British expat shares life in Lisbon is ‘great’ – but one aspect ranked low

Martin Lewis discusses travel refunds and PCR tests

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As part of the InterNations Expat Insider survey, expats in Lisbon rated the city on several important categories. The Portuguese capital scored particularly high when it came to friendliness.

Lisbon ranked first out of the 57 expat cities surveyed in the ‘feeling at home’ category. Expats were asked whether they had found it easy to settle into their new home and how friendly the local people were.

An incredible 80 percent of expats in Lisbon said they felt at home in the city, far higher than the global average of 65 percent.

They said it was easy to get used to the local culture with 84 percent of expats saying they didn’t find it difficult to adapt.

One expat said: “Many people here are warm, good-natured, respectful, friendly and welcoming.”

Over half of expats in Lisbon said it was easy to make friends there while just under 70 percent were happy with their social life.

One British expat said: “There is good food, great weather, and plenty to see and do.”

Lisbon’s climate was one of the best parts of life there for expats with almost 90 percent saying they were satisfied with the weather.

Lisbon is one of the cheapest capital cities in Western Europe and the majority of expats thought the cost of living was fairly cheap.

However, 33 percent of expats did think that their disposable income wasn’t enough to cover all their expenses.

Just over a quarter of expats in Lisbon were unhappy with their financial situation while 40 percent rated the local economy poorly.

They also didn’t feel confident about career opportunities in Portugal with almost 50 percent feeling unhappy with their job prospects.

Expats in Lisbon will easily meet their daily step target as the city is one of the hilliest in Europe.

Climbing up to São Jorge Castle will reward expats with a view of the whole city and its red rooftops.

Many expats opt to live in the central Baixa area of Lisbon while younger residents tend to enjoy the nightlife of Bairro Alto.

The old town of Alfama is the ideal place to hear traditional Fado music and enjoy a gourmet meal.

Some expats choose to live in the nearby town of Cascais, instead of the capital’s city centre.

A popular holiday destination, the pretty town has sandy beaches, great nightlife and plenty of delicious food.

Just a short journey from Lisbon, expats can enjoy a quieter setting with the benefits of the capital nearby.

Property is likely to be more expensive in Cascais but bargains can be found if expats are happy to live a little out of the centre.

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