Tomar, Portugal is about an hour from the coast and 80 minutes from Lisbon. "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. Rent a small property first do not buy as there are too many hurdles to cover without knowing the Portuguese system," recommended one expat in Tomar.

As an expat in Portugal, health insurance is an important consideration. If you are interested in private health insurance, take a minute to get a quote from our trusted expat health insurance partner, CIGNA.

One Expat Exchange member offered a great overview of Guimaraes, Portugal, "1. GETTING THERE: Easy train ride from Lisbon, with the faster route being Lis-Porto-Guimaraes (ticket price includes station transfer for final leg) and the slow but direct and scenic route is Lis-Guimaraes. 2. STAYING THERE: Online booking sites had great guest recommendations. We chose Hotel Toural, for great location and price, plus delicious breakfasts. 3. GETTING AROUND: Walked everywhere, easily. The 'tag' bus runs all day and is inexpensive if you want to cut walking. 4. DO: Go to each square for the architecture, performance arts, shops and cafes. Take the 'Teleferico' cable car up to Penha. Fill your evenings with performances. Museums, castles, palaces are a short walk from the center and all worth the time. Castle is in ruins but affords superior views, and after all, it is where Portugal was born! 5. RESTAURANTS: Our favs: Martins on Largo do Toural; Art & Gula across from the town hall/former Sta. Clara conventl; Historico by Papaboa on Rua de Val Donas--sit outside!- but there are oh, so many others."

An expat in Lagos, Portugal said, "we have now been in Lagos since the end of April and so far are really enjoying it. People are very nice and friendly, Portuguese and others. We have only met about three Americans so far, which is ok. It has been a cool and rather windy but we are told more windy and cooler than normal. There are no large shopping centers here but Portamou, about 12 miles away has a nice one. Clothes here seem to be a little more expensive, however our utilities are about 25% of what they were in the US. Our condo is only about 800 sq ft compared to our house which was 2400 sq ft. Also, we had a pool, central heat and air. Here we do not have air, even though we live in a new building and we have not needed it. We do not have heat, so I really cannot personally speak to that. It is not the US, but we really like it overall. We have obtained our first year residency, without much trouble, but not hassle free. Much better to start this while you are in the States. I will be happy to meet with you for a coffee or wonderful glass of Portugal wine when you are here. Driving can be a bit of a challenge, only stick shift cars, but my husband has done it very successfully."

If you're a city person, Lisbon should not be overlooked. An expat in Lisbon discussed how she met locals and learned the language, "in my experience, restaurants and cafes [in Lisbon] 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."