Day-to-day life in Portugal is easy: it is safe, friendly, English-speaking in the cities, and organised enough that most things work. The hard part is housing. This page covers the practical details for a stay of a month or more.
Renting a Place#
- Where to look. Idealista and Imovirtual are the main portals; Flatio, Uniplaces, Spotahome and HousingAnywhere specialise in furnished mid-term rentals; Facebook groups for each city are busy.
- Mid-term rentals of one to eleven months are common in Lisbon and Porto and are often the best option for nomads, though prices are higher than long leases.
- Long leases usually need a NIF, proof of income, and two or three months’ rent as deposit and advance, sometimes with a guarantor.
- Scams are common: never pay before viewing, and use platforms with payment protection.
- Heating and damp. Many older buildings lack insulation and central heating. Ask about heating and look for damp before signing a winter lease.
Phones and Internet#
- SIM cards: MEO, NOS, Vodafone and DIGI sell prepaid SIMs in shops and at the airport. EU roaming rules apply, so a SIM from another EU country also works without extra charges.
- Home internet: most flats have fibre at 500 Mbps to 1 Gbps; contracts usually run 24 months, so mid-term rentals with internet included are easier.
- Apps worth having: Uber and Bolt (rides), CP (trains), Carris and Metro de Lisboa (Lisbon transport), MB Way, and Glovo or Uber Eats.
Getting Around#
Lisbon and Porto have metros, trams and buses on rechargeable cards; Lisbon’s monthly Navegante pass costs about €40 and covers the whole metropolitan area. Uber and Bolt are cheap. Trains link the main cities, and buses fill in the gaps. Outside the cities, especially in the Algarve and the islands, a car helps. Foreigners can drive on most licences for the first months; EU licences are valid indefinitely.
Healthcare#
Private hospitals and clinics, including CUF, Luz and Lusíadas, are widely used by foreigners, with English-speaking doctors and short waits. A private GP visit costs about €60 to €100. Residents can register with the public SNS. For emergencies, call 112. Get health insurance, which the D8 requires.
Community and Meeting People#
Portugal has some of the best nomad communities in the world. Lisbon has events most nights, from coworking socials to surf trips and language exchanges; Madeira and Ericeira have tight-knit groups; Porto’s scene is smaller but welcoming. Learning some Portuguese, which locals appreciate, opens doors beyond the nomad bubble.
Customs and Etiquette#
- Speak Portuguese, not Spanish. Portuguese people appreciate an effort in Portuguese and dislike being addressed in Spanish.
- Meal times are later than in northern Europe: lunch from 1pm, dinner from 8pm.
- Coffee culture: a “bica” in Lisbon or “cimbalino” in Porto is an espresso, drunk standing at the counter.
- Patience helps with bureaucracy, which can be slow.
Safety#
Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. The main risks are pickpocketing on Lisbon’s trams (especially the 28) and in tourist areas, strong Atlantic currents at beaches, and rental scams. Swim where there are lifeguards and respect the flags.
Emergency number: 112.
Everyday Life FAQs#
How do I find a flat in Portugal as a digital nomad?
Mid-term rental sites such as Flatio, Uniplaces and Spotahome are easiest for one to eleven months. For longer leases, use Idealista and Imovirtual; you will need a NIF and usually several months’ rent up front.
Is Portugal safe for digital nomads?
Yes. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Pickpocketing in tourist areas and rental scams are the main risks.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
Not in Lisbon, Porto, Madeira or the Algarve, where English is widely spoken. Some Portuguese helps with bureaucracy and outside the cities.
Is it cold in Portugal in winter?
Outside it is mild, around 15°C in Lisbon, but many older buildings lack heating and insulation, so homes can feel cold and damp. Check before renting.