As an expat moving abroad, you may find yourself comparing your new destination and your home country. While this can be a natural part of acclimatisation, it's important not to get too bogged down in what you may perceive to be apparent positives and negatives.
That being said, some preparation for what people may deem the good, the bad and the ugly is necessary. Below are some common pros and cons of moving to Portugal.
Accommodation in Portugal
+ PRO: Properties in the country are usually quite spacious
Accommodation in Portugal varies significantly in standard, but most buildings offer high-quality finishes, with newly developed buildings boasting structurally sound foundations and modern finishes. Apartments in the country are also larger than most Europeans may be used to.
- CON: Older, rustic buildings may have some issues
Although Portugal's newer developments have excellent facilities, the older, rustic buildings may have plumbing and electrical supply issues, so this is something to consider when searching for accommodation in Portugal.
Finding Accommodation in Portugal
Local culture in Portugal
+ PRO: The people are friendly and welcoming
The people of Portugal are incredibly friendly and helpful. Neighbours will often bring home-grown tomatoes, share their wine and chat with expats quite happily despite the initial language barrier.
- CON: The slow pace might take some time to get used to
As an expat, you may find some aspects of Portuguese culture frustrating, such as the slow pace of life. Locals are not generally in a hurry to resolve issues or deal with problems, which can considerably slow down bureaucratic processes. The phrase 'devagar' will often be heard, meaning 'slowly' in Portuguese.
Cost of living in Portugal
+ PRO: General produce is affordable
Food, wine, bread, and other everyday shopping commodities are usually reasonably priced in Portugal. Shopping at local markets for fresh, in-season produce is one easy way to save money.
- CON: Some aspects of life are pricey
Though fresh produce tends to be well priced, consumer goods can be expensive in Portugal. Accommodation and utilities will take a chunk out of the budget, too. These aspects of life bump up the cost of living in Portugal.
Transport and driving in Portugal
+ PRO: Good road networks and manageable traffic
Portugal has considerably less traffic than northern European countries, except in the large cities, where traffic jams at peak hours are bad. The country also has a good network of highways or dual carriageways, and the main ones are not very busy.
- CON: Driving can be dangerous
Portuguese drivers tend to drive fast and may be impatient to overtake, which causes numerous accidents. It is advised to keep a sharp eye out for any sudden or unexpected movements by other cars and react quickly but calmly.
Transport and Driving in Portugal
Weather in Portugal
+ PRO: Hot, hot summers
Portugal's weather is great. Generally, March to October is warm, with July and August being particularly balmy. Temperatures can climb to 104°F (40°C). Sunny days are plentiful – all the better to enjoy the country's lovely scenery.
+ PRO: Beautiful beaches
If you love beaches, you’ll find them all along the western and southern coasts of the country. They have soft, white sand and are very clean. Most of the time, they’re peaceful, but in July and August, the most popular spots can get quite busy.