Living In The Sun Articles

Money is one thing that you never want to get confused with, and in Portugal there are many words and phrases that you may hear when money amounts and terms are used, which you might not be familiar with. It is always a good idea to try and learn some of these before you get here as this will aid you to get settled in much quicker, and without the risk of making any errors with your money or bills.

Employment is one thing that very few of us can live without as it is necessary to fund any desired standard of living. There are lots of things that should be taken into consideration before making the big move, and a plan for employment should definitely be at the top of that list. It would not be a good idea to move here without some idea of how you are going to make money. We have come up with some pointers which you may wish to consider.

If you are moving to Portugal, you will need to consider what type of property you are planning to live in and how are you going to go about finding that property? There are lots of things that need to be taken into consideration before you part with your money, and we have come up with some information which you should find useful, if you are currently unaware of the customs and procedures involved.

Whether you are looking to purchase a city apartment, or a countryside ruin, finding the right property for the right price is always going to be an important part of you move to Portugal. There are many different aspects to consider when purchasing a property, and knowing what to look out for and what to expect will always give you the upper hand in the search for your dream property. The Living In The Sun Team has come up with a guide to help steer you through some of the personal considerations and legal costs involved in purchasing a property in Portugal.

Learning the language is vital when moving to a new country, and if possible it is always a good idea to try and learn as much as you can before arriving. Portuguese is an enjoyable language to learn and speak, and the more you can understand and communicate, the better you will be able to integrate into the local community. Taking classes is always a good idea if you want to progress quickly and reach a high standard.

It can often be difficult for people moving to a new country to find out about the local area and way of life. We aim to provide you with all the necessary local information for those of you who are taking the leap and relocating to live in this beautiful part of Europe. Read on to find out more about the country, its economic and political situation, the culture, and lots of other useful information that will help you to understand the way of life here.

Understanding the weather conditions and climate in Portugal is essential to helping make a decision on your desired location. The general weather in Portugal is extremely hot in the summer, and relatively mild in the winter. Having said that, if you are planning to live in the mountainous regions, or the more northerly areas, the winter temperatures can be much more varied than down on the southern coast.

Portugal is an extremely varied country, and each different location has its own particular charm, local customs, and unique attractions. It can sometimes be difficult to decide where to locate yourself and your family, so in order to give you a little help in finding out what the different areas of Portugal has to offer, we have written an overview of some of the most popular areas for people to relocate to and why.

Moving abroad to live permanently is an exciting and stressful time, and it is important to ensure that money issues do not add to your woes just after arriving to a new country. There are many things to consider in the planning stages, and it is vital for a smooth transition to a new country that you have enough money tucked away in case of an emergency as unexpected costs can crop up.

Portuguese dentists are, on the whole, extremely well trained and well mannered towards patients, and standards are extremely high. It is always a good idea to research the dentists in your local area and sign up with them before you actually need treatment. By doing this you can ensure that you will be accepted for an emergency appointment, should the need arise.

When it comes to driving in an unfamiliar country, the best advice is never to take any chances. Different laws, legal requirements, drink driving levels, speed limits, and driving practises should all be known about before you set off on the roads. If you are planning to bring a car into the country, you need to ensure that it is legal from day 1 as the police will not accept ignorance as an excuse.

If you have children, or intend to have children once you arrive in Portugal, you will inevitably need to enrol them into the Portuguese education system. The good news about this is that the education system, although very different to the UK education system, is extremely organised and well run. The regulations on entry into the schools are very different from those in the UK, so it is important to do your research before arriving.

The system of electricity distribution, power limits, and billing systems are different in Portugal than they are in the UK and many other countries. It is always helpful to understand how things work before trying to arrange your electricity supply, as there are a number of things to keep an eye out for and to try and avoid. Portugal runs on the standard European two pin plugs, but the power supply into a building can vary depending on a number of factors.

One of the most important things to get sorted out shortly after you arrive is your residency. This is an important process, which can seem utterly confusing to those trying to find out information on the application process in Portuguese. We have collected some useful information for anyone looking to get their residency card, which will make the process a little easier.

Each country has its own rules and regulations where taxation is concerned, and understanding how the Portuguese tax system works is essential to ensuring that you do not encounter any problems. It is often very helpful to find out as much information as possible from others that have gone through the process before, so that you can learn the pitfalls to avoid. Read on to find out more info, including a case study to help you understand how it all works.

Ensuring that you stay in a financially stable position is everybody’s intention, but unfortunately sometimes circumstances can dictate events, and now with the world economy in its current state, more and more people are finding themselves in debt. It is important to understand how the system in Portugal works, and how best to resolve any financial situations that may arise as a result of non payment of bills or fines.

Setting up a bank account in Portugal is an essential task that must be carried out by anyone wishing to own or rent a property in the country, so it is important to learn as much as you can about the banking system and practises in place. Even those who speak very good Portuguese can have difficulty understanding the ins and outs of the banking system without learning a little about it beforehand.

Anyone who is planning to bring a pet from the UK to Portugal must plan well ahead to ensure that the move goes smoothly. Every pet that is imported will require a pet passport, and this requires action to be taken months before the planned exportation of the animal. Regulations are in place to protect the wildlife and pets of the destination country, and the same rules are in force throughout every country in the EU.

Direct debits play an important role in most of our lives these days, as we use them to pay utilities bills, mobile and broadband bills and other regular payments. There is a safe and secure direct debit system in Portugal, and it is worth finding out how to sign up and register your bank account so that you can use the system to ensure that you stay up to date on your financial commitments.

Religion plays a big role in the society, culture, and daily lives of many of the Portuguese people. It is always helpful to understand as much as possible about this in order to help you settle in and get on with the local community. Many of the customs and habits of the Portuguese people are derived from their religious beliefs, so learning a little about them is essential to gaining a better understanding of your new country.

Anyone who is looking to relax in the wonderful country of Portugal during their retirement years should look at this section to find useful some help, advice and information on retiring in Portugal. There are a number of things to consider, and ensuring that your pension payments are going to be accessible, and that it is the right place for you and your needs is essential.

Whether you are planning to operate an online business in Portugal or simply want the internet for browsing and keeping in touch with your family, making the right choice of supplier and price plan will be important for keeping the costs to a minimum. As with all services, it can be difficult to understand everything on the paperwork, so we have come up with some things that you may find useful when looking for a broadband supplier.

If you wish to have a telephone line installed at your home in Portugal, then the procedure is much the same as in the UK. There are a number of different suppliers to choose from, so ensuring you get the best deal available in your particular area is an important task. Here is some information that you may find useful when looking for a supplier and signing up for a contract.

Learning to fit in with the local culture and way of life is essential to getting the most out of living abroad. I have experienced the joy of integrating with the Portuguese locals in my area, and am able to pass on some of my experiences and knowledge to you. Different cultures may seem difficult to understand at first, but the more you can learn about them, the easier it will be to get along with them.

For many people, a move to Portugal does not mean that you want to be without all of your favourite programs. There are lots of different ways to get television installed in Portugal, and it is possible to tune into British services and keep up with programs aired in the UK. Portuguese television is also available to all who have a television and Digibox, and watching Portuguese programs can be a great way to help with learning the language.

Many people ask the question, which is the best beach in Portugal? The answer to that question depends entirely on personal choice and preference of activity. There are endless amounts of beaches in the country, and a huge variety of different natural and man made features that enrich the areas. Whether you are looking for a secluded beach to take a walk or enjoy the quiet, or you are looking for a great place to catch the waves and take part in some water sports, Portugal has it all.

Understanding etiquette and customs is always important when eating out, as tipping, ordering, and food styles can differ across the country. Portugal has its own set of customs when it comes to restaurant dining, and learning how this works will help you to fully enjoy your dining experiences. Food standards are generally very high in restaurants, and menus are usually varied so you should not have trouble finding something that you like.

Eating out can be one of life’s great pleasures, providing that the food and service are of a certain standard. Portugal is renowned for its great chefs and interesting cuisine, and there is lots of choice to be found when it comes to dining out. Away from the tourist zones, restaurants often serve very traditional dishes, so if you are not very adventurous, or have any special food requirements it is always a good idea to take your dictionary with you.

Going out, having fun, and enjoying the vibrant and friendly nightlife in Portugal, is what many people enjoy so much about living in this exciting country. The Portuguese culture and family life is centred around socializing in large groups and meeting up to eat, have a drink, and enjoy each other’s company. There are lots of great places to go out and have a good time, such as casinos, discotheques, and bars, so finding the right places for you may be easier than you think.

If you are a fishing enthusiast planning a holiday in the Algarve, or looking to make a permanent base in the area, you will be certain to find plenty of spots to indulge in your favourite sport. The Algarve offers an abundance of fishing opportunities, ranging from beach fishing or lake fishing, through to deep sea fishing. Fishing licences are easy to obtain at a reasonable cost. What better than to spend a day out on the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean and then return back to shore with some lovely fresh fish to cook and enjoy. 

Portuguese golf courses are among some of the best in the world, and it is not hard to imagine why. The warm climate, breathtaking scenery, and well manicured greens make it an ideal place to have a round of golf. There are lots of clubs to join and play at, with residents of the local areas often receiving cheaper rates on a season ticket, which is great news for those with lots of time to play.

When arriving in a new country, it is important to get involved with your local community and interact with new people as quickly as possible. The longer you leave it, the harder it can become sometimes. Learning the language is a vital part of this process, but even if you only speak a little Portuguese, you can begin to mix with the locals; this is actually a very good way of mastering the language.

Keeping up to date on the current news and events in your local area is always important, and reading newspapers is one of the best ways of staying in touch with things. There are plenty of Portuguese papers to choose from both regional and national, as well as a number of ex pat newspapers. Some stores even stock British papers for those who like to read their old favourites.

Portuguese bank holidays are important days within the country, and unlike in the UK, you will find that everything will be shut on these days. It is a good idea to find out when the bank holidays are in your local area, otherwise you can get caught out when you go to do your weekly shopping and find that everything is shut. There are a number of local holidays as well as national ones.

Portugal has something to offer everyone when it comes to days out. From beaches, to countryside walks, to adventure days or a shopping trip, the variety of activities is almost endless. Many of the popular urban locations in Portugal are in close proximity to the beach on one side, and the vastly different countryside on the other, which opens up the number of options. The larger cities usually have plenty of museums, galleries and exhibitions to enjoy.

Portugal has a very modern infrastructure, and the public transport links are well organised and reasonably priced. For anyone living in the larger urban settlements, getting around without a car is usually no problem at all. In the more rural areas, buses and trains are a little sparser, so a car may be necessary for getting about. Links into the country from other destinations is relatively straight forward and cheap.

Shopping is some people’s idea of a great day out, whilst for others it brings fear and dread. The good news about shopping in Portugal is that there are plenty of top quality clothing, fashion, furniture, and electrical stores in all of the main towns and cities. The bad news is that prices are generally quite high, so unless you are window shopping or have a full bank account, you may need to find out about the cheapest local shops, or find alternative means of purchasing goods.

It is always interesting and helpful to understand a little about the history of the country that you are living in. This can be helpful in understanding the political and social situation within the country, as well as providing some clues to a number of other things such as the layout, distribution and architecture of some of the towns and cities. Portugal has a very interesting and powerful historic story, and choosing to discover it will provide you with a greater insight into this beautiful country.

Learning about the local culture in a new place is always an important step to fitting in and understanding how things work. The Portuguese culture is extremely friendly and welcoming, and is one of the main reasons that some people choose to move to the country. Religion plays an important role in everyday life, and the rules and regulations laid out in church are followed throughout society.

Getting to know, understand and enjoy the Portuguese way of life does not take much time or effort; it simply takes a little research and observation. Once you know how things work in your area, and how people go about their daily business, you will understand why in general, the stress levels are so much lower and families are so much happier and in touch with each other. Learning not to worry as much about time constraints will be one thing you will adjust to quite quickly.

Although you may not be a frequent visitor to the library in the UK, you may find that the local library becomes a very interesting and valuable place for you to visit when you get to Portugal. Many people join the library so that they can access the great wealth of language books, and other resources that help them to learn Portuguese. It is also a great place to meet people in a similar situation to yourself, and possibly even learn from each other.

The postal service in Portugal is generally very well organised, efficient, and easy to understand. Parcels are generally quite expensive to send abroad, so it is important to ask about prices if you are planning to send lots of parcels abroad as couriers may work out to be a cheaper option. In rural areas, the postal service is much less efficient than in the main towns and cities, but there are ways of getting around this if necessary.

Understanding how the local people go about their lives and what makes them tick is essential to getting along in your local community. The Portuguese people are extremely friendly and helpful so understanding what to expect is essential to help you fit in with your local community. You always see people in a different light when you understand why they act a certain way, and knowing what to expect from the Portuguese will help you to integrate and relate with them.

If you earn money in Portugal, you must learn about the electronic green receipt system, otherwise you may fall foul of the law by not submitting the correct information. Some people choose to pay a professional to complete the submissions for them, but this can cost around 60 Euros a month, so I have taken the time to try and explain to you how the system works, so that you can hopefully submit these yourself if you wish.