Eileen Vicente
@Eileen Vicente
American expat in Portugal
Forum posts
59
Contacts
3
About me
American
Lives in Oporto
Speaks Portuguese, English
Registration: 12 February 2015
Retiring in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Why did you choose to retire in Portugal? What are the advantages compared with your home country? What were your main considerations when deciding to move? For example, taxes, ease of transferring your pension, etc.. Are ...
I tried living in Portugal for 12 miserable years. The portuguese don't want foreigners in THEIR country. In addition, the medical is horrible, and the Portuguese are the worst drivers ever and it's easy to become a cripple there as a ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
No, it gets worse!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I have had the same experience as you, but mine got even worse, because a truck driver almost killed us one sunny morning. We were the only two cars on the road, and the truck tried to go into us as we legally ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Hi! Sorry, I have lived here for 11 years of lonliness, and every year I hope it will get better, but it just gets worse! Go home ASAP, before it's too late. Good luck! Eileen Vicente Read More
Essentials to live in Portugal by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Portugal, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Portugal? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
Skippy, I'm so glad that life in Portugal is good for you. We are all diferent! For me it has been a horrible experience. Part of the problem is that I live in Oporto where the people are generally rude, and very friendly as long as they know ... Read More
Essentials to live in Portugal by Christine
Hi, As an expat living in Portugal, what would you advise the ones about to pack to bring along? What are the items you can easily find in Portugal? On the other hand, what is less common or quite expensive? Share with us what you would ...
If you are under 35 it is easier to live here. If you are older, you need to live in a place with a lot of expats. Lisbon, Caldish Da Rainha (not too far from Lisbon, has lots of culture, and rents are cheaper) or Algarve are the best for us. If you ... Read More
Best cities to live in Portugal by Julien
Hi, Its not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Portugal. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
It depends what you're looking for. If you are looking for culture, variety and acitivitie then Lisbon is it! Read More
What do you like the most in Portugal? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Portugal? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Portugal and the reason why you enjoy ...
Sadly, not from my experience in Oporto. I find the Portuguese to be rude and at time surface friendly, and that's all. I'm married to a Portuguese man, and I have lived here for 10 miserable years! Read More
What do you like the most in Portugal? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Portugal? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Portugal and the reason why you enjoy ...
I so disagree with you to the max!!!!!! Read More
What do you like the most in Portugal? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Portugal? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Portugal and the reason why you enjoy ...
In my estimation, the Portuguese think they are the best. I'm a spoiled ex-pat native New Yorker. When I grew up it WAS so great to live there. I don't like Portugal. In my experience the people are only surface friendly, and they are ... Read More
Where is it safe to buy a property not far from the Coast? by beverleyjane
hello please could people send me some sugestions of where would be great to buy a property in portugal we have donw lots of research but would be great to hear from expats living there we aare a family of 3 with a little boy of 6 we know we want to ...
By all means RENT FOR AT LEAST A YEAR, before you make a big guying decision! It is definitely very difficult to resell propertty. If you purchase na older property, it could cost a bundle to get the house in shape. Think before you buy, and look ... Read More
What do you like the most in Portugal? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Portugal? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Portugal and the reason why you enjoy ...
I like the fact that it is fairly cheap to live here. Read More
What do you like the most in Portugal? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Portugal? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Portugal and the reason why you enjoy ...
It's peaceful so far, but just wait for the 5,000 immigrants that are coming. Things will change for sure! Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
From what I hear, Italy and France are pretty bad, but compared to ever state in the USA Portugal is horrible. It is supposed to be the worst for accidents and fatalities in Europe statistically. Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
You are misinformed, and I'm being polite. Please read this and get educated: Portuguese roads are Europe's most dangerous - Europe ... - independent.co.uk › News › World › Europe Traduzir esta página22/08/2002 ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
You have to be kidding! They invented the words rude and arrogant. I've lived here for 10 years too many to know the truth! Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
My husband read that Portugal wins for deaths on the road due to bad driving. He's the Portuguese person in the family. Whenever I talk to the Portuguese people here about driving and how bad it is here, the jerks laugh. What's funny about ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Watching driving is fun, as long as you are not one of the casualties!!! Obama is not a puppet! He is a Muslim, and he lies very well! Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Now, the Portuguese have standardized the behavior of the drivers. They have the same point system as Canada. HOWEVER, the police prefer the cafés to giving tickets. As the Portuguese always say, "Later we will see." lol!!! Yes ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
I grew up in the USA and I spent the first 65 years of my life there. It 's hard for me to believe that it has changed so much that they no longer give driving tests in Spanish, and also that they no longer translate for ill foreign patients in ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
James, I used to speak Spanish to all my Spanish speaking clientes, and NEVER pushed them to learn English. I know many people who feel the same way I do. By the way, even the phone books in America are written in Spanish. America accommodates ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Nice drawing!. I think you have to love the culture and the language to do a really good job learning the language of the country. Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
The older you are the more difficult it is to learn a foreign language. Even listening skills can be a challenge, since the hearing of a foreign language with many unfamiliar sounds gets closed off when we are babies. So nobody trying to learn a ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Hi! I tried to live in Lisbon, but it was way too expensive. You are damn straight I'm right. I have lived here for 10 years too many. I would definitely live somewhere else if I had the choice!!!! Don't as me where. Perhaps Spain as I ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
You sound soooo Portuguese! Portugal is far from the greatest country in the world unless you have a lot of Money, and even then... I come from the USA and I have lived here for 10 years. My husband is Portuguese or I would escape from here asap. ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Their driving here is a disgrace! Many internationals I know, including myself, will not drive here. The drivers here don't even know how to drive their own cars, and the parking signs are an invitation to have your car towed, because you can ... Read More
Safety in Portugal by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Portugal? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
I drink tap water everywhere in Portugal, from north to south, and I have never had a problem. We have well water in our Quinta (farm), and it is the best. We have had it tested and we continue to do so periodically, and there is no problem. It is ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
I can live in the USA, but the medical is way too expensive, and so are the rents. A boat isn't a bad idea, but storms can be horrible in the USA and many other places. Also the taxes are horrible! In short, the USA is friendlier than Europe, by ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Yes indeed, the attitude here in Portugal is totally disgusting! In fact, if I were in my own country again, I would return the pleasure of the horrible 10 years I have had here in Portugal hell. I have never been prejudiced until I moved to this ... Read More
Driving in Portugal by Maximilien
Hi, What do you think of the way people drive in Portugal? How different is it from your home country? Respecting the road safety rules, driving etiquette such as general courtesy, speed excess what are the characteristics of the driving ...
Sorry to say that many foreigners in Portugal, me included, opt out of driving here whenever possible. Thank heavens most of the public transportation, with the exception of the buses, which you must wait and wait for, is very good. When the ... Read More
Safety in Portugal by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Portugal? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
I agree, but I too would not walk alone in Lisbon at night. I have walked alone in Oporto at night. I think it's a bit safer here. Read More
Safety in Portugal by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Portugal? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
I would say Oporto is safer than Lisbon. In Lisbon, I was trapped in a táxi with driver who screamed at me for twenty minutes, because I asked him about how much he thought the trip would cost me. He was quite abusive, and I was very frightened ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Glad to hear that you were lucky! I don't like the vision center of Kuf in Oporto! They are only there to get as much Money as possible. On the other hand, so far, Boa Vista Hospital emergency room, vision center, and dental clinic have been ... Read More
Where to live in Porto-looking for somewhere vibrant with young people
You must live in the heart of Portugal. You need to get involved in a group like Internations, so you can meet young people. Also, perhaps if you cal the Casa da Musica, somebody there could give you advice. Good luck! It has not been easy for me to ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Oh, I didn't know how difficult it is to get healthcare as a senior here. I get mine through my baby husband who is 13 years my junior. I guess I'm lucky. I'd never live here if I had it to do over. After 35 you are considered old, so I ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I too would not pick any place in Europe if I had it to do all over again. Private health insurance is the best. Perhaps Algarve would be good for you, because most people are Brits and speak English! Good luck! Eileen Vicente Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
A good medical insurance plan would be the best thing for you and your family, believe me. It should cover dental, medical, and vision. Also, if you get auto insurance through, I think it's called AAA, you can have a doctor come to your house ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Let me know if meetups works for you! Good luck! EV Read More
Work in Lisbon/Cascais by annawla
Bom dia, My name is Anna and I have just moved to Cascais. I speak English, Polish and a little bit of Portuguese (which I am improving day by day). I have a degree in Finance and Accounting and I am searching for work in Cascais, Lisbon and nearby ...
If you are over 35, I have her that it's very difficult. People always tell me it's difficult to find work, but if you want to find work online, why not try some International companies and work from home? Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Top Meetups for you Language & Ethnic Identity Learn Portuguese in Lisbon with PortugueseConnection Meetup Learn Portuguese for only 190€ !! Monday, 7:00 PM May 11 Start your own Language & Ethnic Identity Meetup ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Yes indeed, when I lived in the Lisbon área, it was a lot better for me. Try Meetups. It's another group, and they are having classes in Portuguese. You never know, it right be the right group for you. Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Hi! Well, I have lots of hobbies, and I'm conversational in Portuguese, and it doesn't work. Trust me when I tell you it is very difficult to live here. If I were you, I'd give the country another year, and if it doesn't get any ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Sorry, I've lived here 10 lonely years, and it hasn't changed. Oporto is horrible, because of a lack of friends, and it rains way too often. The rain destroyed my clothing and my piano. If I had it to do over again, I would choose another ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
The loneliness is horrible. I've lived here ten years, and I just deal with it. Try going to groups like InterNations. If you live in Lisbon you are in luck, because there are many more groups there. For example, if you are a woman, you could ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Pracilla, thank you so much! I'm on here to meet others who are in the same boat as I am, and to give the newbys help. Sincerely, Eileen Vicente Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
Unfortunately, it is not as easy to get quality healthcare in Oporto. The quality of life in Lisbon is MUCH better by far! I hope to find a place to live there as soon as possible. As I already said, it is important to have private health ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
It's always importante to have a healthy diet, however, YOU NEED A GOOD DOCTOR AND QUALITY MEDICAL CARE, and in Portugal, you must have quality medical insurance. Sorry, but people get sick regardless of how much they practice having a healthy ... Read More
Healthcare in Portugal by Julien
Hi, how does the healthcare system work in Portugal ? Is it efficient ? What are the main differences between public and private sectors? Is it recommended to purchase private health insurance in Portugal? Thanks in advance for sharing ...
I would say, first of all, it depends where you live. If you are in a small town, forget it. I could not get any of the medical exams that I really need. They would tell me that it's because of my age. I'm 72, so I no longer need a ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
International Women in Portugal is in Lisbon, and has over 200 members. It seems to be a good answer for people who live in Cascais where most of the activities take place. Interntions is another club that might work for you in the Lisbon ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
Unfortunately, you speak the truth. All I have here is my husband. He could not have come from a worse country for a foreigner. Somebody, I met in America had lived in Portugal for 10 years, and she told me that you could never be Portuguese if you ... Read More
Expat loneliness - Does it get any better? by PamDakan
Posted from my blog: papillon-pam.blogspot.pt/2014/11/expat-lonelinessdoes-it-get-any-better.html#more The rains have started here in Portugal. It's funny, when I first moved here two years ago, all I kept reading about was how good the ...
I have lived in Oporto, Portugal for 10 years. Unfortunately, it has gotten worse for me, and I speak Portuguese, not perfectly, but enough. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
For you guys, it would be OK Jonpaul, because there are many Brits here, so you won't be alone for sure. Also, the Portuguese make Brits much more welcom than they make people from the USA. I'm a lonely planet here. Good luck! As I leave, ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Portugal forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Good luck! I hope it works for you. I hate it here and this is why:My name is Carol. Really, a place to live is a place to live with all its problems, and there are always problems no matter where you live. I have lived in Oporto, Portugal for the ... Read More