Digital Nomad Life in Lisbon

"Expats in Lisbon often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, book clubs, and sports teams. Expats can also meet people by attending local events such as festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. Finally, expats can also meet people by simply exploring the city and talking to locals in cafes, bars, and other public spaces," said one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"In my experience, restaurants and cafes afforded me the opportunity to meet new people, develop friendships, and practice speaking the language. At nearly every turn, I was able to find people willing to speak English with me and to offer useful help in developing the ability to speak Portuguese. For my part, I have not made any attempts to join expat communities. Instead, a little humility and lots of hard work trying to learn the language has opened doors to friends and families in the local community. All this began by trying to frequent the cafes and restaurants that had employees and clients who were willing to communicate," explained one foreigner living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Lisbon is a popular destination for expats and digital nomads due to its vibrant culture, mild climate, and affordable cost of living. The city is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful beaches, and delicious cuisine. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from. The city also offers a wide range of activities and attractions, from exploring the historic Alfama district to taking a day trip to the nearby Sintra Mountains. With its friendly locals, vibrant nightlife, and stunning scenery, Lisbon is an ideal destination for expats and digital nomads looking for an exciting and affordable place to live," explained one person living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"There's a little bit of everything in Lisboa (Lisbon). Public transportation is a must in this city. There are a number of outdoor cafes where you can enjoy a coffee and people-watch. However, sports is the priority in Lisbon. Futebol (Soccer) is king here. Sporting and Benfica are the top soccer teams in the city. Be careful about wearing green (Sporting colors) in the Benfica neighborhood," said one expat in Lisbon.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Lisbon is to use online rental websites such as Idealista, Imovirtual, and Booling. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in Lisbon by location, price, and other criteria. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in rental properties in Lisbon. They can provide you with more information about the rental market in Lisbon and help you find a place that meets your needs. Finally, you can also search for rental properties on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram, as many landlords post their rental properties on these platforms," explained one person living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Before retiring in Lisbon, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Portuguese, as it is the official language of the country. Expats should also research the cost of living in Lisbon, as it is higher than other parts of Portugal. Additionally, expats should research the healthcare system in Lisbon, as it is different from other countries. It is also important to research the visa requirements for expats, as they may need to obtain a residence permit in order to stay in Portugal. Finally, expats should research the local culture and customs, as they may be different from what they are used to," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Grab a Portugese phrase book, and spend time focusing on learning crucial phrases that will help you in conversing with the locals," said one person in Lisbon.

"My vastly improved diet. Without any actual effort, I’ve lost 25 pounds since I got here, which I attribute to eatting a lot more fresh fruit and vegetables and walking on cobblestoned up and downhill sidewalks. The extreme level of consideration for other people among the Portuguese. Because of an obstruction in the left venticle of my heart, I have to stop and catch my breath about every block, and I had to learn almost immediately how to say “I’m OK. I’ve got water. I just need to take a short rest before I move on,” because people stop all the time to ask," remarked one member in Lisbon.

"Expats in Lisbon appreciate the city's vibrant culture, which is a mix of traditional Portuguese and modern influences. They also enjoy the city's relaxed atmosphere, with its laid-back lifestyle and friendly locals. The city's mild climate and stunning natural beauty are also appreciated by expats, who can enjoy outdoor activities year-round. Lisbon's rich history and architecture are also a draw, with its cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and iconic monuments. Finally, expats appreciate the city's diverse culinary scene, with its traditional Portuguese dishes and international flavors," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Mastering the language. This sounds silly, but steaks I can afford and no A1. Sizes. I’m built on a much bigger frame, particularly compare to Portuguese my age, and I wear size 8.5 3E shoes. I’ll just have to look for men’s shoe that will fit and pass. CUSTOMS which basically prevents ordering anything from beyond the EU. And Covid of course, though Portugal has handled it beautifully in my opinion," said one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"Expats in Lisbon often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. Portuguese is the official language of the country, and many locals may not be able to communicate in English. Additionally, the Portuguese culture is very family-oriented, and expats may find it difficult to make friends and build relationships with locals. Furthermore, the Portuguese are known for their laid-back attitude, which can be difficult for expats who are used to a more fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, the Portuguese are known for their strong sense of pride and patriotism, which can be difficult for expats to understand and appreciate," explained one foreigner living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"If you plan to stay in Lisbon for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a visa before entering Portugal. Once you have arrived in Portugal, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the local Foreigners and Borders Service (SEF) office. You will need to provide documents such as a valid passport, proof of accommodation, proof of financial means, and a criminal record certificate," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"It is important to be mindful of cultural differences when visiting Lisbon. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress modestly, as revealing clothing is considered inappropriate. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of religious sites and to avoid taking photographs without permission. It is also important to be aware of the local customs and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English in public unless it is necessary," remarked one member in Lisbon.

"Lisbon offers a wide range of healthcare services for its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the National Health Service (Serviço Nacional de Saúde), which is free for all Portuguese citizens and residents. The system is divided into three levels: primary care, secondary care, and tertiary care. Primary care is provided by family doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, and is available in health centers and hospitals throughout the city. Secondary care is provided by specialists in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, and tertiary care is provided by specialized centers and hospitals. In addition to the public healthcare system, Lisbon also has a number of private healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and medical centers. These private providers offer a range of services, including general and specialized medical care, as well as dental and other health services," remarked one member in Lisbon.

"Choose a healthcare insurance company that has a strong network in your area; some are focused on the Southern region, some across the middle and so on. Look into brokers for lower rates rather than buy the coverage directly from the insurance company or from your bank," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"The weather is generally very good, access to goods and services makes it easy to live here. Covid has impacted everything of course which has made things more difficult. Health care is accessible and affordable. Learning the language has taken longer but English is often understood. There's access to lots of outdoors activities like cycling, hiking, water sports, which is important. There is an old world charm and a lot of history to learn about. Also access to other places in Europe make this location good. Previously lived in several countries in Asia. Europe also closer to the US for trips back- when possible again," commented a person living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Expats and digital nomads often appreciate the mild climate, beautiful scenery, and vibrant culture of Lisbon. They also enjoy the city's affordability, with its low cost of living and abundance of affordable housing. Additionally, the city's excellent public transportation system makes it easy to get around. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the language barrier and bureaucracy challenging. Additionally, the city's nightlife can be quite noisy, making it difficult to get a good night's sleep," explained one digital nomad living in Lisbon, Portugal.