Why Lisbon?Ìý Moved to Portugal over 3 years ago, first to a small village near Obidos now have relocated to Lagos.Ìý I am American, my partner is British but has lived in America for over 25 years. I would explore outside of Lisbon, Portugal is not all about Lisbon.Ìý
Tips:
First rent, don't buy.
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Have lots of money, you can make money here but you have to "invent" a need and supply it.Ìý One expat I know just started a dog boarding in his home and loves it, doing quite well.Ìý He loves to ramble about in the forests and beaches, now he has furry friends tagging along....for euros.Ìý You can't take euros from Portuguese mouths, it's not right, it's their country and we are long term guests.
You must love sardinhas.
I didn't invest in a car they look like problems.Ìý Taxes, inspections, fuel.Ìý The public transportation is excellent wherever you are.Ìý Just be aware of days greves are planned. You can drive your car, but there are registration fees and my British friends are always fearful of being fined or something.
Portuguese classes for estrangeros are given at public schools during the school year 2 to 3 times a week, free.Ìý Classes usually begin in September and last until May or June.Ìý They are difficult but are very good.Ìý My partner is speaking very well, I am an idiot.Ìý It takes work to find out which school in your area has the classes, you sign up and keep calling until you find out when they start.Ìý Need passport and fiscal number and lease to prove you are living in the district.
Electronics are very expensive here, bring any flash drives and gadgets like that.Ìý I don't know about TV's and that, are they the same in the UK as in Portugal?Ìý The States has a different system, they don't work here.
Rent a storage or stash your things in a friend or family member's attic.Ìý Don't ship it for a year or two until you are certain you have done the right thing.Ìý Saves costs.Ìý
Your British Passport should give you access to medical care under the EU.Ìý But most Brits I know go back to England for serious medical conditions.Ìý I don't know why.Ìý
Is it perfect?Ìý Nao.Ìý But, I haven't seen news of little children killing schoolteachers here.Ìý I can walk down the street unmolested and eat fresh vegetables that don't taste like cardboard every day.Ìý And I swim where the Age of Discovery was launched. I'd move again in a second.