Living in Portugal and Fitting in

Portugal’s incredible weather and fantastic and dramatic coastlines make this a destination many Britons want to get to know better.  Considering its perks, it is little wonder so many actually do up sticks and relocate to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve and elsewhere within this sun-drenched paradise.

If moving to live in Portugal appeals to you and you’re a fellow Brit, you’ll find this is one of the most hospitable places in the world for you to go and live.  Still, there are some downfalls to the proposition of expatriating to live in Portugal.  In this article we’ll take a look at some of the pros and cons of living in Portugal and fitting in and what Brits can do to help themselves better settle into their new communities.

The Pros of Living in Portugal

When it comes to locations outside Great Britain few can compare with Portugal on a number of scores for Brits seeking a country in which they can really make a home.  Portugal is noted for its incredible climate, easy entry for European Union nationals, its world-class golf and its relatively decent cost of living and the other pros of living in Portugal to consider include: -

• The People.  Portuguese people have incredible notoriety for welcoming British expats to their country.  Many expats report a fantastic affinity with their new neighbours.

• Travel and Accessibility.  It is relatively inexpensive to fly in and out of Portugal from the UK.  When compared to the cost of flying to other major expat draws such as New Zealand and Australia for example, the airline tickets to Portugal are almost nothing!

• Price of Property in Portugal.  Buying property in Portugal is relatively affordable for many Britons looking abroad especially when you consider Barclays Bank have excellent mortgage deals specifically for Brits seeking Portuguese real estate.  It’s more than feasible to find detached and semi detached houses within the 200,000 euro range and when these prices are compared to other warmer climate locales such as Spain they are considered a steal!

• Wining, Dining and Going Out.  The beaches, golf courses, restaurants and cultural scene in Portugal are all considered major attractions.  Britons used to fast-paced city life often comment on the slower lifestyle enjoyed in many of Portugal’s seaside communities and this is also an attraction for those seeking a country in which they can retire abroad.

The Cons of Living in Portugal

Although Portugal appeals on many fronts to many people, the nation does come with some down sides for those looking to relocate overseas.  Some of the most notable issues include: -

• Salaries.  If working in Portugal is the plan, plan on earning less than you might in other European Union countries!  Living in Portugal off pensions or investments is more than feasible and many expats opt to start their own businesses, which can prove rather lucrative – but generally speaking, if employed in the local marketplace expect wages to be lower than you could earn elsewhere in the EU.

• Language barrier.  Most Portuguese people speak at least a little English, but don’t count on every citizen knowing the language in depth!  To truly get along well and fit in in Portugal, a basic grasp of Portuguese is required.  Unfortunately learning the Portuguese language is not easy and many expats report living in Portugal for years and only having the basics down!

Moving to Portugal is a dream come true for many.  With its reasonable cost of living, affordable housing – in many areas – and its more laidback lifestyle, this EU country is one that many Britons choose to call home.  However, before making the final decision to relocate, carefully weigh the pros and cons and research all your options.  If the potential downfalls don’t bother you and a land where the climate is warm and the people are friendly appeals, Portugal could be a great choice.