Exploring Portugal - Differences between Braga and Lisbon (Living in Portugal)
Portugal is a beautiful country with numerous attractions and CAN offer affordable living for individuals who choose to move to Portugal from abroad. However, to have a successful move to Portugal, I personally believe that expats should have a balanced view of both the positives and negatives of what it is like to live in Portugal. In this living abroad expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, I'll share some of the things that might be challenging for expats to adjust to with when living in Portugal. Firstly, the cost of living in desirable areas of Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto, can be expensive, especially for those on a fixed income. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in some places such as Cascais can be as high as €2000-€3000, a far cry from the low prices that are often praised in the media. Traffic in some parts of the country can be challenging. However, public transportation in the cities can be relatively good but many locals will complain about it and rural areas can be difficult to access with public transportation. The Portuguese population is growing and many people are choosing to relocate to Portugal, which means issues such as traffic and the cost of living might not get better as time goes on...
Additionally, the Portuguese bureaucracy can be quite confusing for individuals who may come from a country like the US which often doesn’t have a lot of bureaucracy that has to be dealt with. The process of getting residency permits and other necessary paperwork can be time-consuming and frustrating. Language barriers can also be a challenge for those who didn’t grow up speaking the language. The good news is that many locals can speak English. Although, in some instances, it can be difficult to navigate certain situations without speaking Portuguese. It's important to make an effort to learn the language in order to integrate into Portuguese society fully.
Cultural differences can also be lead to frustrating moments for some expats… For example, business hours can be limited and many shops close for an extended lunch break or full closures on Sundays. The pace of life in Portugal can be slower and more relaxed, which can be a welcome change for some, but a frustration for others.
Overall, living in Portugal can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, but it's important to go in with realistic expectations and be prepared to adapt to the challenges that come with living in a foreign country. By taking the time to learn about the culture and language, and being patient with the bureaucracy, expats can have a successful move to Portugal.
00:00 - Opening Thoughts & Intro
00:38 - The Cost of Living in Portugal
02:26 - Traffic in Portuguese cities can be a problem…
04:06 - Public Transportation in Portugal Can Be Limited in Rural Areas
06:57 - The rental market in Portugal can be VERY competitive!
08:12 - Portugal can be VERY Hot and Humid in the Summer…
10:33 - The hours that stores are open can be VERY limited…