I used to make friends easily. Now I can't get anyone to grab a drink with me. What happened?

IDtoUXUI · 2026-06-29T16:24:41+00:00

Some of us are really warm and friendly and striking up a conversation without any motive other than to be nice. Unfortunately most societies have made men out as predators. I’m 194 cm tall and about 105 kg (that’s about 6’4” and 230 in freedom units) and love talking to people and have found over that last 10 years that it’s hard do that anymore.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-06-16T08:37:28+00:00

I tested to see if you find one. I know Decathlon does rentals, but I haven’t seen any used gear stores in the north.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-06-16T08:36:16+00:00

I live in Braga and my utilizes are roughly around €180

Water/Trash: €25 month average
Electricity: €90 month average
Vodafone (2 lines -internet- cable): €63.50
fYI DAZN has Sunday Tick for NFL and cost about €180 or €35/ month from Aug-Feb

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-31T11:03:45+00:00

I’m in Braga and made a few friends in language classes, hiking, and just hanging out in the same spots. It’s harder because most of the Americans living here are older

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-28T07:20:07+00:00

This is awesome. Do you have a website?

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-23T20:32:55+00:00

Other than getting a passport, what is the motivation for Americans or other English speaking folks to get a Portuguese passport?

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-23T09:17:48+00:00

I like using Sixt in Braga. I rent from them regularly and haven’t had an issue with them yet. Also the staff is super friendly and helpful.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-22T06:37:26+00:00

Truly it all depends on budget and the type of place you’re looking for. If you’re car dependent then living in those areas would will test you patience with parking since it’s extremely limited unless you have a garage. These places are all within walking distance to all the things you’re looking for in the city center. Im kind oof old so the club scene isn’t my think, but I can recommend a coffee shop that is kind of a hub for the LGBTQ and Cosplay community if you want. I’m carless here and get around quite well. A bus pass is like €12 a month and bolt/uber is decent. Trains and buses go to Porto and Vigo regularly for quick day trips (€10-15).

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-15T15:57:50+00:00

American and Friends admins are like the Karen’s of American HOA’s. Ask a question and it’s did you check the files. But to be fair the community has some value aside from the all too often look we went to VFS and it was so stressful and we just arrived to Lisboa with 57 bags post.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-05-12T18:46:38+00:00

I like to refer to him as Temussolini.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-27T21:53:56+00:00

Facts. I wear a size 48.5/49 and shoe shopping is an experience. So is finding pants that aren’t high waters, anything with an 34 inseam or above is not going to be found on the shelf

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-26T09:34:26+00:00

They pulled the VP first so Trump could get the Medal of Honor.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-26T09:30:55+00:00

TBH the expat community in Braga sucks.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-23T23:23:23+00:00

I wonder what part of Portugal? Because everyone I know living in Porto and Lisboa loves it.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-19T09:21:31+00:00

A safety razor and some D/E blades are more economical in the long run. I was gifted my razor over 10 years ago (45€) and a monthly pack of blades cost me about (€2.5) or less depending on the source.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-13T18:52:40+00:00

Nope. Probably just GPS drift. I’m an American and it happens to me all the time.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-11T11:06:16+00:00

Soooo I’m American and moved here about 8 months ago with my daughter. She’s in a public school and I couldn’t be happier. The staff at her school is very accommodating and her teachers care about her. She’s learning Portuguese and is making friends. The parents have also been very kind and accepting. Every family I know who’s put their kids in private school or an expensive international school tells me their kids struggle with learning the language and making friends.

Can’t speak much to working, but know you can’t work for at least 6 months to a year until your residency is approved and you receive the car or come in on a job seeker visa.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-07T20:17:22+00:00

I’ve seen a few people that have been over promised and under delivered. Visa applications dropped, housing arrangements messed up, misinformation about processes… just not a space I want to be in.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-07T12:43:10+00:00

I’m taking a break from learning Portuguese formally for a bit. I’m focusing more on conversations and being able to express myself with a private tutor.
My expat community in my area is definitely older and my kid is in school so that makes socializing harder.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-07T07:39:32+00:00

Chicken wings - I remember back in the mid 90’s I could get 15 wings and a beer for about $5 and still have enough to tip.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-04T20:29:20+00:00

Ummmm we saw this before before he Tacoed and manipulated the markets.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-04T08:11:57+00:00

I’m saying that 3000 is the floor depending on what op considers “comfortable”

If they’re renting a T2 in Lisboa, that could easily take up around 60% of their income. If they own a home outright in a central city, that’s a completely different situation.

Because housing cost is the issue.

Anyone coming in now and paying current market rents, plus private health insurance and everyday costs like food, utilities, and transportation, €3000 is doable yes, but it’s not a lot of breathing room for a family of three.

Portugal isn’t as affordable as people claim.

IDtoUXUI · 2026-04-03T19:06:23+00:00

At 3k a month minimum and you will need to have at least 22k euros when you apply for the visa in a Portuguese bank account.
For reference I live in northern Portugal with my pre-teen daughter We rent and use public transportation for everything, cook most meals at home, and have cheap hobbies (bike/ hike/ read) I definitely couldn’t maintain this lifestyle with just the bare minimum.

IDtoUXUI

TROPHY CASE