"Fuck tourists and their bad navigation skills"! 😂😂There's a new invention on the market anyway. It's called GPS. It used to be a little box one put on top of the car dashboard. Now it comes fully integrated in the car, in our phones, even on watches. And you tourists are looking for signs? Signs clog up the view. Besides, "Signs" is a movie. 👻😋
Portuguese, lisboeta, living in Copenhagen here! I see your videos to kill my saudades of Lisbon and Portugal I completely agree, everything you said is what I say to my Danish friends. Greet content! Keep up the good work :)
You are spot on with observations. Having lived near Porto for ten years l think it’s a wonderful place to live , love the people and the culture. Keep on enjoying, you are such fun. xx 😚
You can't complain about the traffic and the driving in Portugal, I'm in Denmark right now, just made 500km this week and it's so boring to drive here... if the sign says 130 everyone goes 129... we in Portugal take the signs more as suggestions 😂😂😂😂
So true!!! But honestly I am starting to get crazy when I return to Portugal. All the drivers are so impatient!!! .... probably because they are late for whatever they are going to 😂😂
That's slowing becoming a lie... Since we started getting so much speed cameras and some of them hidden, it's kind of dangerous to go speeding... 500€ in the morning for a speeding ticket, IS NOT NICE.
It is true that speeding is big issue in Portugal, but from my experience the most dangerous experiences I have ever experienced was in Denmark. Let alone there’s no driving manners (ie. if you are trying to come out from a parking position, be ready to stay there until the lord almighty gives you a chance to drive). Apart from that it is indeed true that driving in Denmark it is a breeze.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, more exactly avenida da republica there's a pedestrian light that never turn green, legend says that a Danish guy is there for one week to cross the road 😆😆
I live in the USA and I pay almost $400 dollars in my electricity I was born in Portugal and have been living in California for over 30 years. Ive been watching your videos and loving them. Going to Portugal this year in September and praying that my husband likes it. I would love to be able to be in Portugal for 6 months and in the USA for 6 months.
Well.. Do it! I lived in the USA 42 years! Went over as a young girl and I returned for good 1.5 years ago. Love it here. Was living in AZ, but outside of going thrifting at the wonderful Goodwills of Cali,, Vegas and Scottsdale, I don't really miss it that much. There are lots of things to do and see here, and an amazing rest of Europe to discover, or in my case, revisit! Good luck, I hope you make the jump over the pond. Liz & Scott from San Diego do the Lisbon Diaries and they also moved with their two young girls. Chk out the vlogs too. Good people.
Maria Da Conceicao Barros Goncalves Da Silva I also watch them. My sister just moved back. She lives in Lisbon and she loves it. Let see what the future lays ahead of us. 🤷🏼♀️
Eufemia Moore Same here. I live in NJ and im taking my girlfriend to PT as soon as she becomes a citizen and gets American passport. Im hoping she loves it as much as i do bc im dying to move there. If she doesn’t wanna to move there with me, it’s gonna be a tough decision for me.
Hello, actually in restaurants/dentists/lawyers if you feel they are conning you you can ask the price table, I bet you won't find there anything about "english speaking specialization". If they refuse or you find that they are hidding the prices you can report to the police. Actually, a summer ago ASAE (that is the "police" who monitors these regulations) actually found out restaurants who had two price tables, one for tourists other for portuguese... and they fined them or closed the stablishments. Other point since we are in the digital era, we have trip advisor and so on to rate these stablishments or warn people.
Don't forget FEIRA MEDIEVAL (Medieval fair) in Santa Maria da Feira. It's near Porto. It's the biggest in our country and it's awesome! You won't regret it. I think it will be soon.
@@joenandamalie What's the problem by not using it? I'm Portuguese and I don't use Via Verde, because I almost don't drive in the highway. It makes no sense to me. If in the future I start using the highway more often, I'll use via verde, but now it would be illogical.
Well, if you never drive then fine. But I doubt that most people crossong this bridge, for example, only cross it once a year. We didnt pay anything for a via verde chip so basically you have nothing to lose?
The only thing I disagree is in the fact you paid more for not being Portuguese. For example, dentist, doctors, TV and internet solutions, they all have a price table they can't change it, either you are Portuguese or not... But if you looking for touristic staff then you may be scam.. But it's equal in every country and for everybody.. For exemplo, when I went in Mexico, the street vendors can scam you if they know you are a tourist, but is like this in every part in the world.
You really need to see that about your electricity bill, because there are several ways that the companies use to con you. One of those ways is they usually go to your home to get the monthly count at times that they know it's less probable for you to be home, that way they make "estimates" and you end up always paying way more on your bill. You can counter this by calling them and giving them the monthly count yourselves
Via Verde decal costs money, its like 25€ to have one and some people don't cross the bridge all the time to make it worth it. I have one, but most people crossing the bridge every day, go with public transport. The smoking issue drives me insane. They stand in front of doors smoking and non smoking people have to suffer for their vices. There has to be a law specifying smokers to be a certain distance away from smokers. Signs, you are right... horrible about it, they think it keeps things interesting, go figure. Lack of concistency is another of our problems. Guys, learn Portuguese, it will help you not get ripped off, but not only. Regardless of all the pet peeves one might have, Portugal still rocks.
Interesting to hear an opinion about everyday life in this country coming from a foreign citizen (a nice and wonderful couple from Denmark in this case). Well, most of your remarks are true but you´ll find that, in time, you'll become one of us and you won't notice some of it. Trust me, we bitch a lot about ourselves as well but in the end, it is our land and we love it. It is great to have you guys around. Saúde.
I laugh when you told about passing the red lights and about the cars, Is so true! (For us is strange too when we go abroad and we see people that truly respect the lights 😂😂🤣)
In terms and of prices, specially services (except maybe lawyers), they have to have something that has the prices wirtten. For example, restaurants have to have the prices, shops, ISPs, etc. On restaurants, you might get the "tourist" menu, wich has different prices. In that case, ask for the menu in portuguese to compare. ISPs have thei'r prices on their websites, so they can't charge more than that. They always have a promotion like 50% off for new contracts, for 2 years, and after that you "pay double". But here's a secret: when the contract is getting to the end of the 2 years, you can negotiate with your ISP to keep the price. And by "negotiate" I mean threaten them to change ISP if they dont' keep the price. Thay will try to convince you otherwise, or maybe offer other services, etc, but you have to put your foot to the ground and demand the exact same service for the exact same price. Ususally, they abide.
In Portugal we enjoy music, dancing and parties. Every town has its own local event where everyone just gathers around to have a good time and be happy. We’re such a united nation I love it
Well, but most portuguese people wouldn't have the means to pay that kind of high rent, because most wages are up to 1000€. Also, you can get warm water in Algarve, sometimes up to 25ºC. Last year I got 24ºC in late September. But one thing is for sure, sea water around Lisbon is going to be cold all the time.
If you go to Monte Gordo or Manta Rota seawater temperatures are high, many times higher than 26ºC, especially in August and September. I grew up there, I know what I'm talking about. Azores and Madeira have also great seawater temperatures, usually around 22º C. The average seawater temperature for Porto and Lisboa area varies between 16ºC and 20ºC. Manta Rota and Monte Gordo however are like the mediterreanean beaches because they are part of the gulf of Cadiz.
A praia com as águas mais quentes de Portugal é, sem qualquer tipo de dúvida, a praia de São Torpes em Sines. Devido à sua proximidade com a central termoelétrica. Mas sim, depois vem Manta Rota, sem dúvida.
You really have to negotiate your rent, if you threat to leave the landlord probably will reduce the price but be prepare to move from your home in case he doesn't.
@@marioandre7351 Not really, if the wages are way bellow the average developed cities, than your rent should be much lower, in Lisbon the prices are unbelievable high due to tourism, and for that reason they will decrease pretty soon.
The thing about prices of Electricity and Communications as for other services provided by big Companies is that you have to know how to negotiate them. You ask them a price, they show you the "table" price. You just say no because you saw a better offer elsewhere and they drop the price immediately by 25 to 30%. I do agree with some Pros but parking definitely is very wrong in Portugal. People are not respectful and organized and the parking system in Lisbon is expensive for a middle class portuguese and very repressive. The Cons... come on you guys there are no Cons in Portugal. :) Thank you for all your videos and would like to see what you do on vacations elsewhere. Cheers
We recently moved to Portugal. I was raised in Brasil, and went to NY when i was 19. Met my Portuguese husband and we got married. We lived in NY for almost 20 years. I can say that I love the quality of life here in Madeira. Our kids can take buses It's so safe. We make less money, but are definitely happier.
So if you are paying 2500 per month for the rent just think twice. With 75 000 euros you can buy a house at a pretty village and save a lot of money. They are exploring you in Lisbon. In Canidelo, Gaia, not far from the beach, you can find great flats for less than 500 euros per month.
@ML8593wy So what? Just because someone wants to pay, that does not mean that they are not over pricing you. Prices in Lisbon are just pathetic considering the average lifestyle of 80% of the country's population. Yes they are exploring everyone and people should not get along with it. It's just ridiculous. And I can tell you that I'm one of the 20% that have higher lifestyle and could afford living almost anywhere in Lisbon. Just because you can pay, it doesn't mean you should pay. Deves ser daqueles que paga e come e não pergunta porquê. És um dos motivos pelo qual este país não anda para frente.
- I don't know where you guys go to the supermarket, but in the ones I used to go, we would always hunt for the shortest line. - Credit cards is indeed not a thing, but we use debit card A LOT. Try coming to Japan, where I'm living now, and you'll see what is preferring money over card... - People lit smoke next to you while you eat. This is absolutely false. Restaurants where smoking is allowed are required to have a non-smoking section BY LAW.
Regarding electricity, traditionally in Portugal there was no competition to electricity companies and no competition means high prices. The same with car fuel.
Having lived in both Catholic and Protestant countries, I found that Catholic countries in Europe are more laid back and less organised but also less rigid than Protestant Europeans countries. Of course many people there are now atheist but the 'mentality' has endured. There are cons and pros to both of course. I think living in one when you were raised in the other is actually character building . FYI I love your vlogs, very well done. thanks guys.
Hello guys, I'm number one fan of yours, but I need to disagree with the comment that prices can be more expensive for foreigner, if you go to a place near of a beach, you'll pay the view, it is how it is here, they over value (a lot) the place or context that you are, like at night clubs, etc, etc... Continue the nice videos, I do enjoy very much your approach. Kisses and hugs... Wishing to cross with you guys around! ;)
Agree with you in most cons but: lawyer or a dentist prices, like in the restaurante don't depend on who you are, they are fixed and you should always ask for "factura", then you can compare. Also honkers are a Lisbon thing and mostly taxi drivers as far as I understand and curiously they are lhe prime suspects to trick you in the bill, really nasty people, avoid usig their services.
Sure, but carrying a lot of cash around is never convenient. I’m not saying it should be credit cards only. I’m just saying it should be digital - one way or the other. Bitcoin? That’s the future!
@@joenandamalie Im not saying alot, around 50€ o so, remebr two things, cards leaves a track and not everyone want to leave it and also cards cost €€€ , imagine paying low values (under 5€) to a small bunisess that pay for each card transaction lets say 0,50€ and also it goes to their tax , if you pay cash not. get it :)
@@joenandamalie - The main problem with card's pay terminals is that the companies that use them are charged a tax for every payment, a tax that they can't charge to the costumer, so many of them don't install it to avoid the extra costs.
Almost all the places you went were all High cost restaurants ! Some places are more tradicional , and belive me there the food is good ! sometimes you should try non-tourist zones . Meeting local people with not so high cost tastes ! I invite you to visit the rural Portugal by yourself or with some of your Portuguese friend , go to a place that you don´t know ! Truste me its really woth it , you meet old people with a world size heart ! Pitões das Junias Folgozinho ( go to Albertino restaurant ) Gerês ( go to the waterfall ) Guimarães Chaves Piódão (a little bit more Tourist Zone) Castro Laboreiro ... More But as you know there many many !
Im Portuguese, that thing of Portuguese picking longer lines, only applies to left drive lanes as far as I know, because the Portuguese driver's sub-conscience is telling him that the left lane is faster, turns out that if everyone drives on the left, the right lane becomes faster 🤷♂️ Some other cons like smoking, and parking are 100x worst in Italy, cmon guys..
Thanks for the video, your channel is probably the top guide on Portugal in English. I'm planning to move to Lisbon in August and your videos really give an idea, almost like we are with you there! Could you please make a video on the top restaurants in Lisbon? (goes to check if you already did that)
For the electricity bill, make sure your deal on the power is adjusted to you because the higher the more expensive. 120€ for 2 is too much. The price for coke + água das pedras can rise because it's at the beach, not necessarily because you're tourists, but yes that can influence. About the staying in line, we try to rush everywhere but we're a still very conservative country (mostly older people) so they would rather stick with want they know (like paying in cash to a person directly) than to use technology. We're slowly changing and that's one of the reasons you can't use credit card in a lot of places yet. A looott of people wouldn't know how to use it or wouldn't even want it. The youngest generations have a way broaden mindset. Until then, baby steps but I hope you can still manage to have fun and get lost in the many streets without it's name on a plaque. Thank you for the video
well, in relation to the signs I have to agree, the signs in Portugal are intended to remind people who already know the way how to get to the place. Whoever does not know the way is screwed. And in relation to Via Verde, I do not understand why more people do not use it.
Hi Guys, Canadians are more likely to wait at lights too. There are Jay-Walking laws and some cops might give you a ticket. I love that you can park easier in Portugal. Odd that there were no machines that take cards, at the hospital 🧐. I always have a bit of cash... a few dollars, but that sucks. Canada has very strict non-smoking laws now. Basically you cannot smoke in public. So, ya... the smoking was difficult. I’m highly allergic to tobacco smoke so it was definitely a challenge. As a North American, the weather is fabulous in Portugal. Even in the winter! We are used to the cold Atlantic, so it’s not a surprise. Yes, the Portuguese are extremely hospitable... Canadians can be like that. Before I lived in Portugal a few friends who’ve been to Portugal told me that I’d find the people to be like Canadians. Apartments in the Peniche area... average 2 bedroom for €450/month.The electric bill in the winter was INSANE!! And why, with all the wind turbines!!
Portugal has a monopoly on the eletric side, so we are just puppets in the hands of 1 or 2 companies.... actually insane that we pay so much knowing we produce energy almost for free (comparing to what we pay).
Most people don't know this but one of the causes for the power costs is precisely the wind turbines. They were built by privates on the deal that they would get paid if the turbines produce or not, some of them 25 years contracts. So what happens is that we pay the turbines, and we pay for the real electricity that we spend (plus taxes obviously).
Cons that i agree: 1. Stoping the car in a two lane street, obstructing completely one lane. 2. Machines don’t accept cards (Portuguese don’t bother about this because it was always like this. Many other countries accept cards) 3. Smoke everywhere (again, like above, it’s a question of getting used to it. For example, i was in N.York yesterday and nobody smokes on the streets. I was chocked but just because I’m not used to that). 4. There are no signs on the roads (completely true, and you live in Lisbon where is the least problematic place. 5. Water is cold yes. However it’s a matter of comparison. I don’t agree: 1. Food changes in restaurants. Normally in a good restaurant they serve you always good food. That’s why there are ratings on Tryp Advisor ;) 2. People go to longest line. I don’t see that. Just agree about the Via Verde. 3. Electricity is expensive!! In Denmark is more expensive. But I’m not sure about this one :) Great video and be happy in Portugal 🙂
Here in Switzerland I pay 65/70€ for electricity every 3 months. It is ridiculous when you earn 4000/5000€ a month. However, there is a lot of other costs monthly. I miss a lot Portugal and we are thinking to go back soon :(
You both talk about life in Portugal as a Portuguese emigrant when you go on vacation to Portugal I'm one Hundred Percent agree on your Comment I work and live in Norway, when I go on vacation in Portugal I feel the differences The price of electricity is not expensive in Portugal, the Problem are the additional charges in the bill, Portugal only has corrupt politicians Be Always Happy Thank you to Promote my Country
One way to lower your electricity bill is to only ask for power til 20A (230V x 20A = 4600W). Many electricians request 60A to be installed. Request for it to be lowered to 20A. Also ask for Bi-Horário (cheaper electricity from 22h to 9h). Use the heaters and washing machines then. This will help a lot to control our costs. Most people don't care about this or are just stupid.
TAP Airlines is definitely a con!!! Last year on our holidays to Madeira from Lisbon, we checked in ourselves and our luggage at the airport. Just before our flight they told us there was no seats for us on our flight. We had to stay in Lisbon for another night and I have a 3yo child 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
After living in Berlin for almost 4 years, I have to say that Portugal does not have a cash culture - Germany does! :) It's incredible the amount of places that don't take cards. At least in Portugal we can pay at most cafés, bakeries, restaurants, bars, and metro/train stations with cards. I also agree that electricity is super expensive in Portugal, I paid less in Berlin. Another big con: the fuel prices. Portugal is also on the top of European countries with the most expensive fuel. Also, I find that some products are way more expensive in Portugal when compared to Germany or Spain (don't know about Denmark): shampoos, detergents, tooth paste, and all toiletries in general, are often 2x the price of the same exact product in Germany. For me, another great advantage of living in Portugal (and one of the things I missed the most in Berlin) is the possibility to buy a good variety of fresh fish and seafood in almost every supermarket or market. Congratulations on your videos, I am a fan!
I agree with everything, just wanted to say that the eletricity is insane because we are leggit getting robbed on a daily basis and no one talks about it publicly (people ALWAYS talk about the eletricity bill with each other). Loved the video :)
Probably was mentioned before, but even tho the parking machines indeed forces you to have money, more specifically coins, there's also phone apps to make those payments, either Via-Verde or Emel apps, so you don't even need to go grab the ticket, they'll just check your car's plate and confirm if there's a payment in order for said plate. Even better, after making the 1st payment you can later extend if needed.
Every time I arrive in Lisbon, the first smell I get soon I walk to the airport car park is cigarettes. I've never noticed that before I moved to Australia, now I can't stop thinking that everyone smokes and smells like it everywhere. And yeah, parking is crazy and we should be able to carry only our credit card. Also we are a bit slow and not consistent with the services. It makes me sad sometimes, as for me it's still my country and ultimately the best one to live in. I guess people don't know better, but if everyone have chance to travel, see other cultures, laws and ways of living, we could do much better for ourselves. Apart of that, as you said, Portugal has a special way of living (specially in the spring and summer), so much joy, happiness and things happening that everyone should visit once. But please, go in Summer time
I'm a Portuguese living in Sweden. People don't like to wait on line, they just don't like to pay more especially on the highway.. if there is a national road that takes long and you don't have to pay there they will take it instead of the highway that is faster 😆 btw if you go to restaurants try eating in a smaller one that looks ok or good, the most knows ones are just a scam for tourists and you guys will not realise it cuz the prices are higher in your countries, take my advice pick more simple ones that will give you more food and same quality or better for much cheaper.. the prices of drinks in the beach are normal they are super high cuz of the area and tourism so preper your things before you go there, go to the supermarket, small stores or markets and bring it to the beach guys never buy nothing there, but yea some people take advantage of tourists you just have to think smart and try other possibilities and compare then. The guy screaming marroquino do caralho( fucking marroco guy) in the football game 😂😂😂 oh I miss my country. Sorry but portuguese people are so bad at speaking English they teach it better now in school but before not really so old people is going to struggle or just speak portuguese. I hope that I helped you two have a nice one! My country is beautiful!
I laughed so hard when you said we have the best religion and then showed football team insignias. 😂😂 It's true though. 😂 LMAO that CLIP with the Porto fan. 😂
I've lived in Portugal for many years, and the worst con in my opinion is that the concept of responsibility is ignored in this culture . This permeates different spheres of life, from the institutional to the interpersonal.
Please don't you ever stop doing videos! And if you ever get bored, just spend a day going to each mall that exists in Lisbon and rate them lol, we have like 12 and one of them is actually a "resort"
In my opinion, the thing about restaurants is that for the most part you have to evaluate each dish separately. Each restaurant will have it’s own specialty and the rest is there just to fill up the card.
The supermarket lines part has some logic. If you have two lines, one has 2 people with full shopping carts and the other has 4 with a few items on their hands, I choose the longest, because one client with a full shopping cart is going to take more time than 3 clients with a couple of items each.
The only reason for the lack of card payment options specially in small businesses is due to the high maintenance fees charged by banks. When applying for the payment terminal you end up with extra fees monthly and also for each transaction. In order to keep prices lower most stores avoid this. Also if you have a payment terminal it does not mean you can accept credit cards because that is a different contract with your bank with higher fees. Unfortunately banks do not make it easier for businesses and that only brings back the possibility of going card only and avoid having cash on you.
Paying more for your ISP than a Portuguese? that makes no sense guys, those prices are tabled and fixed. You pay roughly the same everywhere. Just check NOS, MEO, Vodafone sites for current prices, then phone your ISP if you're being 'robbed', they'll renegotiate your package.
in Hong Kong most people follow the traffic lights , but some of the old people and foreigner , they're tend to be more flexible when crossing the roads 😂😂😂
I used to live in Lisbon (born and raised) but now live in Amsterdam... Yes parking machines only accepting cards it's not pratical at all but at least you have loads of those machines and in the Netherlands sometimes you have to walk 5-10min until you reach a machine. I never stand in the longest line but at least we don''t pass in front of other people because there is no line at all (netherlands, to me it doesn't happen because I speak out that I was there first) In terms of price of stuff, often there is a menu and you can check it and about internet and so on the prices are standard, you can even buy a plan on-line and the price is stated before you even put your details, so no way they will know you are not locals, but there are ways to later get a discount (pretend you want to quit because it's too expensive ;) ) Super fun to watch ...
In regards to there being no navigational signs anywhere... we are navigators! We might not know where we are going, but we remember where we came from and how to get back!
You are paying a lot for electricity even for Portugal! Just talk to the company and ask them to change your plan in order to pay less! You can negociate your potency and even the time of the day where you use more electricity!
Sounds about right. Let me just add a few corrections: regarding queuing, that depends on the rush and the company we have when queuing. If we have someone to talk to, I guess we don’t care about how long is the queue, or if we are on holidays. Personally, I always look for the self-service queues, because it goes much faster and I get well with the machines UI. Regarding smoking: yes, some restaurants have smokers allowed areas, but most part of them don’t allow you to smoke inside. And personally I think all closed bars and clubs should forbid as well, unless they have a balcony or a place outside to do it. I hate it when I go out and arrive home smelling like 1000 cigarettes.
@ He was italian and he was working for the Spanish King to find India. This fail has nothing to do with Portugal. Vasco da Gama in the other hand, succeded and he was a portuguese working for the portuguese King.
There are opened areas in the big supermarkets where there is proper ventilation to pull out all the smoke but yeah, we shouldn´t smoke inside anywhere !
You should go to Vila Real this weekend! There will be the WTCR Race of Portugal and a big party! Everybody there loves and lives the car races in the city streets. It's really fun!
sorry to tell you guys but im Denmark electricity is more expensive than Portugal, 🇩🇰0.2984€/kWh vs 🇵🇹0.2154€/kWh source: ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_price_statistics
Hey guys, so TLDR: about electricity we still are very dependent on non-renewable expensive sources to produce it. Actually, in the '90s, we invest in parks to produce electricity from Coal, but it didn't work because of the protocols of Kyoto. In the last 20 years, we focus on renewable energy. But sadly it was some problems, for instance, the pike of production may not be synchronized with de consumption. If we don't produce enough we will catch up with some non-renewable sources. Otherwise, if we have too many we need to store it somehow (we are using some clever ways like reverse dams!), or we need to try to sell it. And "Sell" energy is a big problem! Like the OMFG level... Cause we can only trade with Spain (yep that sucks my friends), there is no connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of the Continent (some strange problems related to the Alpes)... And guess what... most of the time when we have too much energy, Spain also has too much energy! So actually we need to pay them, for they buy us the energy! (this makes sense?) It is like selling for a negative price! We as Portugueses also hate this. Let's see how the thinks work out in the future.
I must say i agree that.countries as portugal and spain are letting us pay extra. But still we pay less in our own country. As i am Dutch and living in Mallorca we pay dubbel as the people in our neighbourhood. But i also can say we make double more money as.the people. Even paying more than the locals. I enjoy life more then i ever have in the Netherlands. And you guys i want to Thank you!!!! I wanted to live in Portugal.for.years!!! My girlfriend didnt. After watching.your.videos now we.goin to move to Portugal next year.
The ocean in Portugal can be super cold, cold or warm, depending on which area of the country and what time of year. But to my knowledge, the only warm water you will find is in Algarve and just for part of the summer.
establishments near the beach usually charge more. it's a fact. but i don't disregard that some people will charge more to people who don't speak portuguese.
I disagree with the fact that you think they charge you more because you’re foreign, things are just getting more and more expensive because the economy has been growing for 4 years. I can’t even notice much of a difference between Lisbon and London prices anymore, a latte in Lisbon can easily cost €3. If I was you I’d try and ask for receipts
You are correct on receipts (most dodge the tax system by wanting cash and will drop the price when you want one) and also many of the trendier coffee shops/restaurants charging more. Unfortunately you are not correct about charging foreigners. When it comes to services, especially repairs, renovations and anything where you require a quote - it is much higher if you ask in English. I am still learning Portuguese, but whenever I feel like I am getting ripped off I get a family member to call for themselves (as I am half Portuguese) and they get a price which is extremely lower. We then just change the location to my apartment as it is up the street.
Shaul Goncalves not in a horrible way but that is just common sense, I live in London, if I request a service in Portuguese or French I’ll obviously be charged more as it requires them more time and skills. Also average prices in Portugal have risen in the past 5 years because so did the economy and inflation. Often people move there because they think it’s cheaper but in reality it’s just not too expensive just yet.
@@pf4106 You make a fair point, and totally agree that the average prices have increased. On the other hand, if I stay in Sweden, Germany, Holland etc (English being the common communication language as it is taught in all EU schools) - I don't get a quote to put new windows in at 3x the price.
About festivities!! you should visit towns in the interior of the country you willl find one on every weekend on the summer time then you will know Portugal culture and food.
I love you so much!!! Thank you for offering us this analysis about this little odd European corner! Keep doing your great job of being part of this strange way of life aka living the Portuguese way of life!!!
About electricity, chose wisely. Me and my Wife we pay 25/35 €/month with Goldenergy, both electricity and gaz in the same contract/invoice... So...you need to pick up the one modality thats fits your situation
Banking costs for vendors in Portugal are quite high so every time you use your card, they pay. Add that people are wary of using cards because of fraud and cash is normal. I prefer cash.
Well, two sides to that story, tourists and foreigners want to come and enjoy , they better pay more, touristy prices rule. For those who settle down there, and speak a word d or two Portuguese and try to integrate , you start picking up friends and life becomes easier. One example is room for negotiation allowed when you want to rent a place; eating out frequency going to up your bills. Still a very affordable living outside of Lisbon. What I gather from vlogs. You guys rock, giving a v good perspective. Thanks
10:23 Oh yes i agree. I was in El Corte Inglés and i get lost inside this Shopping Center. I couldn't find the Exit. So i had to ask a Staff-Member where the Exit was. It was so funny for me :D I tried several times on my own, but didn't manage it
You're so great! Normally Portuguese people are so proud, that they don't accept 'foreigners' critism or comments on cons. But you're so charming that we accept it really well when you say it haha 😂. For me a great pro is the participation and integration of old people in society. You see them mixed with people of different ages in public and that's nice. You can see that in your vlogs as well. Here in the Netherlands most old people are 'locked up' in homes for elderly and nobody cares.
5 лет назад
Agree with the points. The main things you really need to check is the electricity bill (what power have you contracted? 6kva?), communications (I have NOS with 2 cells with 5GB and 200Mb fiber for 59,99) and the apartment.
Do you agree with our PROS and CONS of living in Portugal? Comment below!
No, i dare you to live with minimun wage from portugal and then say something about it.
Dude, we were the first europeans to get to asia by sea. it’s a long way . Do you think we need signs? lol
"Fuck tourists and their bad navigation skills"! 😂😂There's a new invention on the market anyway. It's called GPS. It used to be a little box one put on top of the car dashboard. Now it comes fully integrated in the car, in our phones, even on watches. And you tourists are looking for signs? Signs clog up the view. Besides, "Signs" is a movie. 👻😋
Portuguese, lisboeta, living in Copenhagen here! I see your videos to kill my saudades of Lisbon and Portugal
I completely agree, everything you said is what I say to my Danish friends.
Greet content! Keep up the good work :)
You are spot on with observations. Having lived near Porto for ten years l think it’s a wonderful place to live , love the people and the culture. Keep on enjoying, you are such fun. xx 😚
You can't complain about the traffic and the driving in Portugal, I'm in Denmark right now, just made 500km this week and it's so boring to drive here... if the sign says 130 everyone goes 129... we in Portugal take the signs more as suggestions 😂😂😂😂
So true!!! But honestly I am starting to get crazy when I return to Portugal. All the drivers are so impatient!!! .... probably because they are late for whatever they are going to 😂😂
That's what a policewoman told me the other day! "Hey chico, that stop sign is not a suggestion"! She was cute though. 💘
That's slowing becoming a lie... Since we started getting so much speed cameras and some of them hidden, it's kind of dangerous to go speeding... 500€ in the morning for a speeding ticket, IS NOT NICE.
Haha, so true. Danes are minions who love being controlled by authoritied hence the extreme respect for a red light in the Sahara Desert.
It is true that speeding is big issue in Portugal, but from my experience the most dangerous experiences I have ever experienced was in Denmark. Let alone there’s no driving manners (ie. if you are trying to come out from a parking position, be ready to stay there until the lord almighty gives you a chance to drive). Apart from that it is indeed true that driving in Denmark it is a breeze.
In Vila Nova de Gaia, more exactly avenida da republica there's a pedestrian light that never turn green, legend says that a Danish guy is there for one week to cross the road 😆😆
looooooooooool! 😂😂
What that Joen? :D
Joen, was that you in early times in Portugal? 🤣😂
LOL. OMG Gold Star for Funny!
Ahahahahahah
I live in the USA and I pay almost $400 dollars in my electricity I was born in Portugal and have been living in California for over 30 years. Ive been watching your videos and loving them. Going to Portugal this year in September and praying that my husband likes it. I would love to be able to be in Portugal for 6 months and in the USA for 6 months.
Well.. Do it! I lived in the USA 42 years! Went over as a young girl and I returned for good 1.5 years ago. Love it here. Was living in AZ, but outside of going thrifting at the wonderful Goodwills of Cali,, Vegas and Scottsdale, I don't really miss it that much. There are lots of things to do and see here, and an amazing rest of Europe to discover, or in my case, revisit! Good luck, I hope you make the jump over the pond. Liz & Scott from San Diego do the Lisbon Diaries and they also moved with their two young girls. Chk out the vlogs too. Good people.
Maria Da Conceicao Barros Goncalves Da Silva I also watch them.
My sister just moved back. She lives in Lisbon and she loves it.
Let see what the future lays ahead of us. 🤷🏼♀️
You will love this coutry!!🇱🇷🇵🇹
Eufemia Moore Same here. I live in NJ and im taking my girlfriend to PT as soon as she becomes a citizen and gets American passport. Im hoping she loves it as much as i do bc im dying to move there. If she doesn’t wanna to move there with me, it’s gonna be a tough decision for me.
Back to your contry,.. fuking Foreigner...
4€ is a normal price for 2 drinks at the beach...
They steal everyone in general :D
yep, that's true :/
Completely true
True! And true portuguese bring their own drinks ;D
Trueeee lmao everything at a beach, parties or stuff like that are just unnecessarily 1€ more expensive
Hello, actually in restaurants/dentists/lawyers if you feel they are conning you you can ask the price table, I bet you won't find there anything about "english speaking specialization". If they refuse or you find that they are hidding the prices you can report to the police. Actually, a summer ago ASAE (that is the "police" who monitors these regulations) actually found out restaurants who had two price tables, one for tourists other for portuguese... and they fined them or closed the stablishments. Other point since we are in the digital era, we have trip advisor and so on to rate these stablishments or warn people.
Don't forget FEIRA MEDIEVAL (Medieval fair) in Santa Maria da Feira. It's near Porto. It's the biggest in our country and it's awesome! You won't regret it. I think it will be soon.
Conceição Guedes 👍👍👍
Just searched it up and it looks so cool!
Yes. Those Medieval events are great!
Viagem Medieval ;)
The Portuguese navigated and discovered new worlds. We don't need signs. 🤣🤣🤣
🇵🇹
👏
Kkkk
😂
😁
Portugal created that technology "via verde". We were the 1st using this technology.
Yet, most Portuguese don’t use it 🤔
What you don't know is that it was a Scandinavian company that actually built the system. I'm pretty sure it was Norwegian or even Danish.
@@joenandamalie true :/
@@joenandamalie What's the problem by not using it? I'm Portuguese and I don't use Via Verde, because I almost don't drive in the highway. It makes no sense to me. If in the future I start using the highway more often, I'll use via verde, but now it would be illogical.
Well, if you never drive then fine. But I doubt that most people crossong this bridge, for example, only cross it once a year. We didnt pay anything for a via verde chip so basically you have nothing to lose?
The only thing I disagree is in the fact you paid more for not being Portuguese. For example, dentist, doctors, TV and internet solutions, they all have a price table they can't change it, either you are Portuguese or not... But if you looking for touristic staff then you may be scam.. But it's equal in every country and for everybody.. For exemplo, when I went in Mexico, the street vendors can scam you if they know you are a tourist, but is like this in every part in the world.
@q1k9i3l0ä5å offcourse they dont! Its already top price for everyone!
Estive no México,e em qualquer país os estrangeiros são enganados
IDK why people are saying there is no problem with the electricity prices, its pretty expensive compared to other countries!
You really need to see that about your electricity bill, because there are several ways that the companies use to con you. One of those ways is they usually go to your home to get the monthly count at times that they know it's less probable for you to be home, that way they make "estimates" and you end up always paying way more on your bill.
You can counter this by calling them and giving them the monthly count yourselves
Yes!!
If you pay electricity to Iberdrola... well... that is bad.
Via Verde decal costs money, its like 25€ to have one and some people don't cross the bridge all the time to make it worth it. I have one, but most people crossing the bridge every day, go with public transport. The smoking issue drives me insane. They stand in front of doors smoking and non smoking people have to suffer for their vices. There has to be a law specifying smokers to be a certain distance away from smokers. Signs, you are right... horrible about it, they think it keeps things interesting, go figure. Lack of concistency is another of our problems. Guys, learn Portuguese, it will help you not get ripped off, but not only. Regardless of all the pet peeves one might have, Portugal still rocks.
We paid nothing for our via verde 🤔
@@joenandamalie You did? How? I bought mine at the CTT and it cost €25...i thought,
To myself... I am being robbed!
@@Alfablue227 yes, it is paid the device. 26.5 now
Colombo is definitely a maze! Been living in Portugal for 20 years and I always manage to get lost. 😂😂
I laughed so much when you showed that Porto fan insulting the guy haha
It was Brahimi i think
Before adquiring something to get, just ask the price. then say ITS TO MUCH, they will put the regular price.
you are right regarding electricity. we are robbed every month. by the Company and by the State, almost half your bill it’s actually taxes.
Eles nunca estão em casa, passam maior parte do tempo fora de casa
Interesting to hear an opinion about everyday life in this country coming from a foreign citizen (a nice and wonderful couple from Denmark in this case). Well, most of your remarks are true but you´ll find that, in time, you'll become one of us and you won't notice some of it. Trust me, we bitch a lot about ourselves as well but in the end, it is our land and we love it. It is great to have you guys around. Saúde.
I laugh when you told about passing the red lights and about the cars, Is so true! (For us is strange too when we go abroad and we see people that truly respect the lights 😂😂🤣)
leonora British do not frequently respect the lights, particularly in Edinburgh the place where I live.
In terms and of prices, specially services (except maybe lawyers), they have to have something that has the prices wirtten. For example, restaurants have to have the prices, shops, ISPs, etc. On restaurants, you might get the "tourist" menu, wich has different prices. In that case, ask for the menu in portuguese to compare.
ISPs have thei'r prices on their websites, so they can't charge more than that. They always have a promotion like 50% off for new contracts, for 2 years, and after that you "pay double". But here's a secret: when the contract is getting to the end of the 2 years, you can negotiate with your ISP to keep the price. And by "negotiate" I mean threaten them to change ISP if they dont' keep the price. Thay will try to convince you otherwise, or maybe offer other services, etc, but you have to put your foot to the ground and demand the exact same service for the exact same price. Ususally, they abide.
In Portugal we enjoy music, dancing and parties. Every town has its own local event where everyone just gathers around to have a good time and be happy. We’re such a united nation I love it
Well, but most portuguese people wouldn't have the means to pay that kind of high rent, because most wages are up to 1000€. Also, you can get warm water in Algarve, sometimes up to 25ºC. Last year I got 24ºC in late September. But one thing is for sure, sea water around Lisbon is going to be cold all the time.
If you go to Monte Gordo or Manta Rota seawater temperatures are high, many times higher than 26ºC, especially in August and September. I grew up there, I know what I'm talking about. Azores and Madeira have also great seawater temperatures, usually around 22º C. The average seawater temperature for Porto and Lisboa area varies between 16ºC and 20ºC. Manta Rota and Monte Gordo however are like the mediterreanean beaches because they are part of the gulf of Cadiz.
A praia com as águas mais quentes de Portugal é, sem qualquer tipo de dúvida, a praia de São Torpes em Sines. Devido à sua proximidade com a central termoelétrica. Mas sim, depois vem Manta Rota, sem dúvida.
You have to go to Gerês one day. You will love this place, it is amazing
You really have to negotiate your rent, if you threat to leave the landlord probably will reduce the price but be prepare to move from your home in case he doesn't.
@ML8593wy yes but no one is paying for that, at least no one that is Portuguese
@@marioandre7351 Not really, if the wages are way bellow the average developed cities, than your rent should be much lower, in Lisbon the prices are unbelievable high due to tourism, and for that reason they will decrease pretty soon.
The thing about prices of Electricity and Communications as for other services provided by big Companies is that you have to know how to negotiate them. You ask them a price, they show you the "table" price. You just say no because you saw a better offer elsewhere and they drop the price immediately by 25 to 30%.
I do agree with some Pros but parking definitely is very wrong in Portugal. People are not respectful and organized and the parking system in Lisbon is expensive for a middle class portuguese and very repressive.
The Cons... come on you guys there are no Cons in Portugal. :) Thank you for all your videos and would like to see what you do on vacations elsewhere. Cheers
We recently moved to Portugal. I was raised in Brasil, and went to NY when i was 19. Met my Portuguese husband and we got married. We lived in NY for almost 20 years. I can say that I love the quality of life here in Madeira. Our kids can take buses It's so safe. We make less money, but are definitely happier.
So if you are paying 2500 per month for the rent just think twice. With 75 000 euros you can buy a house at a pretty village and save a lot of money. They are exploring you in Lisbon. In Canidelo, Gaia, not far from the beach, you can find great flats for less than 500 euros per month.
@ML8593wy So what? Just because someone wants to pay, that does not mean that they are not over pricing you. Prices in Lisbon are just pathetic considering the average lifestyle of 80% of the country's population. Yes they are exploring everyone and people should not get along with it. It's just ridiculous.
And I can tell you that I'm one of the 20% that have higher lifestyle and could afford living almost anywhere in Lisbon. Just because you can pay, it doesn't mean you should pay.
Deves ser daqueles que paga e come e não pergunta porquê. És um dos motivos pelo qual este país não anda para frente.
- I don't know where you guys go to the supermarket, but in the ones I used to go, we would always hunt for the shortest line.
- Credit cards is indeed not a thing, but we use debit card A LOT. Try coming to Japan, where I'm living now, and you'll see what is preferring money over card...
- People lit smoke next to you while you eat. This is absolutely false. Restaurants where smoking is allowed are required to have a non-smoking section BY LAW.
Regarding electricity, traditionally in Portugal there was no competition to electricity companies and no competition means high prices. The same with car fuel.
About the driving: Each and every one of us portuguese, have a small racing champion inside. It just wants to come out sometimes.
Having lived in both Catholic and Protestant countries, I found that Catholic countries in Europe are more laid back and less organised but also less rigid than Protestant Europeans countries. Of course many people there are now atheist but the 'mentality' has endured. There are cons and pros to both of course. I think living in one when you were raised in the other is actually character building . FYI I love your vlogs, very well done. thanks guys.
Hello guys, I'm number one fan of yours, but I need to disagree with the comment that prices can be more expensive for foreigner, if you go to a place near of a beach, you'll pay the view, it is how it is here, they over value (a lot) the place or context that you are, like at night clubs, etc, etc... Continue the nice videos, I do enjoy very much your approach. Kisses and hugs... Wishing to cross with you guys around! ;)
Agree with you in most cons but: lawyer or a dentist prices, like in the restaurante don't depend on who you are, they are fixed and you should always ask for "factura", then you can compare. Also honkers are a Lisbon thing and mostly taxi drivers as far as I understand and curiously they are lhe prime suspects to trick you in the bill, really nasty people, avoid usig their services.
Basic rule : Cash is king. cash takes you anywhere , credit card not!
Sure, but carrying a lot of cash around is never convenient. I’m not saying it should be credit cards only. I’m just saying it should be digital - one way or the other. Bitcoin? That’s the future!
@@joenandamalie Im not saying alot, around 50€ o so, remebr two things, cards leaves a track and not everyone want to leave it and also cards cost €€€ , imagine paying low values (under 5€) to a small bunisess that pay for each card transaction lets say 0,50€ and also it goes to their tax , if you pay cash not. get it :)
@@joenandamalie - The main problem with card's pay terminals is that the companies that use them are charged a tax for every payment, a tax that they can't charge to the costumer, so many of them don't install it to avoid the extra costs.
Yep,I found that having a stash of cash is mandatory in Portugal.
Almost all the places you went were all High cost restaurants ! Some places are more tradicional , and belive me there the food is good ! sometimes you should try non-tourist zones . Meeting local people with not so high cost tastes ! I invite you to visit the rural Portugal by yourself or with some of your Portuguese friend , go to a place that you don´t know ! Truste me its really woth it , you meet old people with a world size heart !
Pitões das Junias
Folgozinho ( go to Albertino restaurant )
Gerês ( go to the waterfall )
Guimarães
Chaves
Piódão (a little bit more Tourist Zone)
Castro Laboreiro
... More
But as you know there many many !
Im Portuguese, that thing of Portuguese picking longer lines, only applies to left drive lanes as far as I know, because the Portuguese driver's sub-conscience is telling him that the left lane is faster, turns out that if everyone drives on the left, the right lane becomes faster 🤷♂️
Some other cons like smoking, and parking are 100x worst in Italy, cmon guys..
Thanks for the video, your channel is probably the top guide on Portugal in English. I'm planning to move to Lisbon in August and your videos really give an idea, almost like we are with you there! Could you please make a video on the top restaurants in Lisbon? (goes to check if you already did that)
In one month time came here and read this comment: Welcome to Portugal ;-)
They already did two food tours of restaurants in Lisbon. They were very good. WELCOME To PORTUGAL
In New York City we don't follow the green walk sign either. We actually expect cars to stop for us even if the walk light is red.
For the electricity bill, make sure your deal on the power is adjusted to you because the higher the more expensive. 120€ for 2 is too much.
The price for coke + água das pedras can rise because it's at the beach, not necessarily because you're tourists, but yes that can influence.
About the staying in line, we try to rush everywhere but we're a still very conservative country (mostly older people) so they would rather stick with want they know (like paying in cash to a person directly) than to use technology. We're slowly changing and that's one of the reasons you can't use credit card in a lot of places yet. A looott of people wouldn't know how to use it or wouldn't even want it. The youngest generations have a way broaden mindset. Until then, baby steps but I hope you can still manage to have fun and get lost in the many streets without it's name on a plaque. Thank you for the video
well, in relation to the signs I have to agree, the signs in Portugal are intended to remind people who already know the way how to get to the place. Whoever does not know the way is screwed. And in relation to Via Verde, I do not understand why more people do not use it.
For warm water go to Algarve beaches specially in the end of August and September 😊
Hi Guys,
Canadians are more likely to wait at lights too. There are Jay-Walking laws and some cops might give you a ticket. I love that you can park easier in Portugal.
Odd that there were no machines that take cards, at the hospital 🧐. I always have a bit of cash... a few dollars, but that sucks.
Canada has very strict non-smoking laws now. Basically you cannot smoke in public. So, ya... the smoking was difficult. I’m highly allergic to tobacco smoke so it was definitely a challenge.
As a North American, the weather is fabulous in Portugal. Even in the winter! We are used to the cold Atlantic, so it’s not a surprise.
Yes, the Portuguese are extremely hospitable... Canadians can be like that. Before I lived in Portugal a few friends who’ve been to Portugal told me that I’d find the people to be like Canadians.
Apartments in the Peniche area... average 2 bedroom for €450/month.The electric bill in the winter was INSANE!! And why, with all the wind turbines!!
Portugal has a monopoly on the eletric side, so we are just puppets in the hands of 1 or 2 companies.... actually insane that we pay so much knowing we produce energy almost for free (comparing to what we pay).
Most people don't know this but one of the causes for the power costs is precisely the wind turbines. They were built by privates on the deal that they would get paid if the turbines produce or not, some of them 25 years contracts. So what happens is that we pay the turbines, and we pay for the real electricity that we spend (plus taxes obviously).
Alexandre Lopes That sounds familiar. I think I heard that when I was living there.
Ivo Silva 😟
what was the insane price you were paying?
Cons that i agree:
1. Stoping the car in a two lane street, obstructing completely one lane.
2. Machines don’t accept cards (Portuguese don’t bother about this because it was always like this. Many other countries accept cards)
3. Smoke everywhere (again, like above, it’s a question of getting used to it. For example, i was in N.York yesterday and nobody smokes on the streets. I was chocked but just because I’m not used to that).
4. There are no signs on the roads (completely true, and you live in Lisbon where is the least problematic place.
5. Water is cold yes. However it’s a matter of comparison.
I don’t agree:
1. Food changes in restaurants. Normally in a good restaurant they serve you always good food. That’s why there are ratings on Tryp Advisor ;)
2. People go to longest line. I don’t see that. Just agree about the Via Verde.
3. Electricity is expensive!! In Denmark is more expensive. But I’m not sure about this one :)
Great video and be happy in Portugal 🙂
tryp advisor can be easely manipulated...
MrSuperselenio
That’s true. Anyway, there are a variety of ways to find reviews.
You're describing Lisbon, not Portugal.
Sadly true
Here in Switzerland I pay 65/70€ for electricity every 3 months. It is ridiculous when you earn 4000/5000€ a month. However, there is a lot of other costs monthly.
I miss a lot Portugal and we are thinking to go back soon :(
Usually in supermarkets a purchase that is paid by credit card or debit card takes more time than when is paid with cash.
You both talk about life in Portugal as a Portuguese emigrant when you go on vacation to Portugal
I'm one Hundred Percent agree on your Comment
I work and live in Norway, when I go on vacation in Portugal I feel the differences
The price of electricity is not expensive in Portugal, the Problem are the additional charges in the bill, Portugal only has corrupt politicians
Be Always Happy
Thank you to Promote my Country
One way to lower your electricity bill is to only ask for power til 20A (230V x 20A = 4600W). Many electricians request 60A to be installed. Request for it to be lowered to 20A. Also ask for Bi-Horário (cheaper electricity from 22h to 9h). Use the heaters and washing machines then. This will help a lot to control our costs. Most people don't care about this or are just stupid.
You can Pay parking in Lisbon with a App.... App ePark
That hasn't gotten there in Denmark. Maybe. 😋😂
TAP Airlines is definitely a con!!! Last year on our holidays to Madeira from Lisbon, we checked in ourselves and our luggage at the airport. Just before our flight they told us there was no seats for us on our flight. We had to stay in Lisbon for another night and I have a 3yo child 🤦🏼♂️🤦🏼♂️
Those are two beautiful human beings! Best wishes!
After living in Berlin for almost 4 years, I have to say that Portugal does not have a cash culture - Germany does! :) It's incredible the amount of places that don't take cards. At least in Portugal we can pay at most cafés, bakeries, restaurants, bars, and metro/train stations with cards.
I also agree that electricity is super expensive in Portugal, I paid less in Berlin. Another big con: the fuel prices. Portugal is also on the top of European countries with the most expensive fuel. Also, I find that some products are way more expensive in Portugal when compared to Germany or Spain (don't know about Denmark): shampoos, detergents, tooth paste, and all toiletries in general, are often 2x the price of the same exact product in Germany.
For me, another great advantage of living in Portugal (and one of the things I missed the most in Berlin) is the possibility to buy a good variety of fresh fish and seafood in almost every supermarket or market.
Congratulations on your videos, I am a fan!
I agree with everything, just wanted to say that the eletricity is insane because we are leggit getting robbed on a daily basis and no one talks about it publicly (people ALWAYS talk about the eletricity bill with each other). Loved the video :)
Probably was mentioned before, but even tho the parking machines indeed forces you to have money, more specifically coins, there's also phone apps to make those payments, either Via-Verde or Emel apps, so you don't even need to go grab the ticket, they'll just check your car's plate and confirm if there's a payment in order for said plate. Even better, after making the 1st payment you can later extend if needed.
Every time I arrive in Lisbon, the first smell I get soon I walk to the airport car park is cigarettes. I've never noticed that before I moved to Australia, now I can't stop thinking that everyone smokes and smells like it everywhere. And yeah, parking is crazy and we should be able to carry only our credit card. Also we are a bit slow and not consistent with the services. It makes me sad sometimes, as for me it's still my country and ultimately the best one to live in. I guess people don't know better, but if everyone have chance to travel, see other cultures, laws and ways of living, we could do much better for ourselves. Apart of that, as you said, Portugal has a special way of living (specially in the spring and summer), so much joy, happiness and things happening that everyone should visit once. But please, go in Summer time
I'm a Portuguese living in Sweden. People don't like to wait on line, they just don't like to pay more especially on the highway.. if there is a national road that takes long and you don't have to pay there they will take it instead of the highway that is faster 😆 btw if you go to restaurants try eating in a smaller one that looks ok or good, the most knows ones are just a scam for tourists and you guys will not realise it cuz the prices are higher in your countries, take my advice pick more simple ones that will give you more food and same quality or better for much cheaper.. the prices of drinks in the beach are normal they are super high cuz of the area and tourism so preper your things before you go there, go to the supermarket, small stores or markets and bring it to the beach guys never buy nothing there, but yea some people take advantage of tourists you just have to think smart and try other possibilities and compare then. The guy screaming marroquino do caralho( fucking marroco guy) in the football game 😂😂😂 oh I miss my country. Sorry but portuguese people are so bad at speaking English they teach it better now in school but before not really so old people is going to struggle or just speak portuguese. I hope that I helped you two have a nice one! My country is beautiful!
Worst than having no signs, is to have a couple, and then, when you're about to get near the spot, no more sign anywhere.
I laughed so hard when you said we have the best religion and then showed football team insignias. 😂😂 It's true though. 😂 LMAO that CLIP with the Porto fan. 😂
I've lived in Portugal for many years, and the worst con in my opinion is that the concept of responsibility is ignored in this culture . This permeates different spheres of life, from the institutional to the interpersonal.
Please don't you ever stop doing videos!
And if you ever get bored, just spend a day going to each mall that exists in Lisbon and rate them lol, we have like 12 and one of them is actually a "resort"
For smokers, motor vehicle pollution is not enough.
In my opinion, the thing about restaurants is that for the most part you have to evaluate each dish separately. Each restaurant will have it’s own specialty and the rest is there just to fill up the card.
In the beach things can really be more expansive than in the the center of Lisbone, at least in most sites, it is!
The supermarket lines part has some logic. If you have two lines, one has 2 people with full shopping carts and the other has 4 with a few items on their hands, I choose the longest, because one client with a full shopping cart is going to take more time than 3 clients with a couple of items each.
The only reason for the lack of card payment options specially in small businesses is due to the high maintenance fees charged by banks. When applying for the payment terminal you end up with extra fees monthly and also for each transaction. In order to keep prices lower most stores avoid this. Also if you have a payment terminal it does not mean you can accept credit cards because that is a different contract with your bank with higher fees. Unfortunately banks do not make it easier for businesses and that only brings back the possibility of going card only and avoid having cash on you.
Até Lego 🤣keep going with your amazing job guys 👌👍😍
Just started watching your videos and I love it. I'm from Lisboa, hope to see you guys around here someday
Paying more for your ISP than a Portuguese? that makes no sense guys, those prices are tabled and fixed. You pay roughly the same everywhere. Just check NOS, MEO, Vodafone sites for current prices, then phone your ISP if you're being 'robbed', they'll renegotiate your package.
in Hong Kong most people follow the traffic lights , but some of the old people and foreigner , they're tend to be more flexible when crossing the roads 😂😂😂
I used to live in Lisbon (born and raised) but now live in Amsterdam...
Yes parking machines only accepting cards it's not pratical at all but at least you have loads of those machines and in the Netherlands sometimes you have to walk 5-10min until you reach a machine.
I never stand in the longest line but at least we don''t pass in front of other people because there is no line at all (netherlands, to me it doesn't happen because I speak out that I was there first)
In terms of price of stuff, often there is a menu and you can check it and about internet and so on the prices are standard, you can even buy a plan on-line and the price is stated before you even put your details, so no way they will know you are not locals, but there are ways to later get a discount (pretend you want to quit because it's too expensive ;) )
Super fun to watch ...
In regards to there being no navigational signs anywhere... we are navigators! We might not know where we are going, but we remember where we came from and how to get back!
You are paying a lot for electricity even for Portugal! Just talk to the company and ask them to change your plan in order to pay less! You can negociate your potency and even the time of the day where you use more electricity!
Sounds about right. Let me just add a few corrections: regarding queuing, that depends on the rush and the company we have when queuing. If we have someone to talk to, I guess we don’t care about how long is the queue, or if we are on holidays. Personally, I always look for the self-service queues, because it goes much faster and I get well with the machines UI.
Regarding smoking: yes, some restaurants have smokers allowed areas, but most part of them don’t allow you to smoke inside. And personally I think all closed bars and clubs should forbid as well, unless they have a balcony or a place outside to do it. I hate it when I go out and arrive home smelling like 1000 cigarettes.
There's no signs because we're explorers
Columbus, working for the King of Portugal, thought the Caribbean was India. He needed a sign.
@ He was italian and he was working for the Spanish King to find India. This fail has nothing to do with Portugal.
Vasco da Gama in the other hand, succeded and he was a portuguese working for the portuguese King.
I couldn't stop laughing when you spoke about the plaques ahahah love you guys
Maria João plaques :)?
There are opened areas in the big supermarkets where there is proper ventilation to pull out all the smoke but yeah, we shouldn´t smoke inside anywhere !
You should go to Vila Real this weekend! There will be the WTCR Race of Portugal and a big party! Everybody there loves and lives the car races in the city streets. It's really fun!
sorry to tell you guys but im Denmark electricity is more expensive than Portugal, 🇩🇰0.2984€/kWh vs 🇵🇹0.2154€/kWh
source: ec.europa.eu/eurostat/statistics-explained/index.php/Electricity_price_statistics
Plz don't fast forward you Danish debates. Those are the real deal.
Hey guys, so TLDR: about electricity we still are very dependent on non-renewable expensive sources to produce it.
Actually, in the '90s, we invest in parks to produce electricity from Coal, but it didn't work because of the protocols of Kyoto.
In the last 20 years, we focus on renewable energy. But sadly it was some problems, for instance, the pike of production may not be synchronized with de consumption. If we don't produce enough we will catch up with some non-renewable sources. Otherwise, if we have too many we need to store it somehow (we are using some clever ways like reverse dams!), or we need to try to sell it.
And "Sell" energy is a big problem! Like the OMFG level...
Cause we can only trade with Spain (yep that sucks my friends), there is no connection between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of the Continent (some strange problems related to the Alpes)... And guess what... most of the time when we have too much energy, Spain also has too much energy! So actually we need to pay them, for they buy us the energy! (this makes sense?)
It is like selling for a negative price!
We as Portugueses also hate this. Let's see how the thinks work out in the future.
I must say i agree that.countries as portugal and spain are letting us pay extra. But still we pay less in our own country. As i am Dutch and living in Mallorca we pay dubbel as the people in our neighbourhood. But i also can say we make double more money as.the people. Even paying more than the locals. I enjoy life more then i ever have in the Netherlands. And you guys i want to Thank you!!!! I wanted to live in Portugal.for.years!!! My girlfriend didnt. After watching.your.videos now we.goin to move to Portugal next year.
Enjoying your videos great tips for living and visiting Portugal. We are moving to Lisbon next year so your videos have been a big help .
The ocean in Portugal can be super cold, cold or warm, depending on which area of the country and what time of year. But to my knowledge, the only warm water you will find is in Algarve and just for part of the summer.
establishments near the beach usually charge more. it's a fact. but i don't disregard that some people will charge more to people who don't speak portuguese.
I disagree with the fact that you think they charge you more because you’re foreign, things are just getting more and more expensive because the economy has been growing for 4 years. I can’t even notice much of a difference between Lisbon and London prices anymore, a latte in Lisbon can easily cost €3. If I was you I’d try and ask for receipts
You are correct on receipts (most dodge the tax system by wanting cash and will drop the price when you want one) and also many of the trendier coffee shops/restaurants charging more. Unfortunately you are not correct about charging foreigners. When it comes to services, especially repairs, renovations and anything where you require a quote - it is much higher if you ask in English. I am still learning Portuguese, but whenever I feel like I am getting ripped off I get a family member to call for themselves (as I am half Portuguese) and they get a price which is extremely lower. We then just change the location to my apartment as it is up the street.
Shaul Goncalves not in a horrible way but that is just common sense, I live in London, if I request a service in Portuguese or French I’ll obviously be charged more as it requires them more time and skills. Also average prices in Portugal have risen in the past 5 years because so did the economy and inflation. Often people move there because they think it’s cheaper but in reality it’s just not too expensive just yet.
@@pf4106 You make a fair point, and totally agree that the average prices have increased. On the other hand, if I stay in Sweden, Germany, Holland etc (English being the common communication language as it is taught in all EU schools) - I don't get a quote to put new windows in at 3x the price.
About festivities!! you should visit towns in the interior of the country you willl find one on every weekend on the summer time then you will know Portugal culture and food.
I love you so much!!!
Thank you for offering us this analysis about this little odd European corner! Keep doing your great job of being part of this strange way of life aka living the Portuguese way of life!!!
About electricity, chose wisely. Me and my Wife we pay 25/35 €/month with Goldenergy, both electricity and gaz in the same contract/invoice... So...you need to pick up the one modality thats fits your situation
No hot water at beach, no Sharks
No aggressive sharks.
Banking costs for vendors in Portugal are quite high so every time you use your card, they pay. Add that people are wary of using cards because of fraud and cash is normal. I prefer cash.
Well, two sides to that story, tourists and foreigners want to come and enjoy , they better pay more, touristy prices rule. For those who settle down there, and speak a word d or two Portuguese and try to integrate , you start picking up friends and life becomes easier. One example is room for negotiation allowed when you want to rent a place; eating out frequency going to up your bills. Still a very affordable living outside of Lisbon. What I gather from vlogs. You guys rock, giving a v good perspective. Thanks
Can't wait to move to Portugal.
13:54 This might be because Portugal is the Country you will get 100% Green Energy. Portugal is very good in this. Windcraft, Off-Shore Energy....
Btw about the parking, do you guys have Via Verde? Most private parkings will let you use it to pay so you don't have that problem with the money :)
10:23 Oh yes i agree. I was in El Corte Inglés and i get lost inside this Shopping Center. I couldn't find the Exit. So i had to ask a Staff-Member where the Exit was. It was so funny for me :D I tried several times on my own, but didn't manage it
You're so great! Normally Portuguese people are so proud, that they don't accept 'foreigners' critism or comments on cons. But you're so charming that we accept it really well when you say it haha 😂. For me a great pro is the participation and integration of old people in society. You see them mixed with people of different ages in public and that's nice. You can see that in your vlogs as well. Here in the Netherlands most old people are 'locked up' in homes for elderly and nobody cares.
Agree with the points. The main things you really need to check is the electricity bill (what power have you contracted? 6kva?), communications (I have NOS with 2 cells with 5GB and 200Mb fiber for 59,99) and the apartment.
Everything is more expensive at beaches, they'll charge more regardless of who you are.
We invented the Via Verde. We use the ATM and the ATM card (Multibanco) to pay for everything.