Lisbon, Portugal Report of what it's like to live there - 07/22/15
Personal Experiences from Lisbon, Portugal
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Nope. Been to Cambodia, Rio De Janeiro, Asuncion, and Baghdad before.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Fairfax, Virginia. End to end, it takes about 13 hours or so. Currently, you can connect through Philly or London depending if you land/take off from National or Dulles, respectively.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
State Department.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing in the embassy pool is not the best I've experienced but definitely suitable. For families of 4 or less, you'll get decent housing whether in Lisbon or in the suburbs. Larger families may be a little tight for space. Housing in the suburbs you'll most likely get a pool and a commute time of about 45 minutes with a per trip toll of US$2 for small cars and about US$3.5 for larger cars. However, for some suburban areas (Parede) you will not have to worry about tolls and commute is about 25 minutes. In Lisbon, you'll get an apartment maybe with a building pool, door man, and separate storage for stuff. Some apartments are close enough to walk to work in 20 minutes or so, but most you'll need to drive in, unless you can walk for 45cminutes.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
I think groceries such as meats/fruits/vegetables are not more expensive than the states. Chicken and lunch meat definitely cheaper. I love prosciutto and it is abundant here and about half the price. Electronics, beauty care tend to be more expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Certain hair products and tooth paste are not available, and you cannot ship those in DPO.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
The food is good here. Local food is cheaper or can be cheaper. For my family of 5, we spend about 60 Euros per local dinner. There's also the all you can eat meat buffets, which is about US$15 per person. KFC, Burger King, McDonalds, Dominos, Subway, and Starbucks all here. Sorry no White Castle, or IHOP (they don't do breakfast here like the States).
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None really. We have ants in our apartments but not to the extent that I'd call it a problem.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO and Pouch. More and more US based merchants do ship direct to Portugal.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
I think they are too expensive, but we know a few who have them part time. Average rate about $14/hour
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Available here but more expensive than the states. The Embassy has a good one.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use them all here. We do have a local bank account though. It makes it easier because only about 70% of places take Visa, but 98% take the local ATM cards.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are a few available in Lisbon, and a little more in the suburbs. Best to check the internet.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Not much to survive. 90% of people in Lisbon speak enough English to help you out.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I would say yes, but not on par with the USA. Many places do have ramps and lifts, but not all places.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. All very available and affordable. I love the fact that the taxi drivers do not try to cheat you.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Small gas friendly cars are best. We do get the VAT back from the taxes, but still it costs about US$4 a gallon, versus US$6 a gallon. If your car does not have a scratch or dig on it now, it will before you depart.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. We have cable and internet package with 100mb DL speed, a telephone, and many English channels for about $65 a month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Buy an unlocked phone from the States. Phones themselves are far more expensive than in the States. Service including data, are pretty cheap.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
I don't think so. Not sure. This is a very pet friendly society. Pets themselves seem very well mannered. Watch where your step, because pick up after your pet is not widely practiced.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
If you speak portuguese and english and can get a work permit, then yes. Otherwise, the Embassy can help with Jobs at the American schools. 90% of EFMs get jobs if they want one. May not be their perfect job, but you'll get work if you want it.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
If you speak Portuguese, very easy. The American/British schools have some opportunities I am sure.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
All over the place from suits to jeans.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Nope. Just your ordinary every day life security concerns. I feel safe enough to allow my 8 year-old kid to go to the store a few blocks away by himself.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care is good here. Can be pricey but adequate.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Great. Nice breeze from the beaches. Very rarely will it get noticeably muggy.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
They don't deal with food allergies well but if you ask they will usually tell you if it has nuts, otherwise, there's no caution. Seasonal allergies are not an issue here because of the constant breeze.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very mild. Summers are the best with 95% chance of clear blue skies with temps in the mid 80s. Winters can be rainy but temps don't usually go below 55F.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most kids go to CAISL. There's also a British school and a "Catholic" school. We have kids in CAISL who has been accommodating for the most part. They are more equipped to deal with learning challenged kids versus gifted and talented kids. Not saying their special needs kids support is on par with the USA, but between the two, special needs seem to have more resources. I've heard with high school kids, it's hard to integrate with other Portuguese kids unless you speak Portuguese.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
They do have some support. There effectiveness may be questionable. Though many of the teachers are American/English, and the school is advertised as an American based curriculum, you cannot get away from the fact that it's Portugal with the Portuguese laid-back mind set versus the more rigorous process oriented regiment of a truly American based special needs program, including talented and gifted kids.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are plenty of preschools available in Lisbon. In expensive compared to USA prices, if you are willing to leave them with Portuguese language only care. English language care tend to be more expensive, about US$300 a week for 5 hours or so a day. The Embassy has a day care available which I was grateful for. Price was very reasonable at about US$500 month if I remember right. Plus I got to see my kid during lunch breaks.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Soccer, and soccer are the top two. But CAISL just started a softball league. There is also swimming teams available through NATO. Local tennis clubs and golf clubs offer lessons for your kids at about US$10/hour per kid for group lessons.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium size and very eager to expand to new members. Most of my wife's friends are non-Embassy Expats.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Sports, outdoor activities, i.e., bar-b-que, biking, beaching, camping, etc. Cafes and Bars. Very good range.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes. Probably the first place I've served at that has a lot for all family types.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I would say yes - no worse than Washington DC.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really. I think they look at Africans and Asian as more of a curiosity versus looking "down" on them.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Going to the pristine soft sand, blue watered beaches. Local travel in country, and regional travel. Lisbon is a very interesting city to live in with lots to do, from people watching while sipping cafe to visiting medieval castles, you can do a lot. Then you have the day trips opportunities. Every time there is an American holiday, we drive somewhere new and exciting, and be home in time to meet the kids at the door.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Local travel is abound. The wine, excellent. We love taking road trips here. The drive is so pleasant, very scenic and not a lot of cars.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Cork stuff. Care for cork umbrella? Pottery.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Weather, definitely the best thing. Mild year around. Hottest is about 90F, coldest is about 50F. Lots of beaches all around.
10. Can you save money?
No, if you're a normal person. Too many travel opportunities locally and regionally. Flying to Paris or Rome is only about $150, but once there, the hotels and expenses will get at your savings.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The nice weather! I would have brought a tennis ball machine - since you can play tennis year round.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Triple Fat Goose and fur coats, good wine, olive oil, and lunch meat.
4. But don't forget your:
Sun screen, and beach gear!
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Anthony Bourdain - No Reservation Lisbon Episode.
6. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
7. Do you have any other comments?
Don't pass up the chance live here and work here!
