Moving to Portugal as an expat? That’s awesome! We’ve got some tips to help you make the most of your experience and avoid common mistakes, so you don’t end up spending all your cash. Lisbon, in particular, has seen a surge in tourist numbers lately, making it easy to fall into the city’s “tourist trap.” But fear not, my friend! We’ve learned from the locals and want to share some insider knowledge with you. Here are twelve expensive mistakes to avoid when you move to Portugal.

Common Mistakes To Avoid As An Expat

To give you a head start navigating your new life in Portugal we’ve rounded up some of the most common mistakes people make when they first move to Portugal. These are easy mistakes to make that can quickly cost you a lot of money that could be spent on far more interesting things.

Go Traditional With Your Cuisine

First things first, let’s forget about those touristy restaurants and head straight to the traditional ‘tascas.’ These family-run gems are the go-to spots for locals seeking affordable and authentic food. We can fill our bellies with mouth-watering dishes like arroz de pato (duck rice) and bacalhau à Brás (cod and potatoes) for as little as €20 (£17.61) per person, drinks included. Two of our personal favourite tascas are O Velho Eurico and A Nossa Casa, with the latter offering Portuguese “tapas” style dishes (called ‘petiscos’) so we can sample a variety of flavours in one sitting. Just remember to book ahead or get there “early” (before 8:30 PM in Portuguese time).

Seek Out The Quiosques

Now, rooftop bars might seem tempting, but they can be pricey, especially when we’re sipping on a fancy cocktail that costs a whopping £13. Instead, let us introduce you to quiosques – these charming little kiosks scattered around Lisbon’s parks, squares, and viewpoints. They serve up cheap drinks and snacks through their windows, making them a perfect spot for a budget-friendly outing. Picture yourself enjoying a local beer for just €1.50 (£1.32), a glass of wine for €3 (£2.64), or even a caipirinha (a traditional Brazilian cocktail) for €5 (£4.40). Some quiosques even offer free live music! We highly recommend checking out the ones in Estrela garden, near the Santa Caterina viewpoint, or on the Ribeira das Naus promenade, where we can even kick back in comfy deckchairs.

You Only Need To Ride The Yellow Tram For Fun

Of course, we can’t miss riding the famous yellow trams – they’re an iconic sight in Lisbon. But here’s the catch: they’re not the cheapest option, costing €3 (£2.64) for a single ticket, and they tend to get overcrowded. So, instead of relying solely on trams, we suggest taking the local bus, which will only set you back around €1.50 (£1.20). It’s a more affordable and convenient way to get around the city. And if we’re travelling in a group or want a bit more comfort, we can always hop in an Uber or Bolt. Trust us, it’s a lot more practical.

Fado For Free

Ah, fado, the soul-stirring Portuguese music. We definitely want to experience it, but let’s steer clear of those touristy fado restaurants. They often charge inflated prices and tack on extra fees. Luckily, there are some great places where we can enjoy fado for free! Check out Tasco do Chico (8 PM show), Solidó (8 PM show), or Povo (shows from Tuesday to Sunday between 8:30 PM and 11 PM). We’ll get to soak in the beautiful melodies without emptying our wallets.

Beach Lounging Without The Tourist Price Tag

Lisbon’s beaches are a dream, but let us share a little secret with you: the ones accessible by train along the Rio Tejo can be a bit pricey, especially if you want to rent a sun lounger. While they’re very popular with tourists, the locals know better, as they can cost around €25 (£22) for just half a day. Instead, let’s plan a day trip across the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and past the Cristo Rei statue to Costa da Caparica. There, we can find incredible beaches for relaxing in the sunshine and cooling off in the sea. The best part? You can snag a sun lounger for the whole day at Irmão beach club for just €20 (£17.61). It’s a great way to enjoy the beach without breaking the bank.

Affordable Accommodation A Little Outside The Centre

If you’re planning an exploratory trip before you make a permanent move, or you need short-term accommodation while waiting for a long-term rental or property purchase to go through, consider staying a little outside the centre of Lisbon. While most things in the city are within a 30-minute walk, opting for accommodation outside the bustling centre can save us a fortune. 

For a taste of luxury that’s still affordable, check out Moxy Lisbon City. It’s just a ten-minute walk from Parque Eduardo VII and offers a hip vibe along with a rooftop pool, all for £160 per room per night. At the other end of the scale, if you’re open to the hostel experience, Home Lisbon Hostel is a great option, with beds in mixed dorms for around £30. For a trendy atmosphere, Selina Lisbon is worth considering, offering dorm beds from £37 and even boasting a pool and rooftop bar. And if you prefer the comfort of an apartment, ALTIDO has 130 affordable apartments in various Lisbon neighbourhoods starting from £50 per night.

Serve The Overpriced Airport Taxis

When it comes to transportation from the airport, let’s swerve the pricey airport taxis and opt for the metro instead. The proximity of Lisbon’s airport to the city centre is a blessing, as it’s just a 20-minute drive. But beware, some airport taxi drivers have been known to charge as much as €40 (£35.23) for a one-way trip. Instead, let’s head to the metro station and hop on the ‘Aeroporto – Saldanha’ line, which costs a mere €1.45 (£1.28). Not only is it more affordable, but the metro carriages also have air conditioning and phone reception. However, if you really need a taxi, you can skip the airport operators and opt for Uber or Bolt. you’ll find them at the ‘Kiss & Fly’ car park, and the cost is usually around €10 (£8.81).

Deals To Be Found At Local Markets

Immerse yourself in the local culture and take advantage of the city’s vibrant markets. Places like Mercado da Ribeira (also known as Time Out Market) and Mercado de Campo de Ourique are foodie heavens, offering a variety of delicious local delicacies and fresh produce. We can indulge in mouth-watering dishes while experiencing the authentic flavours of Portugal without breaking the bank. Plus, these markets often have a lively atmosphere, making them a great place to mingle with locals and fellow expats.

Besides the famous food markets, there are also flea markets and vintage shops where you can discover unique treasures at bargain prices. Check out Feira da Ladra in Lisbon or Feira da Vandoma in Porto. You never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon. So, get your haggling skills ready and prepare for a thrilling shopping adventure!

The Road Less Travelled

While Alfama and Bairro Alto are fantastic, don’t limit yourself to the well-trodden tourist areas. Take some time to explore neighbourhoods like Graça, Mouraria, and Alvalade in Lisbon, or Cedofeita and Foz in Porto. These areas offer a more authentic local experience, with cosy cafes, quirky shops, and a relaxed vibe. Who knows? You might discover charming spots that only the locals know about.

Enjoy The Freebies

Portugal is a treasure trove of stunning landmarks and attractions, and the best part is that many of them won’t cost you a dime. From breath-taking viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte in Lisbon to the picturesque Douro River in Porto, there’s no shortage of free beauty to enjoy. Make a list of the free attractions in your city and embark on your very own self-guided tour. Get ready for some wallet-friendly sightseeing!

Fiesta Forever

Portugal knows how to throw a party! Don’t miss out on the vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations that take place throughout the year. From the lively Santo António festivities in Lisbon to the extravagant Carnaval in Torres Vedras, there’s always something exciting happening. Not only will you immerse yourself in Portuguese culture, but you’ll also have the chance to mingle with locals and fellow expats. So, let your hair down, put on your dancing shoes, and get ready to celebrate like a true Portuguese!

Learn A Little Portuguese

While many Portuguese folks speak English, making an effort to learn a few basic phrases in Portuguese will earn you some serious brownie points. Locals truly appreciate it when foreigners try to communicate in their language, even if it’s just a simple “obrigado” (thank you) or “bom dia” (good morning). It’s a fantastic way to connect with the community on a deeper level and enhance your overall experience. Plus, it’s fun to learn a new language!

Mistakes To Avoid When Moving To Portugal

So, as you embark on your exciting adventure of moving to Portugal, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your time while keeping your wallets happy. Avoid the tourist traps, embrace the local culture, and explore the hidden gems that make Portugal truly special. May your expat journey be filled with joy, discovery, and unforgettable experiences! Cheers to an incredible adventure ahead in beautiful Portugal! And remember, we have an extensive network of professionals at our disposal to raise your awareness of the financial, legal and practical mistakes to avoid when you move to Portugal. For bespoke advice get in touch today, or attend our next event for a crash-course in moving to Portugal as an expat.