Lisbon, Portugal Report of what it's like to live there - 08/17/10
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?
Yes.
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?
Traveled from Washington. There are no direct flights. I have flown through Newark and Frankfurt. Newark is a shorter flight, but the service and the planes are better through Frankfurt.
3. How long have you lived here?
6 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Government.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Apartments in the city and houses in the suburbs. They are generally nice, but bedrooms can be on the small side.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Wine, beer, olives, and olive oil are cheap and good. Everything else is expensive -- not Paris expensive but expensive all the same. U.S. Embassy staff have access to the Navy Exchange, which has a lot of American food at decent prices.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
More plug converters.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's and Burger King are here, but the menus vary slightly. You can get a beer to go with the burger and fries. Kentucky Fried Chicken is here too, but you only can get the chicken sandwiches, wings, or drumsticks. No breasts or thighs. I have not seen any other fast food. Indian, chinese, and italian are available, but to get any variety you have to be willing to travel around. The riverfront area has a lot of restaurants, but they are a little on the expensive side. For a local treat, try the grilled swordfish.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not much, flies once in a while.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
I use DPO (bring stamps!), but the local post works, too.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Many have part-time help. I do not, so I do not know the cost.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Several, but they can be pricey.
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?
No problems.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
A couple of weeklies.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
It helps a lot, but you can get by in Lisbon without it. Go into the countryside, and English is hard to come by.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
This is Europe, not the U.S. Sidewalks are cobblestone, most elevators are sized for two people, not wheelchairs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Similar to U.S. or a little more.
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?
Mid-sized or smaller. People do drive full-sized cars, but the chance of accidents, scrapes and such goes up dramatically. And some apartment parking garages will not accept the larger vehicles.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Availible at a cost similar to that in the U.S.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Easily availible.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Yes.
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?
Maybe, if you speak Portuguese very well.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business or business causual at work. In public it looks like America.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Just the normal. Most crimes are opportunity types. Do not leave valuables out in the open on car seats. Smash-and-grabs do often happen. This is a city -- so be aware.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Air pollution. I have not heard any complaints about the health care.
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?
Lisbon is not a healthy place to breathe. The suburbs are much better.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Dry and warm, and occasionally-hot summers with wet and mild winters.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
No experiance with them, but there are several around.
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?
I do not know generally, but people at the American Embassy have in-house daycare.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
I believe so.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Large, I guess, but you would not know it in the city, because it is so spread out. In Cascais, it is much more noticeable.
2. Morale among expats:
Good overall.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Whatever you arange and partipate in.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
It is good for all.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There is a gay festival somewhere in town every year.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not that I have seen.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Taking trips to Paris and Madrid, seeing the sights of a ancient country. There is really a lot to see. I have yet to scratch the surface.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Beach, museums, parks, travel, etc.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Tiles, plates, and carpets -- if you have the money.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The city is filled with narrow streets, and hills are everywhere except beside the river. It is also noisy, especially since the airport is located right next to the city. It does offer good cultural sites and access to public transportation. The suburbs are quieter and offer more chances to ride bikes and enjoy the beaches. The only real disadvantage is the tolls, and driving will eat into your pocketbook. There are those who car-pool, which can mitigate the cost but not the lost time. On a personal note, the city is quite isolating for foreigners. Non-working spouses who need or want support and interaction will be happier in the suburbs.
11. Can you save money?
Only if you do not travel.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
big car.
3. But don't forget your:
spices and other specialty food items -- if you do not have access to a NEX.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
It seems like the drivers here all took lessons from Nascar, and double and triple parking is almost the norm. Medians, sidewalks, middle of the street -- it's all fair game for parking. The amazing part is that most rules of the road are obeyed.
