Tips on traveling smart and on a budget
I keep getting questions about all the hate locals have against “expats” and “digital nomads”. While the hate is pointed our way, the complexities of why Portuguese can’t live in their own country is a lot more complicated than NHR tax breaks and AirBnB. I am a big proponent of a big push for the …
Beaches, Mountains & Tax Benefits: The Interior Of Portugal For Digital Nomads Read More »
I live in Lisbon and as much as I am a city girl, I love hiking and exploring nature. Because Parque Florestal de Monsanto is so close to my home, I haven’t really explored outside of the area. That, however is going to change and is the reason I am writing up this blog. I’ll …
As a non-smoker, I couldn’t be happier. Portugal is finally getting on board with the rest of the civilized world and implementing a Portuguese smoking ban affecting closed spaces smaller than 100 m2. I mean, who really wants to inhale someone else’s toxic fumes while trying to enjoy a meal or have a drink? It’s …
Saying Goodbye to Secondhand Smoke: Portuguese Smoking Ban Goes into Effect Read More »
It looks like we’ll be paying a bit more to use the toll roads in Portugal in 2023. The government has decided to set a maximum limit for the increase of tolls, and it looks like we’re looking at a 5% hike. Now, I know what you’re thinking – another price increase? So am I. …
Brace Yourselves: Toll Prices to Rise 5% in 2023 Read More »
How much money did immigrants contribute to Social Security in Portugal? The answer may surprise you. In 2021, immigrant contributions to Social Security generated a positive balance of 968 million euros. That’s right – despite the growing disdain and negative stereotypes often directed towards immigrants in Portugal, we have made a significant contribution to the …
Dear Blanca, In my recent trip to Puerto Rico, I realized that I’m quite enthusiastic about wine. Could you tell me what kind of wine Portugal is known for? On my travels, I hope to quench my thirst for knowledge about the delicious delicacies of Portugal! Signed, Thirsty Tricia T. from Tacoma, WA What types …
Dear Blanca, I’ve always wanted to go on a spiritual voyage and find myself, but my wallet has been holding me back. Recently I heard that Portugal is a prime spot for religious exploration. So before I hop on a plane, I wanted to know what holy places are in Portugal? Signing off with travel …
When I first moved to Portugal, I paid twice to get my NIF. The first time to go get the NIF since I needed someone Portuguese to vouch for me (and I paid a company that did just that). However, it was not attached to the NHR regime, so I ended up paying a second …
I go food shopping every day. I am lucky to live next to both El Corte Ingles which has a high end supermarket and Lidl. Continente, Auchan and Aldi are also nearby. Today, I’ve got a comparison between two supermarkets (Lidl and El Corte Ingles – Supercor) to give you an idea of what the …
My two favorite holidays are Halloween and Christmas. Sadly for me, these holidays are not celebrated at all like they are in the United States. I guess I have become accustomed to a very commercialised Christmas holiday. The lights, the shopping, and the food. If you visit Portugal during the holidays, don’t expect it to …
The Delicious Flavors of Christmas: Traditional Christmas Dishes In Portugal Read More »
Christmas is a very different holiday in Lisbon than it is in the United States. It is usually spent at home with family. This means that finding a restaurant offering Christmas Lunch and Christmas dinner can be challenging. I’ve put a list of restaurants (the majority of them are in hotels) in Lisbon offering both …
Restaurants Offering Christmas Lunch & Dinner In Lisbon Read More »
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Updated 2022 The only danger from my Pit Bull was lots of kisses and stolen food. Someone recently left a comment on my guide to living in Portugal with a dog article, asking if they would be able to move here with their Pit bull. I was a Pittie guardian, but my guy passed way before …
Can I Move to Portugal with my Pit Bull or Other “Dangerous Dog Breed”? Read More »
***Updated for 2023 Here’s something that happens to everyone who has just moved to Portugal. You just arrived and find that you need to buy a blow dryer or some other sort of electronic. You go to one of the many stores where you can buy electronics in Lisbon. You head out and the first …
