What do expats find most challenging?

We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Estoril. They wrote...

"Expats in Estoril often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, it is less common in residential areas and among the older population. Another challenge is the slower pace of life, which can be frustrating for those used to a faster, more efficient pace. This is particularly noticeable in the service industry, where things can take longer than expected. Understanding and adapting to Portuguese social norms and etiquette can also be a challenge. For example, Portuguese people tend to be quite private, and it can take time to build personal relationships. The bureaucracy in Portugal is also often cited as a challenge by expats. Dealing with government agencies and paperwork can be a slow and complicated process. Lastly, while Portugal is generally safe, petty crime such as pickpocketing can be a problem in tourist areas, and this can be a concern for expats not used to dealing with this issue," explained one expat living in Estoril, Portugal.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions
Get Quote

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions (BCBS) offers global health plans for international assignments or trips lasting 6 months or longer. With access to over 1.7M medical providers in 190 countries around the world, BCBS provides members with solutions and industry-leading digital services - ensuring top-quality coverage to people who live, work, study and travel internationally.

BlueCross BlueShield Global Solutions

What do expats find most challenging?

If you live in Estoril, newcomers to Estoril would love to hear your answer to this question.