As someone who is in the process of planning a move to Portugal, this is invaluable information from somebody "on the inside" ... I can't wait to sample the joys and struggles of living in Portugal for myself. Thanks for all the medical information ...this is something I hadn't looked into yet. Good to know they have a good (albeit) overwhelmed systems ready for you to use.
My one question is, how did you manage to get everything set up singlehandedly when you arrived? From what I've learned, it's challenging. Doing it solo sounds so stressful!
I got through August not using Facebook. Wasn’t easy. I came in June and enjoyed sharing my adventures with friends and family at home. Got notes back so it was rewarding. I warned them about August and mentioned I was following you in August. Wow. I missed my feedback. But I did it. Everyone was with me when I sent out a fb review of what I did in August. Now I’m better. Thanks for the emotional month.
We also bout an apartment (in Figueira Da Foz) and no car. I am a potter and visited Caldas da Rainha and bought some supplies. My hardest problem has been finding wood and drywall. I use drywall to dry my tiles. Anyway it’s a chalk but I’m loving it. Some days are harder than others but I’m working out the kinks. I’ve met some artists and feel encouraged by them. FDF has a great art center.
I love living here. I miss my family but hopefully they will try and come over here sometime soon.
Hi Shanna, I hope I find you well?! Wow!! You do save a lot of money in Portugal!! We did to start with when we lived in Spain! Everything was cheaper except for social care, but once you were in the system, you could get treatment & services, register with a doctor etc. Prescriptions were a whole lot cheaper than in the UK!! I was diagnosed with Diabetes in Spain, 'why aren't you on medication?' the doctor said to me?! 'You should be on medication'. He was lovely and you had a translator if you couldn't speak Spanish! The first day we arrived, we went to the local police station to register for an N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) which is the same as our national insurance no. or your social security no. in the States. I've still got mine! Anyway, you seem to have the lifestyle that you obviously wanted, well who wouldn't?! Costs so much less and you seem to be well looked after which is great!! Take care Shanna, give Milo a hug and enjoy life!! xxx
Thank you Shanna for sharing your insight on living expenses. Every day I become more excited about the whole idea of living in Portugal. Still working on those finances and I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s very exciting. Thanks again and have a great week🌻🧜♀️
Great article, as always. I would point out that, as so many people coming to Portugal are older, that the Lisbon area transit pass is only €20 for people who have reached the age of descent (65). An incredible deal!
As someone who is in the process of planning a move to Portugal, this is invaluable information from somebody "on the inside" ... I can't wait to sample the joys and struggles of living in Portugal for myself. Thanks for all the medical information ...this is something I hadn't looked into yet. Good to know they have a good (albeit) overwhelmed systems ready for you to use.
My one question is, how did you manage to get everything set up singlehandedly when you arrived? From what I've learned, it's challenging. Doing it solo sounds so stressful!
I got through August not using Facebook. Wasn’t easy. I came in June and enjoyed sharing my adventures with friends and family at home. Got notes back so it was rewarding. I warned them about August and mentioned I was following you in August. Wow. I missed my feedback. But I did it. Everyone was with me when I sent out a fb review of what I did in August. Now I’m better. Thanks for the emotional month.
We also bout an apartment (in Figueira Da Foz) and no car. I am a potter and visited Caldas da Rainha and bought some supplies. My hardest problem has been finding wood and drywall. I use drywall to dry my tiles. Anyway it’s a chalk but I’m loving it. Some days are harder than others but I’m working out the kinks. I’ve met some artists and feel encouraged by them. FDF has a great art center.
I love living here. I miss my family but hopefully they will try and come over here sometime soon.
Love your blog. Thanks. Cheryl Weese
Hi Shanna, I hope I find you well?! Wow!! You do save a lot of money in Portugal!! We did to start with when we lived in Spain! Everything was cheaper except for social care, but once you were in the system, you could get treatment & services, register with a doctor etc. Prescriptions were a whole lot cheaper than in the UK!! I was diagnosed with Diabetes in Spain, 'why aren't you on medication?' the doctor said to me?! 'You should be on medication'. He was lovely and you had a translator if you couldn't speak Spanish! The first day we arrived, we went to the local police station to register for an N.I.E. (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) which is the same as our national insurance no. or your social security no. in the States. I've still got mine! Anyway, you seem to have the lifestyle that you obviously wanted, well who wouldn't?! Costs so much less and you seem to be well looked after which is great!! Take care Shanna, give Milo a hug and enjoy life!! xxx
Michelejust now
Thank you Shanna for sharing your insight on living expenses. Every day I become more excited about the whole idea of living in Portugal. Still working on those finances and I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s very exciting. Thanks again and have a great week🌻🧜♀️
Great article, as always. I would point out that, as so many people coming to Portugal are older, that the Lisbon area transit pass is only €20 for people who have reached the age of descent (65). An incredible deal!
What is the name of the company to contact for private health insurance?