First Month Living in Portugal as a Digital Nomad (Pros & Cons)
Living in Portugal as a digital nomad for the first month has been an exciting and fulfilling experience. This beautiful country offers a unique blend of rich history, culture, and natural beauty that has captured my heart. However, like any new adventure, there are both pros and cons to consider when choosing Portugal as a base for your remote work lifestyle.
Let’s start with the pros. Portugal boasts a low cost of living compared to many other European countries. From affordable accommodations to reasonably priced groceries and dining options, you can comfortably stretch your budget without compromising on quality. This affordability allows me to enjoy the country’s vibrant nightlife, indulge in local cuisine, and explore countless breathtaking destinations within easy reach, all while maintaining a healthy bank balance.
The warm and welcoming local population is another major advantage of living in Portugal. The Portuguese people are famously friendly, making it easy to connect with locals, build relationships, and integrate into the community. Whether it’s striking up a conversation at a local café or participating in a cultural event, the Portuguese are always open to interactions, ensuring that you quickly feel at home in this foreign land.
Portugal is also renowned for its excellent weather, particularly in coastal areas such as Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. With plenty of sunshine and mild winters, the country offers an ideal climate for outdoor activities and exploration. The well-maintained parks, stunning beaches, and breathtaking hiking trails provide ample opportunities to enjoy nature during your downtime.
On the flip side, there are a few cons that come with being a digital nomad in Portugal. One of the biggest challenges is the language barrier. While many Portuguese locals speak English, there are still instances where communication can be difficult, especially when venturing into more rural areas. Overcoming this barrier requires some determination and effort to learn basic Portuguese phrases, but it’s essential for a more enriching experience.
Another consideration is the work-life balance. Portugal has a strong focus on leisure and relaxation, which can sometimes clash with the fast-paced world of remote work. While it’s refreshing to embrace the Portuguese lifestyle, work obligations must still be met, which can occasionally test your discipline and time management skills.
Furthermore, the healthcare system, though generally good, may not match the standards of some other countries. It’s crucial to have comprehensive travel insurance to ensure you receive the necessary medical attention if required during your stay in Portugal.
In conclusion, the first month living in Portugal as a digital nomad has already proven to be a memorable and rewarding experience. With its affordability, warm locals, beautiful climate, and stunning landscapes, Portugal has certainly laid the groundwork for an incredible lifestyle. While it’s important to be mindful of the language barrier, work-life balance, and healthcare considerations, the benefits of living in this charming country far outweigh the challenges. Whether you’re a digital nomad looking for adventure or seeking a peaceful place to call home, Portugal is an excellent choice to pursue your remote work dreams.
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Love how you weaved culture and history into the video. This is the type of travel videos I want to see more!
I enjoy your information. Thank you for being you.
I know Portugal well and in general it is a friendly, safe and not to expensive place, if you avoid Lisbon.
That said unless you have an EU passport getting permission for permenant residence is difficult.
Never understood why people move to a country and make no effort to learn their language… You're in Portugal.. Not England.
Thank your for sharing your thoughts about living in Madeira. I found your insight very helpful and I will consider them when moving to Madeira.
siiiiiiuuuuuuuuu
looks like everywhere is better then US 😀
For Men its Not about happiness
WHY all nomads Look same
Thanks for making life of my people harder and harder days after days tones of portuguese cannot afford life in their own country
Thanks for your video…great insights…factors we never considered
Keep the posts coming
Why not try Spain, the smoking is not a thing. The country offers you much more interesting cities. The cost of living is as good and the beaches are better. I see Spain as an overall even better place to live than Portugal. Do some research, but yeah stay away from the center of Spain as you will get roasted in the summer and you also don't have sea shores.
"acclimating" is not a real word!…did you mean acclimatising to your new surroundings?
The influx of people with money raises the prices for locals who many can't afford to compete. That is where the backlash comes from. Happens all over the world. It creates resentment overtime.
you didnt give any price range on housing? Dont understand
So, you've never smoked cigarettes, what have you smoked?
Just came from your Manchester video…..could have swore you packed up your belongings in Florida and moved to Amsterdam, yes?
Hey Kristen, great video – thanks for posting. I know that Portugal ranks as one of the 20 best countries to retire. However, I am curious to know if you would rank Portugal as a number one or number two country for your own personal retirement destination? If you have in fact considered where you might eventually retire, I'd love to hear your thoughts – and why. Thanks again !
so…. do you use a storage locker anywhere?
Hi Kristin. I love your videos and am in need of your guidance. Im a 51 year old living in the UK and want to become a digital nomad to be enable me to move to Spain or Portugal. Ive been trying to look into digital marketing but It all seems like a foreign language to me and Im struggling to find out how to get started on this process. Im willing to commit full time to this as my health really improves when in warmer climates so am desperate to move as soon as possible……Please Help……… any little advice would be so gratefully received. Many Thanks
I love your videos, they are always packed with great information! Thank you for this particular video, as I am looking at retiring in a few years and I’m considering the D7 visa and living in Portugal. What are your thoughts on retirees living in Portugal? I’ve heard it’s a hotspot not only for younger nomads but for the older retired population as well. Would you recommend it as a viable option? Thanks, and wishing you all the best!
Love how locals are really taking care of their island. It's clean and well maintained.
I just booked 90 days of accommodation in Portugal for March, April and May next year. Now I hear your statement on smoking. I am thinking of cancelling and booking Spain instead. I hate smoke with a passion.
Please don't reduce tips, and more importantly, recommend it to others. People working in the service industry are on minimun wage, the world over and they arw alwats grateful for a little extra and for appreciation for such a hard job. Furthermore those tips would go directly back into the economy that you are enjoying at a significant discount!
If you have to choose between Estonia and Portugal , which one would you choose
Look up this article: “Digital Nomads: 'Workcation' or Colonization? Working from a vacation destination sounds like a dream, but the reality is more sinister than it seems.”
Is there any big outdoor markets in Portugal? I buy antique stuff as a hobby. Portugal looks beautiful!
Welcome to Madeira =)
Thanks!
I loved your videos helped me a lot
Better to take some smoke than a bullet… right?
Kristin I live in US and am considering moving to Portugal. I have never traveled to an European country. How to start?