As someone who works closely with individuals moving to new countries, I often hear the terms expat and migrant used interchangeably. But are they really the same? Words matter, and choosing the right one can shape how we understand and discuss the experience of moving across borders. Let’s explore the distinctions between these terms, why I choose to use “expat,” and what it really means to live in a country that’s not your own.
9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese Person
Portugal is a welcoming and friendly country, but like anywhere, there are cultural sensitivities that it’s good to be aware of! Certain topics and phrases can be touchy, and it’s best to approach them with caution. Here are 9 things you should avoid saying to a Portuguese person if you want to keep the conversation friendly and respectful. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese culture with ease!
9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After Moving to Portugal
Moving to Portugal is an incredible adventure, filled with new experiences, beautiful scenery, and a relaxed lifestyle. But even with all the perks, there are certain things expats often find themselves missing from home. From familiar foods to cultural traditions, here are 9 things expats commonly miss most after moving to Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the highs and lows of expat life!
9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern Portugal
Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!
9 Times Portuguese Bureaucracy Will Surprise You
Portugal is a beautiful country with a laid-back lifestyle, but that relaxed vibe can sometimes put your patience to the test! From bureaucracy to daily quirks, life here has its challenges that can feel frustrating if you’re not prepared. Before making the move, here are 9 ways living in Portugal might test your patience—and how to handle them. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life in Portugal!
9 Reasons Why Porto Could Be Better than Lisbon
Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!
9 Unexpected Costs When Moving to Lisbon
Moving to Lisbon is exciting, but the costs can quickly add up in ways you might not expect! Beyond rent and groceries, there are hidden expenses that catch many newcomers by surprise. From extra fees to lifestyle adjustments, here are 9 unexpected costs you’ll want to budget for when moving to Lisbon. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the true costs of Lisbon life!
9 Reasons You Might Not Fit in with Lisbon Locals
Lisbon is a vibrant, beautiful city with a unique personality all its own. But living here isn’t for everyone, and fitting in with the locals can sometimes be challenging. From cultural quirks to lifestyle differences, there are a few things that might make adjusting to life in Lisbon tricky. Before you dive into Lisbon life, here are 9 reasons you might not fit in with the locals. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you understand the real Lisbon and see if it’s the right fit for you!
9 Portuguese Customs Expats Find Hard to Understand
Portugal is a beautiful country with a rich cultural heritage, and moving here is an adventure—but it also comes with some customs that can seem a bit puzzling at first! From social etiquette to daily habits, there are unique Portuguese traditions that often leave expats scratching their heads. Here are 9 Portuguese customs that expats often find hard to understand. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you decode these cultural quirks and settle in like a local!
9 Ways Living in Portugal Can Test Your Patience
Portugal is a beautiful country with a laid-back lifestyle, but that relaxed vibe can sometimes put your patience to the test! From bureaucracy to daily quirks, life here has its challenges that can feel frustrating if you’re not prepared. Before making the move, here are 9 ways living in Portugal might test your patience—and how to handle them. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate the ups and downs of life in Portugal!
9 Rules Locals Live By in Portugal (And Expats Should Too)
Thinking of settling in Portugal? To truly fit in and enjoy life here, it helps to understand some unspoken rules that locals live by. These aren’t in any guidebook, but they make a big difference in how you’ll experience Portuguese culture. From social etiquette to daily customs, here are 9 essential rules that locals follow—and that expats should too! I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to help you navigate life in Portugal like a local!
9 Mistakes People Make When Buying Property in Portugal
Buying property in Portugal is an exciting step, but it’s easy to make mistakes that can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. From navigating legal paperwork to understanding the true costs, buying a home here isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Before you dive in, let’s look at 9 common mistakes people make when purchasing property in Portugal—so you can avoid them. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to help you make a smart, stress-free investment!
9 Unexpected Realities of Life in the Portuguese Countryside
Dreaming of peaceful days, rolling landscapes, and a break from city life? The Portuguese countryside is undoubtedly charming, but living there comes with some unexpected realities that aren’t always in the guidebooks. From slower services to unique quirks of rural life, the countryside offers a different rhythm that can be both enchanting and challenging. Before making the move, here are 9 unexpected realities of life in rural Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on country life in Portugal!
9 Things You Should Know Before Moving to Porto
Thinking about making Porto your new home? With its stunning river views, historic charm, and vibrant culture, Porto has a lot to offer. But don’t let the postcard images fool you—living in Porto has its own quirks, surprises, and challenges that newcomers should know. Before you pack your bags and head to this beautiful city, here are 9 things you absolutely need to know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to give you the real scoop on life in Porto!
9 Surprising Downsides of Living in the Algarve
When you think of the Algarve, images of sunny beaches, stunning cliffs, and endless blue skies probably come to mind. But there’s more to life here than the postcard views. For all its beauty, the Algarve has its own set of surprising downsides that can make living here a bit more complicated than you’d expect. Before making this dream destination your home, let’s dive into 9 surprising downsides of living in the Algarve. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, and I’m here to help you see the full picture of life in southern Portugal!
9 Reasons Why Lisbon Isn’t for Everyone
Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some hidden costs that can catch expats by surprise. From property maintenance to social security contributions, these expenses can add up quickly if you're not prepared. Today, we're uncovering the top 9 hidden costs of living in Portugal to help you plan better and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, here to guide you through it all.
Do You Need a Fiscal Representative in Portugal? A Complete Guide for Non-EU Residents
If you have financial interests in Portugal but live outside the European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA), you may be required to appoint a fiscal representative. This guide will explain why a fiscal representative is essential, who needs one, and how it can help you navigate the complexities of Portuguese tax laws. From ensuring compliance with tax regulations to assisting with the application process for a NIF (tax identification number), a fiscal representative can be a crucial partner for non-residents doing business or owning property in Portugal. Read on to find out if you need one and how it can benefit you.
Top 9 of Lisbon's best districts to live in
Lisbon is a cosmopolitan and dynamic city, with many different neighbourhoods, each with its own atmosphere and lifestyle. If you're looking for a place to settle down, it's important to compare Lisbon's different neighbourhoods before deciding where to put down your boxes. I'm Lisbob, the expat assistant, and I've come up with my list of the best areas in Lisbon to move to, in no particular order.
9 hidden costs of living in Portugal
Moving to Portugal is an exciting adventure, but it comes with some hidden costs that can catch expats by surprise. From property maintenance to social security contributions, these expenses can add up quickly if you're not prepared. Today, we're uncovering the top 9 hidden costs of living in Portugal to help you plan better and avoid any unpleasant financial surprises. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, here to guide you through it all.
9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal
Moving to Portugal is an exciting journey, but there are a few secrets locals don’t usually share. These hidden gems and insights can make a huge difference in your expat experience. Today, we’re uncovering the top 9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal. Ready to get the inside scoop? I’m Lisbob, your trusty expat assistant, and I’m here to guide you through it all.