Living in Portugal: told by an American

The International Living (IL) website recently wrote an article describing the life of a United States citizen living in Portugal, presenting some strengths and weaknesses.

Tricia Pimental, the IL correspondent, has lived in Portugal with her husband for several years and began by describing the country as “modern but keeps his traditions. People are friendly. Family and friends are important, and people know their neighbors and the local merchants.”
The cost of living in Portugal is one of the most affordable in Western Europe. “A couple can live comfortably in Lisbon for about $2200 a month, in the city’s typical neighborhoods and only a half-hour walk from the main tourist areas. In the smaller cities of the country, a couple’s monthly budget is about $1700.”

Strengths and weaknesses of living in Portugal

According to Tricia Pimental these are the strengths and weaknesses of living in Portugal:

• Climate
  • Strengths: In general, the climate in Portugal is hot, temperate and humid, with rainy winters and dry summers.
  • Weaknesses: In the north, in winter it rains about half the time, and temperatures in some areas are negative. Coastal areas can be extremely windy.
• Cost of living
  • Strengths: Expats usually find that their expenses in Portugal are about one third of what they were in the United States.
  • Weaknesses: Electricity, gasoline, automobiles and large appliances such as washers and dryers are more expensive in
    Portugal than in the US.
• Safety
  • Strengths: The Global Peace Index considered Portugal as the 3rd safest country in the world (read more here). The Portuguese are peaceful people and seek to avoid conflict.
  • Weaknesses: Small thefts exist in every major city. In Portugal is no exception.
• Medical care
  • Strengths: The average cost of private health insurance in Portugal is $46 per person per month. Medical services, public or private, are available nationwide.
  • Weaknesses: If you want to schedule surgery on public services, it can take months.
• Proximity to the US
  • Strengths: Portugal has three international airports that have several airlines. If you plan your trip in advance, you can find seven-hour nonstop flights for under $700.
  • Weaknesses: As this is a long trip, anyone coming to visit will want to stay longer to enjoy.
• Leisure activities
  • Strengths: In coastal areas you can do water sports: surfing, windsurfing, diving, boating and much more. For the land-loving, you can opt for golf, tennis, horse riding, hiking, cycling or exploring the Roman ruins. In addition to all this, there are museums, shopping centers and other cultural activities.
  • Weaknesses: None.

Source: International Living