Living in Portugal

"I live in Albufeira. We have a lot of tourists in the summer. There are certain areas I don't frequent because of the tourists. The strip, to a lesser degree Old Town. Go down some of the side streets and eat in restaurants the locals do. The food is great, inexpensive and they will even help you with your Portuguese. There are closures in the winter months but enough stays open that you don't suffer. The beaches are great, instead of going to Marinha where you can spend an hour looking for a parking spot, head to Sao Raphael in Sesmarias by Albufeira. Beautiful beach with a nice restaurant and good parking. I am a 25 minute walk from the beach and west of the strip and old town. Go closer to the beach.... you get more tourists. Come in the summer and spend two weeks, you will get a good feel and see if it is for you. If you come to Albufeira drop me a line and I will give you a tour," remarked one expat who made the move to Albufeira.

"It is basically an industrial town, so I do not live around Central. 20 minutes to Sao Pedro do Moel, which is a nice village on coast. Gets cold in winter months, amount of rain is okay," explained one expat living in Marinha Grande, Portugal.

"Before retiring in Portugal, expats should research the cost of living, health care and pension systems, local taxes, and available banking services. Expats should also examine the type and standard of housing available and understand any possible cultural differences. Additionally, it is recommended that expats obtain local legal advice, familiarize themselves with the relevant immigration regulations, and check for any visas or permits which may be required. Finally, it is wise for expats to learn some Portuguese as English may not be spoken in more remote areas," said one expat in Portugal.

"If there is any area in Portugal where English IS widely spoken, it's the Algarve, because of all the tourists. We have lived here for a year and as yet speak very little Portuguese but have never had any problems communicating with anyone. In fact if you try in your broken Portuguese they often reply to you in English, as their English is probably going to be a lot better than your Portuguese! Translation apps help also," said one expat who made the move to The Algarve.

"Grab a Portugese phrase book, and spend time focusing on learning crucial phrases that will help you in conversing with the locals," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Many expats in Portugal join social groups and local clubs specific to their interests and professions, such as book clubs, running clubs, wine tasting clubs, and even language exchange groups. For example, the Lisbon Expat Networking Club is an online group focused on networking, business, and career development for expats in Portugal. Other ways expats can meet people in Portugal is by attending cultural events or being involved in community activities. Many cities and towns across the country also offer language classes, which is a great way to meet people and improve language skills. Additionally, expats can reach out to other people through social media platforms and websites such as Expat.com," said one expat in Portugal.

"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," said one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"Expatriates and digital nomads who are living in Portugal find a balance between a modern local lifestyle and a relaxed Mediterranean one. With low cost of living and great weather, the country is a popular destination for many expats and digital nomads to live, work, and explore. From the bustling cities of Lisbon and Porto to the picturesque coastal towns, the diversity and culture of Portugal offer many opportunities to discover its traditional foods, landscapes, and people. Expats and digital nomads have access to excellent healthcare and education, as well as a vibrant expat community to help them settle in. For those looking for a location to work remotely, there is plenty of space in Portugal to get work done and stunning views to go along with it. Overall, Portugal provides a great experience for expats and digital nomads who are looking to experience a new culture, learn a language, and enjoy all the country has to offer," explained one expat living in Portugal.

"There's a little bit of everything in Lisboa (Lisbon). Public transportation is a must in this city. There are a number of outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a coffee and people-watch. However, sports is the priority in Lisbon. Futebol (Soccer) is king here. Sporting and Benfica are the top soccer teams in the city. Be careful about wearing green (Sporting colors) in the Benfica neighborhood," said one expat in Lisbon.

"Overall, Portugal is generally considered to be a safe country, with a low rate of violent crime. Petty crime does occur in Portugal, such as pickpocketing and theft, but statistics indicate it is generally in line with other European countries. Security and surveillance, particularly in busier urban areas, is mostly visible and effective," explained one expat living in Portugal.

"Little crime in Cascais. in Lisbon there is a fair amount of pickpocket crime but only in certain areas," said one expat in Cascais.

"Madeira and Funchal in particular are getting more diverse with this current influx of immigrants. While local people are friendly, you may experience some negativity over the perception that foreigners are causing a rising cost of living; especially housing costs. Some Madeirans resent immigrants for using precious medical resources and other government resources. One sore spot is immigrants who don’t learn Portuguese. So if you are new, make an effort to learn Portuguese as soon as possible. (Yes it is a difficult language and I am struggling with it)," remarked one expat who made the move to Funchal.

"Lisbon is very diverse. While the vast majority of the population are Iberian (Portuguese & Spanish), there are immigrants from all over the globe (former Portuguese colonies in Africa, Brasil) Ukrainians make up the largest immigrant group (after Brasilians). While certain groups tend to stick to themselves, people appear accepting of everyone here," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"The price is competitive compared to most international schools in Lisbon and Cascais and the Cambridge program is considered to be the best curriculum in the world. I highly recommend this school," said one parent with children at Prime School International of Portugal in Cascais and Sintra.

"The American International School of Lisbon (AISL) is one of the oldest and most respected international schools in Portugal. Founded in 1965, AISL is a bilingual school that offers an American-style educational program to students aged 4-18. It has an extensive language program and offers a range of extra-curricular activities. AISL is known for its commitment to preparing students for international universities. The International British School of Porto offers a British-style education to students aged 3-18. It is a bilingual school, with both English and Portuguese taught in the classroom, and it provides an excellent education for both local and international students. The school has an impressive array of extra-curricular activities, and its graduates regularly go on to prestigious universities. Lisbon's Anglo-American School (LAS) is a well-established, accredited international school that was founded in 1967. It is a bilingual school with both English and Portuguese integrating into the curriculum. In addition to a full academic program, LAS offers ambitious extracurricular activities, including sports, music and theatre. Finally, the International School of Macau is a bilingual school that has an excellent reputation among international students and parents. The school has been in operation since 1984 and offers an international curriculum with an emphasis on Chinese language and culture. It provides an inclusive academic program and a wide range of extra-curricular activities," commented one expat when asked about in Portugal.

"The cost of living in Portugal is generally considered to be reasonably affordable. The cost of basic food items, such as milk, bread, and cheese, is quite cheap. Utility bills such as water, electricity, and gas are also relatively affordable. Housing costs can vary depending on the location and type of accommodation, but furnished apartments and houses are available at reasonable prices. Public transportation is also affordable as tickets are very inexpensive. Entertainment and leisure activities can be more expensive, but there are numerous inexpensive options available," wrote one member in Portugal.

"At this point, I'm thinking $1500-$2000 per month will be plenty. I'm still buying things for my apartment so don't have a really good sense of how much I will consistently spend," remarked one expat who made the move to Cascais.

"The cost of living in Portugal is higher than other countries in Europe but still quite affordable. It is slightly more expensive to live in big cities such as Lisbon or Porto, as rent and basic goods tend to be more expensive than in smaller towns or rural locations. On average, a nice 1 bedroom apartment in a central area of a major city in Portugal can be around $800-1000 USD per month. A nice 2 bedroom apartment in the same area could expectancy be closer to $1000-1300 USD monthly. Eating dinner out in a moderately priced restaurant is quite affordable compared to major cities worldwide, with a dinner for two typically costing around 25 USD," remarked one expat living in Portugal.

"In Portugal, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and gardens. There are also many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and kayaking. Portugal also has a number of cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and monuments. Additionally, Portugal has a vibrant nightlife, with a variety of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Finally, Portugal is home to a number of sports facilities, such as golf courses, tennis courts, and swimming pools," said an expat in Portugal.

"As for the weather, here is a great website that compares the weather of any two places world wide, so you can see the difference between areas of Portugal or your home. https://weatherspark.com," said one expat.

"The weather in Portugal is generally mild and pleasant, with warm summers and mild winters. The coastal areas tend to be warmer and more humid than the inland areas. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with the most rain occurring in the winter months. The Algarve region in the south of Portugal is particularly known for its sunny and dry climate," commented one expat living in Portugal.

"One of Portugal's most beloved restaurants is A Cevicheria, located in Lisbon. This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh and flavorful ceviche dishes, as well as its unique atmosphere. The restaurant is decorated with bright colors and vibrant artwork, creating a lively and inviting atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and octopus. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and beers to accompany the meal. https://www.cevicheria.pt/ Another popular restaurant in Portugal is O Pescador, located in Porto. This seafood restaurant is known for its fresh and flavorful dishes, as well as its cozy atmosphere. The menu features a variety of seafood dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and octopus. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and beers to accompany the meal. The restaurant is decorated with a nautical theme, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. https://www.opescador.pt/ Finally, one of Portugal's most beloved restaurants is A Tasquinha, located in Lisbon. This traditional Portuguese restaurant is known for its delicious and authentic dishes, as well as its cozy atmosphere. The menu features a variety of traditional Portuguese dishes, including grilled fish, shrimp, and octopus. The restaurant also offers a selection of wines and beers to accompany the meal. The restaurant is decorated with a rustic theme, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. https://www.atasquinha.pt/," said one expat.

"People living in Portugal typically buy groceries from local supermarkets, such as Pingo Doce, Intermarché, and Lidl. Other shopping can be done at local markets, such as the Mercado da Ribeira in Lisbon, or at larger shopping malls, such as the Colombo Shopping Centre in Lisbon. Additionally, many Portuguese people shop online for groceries and other items," commented one expat living in Portugal.

"In order to enter Portugal as a non-resident, visitors must obtain a Schengen visa. Generally, Schengen visas allow short visits of up to 90 days within a 180 day period of time. Visitors who wish to stay longer must apply for a Residence Permit. The process of applying for a Schengen visa includes submitting an application, providing biometric information, paying the relevant fees, and attending an interview. In order to apply for residency in Portugal, applicants must first obtain a Residence Permit (unless the applicant is an EU citizen, in which case they can simply register as residents in Portugal). To apply for the permit, applicants must prove a legal source of income and submit a copy of a valid passport, two passport photos, and proof of address in Portugal. The process also includes an interview and a police record check. Once the permit is processed and issued, a residence card will be sent to the applicant's address," remarked one expat living in Portugal.

"Expensive- relative to what? Compared to our former California prices, not at all. Cost in Cascais is no more expensive than comparable care in the rest of Portugal. Top-of-the-line insurance just got more expensive for elders, but it covers much more than comparable US plans like Medicare + supplement + out-of-pocket. The quality of CUF care, for example, is excellent. Prescription drug prices are way below the US (although non-prescription supplements are much higher). For example, my heart/cholesterol drugs are about 12 euros a month (and totally reimbursed by our top-of-line health insurance.) "List prices" of hospital care and surgery are much lower than in the US with comparable medical expertise and treatment. We, and our friends have had some serious medical events and we are very satisfied with the level of care," commented one expat who moved to Cascais.

"The cost of public medical care in Portugal is affordable once you're on the National Health System. I have not yet used the private services, so I can't compare their costs, but everyone I know who uses them (especially Americans) says the cost is relatively low. In Portugal there are small co-pays, which are cheaper than in the States (when I lived there), but I've never had to pay a co-pay in Canada (and I've lived in 5 provinces)," said one expat.

"Healthcare rates are somewhat dependent on your age. I am 69 I pay about $180 a month with MGen. I don't have the lowest benefit or the highest, I am somewhere in the middle. I went with MGen for the following reasons. No limit on renewability...my age will never disqualify me from renewing my plan. They accept pre-existing conditions. I used a service called Serenity to help me navigate the various healthcare providers. You can do this yourself, I just preferred not to. If you join Afpop I believe you can buy MGen through them and get a discounted rate," commented one expat living in Albufeira, Portugal.

"We are required to have a private policy that meets the Schengen Community requirements (go to their website). The highest quality of coverage won't cost more than 3,000 euros a person/year (2017) and most retirees are paying only 2,000 euros annually. This includes dental and eye care, surgeries, private hospital room, unlimited doctor visits and tests," remarked one expat living in Lisbon.

"Healthcare in Portugal is generally considered to be of good quality and is relatively affordable. Public healthcare is free for Portuguese citizens and those with a valid residence permit, while private healthcare is available for those who can afford it. Health insurance is also available in Portugal, but it is not mandatory. Premiums for health insurance can be expensive, but there are also government subsidies available to help offset the cost," said one expat living in Portugal.