ljwaks
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
40
Contacts
1
About me
American
Lives in Lourinhã, Lisbon District
Speaks English. basic Spanish
Registration: 02 April 2018
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
We live in Lourinha. American couple: retired doctor and professor. Don't know directly about s hools, but we have some friends with school age kids. Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
Hi Bradshawhal. When you arrive give e a buzz. *** Len Waks Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
I have been asked how I rate Lourinha after living here for three years. Lourinha is paradise. I would not consider living anywhere else. 12 beaches. Stunning views in all directions. Excellent local shopping. Daily farmers market. Several elegant ... Read More
Best cities for retirement in Portugal by Bhavna
Hello everyone, An increasing amount of people want to spend their retirement abroad. Would you consider giving a few tips to those looking into Portugal for their retirement? What are the most attractive cities for retirees in ...
We chose Lourinha after a search throughout the North, Central and South (Algarve) regions. It works very well for us. We are the only Americans here, but there are some expats from England and the rest of Europe. Low cost of living, daily ... Read More
Considering moving to Portugal from the USA as an expat by GlobalExpat777
Hello All, My name is Rodney and I am in the process of starting my expat life hopefully in Portugal. I currently live in the USA and I've been doing research on Portugal for a little while as a place to start my expat life. I'm seeking ...
HI, Rodney, We have not had any experience looking for an apartment except for airbnb. We came in May and had no trouble finding great short term rentals and we came back in January and February and stayed in Cascais in an airbnb, which is lovely, ... Read More
Considering moving to Portugal from the USA as an expat by GlobalExpat777
Hello All, My name is Rodney and I am in the process of starting my expat life hopefully in Portugal. I currently live in the USA and I've been doing research on Portugal for a little while as a place to start my expat life. I'm seeking ...
HI, Rodney, We have moved here just about 2 months ago. For us, the move was an immediate blessing. We live at the north end of the Lisbon region, in Lourinha. Very simple, quiet place somewhat off the beaten track. Nice beaches, and a number of ... Read More
Buying Used Furniture by ljwaks
My wife and I are moving to the Lourinha area later this Spring. At home we frequently decorated with used furniture from yard sales and Goodwill. What are the best sources of inexpensive decent used furniture in the Lisbon - to Caldas region? Are ...
Now living in Lourinha and still looking for charity shops, yard sales, etc. Hints about Torres Vedras, Obidos Caldas peniche welcome. 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 ...
We chose Lourinha on the Silver Coast. We have been here since September 1. We had a run of 45 beautiful sunny warm days with cool evenings, paradise. After Leslie we have had some rain and cooler days. We were in Cascais in January and February. ... Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
HI, Kaya, We'll miss you i Lourinha. Caldas is great - we were there both days this past weekend. The beaches there are lovely; we were at Foz de Arelha on Saturday. But they are actually quite far from Caldas city. Pretty sure there is a bus ... Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
any time. I don't know if I can post my email or hone number here. I'll try my email and see if they block it. l as in leonard, j as in joseph, waks at yahoo.com. Read More
What documents do I need to move to Portugal? by netdobeiras
I have lived in America all my life and was born here as well. Recently I decided that I should give a try at life in Portugal however I'm not sure if I have every document needed. I am an american citizen and also a portuguese citizen. I have ...
As for nice places to live outside the big cities, we choose Lourinha. We have been living here now for 6 weeks and it is heaven. Its less than an hour to Lisbon, has lovely beaches, and is big enough (maybe 25,000) to have everything one needs. ... Read More
Moving to Lourinha by Kayalaoui
I would like to know if they are expats in Lourinha. I am coming on vacation in April 2019 then moving in 2020 I choose Lourinha. I speak french and English. Can you get in touch with me and let me know about the area. I would appreciate it. Thank ...
My wife and I have now been living in Lourinha for a month. It is paradise. I would never want to live anywhere else. We are American, and there are very few Americans here. In some of the surrounding villages there are some expats - mostly from the ... Read More
Silver Coast Retirement by GuestPoster2367
Hi, my name is Jo. I'm looking to move to Portugal from the US in the next 3-4 years. I would like to get some suggestions for places along the Silver Coast good for a single female. Towns large enough for social activity, etc. and close to ...
One disappointment we experienced in Caldas is the sorry shape of some of the most important historical sites. The famous Natural medical hospital is a wreck. Entering, I felt like I was inside a chamber of horrors from a 1920s silent movie. All of ... Read More
Silver Coast Retirement by GuestPoster2367
Hi, my name is Jo. I'm looking to move to Portugal from the US in the next 3-4 years. I would like to get some suggestions for places along the Silver Coast good for a single female. Towns large enough for social activity, etc. and close to ...
HI, Luis. Thanks for your addition to this topic. I like Caldas for shopping. I love the park. We considered it. Lourinha simply offered more. Right at the beach, closer to Lisbon. Where are you? Read More
Silver Coast Retirement by GuestPoster2367
Hi, my name is Jo. I'm looking to move to Portugal from the US in the next 3-4 years. I would like to get some suggestions for places along the Silver Coast good for a single female. Towns large enough for social activity, etc. and close to ...
We have just moved to Lourinha. We have been here two weeks and are pretty blown away by everything here. Compared to Peniche or Caldas this is paradise. There are a number of beautiful beaches, and a town center with many lovely cafes and ... Read More
How to bring all my money from America to Portugal? by netdobeiras
What is the best way to bring all my money from America to Portugal? I talked to my bank and they said I need to be there to transfer all my money unless I use transfer wise. In case you are wondering the amount I am bringing is about 16k. I am ...
I do not know about transferwise. I would appreciate it if someone explained this service. If you wish to transfer money to Portugal in the form of dollars to Euros, your best bet may be to buy euros through an online FOREX broker. Many are ... Read More
How to bring all my money from America to Portugal? by netdobeiras
What is the best way to bring all my money from America to Portugal? I talked to my bank and they said I need to be there to transfer all my money unless I use transfer wise. In case you are wondering the amount I am bringing is about 16k. I am ...
If yuou are bringing US dollars, you have to ask why you want them in Portugal. You can open a US dollar bank account at any Portugal bank and transfer the money directly bank to bank. You US bank will charge about $30 for the transfer. If your $$ ... Read More
Moving household goods to Portugal by psyteacher
I am interested in hearing from people who have moved to Portugal who had their household goods/furniture shipped. Is it cheaper to sell everything here in the U.S. and start over in Portugal or ship selective items to Portugal? Fern
My guess is that it would be easier to sell everything in the US and start over. We just shipped our entire household, including lots of things of very little value. Cost us 8 Thousand Euros. I doubt that this was wise economic decision. In our ... Read More
moving to Portugal without extended Schengen visa by BeckyandLarry
Hi all. My husband and I applied for the 4 month temporary residence visa in San Francisco on June 7 and still have not heard anything. We are scheduled to fly out on Sept 1. Yikes. What to do??? If we don't have the visa by then do we go ahead ...
We are headed for the Silver Coast near Peniche Read More
moving to Portugal without extended Schengen visa by BeckyandLarry
Hi all. My husband and I applied for the 4 month temporary residence visa in San Francisco on June 7 and still have not heard anything. We are scheduled to fly out on Sept 1. Yikes. What to do??? If we don't have the visa by then do we go ahead ...
Well the 30 day figure is all over the internet. When we discussed our situation at the consulate, we were not given any assurance, but were told to be optimistic. If we get ours in thirty days it will be just before we fly. I am prepared to eat our ... Read More
moving to Portugal without extended Schengen visa by BeckyandLarry
Hi all. My husband and I applied for the 4 month temporary residence visa in San Francisco on June 7 and still have not heard anything. We are scheduled to fly out on Sept 1. Yikes. What to do??? If we don't have the visa by then do we go ahead ...
We applied at Newark NJ. We handed over our passports, as we were asked to do. We asked the question: can we go on September 2 as tourists? The answer was: you would have to come back here for your passports, but then we wouldn't have them to ... Read More
moving to Portugal without extended Schengen visa by BeckyandLarry
Hi all. My husband and I applied for the 4 month temporary residence visa in San Francisco on June 7 and still have not heard anything. We are scheduled to fly out on Sept 1. Yikes. What to do??? If we don't have the visa by then do we go ahead ...
June 7. Ouch!! We had our appointment on July 31 and fly out September 2. And our movers come August 30. I do not think we can 'mail back our passports'. Besides, how will we GET our passports? They are i the hands of the Portugal ... Read More
Portugal four month residence visa application form by ljwaks
Does anyone have a link to the application form for the four month residence visa. We are NOT looking for the short term Schengen visa. This is the application you bring to the consulate when applying for a visa for pensioners, before getting ...
Fair enough. Different consulates have different actual requirements. Nonetheless, the ordinary Schengen Visa application does not have provisions for a long stay visa. There is a Schengen application that does. I suggest being on the safe side and ... Read More
Portugal four month residence visa application form by ljwaks
Does anyone have a link to the application form for the four month residence visa. We are NOT looking for the short term Schengen visa. This is the application you bring to the consulate when applying for a visa for pensioners, before getting ...
Sadly, the above is incorrect. There are several different Schengen visa forms. The ordinary short term visa form that is all over the web is NOT the correct one. I am not sure what would happen if you showed up at your consular appointment with it, ... Read More
Portugal four month residence visa application form by ljwaks
Does anyone have a link to the application form for the four month residence visa. We are NOT looking for the short term Schengen visa. This is the application you bring to the consulate when applying for a visa for pensioners, before getting ...
Thanks so much. You are correct that this site has tons of information. Sadly, this site also leads right to the Schengen visa. Makes me wonder whether that just might be the correct form. But I still do not think so. Thanks again Read More
Portugal four month residence visa application form by ljwaks
Does anyone have a link to the application form for the four month residence visa. We are NOT looking for the short term Schengen visa. This is the application you bring to the consulate when applying for a visa for pensioners, before getting ...
Thanks, Stumpy, Sad to say, this section only brings us back to the Schengen Visa. We are looking for the long term Portugal residency Visa. As I understand, the short term Schengen Visa application does not cut it. Read More
Portugal four month residence visa application form
Does anyone have a link to the application form for the four month residence visa. We are NOT looking for the short term Schengen visa. This is the application you bring to the consulate when applying for a visa for pensioners, before getting ... Read More
Looking for a host family by Delamnv
Dear All Hope you re doing well. I am planning to move to Lisbon starting from september till february, since i am an exchange student. And i am looking for a host family ( would be better if near the ISCTE), a responsible family? If any of you is ...
I am not sure exactly what a host family is or what is expected. Can anyone help? Read More
contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall by Noellekathleen
Hi, my husband and I are US citizens that work remotely and are contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall. We have two young children and are trying to narrow down areas other than Lisbon that have good weather, a large expat/English speaking ...
From the Americans in Portugal Site "Portugal offers free and subsidized healthcare and medical prescriptions for all Portuguese nationals and residents. The system is funded by taxation and administered by the Ministerio de Saude (Ministry of ... Read More
contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall by Noellekathleen
Hi, my husband and I are US citizens that work remotely and are contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall. We have two young children and are trying to narrow down areas other than Lisbon that have good weather, a large expat/English speaking ...
Thanks so much. I'll try to follow up. Read More
contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall by Noellekathleen
Hi, my husband and I are US citizens that work remotely and are contemplating a move to Portugal this Fall. We have two young children and are trying to narrow down areas other than Lisbon that have good weather, a large expat/English speaking ...
"In terms of healthcare, you will have to get a private insurance since, I believe, as Americans you won't be able to benefit from the Portuguese Social Security. " This is an issue that has baffled me. My understanding is that as ... Read More
Cadaval, Lisbon Weather by Muts8979
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm moving to Portugal next month to stay with friends for up to a year on the Algarve while I find a place to live permanently. I think the Algarve may be too expensive so have been searching wider afield. The ...
Well, as said, all very subjective. We were in Porto in May 2017 and it was mostly cold and wet. We were in the Lisbon area in January and February 2018. January was pretty wet; temperatures in the mid 50s but not comfortable. February was ... Read More
Cadaval, Lisbon Weather by Muts8979
Hi, I'm new to this forum. I'm moving to Portugal next month to stay with friends for up to a year on the Algarve while I find a place to live permanently. I think the Algarve may be too expensive so have been searching wider afield. The ...
The great thing about the Atlantic coast near Lisbon is that there is very little temperature variation through the year. The average highs in winter are in the high 50s, and in the summer the low 70s. The daily averages from the coldest to warmest ... Read More
Buying Used Furniture by ljwaks
My wife and I are moving to the Lourinha area later this Spring. At home we frequently decorated with used furniture from yard sales and Goodwill. What are the best sources of inexpensive decent used furniture in the Lisbon - to Caldas region? Are ...
Thanks so much. I looked at both. I'll look more seriously once I get to Portugal. Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 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 ...
HI, Kerry Arquette, We looked pretty much everywhere before settling on Lourinha. It is surrounded by lovely agricultural areas, and has several lovely beaches. The town itself is attractive. It is located on the Silver Coast, south of Peniche and ... Read More
New members of the Portugal forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 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 ...
Hi, We are Len and Veronica. We plan to move to the Lourinha area - we are presently in process of buying a home. By September we should be settled. We are currently in process of applying for our residence visas. I am a writer and former ... Read More
Buying Used Furniture
My wife and I are moving to the Lourinha area later this Spring. At home we frequently decorated with used furniture from yard sales and Goodwill. What are the best sources of inexpensive decent used furniture in the Lisbon - to Caldas region? Are ... Read More