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.
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!
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!
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!
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!
Since March and the start of the coronavirus epidemic, bars and nightclubs in Portugal have been closed. However, they should be able to reopen very soon: this is what the Publico newspaper reports. The rules applied will be the same as those applied to tea rooms: closing at 8 p.m. and of course no dance floor. The night sector will have to adapt. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the reopening of bars and nightclubs in Portugal.
Lisbon will see its public transport network disrupted in a few years, if the work is completed. This Wednesday, July 29th, the 3 cities of Lisbon, Oeiras and Sacavém, made a joint declaration to announce this new aerial metro project to link Cruz Quebrada with Alcantara and Santa Apolonia with Sacavém. The existing tram line 15 should be used between Alcantara and Santa Apolonia. No date for completion of the project has been announced. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the new skytrain line that will link Algès and Sacavem for 490 million euros.
Madeira is the first Portuguese region to make it compulsory to wear a mask, even outdoors and even when safety distances can be respected. From next Saturday, August 1st, it will be compulsory to wear a mask in all public spaces of Madeira and even in the streets. The decision of the regional government of Madeira was announced this afternoon and is part of a package of new measures that will be implemented in the archipelago in order to fight against the covid-19 pandemic, which has yet no deaths from the start. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the mandatory mask wearing even outdoors and with social distancing in Madeira.
As of July 1st, 19 municipalities in the Lisbon region are affected by the state of calamity which imposes stricter rules than in the whole country. The Portuguese government decided on Monday to extend the state of calamity by 15 days in all 19 parishes, and the rest of the Lisbon metropolitan area remains under contingency. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about extending the state of calamity for 19 municipalities in Greater Lisbon and Portugal, still at 3 different levels.
Lockdown also had positive effects. Thanks to the improvement of the Tagus waters as well as the reduction of noise pollution, dolphins have made a massive return to Lisbon Bay. Even if it is not an extremely rare event in itself, the frequency of the last visits (almost daily) as well as the number of dolphins goes out of the usual. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the return of these special visitors: dolphins in Lisbon.
When we dive for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean in Portugal, it is often a surprise that awaits us. In fact, the waters of Portugal's coasts are rather cold compared to those of the Mediterranean Sea. A period of mental and physical preparation is necessary to enjoy a swim in the waters of the beaches of Portugal. However, there are some places where the temperature of the water is warmer and warmer. Where are the beach with warm water in Portugal ? Lisbob, the expatriate's assistant in Portugal, in partnership with Mysexybackpack ,has gathered for you the top 5 beaches with warm waters so you can enjoy the Atlantic Ocean without freezing.
Here is the list of speed radar controls in Portugal for the month of July 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 July 2020. Let’s go !
Boris Johnson has announced today the list of the countries that will be exempted a quarantine starting from 10th July. This list includes France, Italy and Spain, but excludes mainland Portugal. Madeira and Açores are in the “safe” list and will not have mandatory quarantine. This is a very bad news for Portuguese tourism and especially in the Algarve, where a lot of British tourists come every summer. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you everything about the Portugal out from the tourist corridor, and Spain in.
It had been since March 17th that the land border between Portugal and Spain was closed due to the coronavirus epidemic. After three and a half months, the two neighboring countries have decided to reopen their border this Wednesday, July 1st. And to mark the occasion, the 2 heads of state as well as the 2 heads of government will be present for a ceremony. It is now possible to move freely between the two countries. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the reopening of the border between Portugal and Spain this Wednesday, July 1st.
It was a rescue that was expected. While the coronavirus crisis strongly impacted the Portuguese airline TAP, the government of Antonio Costa decided to move forward with the nationalization of the emblematic company. TAP will be nationalized because private shareholders do not accept the conditions imposed by the Portuguese government regarding the loan of 1.2 billion euros to the airline. After losing 100 million euros in 2019 and being hit hard by the covid-19 crisis, the nationalization of TAP is likely to be expensive. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant in Portugal, tells you all about the nationalization of TAP.
It is a complete change of strategy for the Portuguese capital. After the announcement in recent days of a tightening of the deconfinement rules, it is finally a comeback to lockdown which is confirmed for Lisbon. Only outings to work and shopping will be allowed, according to the Observador newspaper. 19 municipalities in the Lisbon region are affected. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the return of lockdown in the Lisbon region.
Recent Portuguese figures for the coronavirus epidemic are not good, especially in the Lisbon area. Prime Minister Antonio Costa announced on Tuesday new measures that will only be in place in the Lisbon metropolitan area, AML, and will remain until the spread figures for covid-19 improve. Over the past few days, Portugal is the 2nd European country with the highest ratio of new cases and Lisbon has been forced to tighten the rules. Lisbob, the expatriate assistant, tells you all about the new Lisbon mini-lockdown rules.
Located between Lisbon and Porto, the medieval city of Coimbra was considered for a long time as the cultural and intellectual center of Portugal and is today one of the cities to visit absolutely. Indeed, the millennial city is full of places to visit and things to do, and Coimbra will not fail to surprise you as its cultural heritage is rich. You will also realize that the history of the city of Coimbra is closely linked to that of the country. The city of Coimbra dominates Rio Mondego and the fifteenth century monuments of the old city give it a special atmosphere, an existence as timeless. To visit Coimbra is to step back in time. What to do to make the most of your visit to the city of Coimbra ? What are the best places to visit and things to see during your stay in Coimbra ? Lisbob, expats’ assistant in Portugal, has prepared his list of the 7 best things to see during your visit to Coimbra and a walking tour.
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
