Lisbon

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

"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," remarked one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"Before moving to Lisbon, expats should familiarize themselves with the Portuguese language and culture. It is also important to research the cost of living in Lisbon, as well as the availability of housing and job opportunities. Additionally, expats should be aware of the local laws and regulations, as well as the healthcare system. Finally, it is important to research the public transportation system in Lisbon, as well as the best areas to live in," commented one expat who made the move to 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," remarked one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Expat homes and apartments in Lisbon typically feature modern amenities and stylish decor. Many apartments have balconies with views of the city, and some have terraces with outdoor seating. Expat homes and apartments often have high ceilings, hardwood floors, and plenty of natural light. Many apartments are located in the city center, close to restaurants, shops, and other attractions. Expats can also find homes and apartments in the suburbs, which offer more space and a quieter atmosphere," wrote one member in Lisbon.

"The cost of housing in Lisbon can vary greatly depending on the area and type of accommodation. Generally, the average cost of renting an apartment in Lisbon is around €800 to €1,200 per month, while the average cost of buying a property is around €3,000 to €4,000 per square meter. Prices can be higher or lower depending on the location and amenities," wrote one member 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," explained one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"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," said one expat in Lisbon.

"When moving to Lisbon, it is important to pack clothing suitable for the climate. Lisbon has a Mediterranean climate, so lightweight clothing for the summer and warmer clothing for the winter is recommended. Additionally, it is important to bring any necessary medications, as well as any important documents such as passports and visas. It is also a good idea to bring a few items to make the new home feel more comfortable, such as pictures, books, and other personal items. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary electronics, such as a laptop, phone, and chargers," commented one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"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," wrote one member in Lisbon.

"Foreigners often find work in Lisbon in a variety of industries, such as hospitality, tourism, retail, and technology. Many foreigners also work as English teachers, translators, and interpreters. Additionally, there are opportunities for foreigners to work in the finance and banking sector, as well as in the creative industries, such as graphic design, web development, and video production," remarked one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"Job employment agencies are the best way to go for looking for work. However, most require fluency in Portuguese. If you come from the United States, the UK, or any other English-speaking country, your best bet is to look for companies from your home country that are specifically looking for English-speakers," explained one expat 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," remarked one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"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 expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"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," said one expat 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," said one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"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," remarked 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 expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"Lisbon is generally considered to be a safe city, with crime levels lower than many other European capitals. However, there have been reports of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in some areas, particularly in tourist hotspots. It is advisable to take the usual precautions when travelling in Lisbon, such as avoiding carrying large amounts of cash and being aware of your surroundings," remarked one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"Lisbon is a diverse city, with people from many different backgrounds and cultures living and working together. The city is known for its acceptance of differences, and people from all walks of life are welcomed and respected. Lisbon is a vibrant and open-minded city, and its citizens are proud of its diversity," said one expat in Lisbon.

"Lisbon is very diverse. While the vast majority of the population are Iberian (Portuguese & Spanish), there are immigrants from all over the globe (former Portuguese colonies in Africa, Brasil) Ukrainians make up the largest immigrant group (after Brasilians). While certain groups tend to stick to themselves, people appear accepting of everyone here," said one expat who made the move to Lisbon.

"The International School of Lisbon (ISL) is one of the best international schools in Lisbon. It is an independent, non-profit, co-educational day school offering an international curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. ISL offers a rigorous academic program, with a strong emphasis on the development of critical thinking skills, creativity, and global citizenship. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Anglo-American School of Lisbon (AASL) is another excellent international school in Lisbon. It is a private, co-educational day school offering an American-style curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. AASL provides a challenging academic program, with a focus on developing the skills necessary for success in the 21st century. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The St. Julian's School is a bilingual school in Lisbon, Portugal. It is a private, co-educational day school offering a bilingual curriculum for students aged 3 to 18. St. Julian's School provides a rigorous academic program, with a focus on developing the skills necessary for success in the 21st century. The school also offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art," commented one expat when asked about in Lisbon.

"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," remarked one expat in Lisbon.

"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," wrote one expat living in Lisbon.

"As retirees, it has been easy to make friends with other expats especially through our language school. Making social connections with the locals has been more difficult as portuguese society is somewhat closed to strangers. However, our upstairs portugues neighbor has been very socialble and has helped us improve our language skills and interact more with the locals. Over time we have made more portuguese friends and expect to make more in the future," said one expat.

"Expatriates, retirees and digital nomads living in Lisbon typically have an active social life. There are many opportunities to meet people from all over the world, as well as locals, through a variety of activities such as language exchanges, meet-ups, and social events. Lisbon is also home to a vibrant nightlife, with plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore. Additionally, there are many outdoor activities to enjoy, such as walking along the waterfront, exploring the city's parks, and taking part in outdoor sports," commented one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"If you your goal is to really be a part of the culture and social experience, it is necessary to reach a good conversational level of portuguese. Many interesting activities are only in portuguese," said an expat in Lisbon.

"Lisbon is a vibrant city with a lively social scene. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and restaurants to explore, as well as a variety of cultural events and activities to enjoy. The city is known for its nightlife, with many locals and tourists alike gathering in the city's many squares and plazas to socialize and enjoy the atmosphere. Lisbon also has a thriving music scene, with many live music venues and festivals throughout the year. The city is also home to a number of art galleries, museums, and other cultural attractions, making it a great place to explore and experience the culture of Portugal," remarked one expat in Lisbon.

"When looking for housing in Lisbon, it is important to research the different neighborhoods and decide which one best suits your needs. Be sure to visit the area in person to get a better feel for the area. It is also important to consider the cost of living in Lisbon, as it can be quite expensive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the rental laws in Portugal, as they can be quite different from other countries. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and culture when looking for housing in Lisbon, as this can help you find the best fit for your lifestyle," remarked one expat in Lisbon.

"The prices are rising in Lisbon, but there are still plenty of places at reasonable prices. If you need more than 100 sq meters, then expect to pay a lot more. Places outside the city are much cheaper," wrote one expat living in Lisbon.

"Finding a specialist takes trail and error. But that is true even in my home country," wrote one expat living in Lisbon.

"Lisbon offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide quality care. Many of these facilities are equipped with the latest medical technology and staffed by experienced and qualified medical professionals. Additionally, Lisbon has a number of specialized medical centers that offer specialized treatments and services such as cardiology, oncology, and neurology. In addition, the city has a number of pharmacies and health stores that provide a variety of medications and health products," commented one expat who moved to Lisbon.

"We are required to have a private policy that meets the Schengen Community requirements (go to their website). The highest quality of coverage won't cost more than 3,000 euros a person/year (2017) and most retirees are paying only 2,000 euros annually. This includes dental and eye care, surgeries, private hospital room, unlimited doctor visits and tests," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Lisbon can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services needed. Public healthcare is available to all citizens and residents, and is generally less expensive than private healthcare. Private health insurance can be costly, but it can provide more comprehensive coverage and access to a wider range of services. Additionally, some employers may offer health insurance plans to their employees, which can help to reduce the cost of coverage," commented one expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.

"The cost of living in Lisbon is generally considered to be quite reasonable. Rental prices for a nice 1 bedroom apartment in Lisbon, Portugal can range from around $800 to $1,200 USD per month, while a nice 2 bedroom apartment can range from around $1,200 to $1,800 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Lisbon can cost around $15 to $20 USD per person," wrote one expat living in Lisbon.

"In order to visit Lisbon, visitors must obtain a Schengen visa from the Portuguese Embassy or Consulate in their home country. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of travel insurance, proof of sufficient funds, and a letter of invitation from a host in Portugal. In order to obtain residency in Lisbon, Portugal, applicants must apply for a residence permit from the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service. The process of applying for residency involves submitting a completed application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, proof of sufficient funds, proof of accommodation, and a criminal record certificate," said one expat.

"Lisbon is a vibrant and exciting city that offers a unique blend of culture, history, and modern amenities. The city is known for its mild climate, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. Expats are drawn to Lisbon for its low cost of living, excellent public transportation, and diverse cultural attractions. The city is also home to a thriving expat community, making it easy to make friends and find support. With its vibrant nightlife, delicious cuisine, and stunning natural beauty, Lisbon is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," remarked one expat living in Lisbon.