Is Portugal digital nomad friendly?
Places To Live: Accommodation in Portugal
Finding accommodation is, undoubtedly, the biggest challenge for digital nomads. You must determine whether you want a villa, a one-room or two-room apartment, and Airbnb. You can also choose the type of accommodation you wish to depending on whether you’re moving with your family or alone. It would help if you also considered the availability of a house and the location.
DigitalNomads.pt and Airbnb are the best options for accommodation if you’re a digital nomad. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Airbnb
Airbnb is a popular choice for remote workers, Portugal being one of Europe’s most influential startup hubs. These flats are modern and have all the amenities digital nomads want.
Tips
- To ensure you have the flexibility to adjust for your entire stay in Portugal, book for one month.
- Don’t just accept the quoted rate from the owner. You can negotiate and see if you can lower the price.
- Book early. Airbnb is the preferred choice for digital nomads. They can be booked immediately after someone vacates or during summer.
DigitalNomads.pt
DigitalNomads.pt was created exclusively by digital nomads. These are available in many different locations, including apartments in the capital and beach-view homes. These are specifically designed for remote workers and provide all the amenities such as fast internet, beautiful neighborhoods, and comfortable beds. These are just a few options available to you, including villas, apartments, and beach houses.
Meeting Places: Portugal Networking
Many professional associations, centers, and networking groups are available for digital nomads. It is possible to find out more by reading the Portuguese business journals and magazines. For ex-pats, there are many influential business associations like the Confederation of Portuguese Business and the Business Association of Portugal. These groups can be a great way to network and meet others. Many meet-ups are organized to allow digital nomads to network in their chosen industry. There are also many community lunches and drinks where members can connect via Facebook.
Digital Banking in Portugal
If you are a digital nomad looking to relocate to Portugal, it is advisable to register with one of the country’s foreign banks. The government has an advanced banking system, including Multibanco, one of the best interbank networks in the world. Portugal now has mobile banks to meet the needs of ex-pats. You can use your mobile phone or laptop to open your bank account. Bunq, N26, and Revolut are the most critical digital banks. These accounts offer a significant advantage: instant updates to your bank data and access to your funds 24 hours a day.
How do you get mobile banking in Portugal?
You can download the app if you already have a bank account in Portugal. Register on the app to gain digital access to your account provided your bank offers it.
For digital banking, you only need the basic details like your full name, date, birth, address, mobile number, and email address. You will also be asked to verify your identity quickly. Some banks will even allow you to video-call them to authenticate your identification card or passport.
Groceries and Food
All the essential groceries you need, such as dairy products, fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish, can be purchased without breaking the bank. You will find discounts of up to 50% at supermarkets. Most supermarket chains offer loyalty cards that include discounts. Continente, SPAR, and Pingo Doce are some of the most popular supermarket chains. They also operate on weekends and regular hours.
Portuguese food is a must-try. You can enjoy your favorite dishes at a very affordable price, whether you order them delivered or dine out. The street food and seafood are delicious!
Many chains of restaurants offer continental cuisine, not just Portuguese food.
For around EUR41, you can have a two-person dinner at an Italian restaurant. This includes appetizers, main courses, and dessert.
Lifestyle and Leisure
One cannot work and study for the whole time in Portugal. People who enjoy spending time with their family and friends will find that this vibrant country offers much more. The country’s low cost makes planning your trips, short trips, and club parties easy.
Portugal Nightlife
Portugal’s fantastic nightlife is something you should not miss while in Portugal. Lisbon and the Algarve are well-known for their luxurious nightlife and high-end hotels. The country has something for everyone, from romantic bars to stag-themed parties venues and beach clubs. The vibrant student-oriented nightlife of the Algarve is another reason why it’s so popular. Lisbon bars are open until 3 a.m., and discs open until 6 a.m. You can also experience the vibrant nightlife of Portugal in Porto.
Outdoors Activities
Adventure lovers looking for outdoor adventures can try rock climbing, bouldering, and kayaking. They also can go trail running, camping, hiking, rock climbing, rock climbing, kayaking, paddling, kayaking, and other activities. You will discover the country’s true beauty, hidden among the beautiful landscapes, deep water, and charming towns. People interested in sports can choose to play tennis, golf, or horseback riding.
Indoors Activities
You can find a casual outdoor spot at one of the fantastic museums in the country, such as the Tile Museum, Lisbon. You can also shop on Rua Catarina in Porto, a pedestrian walkway. There are also many aquariums and zoos to discover.