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Culture & Tradition, Tips
Marc Martin - Portugal
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.

9 secrets locals don’t tell you about Portugal
Culture & Tradition
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Unbelievable Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in ...

Portugal is a country full of rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and… some rather unexpected laws! While many regulations make perfect sense, others may surprise you with their unusual nature. If you live in Portugal or are planning to move there, here are 9 bizarre laws that might make you raise an eyebrow (or even laugh). I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and today, I’m revealing some of the strangest laws in Portugal that you probably never knew existed!

9 Unbelievable Laws You Didn’t Know Existed in Portugal 🇵🇹
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Food
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Bold and Unique Portuguese Dishes to Try (If ...

Portuguese cuisine is a true adventure, filled with bold flavors and unique traditions. While some dishes are instant hits with foreigners, others require a bit more courage. For expats, exploring the local gastronomy is a must to truly immerse yourself in Portuguese culture. I’m Lisbob, the expat assistant, and here are 9 Portuguese dishes that are as delicious as they are daring—perfect for those who want to expand their culinary horizons or simply prove their bravery!

9 Bold and Unique Portuguese Dishes to Try (If You Dare!)
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Finance
Marc Martin - Portugal
The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. ...

Portugal has become a popular destination for expats, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and affordable lifestyle. But is the cost of living really as low as people expect? From housing and groceries to healthcare and entertainment, here’s a breakdown of the real cost of living in Portugal compared to common expectations. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you understand what to budget for and avoid surprises!

The Real Cost of Living in Portugal vs. Expectations
Culture & Tradition, Tips, Transport
Marc Martin - Portugal
9 Surprising Rules for Driving in Portugal

Driving in Portugal can be a wonderful way to explore the country’s scenic routes and hidden gems, but it also comes with some unique rules and practices that may surprise newcomers. From specific speed limits to unexpected parking regulations, here are 9 surprising rules for driving in Portugal that every expat and visitor should know. I’m Lisbob, the expat’s assistant, here to help you navigate Portuguese roads with confidence!

9 Surprising Rules for Driving in Portugal
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Portugal in orange alert, 39 confirmed cases and Faro’s hospital activated

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Portugal in orange alert, 39 confirmed cases and Faro’s hospital activated

The coronavirus outbreak continues to spread in Portugal and measures are being taken to contain it. As of Monday, the DGS identified 39 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal. The country is currently in the last sub-phase of the orange alert of the emergency plan for COVID-19, that is to say that it is in a phase of “prolonged containment” with “cases imported into the Portugal "and" without secondary chains ", which constitutes a" moderate risk of local spread of the disease in Portugal ". For its part, the Faro unit of the Algarve hospital and university center (CHUA) was activated to receive patients infected with the new coronavirus (Covid-19), according to the instructions of the director general of the health, Graça Freitas while the Algarve records its first 2 cases. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic.

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31 cases of coronavirus in Portugal including 6 children, the President of the Republic under quarantine

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31 cases of coronavirus in Portugal including 6 children, the President of the Republic under quarantine

The epidemiological situation continues to worsen in Portugal. While the country had no cases of coronavirus just a week ago, 31 cases have now been confirmed by the Portuguese Directorate General for Health. Among the people infected with Covid-19, 6 are children aged 10 to 19 years. One of them is the first case of infection for the Algarve, a Portimão student who recently returned from Italy. For his part, the President of the Portuguese Republic Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa has placed himself in voluntary quarantine. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the latest developments in the coronavirus epidemic.

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Earthquake of 5.3 on the Richter scale in Madeira

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Earthquake of 5.3 on the Richter scale in Madeira

The earth has trembled in Portugal! An earthquake of 5.3 on the Richter scale was recorded around 9 p.m. today in Madeira, and was felt throughout the region. According to the Portuguese Institute of the Sea and the Portuguese Atmosphere (IPMA), the earthquake occurred at 8:58 p.m. in the Atlantic Ocean southwest of the Desertas Islands, having reached a magnitude of 5.3 on Richter scale. It is the largest earthquake in Madeira's memory in Madeira, but so far no injuries or major damage has been recorded. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this earthquake that affected Madeira.

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15 cases of coronavirus in Portugal

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15 cases of coronavirus in Portugal

Portugal has seen its number of confirmed cases of coronavirus drop from 0 to 15 in just a few days. While soon neighboring Spain is much more affected (more than 400 cases recorded), Portugal is only beginning to face the epidemic. In total, out of the 15 cases confirmed in Portuguese territory, 2 concern women and the rest of men, all older than 30 years. The Porto region is the most affected with 8 cases. The Portuguese capital has 4 cases, and the region only has one case at the moment. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic in Portugal and these 15 cases of coronavirus.

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Success for the reintroduction of the Wild Lynx in Portugal: 2 new specimens released today

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Success for the reintroduction of the Wild Lynx in Portugal: 2 new specimens released today

The Iberian lynx is an endangered species, and Portugal and Spain decided a few years ago to create a program to protect and reintroduce specimens. The results are very positive, and the number of wild lynxes is increasing today with the reintroduction of 2 specimens. Indeed a couple of Iberian lynxes will be released today in the Guadiana valley, in the Alentejo, bringing to 109 the number of specimens of the species living in the wild in Portugal, when there were none only one (!) listed recently. The Portuguese Institute for the Conservation of Nature and Forests (ICNF) said it was the second release of lynxes into the wild since the start of the year. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about this successful reintroduction of the wild lynx in Portugal and Spain.

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8 cases of coronavirus in Portugal : Porto new hotbed of contamination

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8 cases of coronavirus in Portugal : Porto new hotbed of contamination

Portugal is increasingly affected by the worldwide coronavirus epidemic. Indeed, the DGS confirmed 8 cases of people affected by Covid-19. They are two men and are admitted to the Hospital de São João, in Porto. One of the patients is 50 years old and came from Italy and the other is 49 years old and linked to a confirmed case, DGS said in a statement. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the evolution of the coronavirus epidemic in Portugal and the 8 confirmed cases

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Montijo Airport canceled? Emergency meeting between the government and the cities concerned

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Montijo Airport canceled? Emergency meeting between the government and the cities concerned

While everyone thought that Montijo Airport would finally be able to see the light of day, a new obstacle stood before the construction of this new airport. Scheduled to unclog the Lisbon-Portela airport, which has been overstepping for a few years, Montijo airport meets with opposition from several mayors and associations who prefer the option of Alcochete. Despite the positive environmental opinion issued a few weeks ago, a law, so far unnoticed, allows the town halls concerned by the new airport to veto and therefore to cancel its construction. Of the 9 town halls involved, 5 gave an unfavorable opinion. This Wednesday Antonio Costa, the Portuguese Prime Minister, urgently convened the mayors concerned in order to find a compromise. Meanwhile, the construction of Montijo Airport has never seemed so far away. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this emergency meeting to advance or cancel the construction of a new Lisbon - Montijo airport.

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5 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal

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5 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal

Portugal now has 5 cases of coronavirus on its territory. A new positive case of infection with the new coronavirus, Covid-19, has been diagnosed in Portugal. This new case is a man who is admitted to the São João hospital in Porto. The patient is around 40 years old and has recently returned from Italy. This is the fifth confirmed case in Portugal. On Monday March 2, the first two patients infected with the new coronavirus, which appeared in the city of Wuhan, in China, in December, were confirmed. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this fifth confirmed case of coronavirus on Portuguese soil.

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in March 2020

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List of speed radar controls in Portugal in March 2020

Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of March 2020. Maybe you didn’t know but when you live in Portugal you can know in advance where will be proceed speed controls. LisBob reminds you that this list is not exhaustive and that the Portuguese police can obviously proceed to surprise controls on any road. In addition, even without speed control, do not exceed the limits indicated on the road ! Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, shares the list of speed control with radar on the roads of Portugal for the month of March 2020. Let’s go !

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4 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto hospitals already running out of capacity

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4 confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal, Lisbon and Porto hospitals already running out of capacity

Portugal now has 4 cases of coronavirus on its territory. The first two positive cases are in Porto and were reported yesterday (a doctor from the Tâmega e Sousa hospital who was on vacation in northern Italy, and a person working in Spain). There are a total of 14 people placed in total isolation, including 8 doctors. In addition, the hospitals in Lisbon and Porto are already without any capacity to receive new patients, which has forced the DGS to activate new hospitals in the northern region. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the four confirmed cases of coronavirus on Portuguese soil.

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2 first confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal

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2 first confirmed cases of coronavirus in Portugal

Portugal has announced the confirmation of the first two cases of coronavirus on its territory. The two positive cases are found in Porto. A doctor from Tâmega e Sousa hospital, who was on vacation in northern Italy, was hospitalized yesterday afternoon at Santo António Hospital in Porto. The second confirmed case of coronavirus is a person working in Spain. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the first two confirmed cases of coronavirus on Portuguese soil.

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Unemployment at 6.9%: 3rd consecutive month of increase and end of the "golden age" of the labor market in Portugal

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Unemployment at 6.9%: 3rd consecutive month of increase and end of the "golden age" of the labor market in Portugal

The Portuguese employment situation is no longer good. The unemployment rate in Portugal has been increasing since November of last year. This trend prompts some economists to speak of the end of the "golden age" of employment in Portugal. The provisional estimate from the Portuguese National Institute of Statistics confirms a further increase, the third consecutive. In January, unemployment reached 6.9% of the Portuguese population and the rate is 19.3% among young people. There is no official explanation for this increase in unemployment. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the Portuguese unemployment figures.

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Check out all the discounts in highway tolls in Portugal

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Check out all the discounts in highway tolls in Portugal

The Portuguese Minister for Territorial Cohesion has announced the introduction of reductions in the tolls of motorways in the interior regions. This measure aims to "improve the mobility of people" in these territories and to promote their connection "to the rest of the country". This intention was revealed by the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Ana Abrunhosa. These reductions will be granted according to the frequency of use of these highways: the more you take these tolls, the greater the reduction granted. This reduction system does not apply to all motorways in the country. It covers, according to the Portuguese executive's own information, the internal motorways, but also the A28 which runs along the coast and Via do Infante. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the reductions in motorway tolls.

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Orange weather alert in Portugal for intense rain, strong wind and heavy swell

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Orange weather alert in Portugal for intense rain, strong wind and heavy swell

The winter storms are linked and Portugal is not spared. Indeed, six districts of mainland Portugal will, from 9:00 pm this Sunday, on orange alert due to the forecast of heavy rain, wind and maritime swell. This was revealed by the Portuguese Institute for the Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA) in its press release. Gusts will reach 85 km / h and waves will reach 10 meters. Snow and floods are also feared and the ANEPP has issued an alert for the populations concerned. The orange alert will be in place until Tuesday 3:00 am. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new orange weather alert.

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Póvoa de Varzim under alert for the coronavirus with the risk of contagion from Luís Sepúlveda

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Póvoa de Varzim under alert for the coronavirus with the risk of contagion from Luís Sepúlveda

It is a very beautiful city in the north of Portugal, which surely did not expect to be on alert for the coronavirus so early. This place is Povoa de Varzim, which has had impressive preventive measures imposed following the news that Luís Sepúlveda is infected with a coronavirus, The Chilean writer participated, a week ago, in Correntes d'Escritas - Meeting of writers of Iberian expression, renowned book festival in the Iberian Peninsula and beyond. Accompanied by his wife, they spent a total of 6 days in Povoa do Varzim. The DGS invited all the people who had contact with the writer remained confined at home, to avoid social contact and call Saude24. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this coronavirus alert in Povoa do Varzim.

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1 million Portuguese infected with coronavirus: the DGS reveals its forecasts

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1 million Portuguese infected with coronavirus: the DGS reveals its forecasts

The coronavirus epidemic has not yet affected Portugal, while most European countries have registered cases on their territory, but the DGS (Portuguese Health Management) has released its forecasts on the spread of the virus. And they are pretty cold on the back. Indeed, Graça Freitas, the Portuguese director general of health, today released the authorities' estimates: the coronavirus could infect a million Portuguese. Among those infected, about 200,000 will suffer severely from the disease. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the DGS forecast on the coronavirus outbreak.

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Portuguese law prohibits quarantine, authorities recommend keeping distance with people returning from Italy

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Portuguese law prohibits quarantine, authorities recommend keeping distance with people returning from Italy

The coronavirus epidemic continues to develop in Europe with the appearance of several foci of contamination in Italy in particular. Portugal is still not affected but the Directorate General for Health has provided two crucial pieces of information today: it advises to maintain a "social distance" with anyone arriving from the north of Italy. The second piece of information is rather scary: Portugal cannot legally declare a compulsory quarantine because the law simply does not exist! This little-known point prompts some representatives to call on the government to change the Portuguese constitution as soon as possible in case the epidemic spreads to Portugal. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the DGS information on the coronavirus.

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First Portuguese infected with coronavirus, more than a hundred cases in Italy in less than 48 hours

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First Portuguese infected with coronavirus, more than a hundred cases in Italy in less than 48 hours

This is the first confirmed case of coronavirus in a Portuguese patient. The 41-year-old man from Nazaré has worked for five years as a plumber on the cruise ship Diamond Princess. Despite the positive diagnosis, he shows no symptoms of the disease. The General Directorate of Portuguese Health and the Portuguese government have not yet confirmed the positive result of the coronavirus. The Diamond Princess was docked in Japan for several weeks and many people became infected with the virus, while some countries decided to evacuate their nationals. On the Italian side, quarantine has been imposed on more than 50,000 people following the multiplication of confirmed cases: more than a hundred in less than 48 hours, and already 2 dead. Northern Italy, particularly the Milan and Veneto regions, are on high alert to curb the coronavirus epidemic. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the latest news on the coronavirus epidemic in Portugal and Italy.

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ISV tax : Portuguese tax authorities once again lose a constitutional court case

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ISV tax : Portuguese tax authorities once again lose a constitutional court case

Portugal is keen on its ISV tax and will not give up, despite the setbacks that are accumulating. After losing the case before the Arbitral Tribunal, where the Portuguese tax authorities have already been ordered to reimburse the ISV tax on four occasions, the Portuguese tax and customs administration (TA) suffered another setback, this time before the Constitutional Court. Indeed, it was felt that with the decision of the Arbitral Tribunal, there was no question of a violation of a constitutional rule. However, the Court nevertheless invited the Portuguese tax authorities to reformulate their request, but the latter ended up presenting no new arguments and the appeal was considered to have been abandoned. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about this new defeat of the Portuguese fiscal authorities regarding the ISV tax.

Portugal finally recognizes Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela

Portugal finally recognizes Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela

Portugal finally decided to recognize Nicolás Maduro and his government as the de facto authorities of Venezuela. The Portuguese government explains that it is in the light of international law that it will dialogue with these institutions, as is currently the case concerning the dispute concerning the airline company TAP. Nevertheless, Portugal recognizes Juan Guaidó as the personality capable of launching a new electoral process. The investigation into the alleged transport of explosives on a Lisbon - Caracsa flight is still ongoing. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal. tells you all about the recognition by Portugal of Nicolas Maduro as President of Venezuela.