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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
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
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 Times Portuguese Bureaucracy Will Surprise You
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - 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 Reasons Why Porto Could Be Better than Lisbon
Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
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 Unexpected Costs When Moving to Lisbon

News

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Portugal is the second European country with the most cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants

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Portugal is the second European country with the most cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants

Recent figures from Portugal regarding the coronavirus epidemic are not good. This is what emerges from a study that compares all European countries and Portugal is the 2nd worst country in terms of cases of coronavirus per 100,000 inhabitants. Only Sweden is worse than Portugal. A total of 6 European countries are currently closing their borders to Portuguese nationals, based in particular on this data. Portugal defends itself by showing that it tests a lot more and therefore finds more cases. Expatriate assistant Lisbob tells you all about the recent bad figures for the coronavirus epidemic in Portugal.

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Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk until Tuesday

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Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk until Tuesday

Fires are not uncommon in June in Portugal, and they can be extremely dangerous. We must remember those of Pedragão Grande 3 years ago who had claimed the lives of dozens of people. Today the IPMA (Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Atmosphere) has put 4 municipalities of Algarve on maximum alert for fire risk, the highest level on the alert scale set up by the Portuguese authorities. The trend will worsen over the weekend with 7 Algarve municipalities on maximum fire alert, and the entire region at least at high risk. The Portuguese authorities call for the greatest caution. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this maximum fire risk alert.

A boat with 22 migrants intercepted on the beach of Vale do Lobo, in the Algarve

A boat with 22 migrants intercepted on the beach of Vale do Lobo, in the Algarve

A boat with 22 migrants from Morocco was intercepted in the territorial waters of Portugal this Monday morning around 5 a.m. The boat was spotted by fishermen who alerted the Portuguese Maritime Police in Vale do Lobo, near Faro in the Algarve. The whole group says they come from Morocco: they have all been taken care of by the SEF (Foreigners and Borders Service) and they will all be tested with coronavirus today. Their journey lasted 3 days, and they are suspected of illegal immigration by the Portuguese police. This is the second time in a few days that a boat from Morocco has attempted to reach the beaches of southern Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the arrival of 22 migrants.

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Portugal could host 2 Formula 1 Grand Prix this year

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Portugal could host 2 Formula 1 Grand Prix this year

The coronavirus epidemic has disrupted the schedule of many sports competitions. Formula 1 is not to be outdone but should return this year with significant changes. Indeed, some Grands Prix will not be able to take place on the planned circuits and Portugal could benefit from it. After 24 years of absence, F1 could return to Portugal. And not to do things halfway, it would not be one but two Grands Prix that Portugal could host this year. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the possible return of Formula 1 to Portugal in 2020.

Portugal is the 3rd safest country in the world (1st European)

Portugal is the 3rd safest country in the world (1st European)

Portugal stands out once again in terms of security. Renowned for its security, Portugal has just been considered the 3rd safest country in the world, the 1st at European level, according to the Global Peace Index (GPI) which indicates the safest countries. On the podium, New Zealand and Iceland accompany Portugal. Overall, however, the security index tends to fall. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new international recognition for the security of the country and which will certainly attract tourists and expatriates.

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Uber call center in Lisbon fires 42% of its employees by videoconference

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Uber call center in Lisbon fires 42% of its employees by videoconference

The Uber call center, the famous platform of private drivers and home delivery, is known to expatriates living in Lisbon. In the space of a few years it had indeed become one of the largest employers of expatriates in the Lisbon capital. Unfortunately, the covid-19 crisis had a strong impact on Uber and after a first wave of layoffs abroad, 42% of employees in central Lisbon learned of their layoffs by videoconference. 160 new talents on the job market. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the dismissal of 160 Uber Lisbon employees by videoconference.

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A "very aggressive" Nile crocodile sought in the waters of the Douro River

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A "very aggressive" Nile crocodile sought in the waters of the Douro River

It is not an April Fool: the Spanish authorities are looking for a specimen of crocodile that would weigh more than 250 kilos. The creature was spotted by three different people this weekend in the Pesquerela area, near Valladolid. Experts say it is a Nile crocodile, a species considered to be "very aggressive" and calls for maximum caution when encountering the animal. The search has mobilized more than 10 people and drones, but so far has yielded nothing. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the Nile crocodile in the Douro.

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Portuguese tax authorities ordered to reimburse full ISV tax for the first time

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Portuguese tax authorities ordered to reimburse full ISV tax for the first time

Between Portugal and the ISV tax, it's a great love story. This tax (impostor sobre veiculos) concerns vehicles imported from abroad, and often represents an unpleasant surprise for expatriates who come to settle in Portugal. Being able to easily reach several thousand euros, this tax is disputed by taxpayers but also by Europe. For the first time, the Portuguese tax authorities were ordered to reimburse the full ISV tax collected for a used car imported from Germany. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new defeat of the Portuguese tax authorities regarding the ISV tax.

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Portugal is the first European country to receive the "Safe Travels" award

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Portugal is the first European country to receive the "Safe Travels" award

The tourism sector in Portugal stands out once again. Rather unscathed by the coronavirus epidemic, Portugal is indeed the first European country to receive the "Safe Travels" prize awarded by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC). This award allows Portugal to be recognized as a safe health and safety destination in the post-covid world19. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new international recognition for Portuguese tourism.

Portugal (except Lisbon) enters phase 3 of deconfinement: find out what is changing

Portugal (except Lisbon) enters phase 3 of deconfinement: find out what is changing

Portugal is continuing its deconfinement plan thanks to the positive development of the coronavirus epidemic. Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa has announced that the whole country is in phase 3 deconfinement, except the metropolitan area of ​​Lisbon which is experiencing an increase in the number of confirmed cases. With this new phase, many things change and new activities are allowed. Shops, restaurants, swimming, gymnasium, the changes are many. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about what's new in the third phase of the deconfinement plan in Portugal.

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Check out the maximum capacity of each beach of Portugal

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Check out the maximum capacity of each beach of Portugal

As part of its fight against the coronavirus epidemic, Portugal has decided to set up a limited number of people who can be on each beach at the same time. If some Portuguese beaches are very large and can accommodate thousands of people, others are smaller and more strongly implanted by the tides and have their capacity limited to less than 20. The Portugal Environment Agency (APA) comes to disclose the maximum capacity for each range. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you what will change on the Portuguese beaches is summer.

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8 districts of Portugal under weather alert for extreme warm and UV radiation

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8 districts of Portugal under weather alert for extreme warm and UV radiation

The Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) has just issued a heat alert for 8 districts in Portugal. The IPMA predicts "the persistence of high maximum temperature values", with temperatures that will reach 35 degrees this Tuesday inland, without falling below 20º overnight. This alert will be orange for Madeira, the second most serious in Portugal, and will be yellow for the rest of the districts under alert. Also, the whole of Portugal will be under UV alert, harmful to the skin. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you everything about this hot weather alert in 8 districts.

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Concreting of the virgin beaches of Comporta will start in September

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Concreting of the virgin beaches of Comporta will start in September

Would Portugal make the same mistake as Spain? While the Portuguese beaches are renowned for their wild side and they have been (outside the Algarve) on the whole rather preserved by mass tourism, Portugal is about to sacrifice one of its most beautiful places along the Atlantic coast: Comporta beach. Located south of Troia, this long virgin beach of construction will indeed be transformed into a luxury hotel complex and works will start in September. The consortium formed by Vanguard Properties and Amorim Luxury will begin concreting one of the most beautiful beaches in Portugal in September: you will have to take advantage of the beaches of Comporta this summer. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the concretion of the beaches of Comporta in Portugal.

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Lisbon pays 3 years' rent in advance to landlords who join the "Renda Segura" program

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Lisbon pays 3 years' rent in advance to landlords who join the "Renda Segura" program

Lisbon property prices have been a recurring problem for those who wish to find accommodation there for several years. On the other hand, many owners are asking their tenant for concrete guarantees in order to cover themselves in the event of default. The Lisbon city council wishes to reconcile the two with its “Renda Segura” program: a rental housing program accessible for tenants, and a payment guarantee for owners. Some may even ask to receive 3 years' rent in advance. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this “Renda Segura” program in Lisbon.

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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.