Lisbon, Portugal Report of what it's like to live there - 09/30/16
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?
No. I have lived in many cities around the world.
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?
Home country is U.S.A. Direct flight connections are good to Newark, Boston, Philadelphia. Additionally you can fly via the Azores to Boston. Best flight connections are to Europe, particularly Spain, as well as to Brazil.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years. 2012-2015
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartment within the city. Many expats live out near the seaside in Cascais, which is beautiful, houses are on offer, but the commute is usually about an hour. My apartment within the city was walking distance to the diplomatic mission, near the metro, near a train station and also 5 minutes to the airport.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheaper and better. With the growing cosmopolitan nature of Lisbon, you can also find ethnic markets with just about every kind of groceries in the city. Organic food and cleaning products are also readily available.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
None.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
So many options. I never called for takeout, as there are plenty of neighborhood cafes and restaurants. From Portuguese food to food from all European countries, to great Indian, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, and even a classic authentic Mexican taco bar, Lisbon is a culinary delight. You can also dine at exquisite restaurants for a bargain, so much so that high end tourists come to Lisbon just to dine at some of the Michelin star restaurants.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not really.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
The Portuguese postal system is good, and post offices are conveniently located around the city.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Cheaper than U.S. and other European countries, I paid for a couple hours a week at about 6 euros/hour.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Readily available all over. Price depends on amenities.
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?
Yes they are. ATMs are everywhere, as Portuguese use them to pay bills, buy tickets to shows, transfer money to each other and so many more options -- very convenient, especially if you have a local bank account.
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?
While nowadays the English level of Portuguese is almost as good as that of Scandinavians, knowing Portuguese helps a great deal to make local friends, get around and engage with the locals. Almost all Portuguese understand Spanish, and a lot understand French as well.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It's an old city, with a lot of hills -- might be more difficult than others, but public transport and metro have mechanisms to accommodate.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Absolutely. Public transport in Lisbon is superb, with an integrated network connecting the airport, metro system, train stations, trams, bus stations, local bus network, the ferries and commuter rails. Taxis are plentiful and affordable, especially to and from airport. One of the gems, though, are the classic streetcars which are emblematic of old Lisbon. If you are going to be in Lisbon for several years, it's worth getting a transport card, so you can also ride some of the 'elevadores' for free.
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?
I wouldn't know, as I did not bring a car, and was glad I didn't. It kept me from going on some pretty drives outside of Lisbon, but saved me a lot of headaches.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, there are several operators, mostly operating bundled services (phone+cable+wireless).
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
I had two sim cards. One for domestic and intra-European calls, and another (lycamobile) to call my family and friends in other parts of the world, given better rates.
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?
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?
While this is becoming a global city and there are many jobs on offer, competition is fierce given the low cost of living compared to other European cities and the high unemployment rate. For many local jobs, having Portuguese helps a great deal.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are of course volunteer options available.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
For work, Portuguese are quite well-dressed. And on some occasions, Portuguese can be very formal. Bring the full range of dress, from casual to formal.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Compared to the U.S., crime is low, especially violent crime. With the growing numbers of tourists, though, there is a lot of petty crime, especially in tourist areas and nightlife areas after midnight (this city runs until way past midnight, with whole districts of the city thriving until 3-4 AM), so be careful with your wallet and jewelry at night.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Relatively good. Most care available here. Private hospitals are the best.
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?
Relatively good, given closeness to the sea. At times, can deteriorate, but expect mostly Mediterranean skies!
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not really. Even during winter, you will get plenty of beautiful, sunny days.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very pleasant. In the summer, dry and warm, in the winter mild. For those from the U.S it is approximate to maybe Santa Barbara.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There are several, depending on your origin and choice of language medium. From French, to German, to English and others. For those interested in English medium, at my time in Lisbon, there were three -- one just outside of Lisbon and two in the more expat-heavy Cascais.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs 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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large, very large. Excellent morale. Some expats are long, long, long term
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?
As you would in any exciting city -- there is so much to do and see in Lisbon.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It's good for everybody. But carefully pick where you live, as it can really affect your experience. You don't want to be a single person stuck way out in the suburbs!
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes! Definitely. The Portuguese by nature are very accommodating and tolerant, add on to that the change in mindset since they joined the EU and a very active LGBT movement and you have one of the most LGBT-friendly countries in Europe.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really. While Portuguese society is still pretty patriarchal, it has changed and continues to change with each generation very fast. The Portuguese racially are very mixed and proud of their multi-ethnic heritage. There is a lot more acceptance of immigrants here, a lot less racism and more religious tolerance than most cities in Europe. The Muslim and Jewish communities here feel safe, and while there are some problems with disenfranchisement of certain populations (particularly Roma and poorer immigrants from Africa), successive governments have done a lot to try and integrate immigrants and create a more globally-minded Portuguese society and it shows. Lisbon today is so much more cosmopolitan than it was 30 years ago.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Wandering around Lisbon, finding new neighborhood cafes and restaurants, long dinners with Portuguese friends, walking through centuries of history, the magic of Lisbon's sidewalks, street artists, traveling around this beautiful country, especially to the islands of Madeira and the Azores.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
So much. Porto is another great city. Hidden gems -- Evora, Sintra, Angra do Heroismo.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Good shopping as prices are lower here, especially for footwear.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Vibrant, global, connected, full of culture, warm and affordable.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
About the Festas de Santo Antonio!
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
I would and I would move back again and again and again.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Heavy winter clothing.
4. But don't forget your:
Camera -- Lisbon abounds with fantastic views.
