Portugal draws visitors with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and welcoming culture. Yet, beneath its popular image lie details many travelers and newcomers won’t learn from typical guidebooks. Here, I share some of these lesser-known facts about life in Portugal that can help you prepare better for your visit or move.
Thin Walls in Apartments
One of the first surprises for people settling in Portugal is the nature of apartment construction. Sound and thermal insulation may not match expectations if you come from countries with strict building codes. Many buildings, especially older ones or even some renovated apartments, have thin walls. This means noises from neighbors – kids playing, parties, or everyday movements – can be heard clearly in adjacent units. It is common to feel like the neighbors are just beside you, making restful sleep a challenge occasionally.
Some new luxury developments offer better insulation, but many standard apartments do not. If you plan long-term stays or buying property here, it’s wise to check how soundproof the place is. This factor can heavily influence your quality of life, as you might endure noisy neighbors well into the night, especially if tourism or family gatherings happen next door.
Receiving Mail from Outside Portugal
Sending and receiving mail from abroad can become a troublesome experience. While basic letters often arrive without issue, packages can face delays or outright seizure by customs. Portugal places a Value Added Tax (VAT) of 23% plus duties on imported goods, depending on declared value and item type. If a package exceeds a value of €45, you must pay these taxes except under specific gift exceptions.
Many expatriates and visitors learn to avoid receiving items from outside the European Union through mail. Instead, they rely on digital communications or buy locally if possible. The customs process can be slow, and sometimes packages get stuck or lost. This situation adds hidden costs and frustration to ordering products from abroad.
Smooth Shipping Within the European Union
In contrast, shipping goods from one EU country to another works seamlessly. Thanks to the common market, buyers in Portugal can order from Germany, Italy, or Spain without paying customs or VAT on imports. Deliveries usually take a few days to a week, making it easier to access a broader range of products.
This logistical ease benefits residents looking for specific or high-quality items not readily available locally. Unfortunately, the UK’s departure from the EU has complicated shipments from England, making these less convenient now. For those ordering within Europe, the EU shipping system remains a significant advantage.
Bread Is Not Free at Restaurants
Visitors accustomed to free bread or starters in restaurants across Europe might face surprise in Portugal. Unlike Spain, where tapas or bread may accompany a drink at no charge, Portuguese restaurants often serve bread automatically but charge for it as “couverts.” These small fees usually range around €1.50 but can be higher in upscale eateries.
If you do not want to pay for the bread, it is perfectly acceptable to refuse it before it arrives or when the server offers it. No one will be offended by this request. Knowing this prevents awkward surprises when the bill arrives with bread charges you did not expect.
Precise Signature Matching for Official Documents
When dealing with banks, government offices, or other official institutions, Portugal requires that your signature exactly matches the one on your identification. Slight variations that might be tolerated elsewhere can cause complications here. I had to redo some paperwork after my signature did not align perfectly with my passport.
This insistence on signature consistency seeks to prevent fraud. However, it can cause delays or require resubmission if you are careless. Practicing a consistent signature for all official matters can ease these bureaucratic steps.
Portugal Is No Longer a Tax Haven
Portugal once attracted foreign residents with its Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime, created after the 2008 financial crisis. This program offered a flat 20% tax rate for qualified immigrants, making Portugal one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe. Combined with incentives like the Golden Visa, this made Portugal a hotspot for newcomers.
However, the Portuguese government ended the NHR regime recently. Although the country continues to offer tax incentives for startups and highly skilled workers, the dream of low taxation for all new residents no longer holds true. Future governments may introduce new schemes, but for now, Portugal is not a tax haven in the way it was during the past decade.
The Ocean Is Very Cold
Portugal’s Atlantic coast enjoys popularity for its beaches and surfing spots, yet many visitors find the ocean temperatures colder than expected. Even in summer, the ocean water can feel icy compared to more sheltered seas like the Mediterranean. The cold water results from Atlantic currents and winds that influence the coastal climate.
Swimmers and surfers need to prepare by using wetsuits or braving chilly water conditions. For some, the ocean’s crispness adds to the appeal, but for others, it can come as an unwelcome shock.
These facts highlight aspects of Portugal’s everyday reality that often go unmentioned in tourist brochures. Understanding them can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable, whether you are a guest or planning to live here. Portugal retains much charm and warmth, but being aware of these details helps you set proper expectations for your visit.
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