more traditional, rustic-style houses with breezy patios and terraces. Many expat homes come with modern amenities, such as central heating, air conditioning, and equipped kitchens. Common features in apartments include terraces with views of the city or the ocean and easy access to public transportation. Portugal is known for its mild climate, unique terraced gardens, and beautiful beaches, so many expats take advantage of these features and invest in homes with outdoor spaces and sprawling gardens," explained one expat living in Portugal.

"I live in a single family four bedroom home. To be honest I don't really know of any US expats in my area. The people up north are very friendly, so most of our support circle is Portuguese," said one expat in Braga.

"We rent a condo. Yes, most of our expat friends have done the same, although, as it turns out, our landlords are also expats who own several condos and a single family house that they live in," said one expat who made the move to Porto.

"Housing cost is less than half of what we were paying in Denver, Colorado. Depending on the size of place you need and location, $700-1200/month can be average. Porto is more affordable than Lisbon and Vila Nova de Gaia, which is a 10 minute drive from Porto, across the river can be several hundred dollars cheaper than Porto. Neighboring smaller cities are even more affordable," remarked one expat in Porto, Portugal.

"Deciding whether to buy or rent a home in Portugal depends on your personal budget, lifestyle, and goals. If you are looking for a more permanent living situation and a long-term investment, purchasing a home in Portugal could be a great option for you. On the other hand, if you are looking for short-term accommodation or want more flexibility, then renting a home may be the better option. Ultimately, the decision between buying or renting a home in Portugal should be based on your individual needs and preferences," explained one expat living in Portugal.

"I am renting an apartment. It was difficult at first because a number of realtors didn't show an interest in helping me. When I found the right realtor, it went fairly easily. The biggest issue was having to pay for an entire years rent due to having no family in Portugal. There is also a scarcity of rental properties that are long term rentals," said one expat in Cascais.

"Really, I wish we had not shipped anything. The process was a nightmare and cost three times as much as the original quote. After sharing stories with other expats it seems that the entire overseas shipping business is one big bait and switch. You are given a quote and after they pick up your shipment they up the price by half or more. What can you do? Nothing, they have all your things and the "full price" of shipping that you already paid! I wish we had left all kitchen glassware, most of the DVDs, and a lot of the books. Leave most of the things of sentimental value. I wish the 2 boxes that were lost in transit made it. Take unique art pieces, special kitchenware (antique cast iron) and favorite music if you must," commented one expat who made the move to Porto.

"Yes. I ordered a take away dinner from a cafe ahead of time and misunderstood the time to pick it up. When we arrived to pick up our meal, all the food was gone, we were too late! They called someone who was in charge and referred to me as the "foreign lady," estrangeira. I was surprised at myself that I was hurt and offended to be called such, even though I am! It shows how badly I want to fit in, but don't," said one expat in Vila Nova de Gaia.

"It is important to show respect for Portuguese culture by avoiding certain activities that could be considered rude or inappropriate. When visiting, it is best to dress conservatively, avoid discussing religion or politics in public, and maintain eye contact when engaging in conversation. Likewise, visitors should avoid pointing with their finger and try to learn some basic phrases in Portuguese, as a gesture of respect. Additionally, it is important to remember that physical contact between strangers, such as shaking hands and hugging, is not common in certain parts of Portugal," remarked one expat who made the move to Portugal.

"One major attraction of Portugal for expats is its fantastic Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches. The country offers something for everyone, with vibrant and bustling cities, charming rural towns and villages, and stunning landscapes. Portugal is also known for its friendly and welcoming people, offering a rich culture and colourful lifestyle. The cost of living in Portugal can also be surprisingly affordable when compared to other Western European countries. In addition, the excellent transport network and English taught in many schools make it easy to integrate into Portuguese life. Combined, these factors make Portugal an attractive destination for expats," offered one expat living in Portugal.

"Portugal offers a wide range of healthcare services, including primary care, hospital care, mental health services, and specialized care. The public healthcare system in Portugal is funded by the government and is free for all citizens and legal residents. The quality of public healthcare in Portugal is generally good, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents in Portugal are also eligible to use the public healthcare system, although they may need to pay a fee for certain services. Expats in Portugal can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local health authority and obtaining a health card. This card allows them to access the same services as Portuguese citizens, including free or discounted medical care," stated one expat who made the move to Portugal.

"Finding a specialist takes trail and error. But that is true even in my home country," said one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Portugal has a comprehensive public healthcare system that provides free or low-cost medical services to its citizens. The country also has a number of private hospitals and clinics that offer a wide range of medical services. Portugal has a well-developed network of primary care physicians, specialists, and hospitals that provide quality medical care. The country also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services. Portugal also has a number of medical research centers that are dedicated to advancing medical knowledge and treatments," offered one expat living in Portugal.