Communication Options in Lisbon for Expats

As your life as an ex-pat begins, staying connected with family and friends around the world is a crucial factor. Knowing that you can call up a friend or family member at any time makes ex-pat life more comfortable. You won’t feel like you’ve moved to another galaxy.

The country code for Portugal is +351

Mobile phone

The first thing you will want to organize is a Portuguese sim card. There are a few different companies. For the best coverage and price, it comes down to these three providers.

MEO is the most popular mobile operator with the best coverage.

Vodafone is the next best option.

NOS is also a decent option, although coverage may not be as good.

These companies all offer a prepaid option or a package that includes voice, internet, and TV.

If you have a sim card from another EU country, you can use that for 60 days before you will have to get a Portuguese sim card.

Prepaid in Portugal is expensive, and it is better value if you can sign up for a monthly package plan. To do this, you will need a Tax Number, some form of ID, and proof of your address in Portugal.

Home internet

Internet is another essential component for a smooth transition to ex-pat life. If you work online, you must be connected and have excellent upload and download speeds. While you won’t have any issues finding free WiFi in coffee shops and cafes around the city, you will probably still require it at home.

Free WiFi is also available at the airport and various free hot spots in the city.

If you have moved into a flat and need WIFI at home, there are a few companies that will get you connected to a high-speed broadband package. You will need your passport and Residence Permit to get a contract. Contracts are usually for 24 months and include a TV. It is also possible to get Prepaid WiFi.

Some of the more popular companies are:

Check out their websites for the latest services and offers.

Radio

Yes, you’re streaming your music through Spotify or Apple music, but sometimes it’s fun to listen to the radio, especially in a foreign country. Radio remains a reliable source for news, information, and entertainment events in the city.

Whether listening in your car or streaming, here are the top radio stations in Lisbon that you should tune in to:

Radio Comercial is the most-listened-to radio station in Lisbon, if not all of Portugal. It plays contemporary pop and rock music as well as up-to-date news.

RFM is another popular station for great music, a breakfast show, and news.

TSF is a broadcast radio station providing the news of the day. It also covers information on what’s going on in Lisbon.

Radio Amalia is a radio station that is dedicated to traditional Fado music, the musical expression of a deep and sensual Lisbon.

Newspapers

You can find all the news from Portugal and abroad in English and online.

The Portugal News is a national weekly newspaper printed in English. It covers all the local news. Additionally, it covers world news, sections on business, real estate, arts and lifestyle, health, and the environment.

The Portugal Resident also covers domestic and global events in English.

Euronews Portugal has the latest stories from Portugal and the world, including sports, business, and the arts.

Magazines

TimeOut Lisbon is available in English and has a rundown on everything that is happening in Lisbon. This weekly publication has been hit hard by the Covid-19 virus and hopefully will return soon. In the meantime, you can still check out old editions for inspiration and ideas when visiting Lisbon.

The Here Magazine is an excellent guide to everything you need to know about visiting Lisbon.

Blitz Magazine is Portugal’s most important music magazine announcing upcoming concerts and music festivals. It’s in Portuguese but you can choose the translate option.

Television

It’s always fun checking out the TV channels in a foreign country and trying to find an English-speaking one. Here are the most popular Portuguese television channels:

RTP2 is the second television channel of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, the Portuguese public broadcasting corporation. It is hugely popular for its cultural programs.

RTP1 is the main television channel of Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, the Portuguese public broadcasting corporation. It broadcasts everything from children’s programs, movies, and documentaries to sports and music.

SIC is the third most popular television channel in Portugal that broadcasts everything from chat shows, series, and movies to sports and news.

TV 1 is similar to SIC. It does cater primarily to those interested in chat shows and human interest stories.

Top Tips

01	When renting a flat, be sure to ask about heating. Portuguese homes are notoriously cold in winter as usually there is no heating. Houses aren’t insulated, and electricity costs are expensive. Therefore, people forgo heating. But be aware, winters are freezing as well as humid. Many ex-pats are surprised at just how severe a Portuguese winter can be.
02	Why not start your day like a local with a café and pastel de nata (traditional custard tart) sitting on an outdoor terrace. What better plaza than Lisbon’s main square Praça do Comércio.
03	Take the Ascensor da Gloria to the top arriving in Bairro Alto. Turn to your right, to find the famous viewpoint of San Pedro de Alcantara. This scenic lookout offers sensational views over the city.
04	Be very vigilant while traveling on the funiculars. Pickpockets are rife, especially in the high season. They will sit close to you, engage in conversation while a partner will take your wallet.

Useful links

https://www.visitlisboa.com/en

The official tourist information site for Lisbon. Find out everything you need to know to make the most of your trip.

https://www.lisbon.net/

Here is another site with information about activities and day trips from Lisbon.

https://imigrante.sef.pt/en/

The official website for Portuguese immigration matters. Find out about visa requirements and how you can gain Portuguese citizenship.

https://www.meetup.com/cities/pt/lisbon/
For information about residence and all immigration-related questions.

https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/

Lisbon has a large expatriate community. This a great resource to find like-minded people in Lisbon. Whatever your interest, there is probably a group that meets up.

https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/

This is the Lisbon Metro website in English. You can plan your journey here.

Interesting Facts

1. Portugal produces 50% of the world’s cork. Portuguese cork from the Algarve region is superior and used by Moet Chandon for bottling its famous champagne. Other famous companies like NASA, Rolls Royce, and Airbus prefer to use Portuguese cork.

2. The book shop, Bertrand, is the oldest in the world and you can visit it in Lisbon. It has been doing business since 1732.

3. Nazaré, a coastal town north of Lisbon is famous for its epic waves. It is well-known among surfers to have some of the best and biggest waves in the world. The waves are known to get as high as 30 meters or 100 feet.