What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Portugal. They wrote...
"Mastering the language. This sounds silly, but steaks I can afford and no A1. Sizes. I’m built on a much bigger frame, particularly compare to Portuguese my age, and I wear size 8.5 3E shoes. I’ll just have to look for men’s shoe that will fit and pass. CUSTOMS which basically prevents ordering anything from beyond the EU. And Covid of course, though Portugal has handled it beautifully in my opinion," commented one expat who made the move to Lisbon, Portugal.
Portugal Residency AdvisorsConnect
Portugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
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Portugal Residency AdvisorsPortugal Residency Advisors is a full-service consulting firm dedicated to providing personalized services to individuals and families seeking to relocate to Portugal. With a team of experienced professionals and strategic partnerships, we are well-positioned to assist clients with all aspects of the relocation process.
Connect
Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
"Expats in Portugal may find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace of life as well as the more relaxed attitude towards timeliness and deadlines. Language can also present a challenge for expats, as Portuguese is the predominant language and English is not always widely spoken. Other cultural adaptation issues for expats can include understanding the subtleties of local customs and etiquette, such as taking the time to greet others prior to engaging in a conversation or conducting business. Portuguese culture is also very family-oriented, so expats may find it difficult to transition to the longer working hours and different expectations for childcare," remarked another expat in Portugal.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Portugal?
- How do I meet people in Portugal?
- What is life like in Portugal?
- Is there a lot of crime in Portugal?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Portugal accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Portugal like?
- Is the cost of living in Portugal high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Portugal?
- What are healthcare services like in Portugal?
- Is the cost of living in Portugal high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Portugal?
- What is the weather like in Portugal?
- Are there good restaurants in Portugal?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Portugal?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Portugal?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Portugal?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Portugal?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Portugal?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Portugal, newcomers to Portugal would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.