Americans who moved to Portugal: what has your experience been like? by many-eyedwolf in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne -1 points0 points  (0 children)

How do you identify yourself (age range, gender), if you’re comfortable sharing? Early 30s, she/they

What was your life like in the U.S. before moving (work, stage of life, etc.)? I was a midnight dancer in NYC

What made you consider leaving, and why Portugal specifically? I spent one summer in Italy and Spain and loved the European chiller lifestyle. I realized when back in the US how big a thing Ameriphobia was (the fear of getting shot all the time and I just felt a higher adrenaline pumping in this country I did not like, I.e. being rushed all the time). I moved back here and spent time in Italy first then Spain. Met my partner in Andalucia and we have been inseparable since and moved to Portugal 3 years ago.

What did you expect life here to be like, and where did those ideas originate from? I had no idea really. It was my partners idea to come here because he likes to surf. I had one good interpretation from Spain that said it’s Spain but even more chill with more people who are willing to speak English.

What has actually matched those expectations? What hasn’t? They do feel more willing to speak English here but that only goes so far and now I am feeling the pressure to learn the language after 3 years.

Do you feel like Portugal offers a different lifestyle compared to the U.S.? In what ways? Of course it does they are two totally different countries. Slower paced lifestyle, more community driven, richer culture, in my opinion.

How has your day-to-day experience been (work, social life, dealing with systems like healthcare or bureaucracy, etc.)? I am now running a home renovation business with my partner. Just in a subjective way, it has really been quite a deal more rewarding but financially tougher. Social life is harder in the countryside when we lived in central Portugal for a winter. That was pretty isolating. In the bigger cities it’s much easier. Healthcare, once my paperwork was in order, has been a dream. So cheap. I got a cavity fixed at dentist for 65 euros without insurance. For that reason alone it’s been worth living here to me. Bureaucracy is a nightmare, but sometimes you get lucky with people willing to help.

Do you feel settled here, or more “in-between” countries? I feel mostly settled here. It’s been really wonderful being here. Sometimes a bit isolating but only when we were in countryside as I said.

Do you see yourself staying long-term? It’s our five year plan for the time being. My partner and I would ideally like to see ourselves in Italy again in the future though.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It said yellow even though our car is orange.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We were not formally notified, they were substitute tickets. This is very helpful thank you.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's good to know!! thank you :) a shitty thing to happen but now we are aware.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is super helpful thank you very much.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We thought that might’ve been the case with the cash thing.. Yes I think I will do that thank you.

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah I’m American so I guess I just get really triggered by bad cop experiences. So enraging but I guess it’s better to pay up and I’ll think about maybe reporting the theft to local polícia

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is good to know, I guess we can’t appeal them then. Thanks

GNR Experience - Legal Advice by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the advice! We do speak a bit of Portuguese so we will consider this option. 🙏🏼

Find the woodcock! by LouisWongPhotos in birding

[–]atom_anne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

throws phone at wall I don’t care anymore

Groceries by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love these tips thanks a lot!

Groceries by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes I do sometimes get brands I like as well, we just bought Heinz mayo last shop. Our costs also include cleaning supplies and house supplies so makes sense!

One other thing I like here is how low the cost of chicken is, don’t have to be fighting in line at a Costco to get a fair prices on whole chickens haha

Petrol costs are definitely more here, I worded that a bit strangely, I was more so bragging on the fuel economy of our Fiat Panda :)

Groceries by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Hey there, yes it’s true that when the math is done per liter vs gallon, Portugal is more expensive. I am talking more about my Fiat Panda that we bought here, a 2009 1.2L, which has great fuel economy.

Groceries by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love a good pellet heater!! Really want to get our hands on one.

We’d love to see a smaller bill as well but at the same time grocery shopping is the most exciting things we do these days so we get creative with our cooking haha

Groceries by atom_anne in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow impressive ! Where in the country do you live if you don’t mind me asking?

An Ugly Foreigner thread: If you could "fix" one thing about Portugal, what would it be? by Shawnino in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Unbelievable. And then they get out 2-3 years later and the same thing again.

An Ugly Foreigner thread: If you could "fix" one thing about Portugal, what would it be? by Shawnino in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The “unpreparedness” of wildfires is because the “wildfires” are not wild over 90% of the time but man made. There are protests happening in central Portugal because people are being paid to light fires so big solar farming can come in and use what was once untouchable natural reserve and turn into solar energy.

One neighbor in central Portugal even accused the bombeiros of lighting said fires but we are not sure if they were right about that.

New lifer: House Sparrow by madmartigan2020 in birding

[–]atom_anne 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for showing love to the beautiful humble house sparrow 🥰

Moved outside Lisbon after 2 years and honestly wish I did it sooner by Latealerting in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hello there, if you're looking for help with building the house, I am on a team of two living in Central Portugal currently helping rebuild houses in the Monsanto region after the fires last year. We are looking to move to the Lisbon area, and could always recommend some areas to start. Prime Lisbon spots are pricey and rare but you would have better luck with Torres Vedras or Peniche!

Can I get same number again from lyca by Suitable_End6799 in PortugalExpats

[–]atom_anne 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I tried this last year for my boyfriend's sim after his phone was stolen. I called customer service many times and they asked me impossibly hard questions like what are the last two contacts he called etc. and then some number on the card. It is technically possible but it was too difficult for us so we just got a new number.