Expat Life Has Rewards and Challenges
Political developments in recent years have many American women considering expat life. Portugal’s low cost of living, friendly people, and pleasant climate have made it a much sought-after destination.
I moved to Portugal five years ago seeking an affordable European lifestyle for my retirement. I wanted to walk to cafes, wander the streets of ancient towns, and travel. One of the most wonderful things about Portugal has been interacting with individual Portuguese people. You will find so much kindness and charm.
That said, being an expat is also a steep learning curve. Moving to a new country involves a lot of bureaucratic hurdles that hit you within a short time. Even the little details like the shopping hours, measuring distances in kilometers, and temperatures in Celsius, take getting used to.
Language
Language is another major factor. Many Portuguese speak excellent English, and are usually willing to help, but handling everything in a foreign language is still challenging. Expats also help each other. There are Facebook groups for every conceivable interest group and region where you can post questions and seek advice. Americans in Portugal and Americans living in Portugal are useful for general information.
Portugal is a very safe country. The 2023 Global Peace Index ranked it the seventh safest country worldwide. Portugal is also very gay-friendly. The country legalized same-sex marriage in 2010 and approved adoption by gay couples in 2016.
The major cities of Lisbon and Porto have thriving LGBTQ communities. There are groups for hiking, dancing, and other activities. Facebook groups like Queer Women and Friends in Portugal or Lisbon Rainbow Women are good places to find out what’s going on and make contacts. Lisbon and several other cities, including Porto and Santarem, hold annual Pride events with parades and music. Having WhatsApp on your phone is a great way to communicate.
Do Your Research and Visit the Country
You can learn a lot from online research. Websites like numbeo.com or internationalliving.com show good comparisons of the cost of living. House prices and rents have increased a lot in the last five years. Prices in the main cities of Lisbon and Porto are typically the highest. The Algarve, a popular vacation region in southern Portugal, is also expensive.
Climate-wise, the area from Lisbon south is warmer and dryer. The center and north of the country get more rain and occasional snow and ice. Rain in Portugal is often a tropical downpour. Houses often lack heat and dampness and mold can be a problem in the winter. The website www.expatica.com has useful information on weather and all kinds of other aspects of life in Portugal.
Americans who want to move to Portugal must obtain a D7 visa. Information on the steps required to get the visa are available at: https://www.
I always advise making a reconnaissance trip to the country. Online research is useful, but nothing beats an in-person experience. Follow my blog to learn more about daily life in Portugal: https://rosalieredngreen.home.
