In my last post where I announced my move to Portugal, I also said that I would attempt to explain why I moved to Portugal (and why Portugal, specifically) in my next post. This is that post.
So, why did I move to Portugal?
Excellent question and one I have to step back and think about for a few moments. I worked hard to make this move a reality, for the last year and a half, that the whys took a backseat to the hows of getting here.
First, the thought that started it all.
About two years ago I woke one morning with this feeling, this overwhelming sense of insecurity about my future. Along with this feeling was this thought: I canβt afford to get old or die here. Here being San Diego, California, specifically, but the United States, in general.
This thought started the wheels turning in earnest. This was not the first time I had a similar thought, but the first time I felt motivated to take action.
My healthcare premiums in the States were/are ridiculousβfor what Iβm not sure, as I was on a βnew planβ according to a woman at the healthcare company whom I called when I received my insurance card in the mail. I said to her, βMy deductible is $6,300, but it looks like I am responsible for 100% of hospitalization and emergency room services.β
The woman on the phone confirmed and said this is a new plan designed to keep premiums low (ha!), but the good news is that I would get the negotiated rate, so if, for instance, hospitalization was $1,000/day, Iβd probably only pay $900/day.
Wow, what a bargain! For this phenomenal deal, I was paying nearly $500/month.
With some longstanding healthcare concerns that are not addressed by conventional medicine, which means I wasnβt using my insurance anyway, my out-of-pocket expenses could potentially be stratospheric. Why carry a policy if Iβm 100% liable for hospitalization? Isnβt that the point of insuranceβfor the bankruptcy-inducing costs associated with a major health catastrophe?
This reality was the biggest motivator that pushed me to look for another way.
My health challenges make working (typing) next to impossible some days. If I canβt work, I am in dire straits. I wouldnβt be able to keep everything afloat in a costly city like San Diego. Iβd lose my home, and my life savings would be gone in a few short years. Even going on disability wouldnβt cover my housing costs.
So, I revived my decades-long desire to move to Europe.
I’ve traveled to Europe, focusing mostly on France, and it was there that I thought of moving to years ago. For myriad reasons, France is not my place at this point.
So, Why Portugal?
Geography & Peace
Portugal had always appealed me. Funny, I had never visited until last year, but all the photos Iβd seen, and the natural position of the country at the western-most point of Europe on the Atlantic, really appealed to me.
Portugal is a small country. Itβs ranked the 4th 3rd most peaceful country in the world according to the Global Peace Index. There isnβt terrorist activity here, and most crimes are petty. People donβt shoot people, here. On the rare occasion that does happen, itβs a national story. I have not once felt nervous or on alert walking around through my neighborhood or in Lisbon, the capital city. Yes, I pay attention, but not in that heightened hyper-vigilant way I often did in the States.
Cost of Living
Although Lisbon real estate, whether rentals or for purchase, has skyrocketed in the past few years, and except for a few other hot spots (Porto, the Algarve), Portugal is a bargain.
I live across the river from Lisbon in a newly renovated two-bedroom flat. Itβs larger and nicer than almost anything Iβve had in the Statesβin fact, I couldnβt afford this if it were in the States (in states/cities/towns Iβd want to live in)! Actually, my apartment is too large for meβIβll likely move to a smaller one- or 2-bedroom when my lease is up.
Groceries are a relative bargain. Coffee at a cafΓ© averages .80 cents, and my local museum, which is fantastic, has an admission price of .61 centsβand that included a copy of a full-color exhibition catalog!
Quality & Way of Life
The quality of life in Portugal is great. I had a good life in San Diego, but at a cost. I worked all the time. Here, not so much. I can allow my body to heal and my mind to wander, instead of thinking about my workload.
People live a simple life hereβthere is an emphasis on working to live, not living to work. The latest gadgets and other status symbols are the not the main obsession. When you get outside of a capitalist country to a place where the emphasis is on the people: family, friends, community, the differences are pleasantly stark.
Healthcare
Residents, not just citizens, can access the Portuguese national healthcare system (ServiΓ§o Nacional de SaΓΊde or the SNS) at low cost. Portugal ranks as the 12th best healthcare delivery system in the world (the US is #37). My appointment for permanent residency, good for one year, and renewable each year (subsequent renewals last two years) is on Feb. 14th. Once my residency is granted, I can register with my local health center and voilΓ ! Iβll be on the same healthcare system as a native-born Portuguese resident.
For now, I have private insurance, for a 1/4 of the cost of my US plan, with benefits beyond anything Iβve ever had. Iβve yet to use the plan but am optimistic about the quality and process. I may end up keeping it even when I qualify for SNS, as the cost is comparatively low compared with my U.S. premiums.
Financial & Tax Benefits
The Portuguese government has created several attractive plans for people like me who want to live here but earn money elsewhere (you donβt come to Portugal to get a job).
Once I have residency, I can take advantage of the NHR, the Non-Habitual Tax Regime. In short:
Under NHR, most income from a foreign source is exempt from Portuguese taxation for ten consecutive years, as is income that is taxable in another country. Importantly, this can apply even if the income is not taxed in the home country. People of any nationality (including non-EU/EEA citizens) can potentially qualify for NHR if they have not been resident in Portugal within the previous five calendar years. (Source: Blevins Franks)
And, if I stay out of the US for 330 days each year, I can avoid paying federal taxes through the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion. An obvious caveat, I am not a tax professional, consult with one for details and confirmation of accuracy.
My goal is to reach financial independence (FI), so I can choose whether to work, or not (meaning my investments and savings are enough for me to live without an income). I can reach FI in Portugal within the next four to five years; FI will never happen for me if I stay in the states. And, with my health stuff, if I canβt work, then I will be in a bad situation.
Adventure & Learning
Iβm excited about learning new thingsβthe language, although notoriously difficult, will be one way to keep my grey matter sharp. I want to meet new people and try on a new way of life. Iβm looking forward to get situated, a process that will take me a few more months, so that I can get down to some serious exploration of my new country.
Geography, peacefulness, quality of life, healthcare, adventure, and financial considerations are the primary reasons I moved to Portugal. A significant move like this is not for everyone, but it is within reach for those who want to give it a try. I hope this post has clarified my whys and inspires you to shake up your life, too!
[NOTE: In my next post this post I will share some of my resources, but I suggest you do your own research and check out my new program So, You Want to Move to Portugal]
We need stories such as yours more often. It’s a highly personal window into your decision and many others find encouragement and support in such details. Note that you are not yet on “permanent residency”; rather, you’ll be a temporary resident for five years and only move into permanent if, at the 6th year you can prove A2 level language skills. Note that you will always need private health insurance as the SNS will cover only the most basic of medical costs, such as a shot or treating a scrape. Just some technical clarifications!
Thank you for your comments, Zoe. I omitted some details as the post was already SO long π
Actually, Zoe was right. Permanent residency requires the language proficiency at A2, but you can continue reapplying for temporary residency every two years indefinitely.
I see. Thank you. My goal is citizenship–I hope π
Shanna from the bottom of my heart I wish you all the best. Kudos to you .
The sentence “SNS will cover only the most basic of medical costs” is not true, SNS covers a broad spectrum of clinical cases, an curiously is more effective on economic intensive treatments, like oncology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, cardiology, transplants, etc.
Even on medication, the system provides “comparticipação”, meaning a percentage of the cost of medication is supported by the system, and in special circumstances the medication is free or near it.
As soon a as you get the SNS number you can apply to a “medico de familia” (family’s doctor) on the Health Care Center of your residence. In such case you will be followed continuously by specialist physician.
I was fortunate to have a surgery to my spinal cord in the SNS, providing only my contributions to the system.
Hi Shanna, I came here through your interview with Andrew. I think it is a great step for you to come to Europe and live in Portugal. In my travels in Portugal I found the people fantastic, the country is beautiful with lots of history and the food is excellent. I still remember my first sardinhas, grilled on a small fire, together with some bread with olive oil and vinho verde. This was back in the late seventies when I spend around a month in Alcochete, building a boat with a friend.
Sad though, that you had to leave your campervan Millie (?) back in the US. I loved the Wayfarer interior. We are currently in the process of getting our own campervan conversion based on a Opel Combo L2, which is a copy of the Fiat Doblo Cargo, like the ProMaster City. We look forward to start our travels in March/April next year.
Enjoy your stay in Portugal and achieving your Financial Independence. We have our independence next year from pensions.
Take care
Willemien en Nico
IT is like I wrote this article. My husband and I are moving there in a few years. We love the tranquility of the country and can’t wait to arrive full time. All the reasons you wrote are ours. Insurance being one of the biggest. Adventure is on the horizon and we are ready! Thank you for this
Evelyn
I’m glad you enjoyed my article–thanks for taking the time to comment–I appreciate it!
Thanks so much for this post!! I am having the same a-ha moment. And while Iβm getting excited about these new changes in retirement plans, I am still angry about the US health care system (it will cost my husband and I $25,000/yr for insurance, plus another $3000 deductible). I REALLY appreciate reading your post. Weβre looking forward to our adventure!!
We left Texas over 7 years ago because our health insurance was going to cost $1400 per month for the 2 of us. In Portugal we can easily live on that much. We began life abroad in Panama where we enjoyed life for 5 years before falling in love with Europe. So far we have been in Portugal just 4 months and so far are loving our new lives here. We settled into a furnished rental near Caldas da Rainha for just 350 euros per month. Europeans cannot understand the crazy costs of US healthcare but we are so happy to have found this wonderful little country that we now call home.
Hello and thank you for your comments–I appreciate you taking the time π I’m looking forward to visiting Caldas–maybe you’ll give me the lowdown on your favorite spots?
Glad youβre liking it. We are moving back after 1 year because bureaucratie here is crazy, customer service is almost non-existant and the mentality of doing the minimum possible on the job is just not something I could get used to. We were in search of a slower pace and we really got it!! Everything here takes a long time. Maybe getting a job here was our mistake. The first thing I would suggest is keeping a remote job from the US.
And I hate to say it, but people here are not generally polite. They walk straight at you, they donβt hold doors, they stop their cars anywhere… yes, little things, but in the day-to-day it adds up…
May be perfect for retirement, but for the working regular hours person, not so much. But we may come back when we retire.
Just my observations and experiences…
Sounds like your experience was very exasperating for you. I didn’t come here with those same expectations, and I do work for myself (remotely), so my experience has been vastly different. I also realize there is no perfect place–each region and culture has its unique quirks and flavors. Good luck on your return–and may plenty of doors be held open for you π
Hi Shana,
If you need an urgent human made translation from time to time, from English into Portuguese, you may send me an e-mail. I am Brazilian and a native Portuguese speaker. If I translate for you, it will not cost you anything. I live in Brazil.
Thank you, Antonio!
First time in my life ever I hear the Portuguese are not generally polite, that is just plain nuts. Maybe you got some Past Life challenge to overcome that is meddling in your current experience? Cos that sure is not the reality of this country nor agreeing with the majority of the testimonies.
Re bureaucracy have you heard of Loja do CidadΓ£o a one stop shop you can sort out almost all bureaucratic stuff? Or the Simplex Program?
Wishing you all the best, sincerely
Hi! Thanks for sharing your thought process behind the big move. It sounds like the perfect fit for you. Lisbon has been buzzing lately! You are the second person I know who moved there. Wishing you health and happiness in your new home.
Thank you for sharing this! My dream is to live abroad again and I am investigating options… Love that you’ve found a beautiful, intriguing, and peaceful new home! All the best in your new home!
Thank you for sharing your story! I am also feeling a sense of unease about my future in my home country due to the skyrocketing cost of living, so are currently considering my options. It’s incredibly sad that the US health system is so inequitable it prompted you to leave… but what a marvellous adventure!
I saw your interview on Andrew Ditton’s site and my jaw dropped. You and I are about the same age, we are both freelance writers, we are both from So Cal., we are both vegans, we are both former #vanlifers (although my sojourn was brief), we both have elderly parents (I still have both) in the states, and we have both longed to live in Europe. And more….I have been wanting to move to Portugal for about a year now since my daughter and sister both visited. (I have never been there although I have traveled extensively in Europe.) Just over Thanksgiving I talked to my sister about moving there. If that is not uncanny enough (at least to me), I sold my house to a friend (including furnishings) this past July. I have very few possessions and intend to keep it that way. I too want to find a quality life that does not require working my ass off every day until I’m 85. I swear this is all true…it’s like our lives track but you are bravely ahead of me. My aging parents (and having three grown children in the US & bringing along a dog and cat are also considerations) have held me back from making an audacious move. I can’t wait to follow your blog posts/newsletter and I’m even going to join Instagram just so I can follow you. I truly hope I get the chance sometime soon to meet you in Portugal…you are the inspiration I need! Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story.
Hi Lisa!
Wow, what a story! Thank you for your time and your comment–and I’m glad my story is inspirational–keep me posted on your progress!
Good luck….thats my honest wish from the stand point of view of a real portuguese…..there s lots of oportunities here….theres lots of potencial to do and live here….hiven with out forgeting backhome and if i may……probably being couregeaus enough…..you going to find your self in a situation were your working relations with your country going to bee improved(as an example becaming a reseller of portuguese goods/manufacturing products backhome with your knowlodge of the market….thats a real tangible asset as the low cost and quality prized goods being donne here)…….well…..in short…..this not the paradise on earth…..i lived in paris also….i know spain….greece…turquie…..lots of english cocitizens….germans…..etc…..etc……portugal is becaming an sucessfull melting pot…..united natins personified in a country…..but with a very low self estimed…..thats why i like this peacefull invasion and count on that …..really every weel educated and civilized and humaine portuguese(yes….also exists here the oposite off all that)….but continuing…..every portuguese thats is able to really see you and understand you and read you…..wiil open with conditions off nationality or race is heart…..house…..family etc….to you and to your disposal…..in general wee dont see a foreigner as person with less right to bee here…..to live here….to be satisfaided and pleased with life and our pleasures…..wee like to share them…….weel….good luck too all…..good reading and interpretation of my culture(i confessed to you iven i have doubts ocasionly )….and iff i my with all respect…..good bee with you all….and welcome home.
Hi Shanna, I just commented on Andrewβs video but I thought Iβd leave one here as well. Parabens on your move! It takes lots of guts and planning and is not always easy, as you mentioned. I moved from Southern California to Europe 8 yearscago and it was a great decision. Sure there were annoyances and problems but overall it was the best idea I ever had. I just sold my house in the Netherlands and am in full nomad mode but planning to make Portugal or Spain a home base. Portugal is very enticing but my Spanish language skills are much better! Haha. I wish you the best of luck and hopefully our paths will cross someday
Ps: one lovely thing about Portugal is that it reminds me of California with the high sea cliffs, the scrubby plants and even the bridge in Lisbon! I found it very familiar and comforting! Enjoy!!!
Hi–thanks for your comment. Yes, Portugal shares many similarities with California–I love both places! My Spanish is much better, too, but Spain didn’t pencil out for me for many reasons. I’m glad I landed here.
Good luck to you–I’d love to know where you end up!
Welcome to Portugal. You will see that you will feel very good here. We like to welcome well who wants us well and who wants well to Portugal. Cheers.
https://youtu.be/0oBxGtdDZJI
Shanna … from here in the city of Porto, I send you my wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2019. Once again, welcome to Portugal.
Thank you, JosΓ©!
Welcome to Portugal and thank you for your kinds comments about my country that is your country now as well good luck, merry Christmas and a happy 2019
Thank you–I love my new country π
My husband and I are leaving the Southern California area in 3 1/2 years as he will retire at 55 with his UPS pension. We were thinking of going back to Thailand to retire as they allow you to stay with an income of 3000.00 per month or 25,000.00 in a Thai bank account once you are there for a year. I am curious what the Visa for Portugal involves? I have been following the YouTube channel β8 miles from homeβ for a few years now and they left Thailand for Portugal a few years ago, but are originally from the UK. Vegans as well (as my husband and I are too!) Wish you the Best time ever!!!
Hello and thank you for stopping by π Yes, I am familiar with the 8 Miles Youtubers. For Portugal, I just needed to show $7,000 for the YEAR. The Portuguese national minimum wage is 580 euros/month, so the wages are very low, but the quality of life is high. There’s a vast difference, as you know, between Portugal and Thailand–I guess it all comes down to what you want and that will determine where you’ll live! Best of luck in your next chapter.
Ola! My husband and I moved to Portugal in September 2017.
We are very happy here. The logistics to move here, the new language and culture is not easy. But the people are friendly and helpful. We experience something new every day. We live in AzeitΓ£o, close to Lisbon. Feel free to drop in for a cuppa!
Hi Shanna,
I enjoyed the interview with Andrew very much, especially because I am thinking seriously about moving to Portugal myself. As from autumn 2019 I will be retired and I will be free to move to another country (I now live in my home country, The Netherlands). Of all the countries within the European Union, Portugal is the most appealing to me β not only because of the cost of living, but also for some of the other reasons you mentioned.
I loved the way you spoke about doing ordinary things, like going to the laundrette. Since I donβt speak Portuguese (yet) I will probably have the same experiences once I have moved there. I am looking forward to those experiences.
Thank you for your story. It made my evening π
PS: I am also a writer (of fiction, in Dutch).
Hi Shanna. I came here through your interview on Andrew’s YT channel. I’m portuguese and I happen to live in the same area you’re living. Feel free to contact me if you need something – translations, language exchange, car ride somewhere, or just company for coffee and a chat…
Thank you for stopping by! If it’s okay with you I’ll send you an email so we have one another’s contact info–would love to meet–and might take you up on the help you are offering π
Hi Shanna! I enjoyed very much your interview in YouTube!! I am portuguese, vegan and trying to be minimalist… but not yet! And I work in the Gulbenkian orchestra, playing the viola, and recognized our garden in your interview! If you need some help in Lisbon maybe I could be of assistance to you! Donβt hesitate to contact me if you want..
Isabel
Hi Shanna,
I was in Portugal July of this year and stayed for a month but I couldn’t find an apartment whether my own or sharing with private washroom, I also didn’t meet any Americans living in Portugal and i don’t speak Portuguese so I was having a hard time communicating and adjusting. Anyways I want to come back and stay for a longer period of time, I’m from California, attended SDSU, moved to Seattle and now I’m in Texas, so long story short I want to move, can you help?
Thanks!
Saliyat
Hi Saliyat,
There are many English speakers, here–certainly in the larger metropolitan areas. Also, groups on Facebook and elsewhere. Working with a migration assistant like I did, might be best for you. I’m sorry I can’t help you with migration–that’s not my area of expertise and it’s a lengthy process–each person’s situation is unique–this is just my particular story. I worked with Cristina at Ei! Migration and Settling Services and I am happy to recommend them: http://eimigrante.pt/en/
Hi Shanna
I loved your interview with Andrew! After that I came to look for your blog π Reading your posts was absolutely a delight! I feel that I know you already! I am Portuguese, lived part of my life close to Setubal and another part in Algarve. After that we moved to Toronto, Canada to follow a dream of a new and different life with more financial stability and work challenges. We found all of that and much more, BUT our hearts are in Portugal. We are young and we are building successful careers here, I have found the job of my dreams but there is always something missing..I am tempted to think (and ruminate about it everyday) is this all worth it? Are we living our best life? Is it right to stay away of the people you love? The stakes are high but so is the price to pay.. at the end we are trying to find our purpose in life and figure were we want to live and where we can be happier. The simplicity of life that we can enjoy in Portugal is something unique. We will be visiting next summer, maybe our paths can cross π in the mean time I am available to answer your question and help you at distance! Hope you enjoy your new life in your new country!
Congratulations on your move! That takes admirable courage, curiosity, and determination. I just left a comment on your YouTube interview with Andrew and have copied it here:
Thank you both for the insights and inspiration.
My lingering questions concern logistics like visas and longer-term residency, renting (leases), etc. I imagine that requirements for a temporary visa would include proof of a source of adequate income, for example. Would you have found these processes too difficult without a migration assistant?
I spent a month in Porto last year and recommend a visit.
I’m not on Instagram and hope that you monitor these comments now and then.
Wishing you the best of luck on your new adventure.ο»Ώ
Thank you–I appreciate your kind words. Many people do what I did, probably more so, without the help of an assistant. For my particular circumstances, it was the right thing for me. A temporary visa is issued for 4 months, once all the requirements are satisfied (yes, adequate income is one of those requirements–about $7,000 US for the YEAR). Then once you arrive, you make an appointment for the year-long visa, which can be renewed indefinitely, from what I understand. After the first year, each renewal is good for two years. I hope that helps!
Can I ask what you think the total cost (so far anyway) has been for the services of the assistant/agency? Just a ballpark, basically. I am planning a move there myself in a couple of years (just took my exploratory first trip in Aug) and would like to know how much to basically factor in for that- I imagine I would save many a brain cell collision using a service like that and am VERY grateful you mentioned who you used. I’m sure that took a great deal of research to begin with.
I’m not sure as I pay for each service as I complete them. Maybe $1500? I have used many of their services, though–and all of their prices are listed (or they were) on their website. Just send Cristina an email–she’ll let you know π
Your matter of fact, putting it on the table as you have ‘come to learn’ way of communicating is really great! I too share your thought process & reasoning about remaining in the states. And I like that you are calling this move a journey, and a 1 year experiment. When I moved cross country from Florida to California 14 years ago, that rationale kept the door open for flexibility in a healthy way. Im one document away from fully applying for Irish Citizenship through Grandparent. To access healthcare, one would need to live in Ireland 2 years. Sounds like Portugal is much quicker and likely a better healthcare system the Erie to boot. Your thoughts shared have prompted me to look at other countries, other possibilities. Since Irish Citizens can work in any EU country, thats a good way to explore or start. Thank you and please keep sharing!
Thank you for your comment and questions. Yes, Portugal is much quicker regarding healthcare. Keep in mind I have a private plan right now, but once I’m a resident, in February if all goes well, I can then access the public system. Not for free, but so reasonable. Portugal has the 12th best healthcare delivery system in the world according to the World Health Org. The U.S. is 37th and the Uk is 15th and Ireland is 24th–I think–please don’t quote me, do your own research. I’m just a writer, not a healthcare expert π
Hi, Shanna. Thank you for sharing your experiences. Iβve been retired for nearly four years and have thought about relocating to Europe. In the YouTube video you mentioned working with someone to facilitate your visa and residency requirements. At least I think you did. Could you say more about that, please? All the best from dreary Olympia, WA.
Olympia! I lived in Tacoma–and Portland twice–and Medford! Definitely done with the Pac NW. The winters are pretty damp here, though–unless you are in the Algarve. I did use a migration assistant. The good people at Ei! Migration Services (tell Cristina I sent you): http://eimigrante.pt/en/ A small price to pay for the peace of mind of getting things right!
So inspiring … have been thinking about spending some time living on the continent of Europe and Portugal is someplace that I have been thinking about… I think you may have convinced me. Keep posting.
Hi Shanna, Lovely to hear your interview with Andrew. You have ignited the travel bug in me again. Please keep posting as your story is so interesting. Also, maybe sometime you could give an idea of monthly cost of living expenses.
Love your blog! I first found you on You Tube . I am increasingly disgusted with the health care system here in the US and the lack of compassion inherent in taking care of older residents. What did you do when you first checked out Portugal? Did you rent an airbnb for a few months before you decided to move and how did you determine where to live? I am wondering if there is an agency that will give one advice when on an exploratory trip. Thanks for all your great tips!
Hi–thanks for your comment and questions. I traveled here twice earlier this year. Did tons of online research and worked with a migration assistant to help me with paperwork and my apartment. I had a general idea where to live from all the research, but I am not hung up on this being “the place” for me. It’s a base for now and I’m still looking. I’ll share more about the logistics in an upcoming post π
So interesting, saw interview with Andrew and read this article. I have had such a dream, without fixing on a place to relocate. My window feels short at this point. I gather you are not collecting SSec? or Medicare (is that even usable there?)
I am self-employed and largely remote. I need a good wifi connection. How is all of that there in Portugal?
Does Spanish help at all wth learning Portuguese? I love the sound of that language.
ENJOY!
Hi. No, I’m not of the age to collect SS or Medicare. You can get your SS payments if you live abroad (at least I know this is true of Portugal), and you wouldn’t need Medicare if you lived here (can’t get it anyway–different system), the national healthcare system, for small co-pays, would serve you well. I can only be in places with a good wifi connection–almost everything in Portugal is fiberoptics–I have 5 to 10 times the speeds, up and down, than I had in California. Does Spanish help? Some say it does–I’m not so sure. Willingness to learn and to try are the biggest factors π Thanks for your questions!
Wish you all the luck in Portugal. Looking at your van on Andrews YT video, it looks as though you have the bare essentials for van travel sorted. Have you ever done a blog of your contents in the past and can you point me to it please.
Have fun, Wish I was there, you never know what the future may bring. Best wishes.
Hi and thanks for the good wishes π Head over to my average white van website and check out my gear page–it’s a good place to start! http://averagewhitevan.com/gear/
Hi Shanna, I also came here through your interview with Andrew. Thank you for the thoughtful post reflecting on your decision to move to Portugal. I’ve lived there as a child and keep going back for vacations because of nostalgia as well as the wonderful lifestyle the country offers. If you haven’t been there already – be sure to visit Costa da Caparica. It’s dirt cheap and has amazing long beaches. I also suggest trying the food at the Merendeira – a staple there. Wishing you fun, tranquility, and prosperity as you explore a new life in Portugal.
Hi Shanna! Found you through a friend’s recommendation of Andrew’s YT video. I am also from SD, took care of elderly parents, sold everything and left the US 3 years ago. I’m currently living (retired) in Oaxaca, MX and looking to move elsewhere. Europe is where my heart is and a couple of years ago I spent a month traveling in PT. Your blog has provided both info and inspiration–thank you! I’ll be in Lisbon in mid March (heading to Evora and then on to the Algarve before continuing on to Spain and Italy), if you’d like to meet up for coffee. And if you haven’t already, be sure to check out Obidos for a weekend and Coimbra and Porto are both lovely!
Hi Kate! Thanks for your comments and kind words–yes, definitely let me know when you are in Pt. I should be here in mid-March. I haven’t done much exploring, yet–still working through this epic 3-week and counting cold! I think I’ll settle in for Winter and explore in earnest in spring π
Hi Shanna:
You already ‘know’ who I am from YTube. I think what you did was very courageous. Life in Portugal can be complicated by cultural assumptions, local mindsets, a weak economy, unbelievable burocracy and political failures, but the place has a certain ‘je ne sais quoi’ and, it really has much to offer. Many things still need doing, as such, we need new minds and spirits from other lands to help us change for the best, this way, we can all enjoy Portugal even more.
Portugal is a simple place with simple people. We don’t care about the latest fads, our shopping options are really limited, and our monthly salaries more so, but we get by, simply yet enjoying life.
Those coming here expecting familiar mindsets, spic and span neigbhorhoods and a manicured, cookie cutter countryside, they might be disappointed. There are lovely areas all around, but not everywhere. Portugal is an old mix of different peoples, different mentality…it can be gritty, industrial, graffitied, poluted, yet also prestine, bucolic and untouched in many ways. The people are kind, food is great, weather fantastic, cost of living low, history is everywhere, museums, art, feasts, the unknown and the unexpected are everywhere.
Everytime I cross the bridge into Lisbon I marvel. The expanse of sea view I know and love since childhood still takes my breath away. I am incredibly lucky for my regal childhood of a simple middle class kid. For being able amongst so many things, to play with my little buddies on the street without ever a care from mom or dad.
Portugal is very, very safe – we cannot imagine a school shooting, or someone just walking into a restaurant and aiming!
Since my childhood, many things surely changed, but Portugal is still a wonderful place to grow up and to retire in, and yes…it is still a very safe place to live.
For the limitations of a small country, quality of life is high especially for Expats.
On the medical front, thread lightly regarding the Social Health Scheme here. Not so much in larger satelite towns around larger cities, but in more rural settings, sometimes you have major gaps in service. They might not have enough MD’s for office hours, they may not have schedules for 3 months out, the MD’s (nurses) may be on strike, and you may have to wait 2 months for your next family MD appointment. Some clinics are badly run, although, employees really try to help. You need the patience of a saint as chances are you will wait hours sometimes even with a scheduled appointment. I find NHS in Portugal good for primary MD care, vaccines, non urgent first aid or nursing follow up, (ex: post up, family planning, etc,) hospital stays, hospital care, surgery, ER, reduced price meds, physical therapy, allied med care, ambulance services and such, but for specialties sometimes you wait months and months to be seen, depending on the urgency. It is all triaged but still, it can be very time consuming and painful, if you are in pain but not dying! I took up a private plan where I pay β¬19.99 a month and I get 50% off of all costs in medical care. As long as the facilities I choose work with the insurance I am good. So if you have lots of medical issues requiring specialists, it is a good deal. The co. is called MediCare, but Shanna, I am interested in knowing the co. you went with for your health coverage.
Let me know if I can help you with anything. Navigating all of this in a different country without knowledge of Portuguese is tough! Don’t be shy in asking for help as we all like to help here. Cheers
Thank you for your detailed comment, Maria π I have MΓ©dis insurance through my bank. It’s not as low-cost as yours (I have heard of MediCare–not to be confused with the US Medicare), I’ll look into it. I had to put all the pieces together for my visa application in a short time period, which included insurance, so what I have for now works. I so appreciate your offer for help–everyone I’ve met has been kind and helpful π
Hi Shanna; Found your blog through your video interview on youtube. I have an unusual question that I am not sure you would have an answer too? But will press on. I am retired living on my social security benefits. Also make a fairly decent part time income as a busker. Wondering if there is much of street music scene in and around Lisbon? Have a long time dear friend that is from the UK. She has expressed how much she loved going to Portugal on holiday many times. Have also done a great deal of research on moving from the US to other countries, i.e. Southeast Asia, Poland, South America. Must confess of all my research Portugal is of most interest to me as a nation to take up residence. Like yourself one very important aspect of moving is health insurance. Being a veteran of the Vietnam war era all my health costs at this time are covered through the VA. Which will not be the case if I move to a foreign country. As you made clear in your interview, undertaking immigration to Portugal (or for that matter any other country) is not a simple process. But being a life longer seeker of adventure the appeal of such an undertaking is very appealing. Apologize for dragging this out. If you do have knowledge of the busking scene around the Lisbon area and willing to share it with me, I would greatly appreciate it. One last thing wondering what real estate service you used to find your apartment? Thank you, Daniel
Unfortunately, I do not have knowledge of the busker scene in Lisbon–I imagine in the summer there exists the opportunity for that. I am working on a post of my resources for the move, so stay tuned for the list of real estate sites and other pertinent details. Thanks for your comment!
hi shanna. i wondered about how and when you found your apartment in portugal. did you find and book it before you left the usa or once you arrived? if before, how? if afterwards, where did you stay while looking for a place? how long did it take you to find an apartment, and how did you go about it? through real estate agencies? other?
I found my apartment online–it was listed with a large international real estate agency. I spent months searching, but as I got closer to my departure date I increased my efforts. I would find ones I thought looked good online and run them by my migration assistant (see other comments for her info). She went to look at the apartment I chose, took a video for me, we discussed it, and then she helped me with the rent negotiation, the lease, etc.
Great that you have moved to Portugal. I have been learning the language for years. I love Portugal and want also to live there but maybe not permanently. I think winter and spring since I am in Chicago. I can start social security next year. I have been there many times. I wonder why you are living across the Tejo. In any event I am thrilled for you. Love the people and the country.
European Portuguese colloquially is a real challenge I learned the Brazilian version which is VERY different.
Congratulations and good luck to you. I wish you peace and good health.
Shanna, Thank you so very much for writing about your experience moving to Portugal. This is just what I was looking for. I will use the Ei! migration contact service you recommended. I wonder which of the many services they offer did you find to be the most helpful? I look forward to learning about more resources you found helpful. We plan to move to Portugal this Spring for the exact same reasons you did.
I too am a San Diegan that is looking to make the move to Portugal. While I have had many trips to Europe they have not included Portugal. Everything I read and see about it though really agrees with me. I have been following Eight Miles From Home for a while now and more recently Lisbon Diaries which is where I found the link to your blog. Here’s a coincidence. We have met! Many years ago I was looking for a company to build a website for me and you were one of the people I met on that quest. Your reasons and conclusions for your move to Portugal mirror mine. I hope we can meet for a cup of coffee sometime!
Wow–we have met? I don’t remember! Yes, maybe meet for coffee–when do you plan to move?