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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in ...

Buying property in Portugal can be an exciting investment, but it’s essential to approach it with careful planning and awareness of the local market. From legal requirements to hidden costs, here are five key things to consider before buying property in Portugal. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to guide you through what to know so you can make an informed decision!

9 Things to Consider Before Buying Property in Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and ...

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.

Expat vs. Migrant: What’s the Difference and Which Term Should You Use?
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things You Should Never Say to a Portuguese ...

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 You Should Never Say to a Portuguese Person
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After ...

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 Things Expats Miss Most About Home After Moving to Portugal
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern ...

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 Big Differences Between Northern and Southern Portugal
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Portuguese beaches will have traffic lights at the entrance and an area of ​​10 square meters per person

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Portuguese beaches will have traffic lights at the entrance and an area of ​​10 square meters per person

It is not an April Fool: traffic lights will be installed at the entrance to Portuguese beaches to indicate the capacity to receive more bathers or not. PAN party deputy André Silva revealed this after leaving the meeting with Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa. It was also decided to allocate an area of ​​10 square meters per person. This solution aims to compensate for the lack of human resources in order to count the number of people on the beaches. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

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60% of Portuguese real estate agencies predict a fall in prices

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60% of Portuguese real estate agencies predict a fall in prices

Real estate prices continued to rise in Portugal late last year to record highs, but the coronavirus epidemic may well be a game-changer. At least that is what most real estate agencies think, according to a study by the Imovirtual site which interviewed hundreds of professionals in the sector. The expected drop is 25%, but some believe that prices will simply stabilize. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this investigation which does not bode well for Portuguese real estate.

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Borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th

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Borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th

The coronavirus epidemic has led to the closure of certain borders within the European Union. The land border between Portugal and Spain has been closed since the establishment of the state of emergency on March 16th, and the passage on either side is reserved for residents or cross-border workers. The Portuguese Council of Ministers announced last night that the land borders between Portugal and Spain will remain closed until June 15th. However, this date is not final and may be revised depending on the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about closing the borders between Portugal and Spain.

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Ryanair to resume 40% of flights on July 1st

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Ryanair to resume 40% of flights on July 1st

The coronavirus outbreak has strongly impacted the international air traffic sector with an unprecedented decrease in international flights. However, the hardest part seems to have passed and some companies decide to go ahead and announce a gradual resumption of activities. Ryanair has just announced that it will resume 40% of its flights on July 1st. What to hope for the many travelers and expatriates to be able to take the plane this summer. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about resuming Ryanair flights.

9-year-old Valentina's body found lifeless in Peniche: father admits murder

9-year-old Valentina's body found lifeless in Peniche: father admits murder

Portugal had been on the alert for several days: little Valentina, 9, had disappeared since last Thursday and was wanted by the Portuguese police. The latter has just reported that the child who disappeared at Peniche was found dead, and that two suspects were arrested, concerning the father and the stepmother. The body was found under a tree, thanks to the indications of the father who allegedly confessed to his murder. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant to Portugal, tells you all about this terrible news and the discovery of Valentina's body.

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Opening June 1, 6 people per umbrella, 2 meters apart: this is what Portuguese beaches might look like this summer

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Opening June 1, 6 people per umbrella, 2 meters apart: this is what Portuguese beaches might look like this summer

Portugal ended the state of emergency to move to that of calamity, opening the door to a gradual resumption of authorized activities and places. Among those who are eagerly awaited, the Portuguese beaches are at the top of the list and it is quite normal as the Portuguese beaches are magnificent. The coronavirus epidemic requires a new adaptation and new rules to protect everyone while enjoying the beaches. The DGS has already recommended a distance of 2 meters between each person and swimmer. Even if the final decisions should be known by the weekend, some sources indicate that the Portuguese government would lean for a maximum of 6 people per umbrella, the installation of turnstiles at the entrance to the beaches and a limitation of gatherings to 10 people. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

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Interactive map of real estate prices in Portugal, district by district

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Interactive map of real estate prices in Portugal, district by district

Real estate prices in Portugal continued to rise in Portugal late last year. This is shown by data compiled by the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics (INE), which analyzed real estate transactions. Across the country, prices rose 8.5% in the last quarter of 2019, but the differences between cities are significant. The INE provides an interactive map that allows you to find out the price of real estate in each district and these in several cities in Portugal. The coronavirus is likely to stagnate or see prices fall, and this study corresponds to the pre-pandemic. What is the price of real estate in Portugal? What are the cheapest areas to buy a house? Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, gives you this interactive map of property prices in major Portuguese cities.

Deconfinement: what changes from this Monday in Portugal

Deconfinement: what changes from this Monday in Portugal

After 45 days of confinement Portugal will gradually come back to life. Indeed, the Portuguese government announced the end of the state of emergency to enter that of calamity. This Monday, the long awaited deconfinement can finally start and Portugal opens its economy again, little by little. This is the first phase of the Portuguese deconfinement plan, but it is not yet a return to normal as there will be restrictions and new rules to protect the population against the epidemic of coronavirus. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what changes from Monday, May 4 in Portugal.

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International flights: Portugal imposes a limitation of 2/3 of passengers

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International flights: Portugal imposes a limitation of 2/3 of passengers

The coronavirus epidemic continues in Portugal and the 1,000 death mark has been surpassed. Nevertheless, Portugal ended the state of emergency to pass to the state of calamity, allowing the partial resumption of the activity. Among the sectors that are still impacted, that of international air traffic, which does not really know when and how it will be able to get out of this crisis. In order to protect passengers but still ensure economic viability, Portugal has decided to impose a 2/3 occupancy limit for international flights. This will generate additional costs for passengers and a logistical and financial challenge for airlines. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about limiting the. number of passengers on international flights to Portugal.

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Sahara heat wave hits Portugal: + 37º expected this Sunday, police worried

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Sahara heat wave hits Portugal: + 37º expected this Sunday, police worried

The state of emergency ends in Portugal and a heat arrives at the same time. This Saturday is already a pleasant day from a temperature point of view, but Sunday will see peaks and perhaps break heat records in some places. The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and the Atmosphere (IPMA) has indeed warned of the arrival of a heat wave from the Sahara Desert, bringing with it an increase in temperatures which will reach 37ºC in places. The Portuguese police, for their part, are concerned about the non-compliance with protective measures. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this heat wave from the Sahara.

Dates, phases and calendar of the deconfinement plan in Portugal

Dates, phases and calendar of the deconfinement plan in Portugal

Portuguese government is prepared to reopen the economy and end the lockdown, with the peak of the coronavirus pandemic now behind. The program will consist of three distinct phases, which can of course evolve according to certain public health criteria. After several weeks of state of emergency, which has forced the closure of most economic activities, Portugal will begin to reopen sector by sector. The return to normal plan is gradual and includes specific dates: May 4th, May 18th and June 1st. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, gives you the dates and the official calendar for the deconfinement plan in Portugal.

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Portugal elected "best world destination" for cooperative tourism and "best astrotourism destination"

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Portugal elected "best world destination" for cooperative tourism and "best astrotourism destination"

Portugal has been voted as the "best world destination" for cooperative tourism and "best astrotourism destination" by Worldcob. It is the first time that Portugal has won these prizes, confirming the dynamism and quality of Portuguese tourism and more particularly of the Dark Sky association which promotes night tourism and sky observation. Indeed, the Dark Sky Alqueva association has won two other international prizes, and this time not only for the promotion of the quality of the sky in the territories next to the Great Lake of Alentejo, but for the commercial performance considered as " of excellence "in its activity. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this worldwide recognition of Portuguese tourism.

A strange streak of bright spots spotted in the Lisbon sky

A strange streak of bright spots spotted in the Lisbon sky

It’s a more than strange phenomenon that happened this Sunday, April 19. Those who could see the sky during this period of confinement could observe a trail of aligned light points. Several witnesses took pictures of what appears to be a UFO colony. Photos taken from the Greater Lisbon region or even Margem Sul have invaded social networks. The explanation? It’s the constellation of Elon Musk’s Starlink mini satellites. Their luminosity means that they can be observed when it is already dark on earth. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about this strange streak of light spots spotted in the sky of Lisbon.

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138 people infected with coronavirus in a youth hostel in Lisbon

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138 people infected with coronavirus in a youth hostel in Lisbon

The coronavirus epidemic is not sparing the Portuguese capital, and it is a major source of contamination which has just been discovered. Indeed, the Aykibom Hostel, located on Morais Soares street in Lisbon, has just been evacuated after 138 people were diagnosed as infected with coronavirus. The 170 occupants of the youth hostel were evacuated and the operation required the intervention of more than 100 police, translators and medical personnel. All the occupants of the hostel are refugees, who have been evacuated to the Lisbon Mosque for treatment. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about these coronavirus outbreaks in Lisbon.

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Portugal recorded excess mortality in March, but not due to coronavirus

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Portugal recorded excess mortality in March, but not due to coronavirus

The Portuguese Directorate General for Health (DGS) has launched an investigation into the excess mortality recorded in March of this year in Portugal. Indeed, the figures speak for themselves and the excess mortality (number of deaths above an average in recent years) was particularly pronounced in March compared to certain years. At first glance it could be a simple consequence of the coronavirus epidemic, but it is not. In addition, this excess mortality also affects the elderly. This could explain the relatively low mortality rate (2%) of the coronavirus in Portugal compared to other countries, but does not explain this excess mortality. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this investigation launched by the DGS in order to identify the causes of this peak in mortality.

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Impressive waterspouts in Sesimbra and Viana do Castelo

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Impressive waterspouts in Sesimbra and Viana do Castelo

A waterspout is a column of air mixed with water rotating over a body of water, forming a small tornado. This impressive phenomenon is rather rare but it has been spotted twice in Portugal: in Sesimbra and in Viana do Castelo. The images of these waterspouts toured social networks. Although the phenomenon is not usual, IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere) had warned of their possible arrival. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about these waterspouts.

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How to benefit from the moratorium on real estate loans in Portugal?

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How to benefit from the moratorium on real estate loans in Portugal?

In order to mitigate the economic effects of the crisis linked to the coronavirus pandemic, Portugal has put in place mechanisms which in particular allow individuals to benefit from a moratorium on mortgage loans. Individuals must, electronically or physically, send the lending institution a declaration of adherence to the application of the moratorium signed by the borrower and accompanied by documentation proving the regularity of the tax situation of the person making the request. The decree-law of March 27, published within the framework of the COVID-19 disease pandemic, establishes exceptional measures for the protection of households for the credit for clean and permanent housing, measures which will be in effect until 30 September 2020. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything to benefit from the moratorium on mortgage loans.

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15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 435 deaths in Portugal, highest increase ever with 1,516 cases in 24 hours

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15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus and 435 deaths in Portugal, highest increase ever with 1,516 cases in 24 hours

The coronavirus epidemic is accelerating in Portugal with an additional 1,516 cases in 24 hours, the largest increase since the start of the epidemic. The Portuguese General Directorate of Health released these figures today with a total of 15,472 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal and 435 deaths. 8,897 are in the northern region, 3,821 in the Lisbon region, 2,197 in the central region and 279 in the Algarve. The Azores have 94 cases, Madeira 59 there are 125 confirmed cases in the Alentejo. 140 patients have so far completely recovered from the coronavirus. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic.

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5 employees of Teleperformance Lisbon infected with coronavirus, management accused to hide facts for several days

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5 employees of Teleperformance Lisbon infected with coronavirus, management accused to hide facts for several days

The inevitable happened. Call centers are not affected by the economic downturn and the thousands of Portuguese and expatriate employees are forced to continue working, some going to the office. 5 cases of coronavirus have been confirmed in the Teleperformance cell center in Lisbon. The unions accuse management of having concealed the fact for several days and above all of continuing to make employees work in poor conditions. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic.

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7,743 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 160 deaths and no cured since March 26 in Portugal

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7,743 confirmed cases of coronavirus, 160 deaths and no cured since March 26 in Portugal

The coronavirus epidemic continues in Portugal with an additional 1,035 cases in 24 hours. The Portuguese General Directorate of Health released these figures today with a total of 7,743 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal and 160 deaths. 4,452 are in the northern region, 1,799 in the Lisbon region, 911 in the central region and 137 in the Algarve. The Azores have 48 cases, Madeira 46 there are 50 confirmed cases in the Alentejo. So far, only 43 patients have fully recovered from the coronavirus, no cure since March 26. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic.