Andrew Rockwell
American looking for information about Portugal
Forum posts
70
About me
American
Registration: 18 June 2021
Shipping my dog from New Jersey to porto by Steven Hoffman
I just wanted to get an idea of how much it will be and what service you used.Maggie is an Aussie mix and about 35 pounds.
@davissgurbanI worked with https://www.airanimal.com/ in Tampa, FL . Give them a call. If you plan to make the airline reservations be sure to tell them or their initial quote can be quite high.They scheduled the Vet inspection and the paperwork ... Read More
Metro line H Rubi between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia - map/stations by Andrew Rockwell
I'm trying to find a "readable" map for the new Metro line H Rubi that shows both the Metro stations and the streets. The Metro states a completion date of 2026.I have found lot's of maps that show the Metro stations, but the street ...
@JohnnyPTThank you! Read More
Metro line H Rubi between Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia - map/stations
I'm trying to find a "readable" map for the new Metro line H Rubi that shows both the Metro stations and the streets. The Metro states a completion date of 2026.I have found lot's of maps that show the Metro stations, but the street ... Read More
Website that shows real estate SOLD prices by Andrew Rockwell
I'm looking for a website that records real estate SOLD prices: Please direct me if it exists.I am interested in researching recent sales in my area of Porto.
@JohnnyPT Thanks, I am looking for sales data so I can do a comparative sales price analysis on a property. I can see "for sale" prices on Idealista, but not the result.As we all know, what owners hope for and what they get can be quite ... Read More
Website that shows real estate SOLD prices by Andrew Rockwell
I'm looking for a website that records real estate SOLD prices: Please direct me if it exists.I am interested in researching recent sales in my area of Porto.
@nz7521137 That's sad. Thanks Read More
Website that shows real estate SOLD prices
I'm looking for a website that records real estate SOLD prices: Please direct me if it exists.I am interested in researching recent sales in my area of Porto. Read More
can I bring plant seeds into Portugal? by Andrew Rockwell
I'm planning a trip to the US in July and I would like to bring back plants seeds for my balcony spice garden that I would like to start.Is this a problem, if it is spelled somewhere please point me to it.Specifically seeds for Thai basil, asian ...
@JohnnyPT Thanks, that's what I wanted. Read More
can I bring plant seeds into Portugal?
I'm planning a trip to the US in July and I would like to bring back plants seeds for my balcony spice garden that I would like to start.Is this a problem, if it is spelled somewhere please point me to it.Specifically seeds for Thai basil, asian ... Read More
Reasons for leaving Portugal by nz7521137
At the moment there is a huge hype about moving to Portugal and many people from around the world are making a more permanent move towards Portugal. Stories about these people are making the headlines or are published on YouTube and the like. ...
@4yoursweetooth They say that good judgement comes from experience and experience comes from poor judgement.Portugal is a great place to live if you have passive incomes and don't need to work here. Choices are limited and things move slowly.Now, ... Read More
Cost of house renovations by jamescherowbrier
Hi there, New to the forum so my apologies if this question has been answered elsewhere. Myself and my partner are looking to buy a property in Central Portugal. I spent many summers of my childhood in this incredible country and for me is a great ...
The contractor who did the flooring had worked with us on the apartment, so we didn't get other bids. We already trusted him and he usually does more than the original agreement. There were no surprises. If he needed something he would go get it. ... Read More
Cost of house renovations by jamescherowbrier
Hi there, New to the forum so my apologies if this question has been answered elsewhere. Myself and my partner are looking to buy a property in Central Portugal. I spent many summers of my childhood in this incredible country and for me is a great ...
https://www.idealista.pt/Check here for price comparisons of apartments, etc by areas. This will give you an idea how much things cost. You can select the areas you're interested in.We bought our apartment outside of Porto, Rio Tinto in August ... Read More
Italian and other ethic food markets? by Andrew Rockwell
I am searching or markets which offer foods from other European countries, such as Italy, Greece, Spain.I'd love it if this included Mexican foods and spices.Any thoughts
@donn25 https://casamexicana.shop/pages/contact-usThey have a store in Lisbon. See attached link. Read More
Italian and other ethic food markets? by Andrew Rockwell
I am searching or markets which offer foods from other European countries, such as Italy, Greece, Spain.I'd love it if this included Mexican foods and spices.Any thoughts
@donn25 check out Casa Mexicanahttps://www.google.com/maps/place/R.+de+Cedofeita+561,+4050-529+Porto/@41.1570933,-8.6215474,18.09z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0xd24650104458f0d:0xfd4292a2133dbd0a!8m2!3d41.1556456!4d-8.6192748!16s%2Fg%2F11c2clcj4mIt's a small ... Read More
Italian and other ethic food markets? by Andrew Rockwell
I am searching or markets which offer foods from other European countries, such as Italy, Greece, Spain.I'd love it if this included Mexican foods and spices.Any thoughts
One thing I found out while living in London, Brazil, and Argentina is that you become a better cook when you have to create your own sauces, etc. There is Glood and Casa Mexican near the Carolina Michaelis metro stop which offers products from ... Read More
Italian and other ethic food markets?
I am searching or markets which offer foods from other European countries, such as Italy, Greece, Spain.I'd love it if this included Mexican foods and spices.Any thoughts Read More
The cost of Living in Portugal in 2023 by Mickael
Hello everyone, As every year, we invite you to share your experience on the evolution of the cost of living in the region or city where you live in order to answer future requests for information from new members of the site who would like to ...
We purchased our apartment and moved in September 12, 2022.In terms of accommodation, how much does it cost to rent/buy a flat or house in in Portugal?purchased apartment - Rio Tinto (short Metro ride into Porto) - €1.881/m2HOA dues - ... Read More
Anyone recently transfered US tax residency to Portugal. ?????
If this has already been covered in detail elsewhere, please respond with the link.Has anyone recently transferred their tax residency from the US to Portugal? Please answer any questions you can.What was the process?How long did it take?Did you ... Read More
To car or not to car. That is the question by Steven Hoffman
I’m not sure what I should do here. I know I’ll need some form of transportation. Either to go shopping, Take a trip maybe even just to enjoy the country.I have a car here in NJ. But I’m not sure wether to ship it, or not send it ...
@Steven Hoffman NO CAR! Get an apartment that's short walk to the Metro.We live in Rio Tinto outside of Porto. Our apartment is a 4 minute walk to the Metro, which is then 20 minutes into Porto. NO need for a car. We use Bolt/Uber/Taxi when we ... Read More
SEF APPOINTMENT by michaeleb
I have a question regarding the SEF appointment. If the appointment is for the purpose of confirming financial record documents, health insurance documents, proof of income documents, NIF registration, and residency location documents, what is the ...
Just completed out D7 visa SEF appointments for our 2 year visaIn July our D7 visa approval came though within 4 weeks. We moved here in July 2022 and purchased an apartment in Porto in August 2022.My wife's D7 appointment and mine were the same ... Read More
Need help about moving to porto by Steven Hoffman
Hi everyone,I've just decided that within the next year or so I'd like to retire toPorto. I'm going to visit in January to get an idea of what I need to do. This is basically a fact finding mission.My goal is to figure out where I want to live, ...
I agree with JohnnyPT, being a short walk from the Metro is a must. You can also use Bolt or Uber.Our criteria was:Close to a Metro,Building that accepted our dog,Short walk to markets, restaurants, bars,Elevador,Accessible to tourists attractions, ... Read More
How did you ship all your stuff? by Steven Hoffman
I’m going to do a huge purge before I make the move. I don’t have much stuff. Maybe a couple of large boxes or travel trunk.thanks for helping me outsteven
We sold everything and started again in Porto in July, 2022. We had 3 checked bags with clothes, and some kitchen knifes. We are now minimalists, it's great! We buy only what we must have. Who really needs a dinning room table if you don't ... Read More
SEF approval - anyone been approved with < €8.460 in Portugal Bank? by Andrew Rockwell
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, as per the provisions of Order number 1563/2007, of 11/12SEF approval - has anyone been approved at the SEF interview in Portugal with less than €8.460 in a Portugal Bank in 2022??I'm looking actual ...
@JohnnyPT I think you misinterpreted my post. I was NOT advocating to have less than the minimum, or trying to get by with less. We will have more than sufficient funds in our Portugal bank account, as we did when we received the initial approval ... Read More
SEF approval - anyone been approved with < €8.460 in Portugal Bank? by Andrew Rockwell
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, as per the provisions of Order number 1563/2007, of 11/12SEF approval - has anyone been approved at the SEF interview in Portugal with less than €8.460 in a Portugal Bank in 2022??I'm looking actual ...
@JohnnyPT I was doing a reality check against what I was told. You know, trust but verify. Read More
SEF approval - anyone been approved with < €8.460 in Portugal Bank?
Evidence of sufficient means of subsistence, as per the provisions of Order number 1563/2007, of 11/12SEF approval - has anyone been approved at the SEF interview in Portugal with less than €8.460 in a Portugal Bank in 2022??I'm looking actual ... Read More
Embassy retains passport during D7 application? by donn25
Looking at information the D7 visa process, I was struck by a couple of references that say the consulate may ask to keep your passport. Then I guess two or three months later, you can get it back, with the visa stamp.That's nice if they'll ...
@dbarnes816 PROCESS: May 4 - July 8, 2022Yes, you can send everything by FedEx. We handled everything through FedEx and email with the Washington D.C. VFS Global and Portugal embassy. No interviews or speaking with anyone. Do not send your ... Read More
Embassy retains passport during D7 application? by donn25
Looking at information the D7 visa process, I was struck by a couple of references that say the consulate may ask to keep your passport. Then I guess two or three months later, you can get it back, with the visa stamp.That's nice if they'll ...
We sent our passports (in error) along with the documents to VFS Global Washington D.C.. VFS sent the passports back. Then, when we were informed by the Embassy in Washington D.C. that we were approved, I sent them back to the Embassy.They ... Read More
What areas to live In Portugal? by daniyke
Hello, I'm from the UK and wish to have a home in Portugal in the near future. I wonder if someone could advise me on what areas to live in where I would be not too far from the beach about 30 minute drive, close to the expert community and locals, ...
daniyke,check out Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. (across the river from Porto). We live in the Porto district, Rio Tinto. The Metro stop is 4 minutes from our building. From there we can go anywhere.Porto and Gaia have a good Metro and train ... Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
@ElSteveo I could't tell if you've been here or not. You have a lot of time. If you haven't been here you should come, get your NIF and open a bank account. We use Millennium BCP. As modern as any bank I've used in ... Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
ElSteveo,when do you plan on submitting your application?When do you want to move to Portugal? Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
ElSteveo,It's only seems odd because we don't or didn't understand the process, there's conflicting information on the internet and there may be embassy inconsistencies. I personally wouldn't rely on someone I don't know on Facebook.We ... Read More
Bank Balance in Bank by ElSteveo
My pension is way way more than the requirement specified for a D7 VISA.I have read and have been told wildly different numbers regarding how much in savings you should have. Some have told me its not required, and some woman on Facebook was ready ...
My wife and I were just approved for D7 visas in July and moved to Portugal in July. Regarding financial statements:I can't say what will and what won't work, but here's what worked for us:Monthly passive income (3 months of ... Read More
Health Insurance by John Richardson
HelloI've been living in Portugal for three months. When I had my SEF interview one of the criteria I had to obtain health Insurance. I did this through IMG which cost 2000.00 dollars. I now have my first SEF interview and have been told I have to ...
@Jean Denise I'll let you know what I find out. Read More
Health Insurance by John Richardson
HelloI've been living in Portugal for three months. When I had my SEF interview one of the criteria I had to obtain health Insurance. I did this through IMG which cost 2000.00 dollars. I now have my first SEF interview and have been told I have to ...
@Jean Denise With this insurance do you have to pay for the service first and then they reimburse you or are there service providers who accept your insurance and MGEN pays them directly? Read More
VFS Global site - no appointments available (July 2022) by StansaStark
I have been trying to book an appointment with the Portugal embassy in London for our D7 visa application, but the VFS Global site says there's no appointments available?Anyone else having this issue or have any insight as to how I can book an ...
Perhaps it works differently in the UK. We lived in Florida and the Washington D.C. VFS processed our docs and sent them to the Portugal Embassy. We received our D7 visas about one month after the docs were received at the embassy.We sent ... Read More
D7 visa Portugal by Matiew
I applied to the NY center last May 10 for a passive income visa. It has been over 60 days now and have not heard anything back even after numerous calls, emails and appearing in person at the NY center. No one is able to give me any information on ...
We have a 3 month AirBnB that began July 9, 2022. However, we had a cousin in Lisbon sign a "TERMO de RESPONSIBILIDADE" , a term of responsibility guaranteeing us so we didn't submit the AirBnB with our application.The immigration ... Read More
D7 visa Portugal by Matiew
I applied to the NY center last May 10 for a passive income visa. It has been over 60 days now and have not heard anything back even after numerous calls, emails and appearing in person at the NY center. No one is able to give me any information on ...
SummaryD7 residence visa for husband and wife. We applied from Florida, processed through Washington D.C. We used a company in Lisbon to help us with the whole process. Very useful!Note: we took our dog with us.We sold our house, our car, our ... Read More
How to learn European Portuguese by JohnnyPT
Why Portuguese ?Learning Portuguese does take a lot of work, I admit it is a challenge (especially grammar and pronunciation), but there are a lot of benefits to being able to speak Portuguese as well. It will empower you and can also be fun and ...
Dreaming in PortuguêsAll of the above is great, but you have to go out and talk to as many people as possible as often as possible. For extraverts this is easy.1. Attend a language school and immerse yourself. I did 5 days a week ... Read More
DOG is GOD spelled backwards by cccmedia
Have you ever tried to pick up a large dog that didn't want to be picked up? Case in point... Though German shepherd Rocky of the YouTube channel 'Rocky' is a young puppy by age, less than a year old, he is just as large as his owner, ...
Years ago, in another place and time...My (big) Great Dane had claimed the love seat as his. No problem since it was just he and I.My visiting brother-in-law didn't understand that my dog lived there and he was a visitor. ... Read More
D7 Visa - Portugal bank deposit requirements for Visa - 18,000 euros? by Andrew Rockwell
I have been told that for the approval process for the Portugal embassy in Washington, D.C. that I need the equivalent of 2 years of minimum income deposited in a Portugal bank, or approximately 18,000 Euros.Does this match the experience of anyone ...
@RobLane Thanks. I meet the income requirements, the deposit is above and beyond that.That's why I'm asking for other's experience. Read More
D7 Visa - Portugal bank deposit requirements for Visa - 18,000 euros?
I have been told that for the approval process for the Portugal embassy in Washington, D.C. that I need the equivalent of 2 years of minimum income deposited in a Portugal bank, or approximately 18,000 Euros.Does this match the experience of anyone ... Read More
Moving to Portugal with 2 Dogs by rduff
Plan on moving to Portugal with our 2 dogs. Plan is to sail to England and then drive to Portugal. 3 different countries to drive through and 1 to enter to stay for awhile (over a year). Advice on this would be welcome! Not going to put them in ...
Rduff, I understand your reluctance to put them in the belly of the plane. Last time I did it, the airline put a label on my dog's airline crate stating "Live Animal" and I thought, gosh I hope stays that way. It's possible ... Read More
Electric bill by LorieAnneC
Hey, I will be back permanently in Portimão with an annual rental and am wondering about 2 issues. When I was there last October for three months, I didn’t even have enough hot water for a proper shower or a bath. Also, I had to reset ...
Hot water in-shower device. When I lived in Brazil hot water tanks were rare. Instead we used in-shower devices that heated the water. Some are electric (nick named suicide showers) and some are connected to propane tanks. In both cases they ... Read More
What's changing in Portugal with the COVID-19 crisis by Veedushi
Hello everyone, I hope you're doing well. As the Editorial Team of Expat.com, our aim is to provide you with fresh and up-to-date information about the COVID-19 crisis in your host country. You might be expecting a lot of changes following the ...
We just return August 31 from Portugal. This is our experience with covid. 1. We needed a negative covid test to go to Portugal from US. Verified at the US United Airlines checkin. We also had to complete a placement form for Portugal to be ... Read More
Handy portable WiFi device while traveling in Portugal by Andrew Rockwell
We're in Portugal for the month of August. I decided to try a portable WiFi device from Portugal Internet. Unlimited, high speed. We did NOT purchase local sims because both of our phones are locked from the US. It's a small device that ...
We just wrapped up our month in Portugal using this device. It was great! Even my non-technical wife wouldn't leave home without it. If you combine a VPN service such as Express VPN on your computer, phone or table, you can make yourself ... Read More
Adapting American electronics to Portugal by jkmet
Is there a recommended adapter that will allow me to use American electronics (smart tv, small appliances such as a microwave oven, desktop computer, laptop computer, etc..) to Portugal? Thank you!
Agreed with earlier posts. "most modern smartphone, tablet, laptop and PC power supplies are universal, which accept input of 100-240 AC voltage and 50-60 Hz frequency. They can be used all over the world without step up or down transformers. ... Read More
Visiting Portugal by Abe Porter
Hi Everyone: My wife, Nancy, and I will be visiting Portugal for the purpose of finding out if we want to live in a new country. We are currently living in California. We will be arriving on September 1, 2021. We will be bringing our two small ...
Abe, I guarantee you need to check out Gaia and Porto, but Porto is old and Gaia is newer. From my apartment it is 10 minute walk across the bridge into Porto or minutes by metro. Between the metro, trains, Uber, and Bolt, we don't need a ... Read More
Visiting Portugal by Abe Porter
Hi Everyone: My wife, Nancy, and I will be visiting Portugal for the purpose of finding out if we want to live in a new country. We are currently living in California. We will be arriving on September 1, 2021. We will be bringing our two small ...
If you're from California along the coast you might find the weather in Vila Nova de Gaia / Porto more comfortable. Cooler than other areas. We're currently in Vila Nova de Gaia and the weather is wonderful. Cool in the mornings/nights and ... Read More
Handy portable WiFi device while traveling in Portugal by Andrew Rockwell
We're in Portugal for the month of August. I decided to try a portable WiFi device from Portugal Internet. Unlimited, high speed. We did NOT purchase local sims because both of our phones are locked from the US. It's a small device that ...
Yes Portugal Internet In our case it was delivered to our hotel the day we arrived. We carry it on street with a USB battery backup. Read More
Handy portable WiFi device while traveling in Portugal
We're in Portugal for the month of August. I decided to try a portable WiFi device from Portugal Internet. Unlimited, high speed. We did NOT purchase local sims because both of our phones are locked from the US. It's a small device that ... Read More
Retiring to Portugal by Guest82731
Hi. Andrew, I am from fl. also and thinking about retiring to Portugal, was planning on going in July to visit first, for a few months, but with the virus all is delayed.
nidialorie, I sent you a reply separate from this thread. Read More
Retiring to Portugal by Guest82731
Hi. Andrew, I am from fl. also and thinking about retiring to Portugal, was planning on going in July to visit first, for a few months, but with the virus all is delayed.
Nidialore, We're planning to leave FL for Portugal on August 1 for a month. Some in Lisbon but mostly in Porto and surrounding areas. Assuming, we like it, we'll plan to move there about January or so when we receive the temporary ... Read More
Cost of Living in Portugal in 2021 by Cheryl
Hello everybody, We would like to take stock of the changing cost of living in Portugal, particularly in your city or region. The aim is to measure the impact that the health crisis may have had on your expenses. This will help other expatriates ...
I hate to pull you away from the riveting topic of slamming Portugal. :) However, I really would like more on the cost of living. Specifically, the areas of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia. How would you put the cost of living in perspective, ... Read More
Returning to US on Tuesday August 31, 2021 - Need Covid 19 Test by Andrew Rockwell
I'm assuming we'll still need a negative test to return to the USA. Already vaccinated. Does anyone know where we can get a Covid tests in Porto or Lisbon (or anywhere) on a Saturday or Sunday and receive the results by Monday August 30? ...
Thank you caronnyc, You may be correct. Here's what I found, just published. Requirement for Proof of Negative test dated July 6, 2021 Read More
Returning to US on Tuesday August 31, 2021 - Need Covid 19 Test
I'm assuming we'll still need a negative test to return to the USA. Already vaccinated. Does anyone know where we can get a Covid tests in Porto or Lisbon (or anywhere) on a Saturday or Sunday and receive the results by Monday August 30? ... Read More
Shipping furniture from California by ggriffin
Hello! We have just purchased an apartment in Lisbon. We’re very excited to embark on this new adventure. Does anyone have advice on shipping furniture from the US? Is it better and more cost effective just to purchase new furniture in ...
If you want your new life be like your old life, DON'T MOVE. Otherwise, you have missed the point of moving to a new country. It's an adventure, an opportunity to grow and experience new things. Leave the old life behind. Some people can ... Read More
Shipping furniture from California by ggriffin
Hello! We have just purchased an apartment in Lisbon. We’re very excited to embark on this new adventure. Does anyone have advice on shipping furniture from the US? Is it better and more cost effective just to purchase new furniture in ...
ggriffin, I don't have a recommendation of moving companies. My experience has been start fresh. Definitely, start fresh. We have moved several times between the US and other countries (US->Brazil->Argentina->Brazil->US). We took ... Read More
Portugal D7 VISA Service providers - any recommendations? by Andrew Rockwell
We're a US citizen couple in Florida and want to move to Portugal by January 2022. We've lived in Brazil and Argentina. My wife is Brazilian and Portugues is the house language. I am retired with proof of income. We are planning to be in ...
Thank you so much. It seems the more I searched and read the less I learned. So much of what I see is trying to sell me services and not answer my questions. Read More
Portugal D7 VISA Service providers - any recommendations?
We're a US citizen couple in Florida and want to move to Portugal by January 2022. We've lived in Brazil and Argentina. My wife is Brazilian and Portugues is the house language. I am retired with proof of income. We are planning to be in ... Read More