Lisbon, Portugal Report of what it's like to live there - 08/12/15
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?
Not the first. 4 tours in Africa, 2 in South America, 1 in Asia, 2 in Europe.
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?
Lisbon, Direct fligts to U.S., but not to D.C. about 8 hours.
3. How long have you lived here?
2 years, one to go.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse of U.S. Government Employee
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Most families live out of Lisbon in houses, some have pools. Singles and couples tend to live in the city. But that is also changing and some families are choosing to live in the city, many apartments have pools. The kids do have a longer commute to school if they go to the American School.
Apartments are nice, parking spots can be very small. Some kitchens are small, with small ovens. Not lots of storage. But walking to work is nice and you are close to restaurants, shopping, metro. If you live in Lisbon you can survive without a car.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
If you go to the local markets it is cheap. Buy your meats at the local butcher. Much better quality than in D.C.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Surfboard.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
About the same cost as in the states, maybe cheaper. All the regulars are here.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Maybe a fly or two.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/APO
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
For one day, to do everything including laundry will run you about US$80.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Embassy has a gym.
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?
We use our cards everywhere.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A little will help, many people now speak English.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Would be very difficult to get around if you have disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
I take taxis at lease once a week. Safe and cheap. Public transportation is also good, if you are going to use it all the time buy a monthly pass.
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?
Bring a smaller car if you want to get out to the small villages. A SUV will not make the turns.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but not sure of the cost.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I pay monthly for my phone. About 25 Euros and I never run out of time for calls and internet.
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?
No quarantine. Need to be chipped.
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?
Not really. Maybe teaching. Some jobs at the Embassy.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
At the school, girl and boy scouts, Diplomatic Bazaar.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
A little less formal than D.C. at work. Outside of work, very casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Maybe for late at night, if you like to go out late, be sure to be careful and go with friends.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
I use local doctors, they all speak English. Prescriptions are cheaper here than from our company in the States.
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?
Not a lot of factories to mess up the air. In the summer it can get a little rough with static air. But usually just a few days. If you have allergies from trees and plants you might have some problems.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Lots of allergies from trees.
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Wonderful.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most kids go to the American School, but there are many schools to pick from.
2. 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?
The Embassy has a daycare.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, but you do have to pay for these.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Medium and morale is good. This is Lisbon, what else can I say.
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?
Swim, go to the beach, hiking, bike riding, parties at home and out. Lots to do.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Great place for everyone.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. A very tolerate city.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Have not seen this.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Weekend car trips to other parts of Portugal, driving to Spain. Lots of art and music festivals, food festivals. Going to the Algarve in the winter, beaches are empty. Cruising in the wine areas, trips to Porto.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Drive to the smaller towns when they have festivals. The highways here are great, even the pit-stops are clean.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Tiles, pottery, cork products, cheese, wine, port.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Low cost of living, lots of weekend or longer road trips, public transportation cheap and plentiful. Usually great weather, but can get rainy for long periods of time. Summer (August) can get in the high 90's, but the rest of the time beautiful weather. Lots of outdoor activities such as surfing, bike riding, running and walking trails, swimming. Museums for everything including bread and cheese. Lots of cheap good wine, good food.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Lots of hills, bring a couple pairs of good walking shoes.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, and hope to come back someday.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Family and friends, trust me they are going to come visit you!
And leave your high heels at home.
4. But don't forget your:
Umbrella and flat shoes.
