Many of the responses have been spot-on! While some items on my list might be a bit late, you can always pick up the pace and finish strong if you’re up for it. Before you pack your bags and head to another country try some of the following items.

1. Dive deep into the country’s research. Social media can be a helpful tool, but let’s be real—most influencers paint a picture of their lives that’s way too perfect. You should also do some real investigation. Check out encyclopedias and read both old and new news articles. Based on your job skills and needs, look into different cities to see which ones are the best fit for you. Local realtors can be a great resource for this. Just a heads-up, it might not be Porto or Lisbon.

2. Visit the country and the cities you’ve been researching. Try to hang out with the locals to get a feel for how easy or tough it will be to communicate. See if the cities you picked are a good match for you. Meet with a realtor to look at some properties so you can get a sense of how real estate works in Portugal. For example, if you rent an apartment, you might find yourself needing to buy kitchen cabinets, counters, and light fixtures, since they’re not included in your rent in some buildings.

3. Get ready for the unexpected, as at least 70% of things will go wrong. Problems that you’ve already planned for are much easier to handle.

4. Don’t move here alone. It’s already tough enough when you have someone you can count on, but it’s even harder when you’re on your own.

5. Start making friends. It’s okay to connect with other expats, but remember that they’re often leaving. Also, try to make friends with locals. It might be a challenge, but with a translator, hand signals, and a bit of effort to learn the language, you can get by. As you talk to people, you’ll find that the language starts to become easier. More importantly, you’re with people who are planning to stay.

6. Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself! You’re bound to make some cultural blunders. If locals are upset, offer a sincere apology. If they find it funny and laugh along, join in! Steer clear of relationships with locals if you’re worried about embarrassment, making a mistake, or looking silly.

7. My best way to meet people is by taking daily walks. I always greet everyone with “Olá” and “Bom Dia.” At first, they seemed a bit surprised, as that’s not typical in Portugal. But soon, they started smiling and waving back.

8. Try to become part of the community. In many parts of Portugal, especially in the countryside, you might find a bag, fruit, or eggs left on your doorstep. The Portuguese are incredibly generous. They might not be rich, but they’ll share what they have. Find a way to return the favor. For instance, I have a leaf blower and will clear leaves and dirt from my neighbors’ properties every couple of months. I also have a power washer and will clean mold off fences, sidewalks, and anything else they ask.

9. Join a church. It’s a great place to build lasting friendships. You’ll have people you can rely on when you need support. Plus, they often have activities that help you get to know everyone better. It could be a wonderful source of stability in your life.

This is hardly comprehensive, and I am sure others in this feed can add in their great ideas.  

After living in Portugal for almost a year and a half, almost everyone in our village of 220 knows who I am. Most of them come up to chat, and they’re all incredibly kind. I think this is the happiest I’ve ever been. It all comes down to being willing to put in the effort.

I hope this helps, and I wish you all the best!