Living in Portugal: Everyday Tips for Expats | Banking, Healthcare & Etiquette

Living in Portugal: Everyday Tips for Expats

Real Advice from Expats and PLA Students Living in Portugal

Adjusting to life in Portugal goes beyond learning basic Portuguese. For many expats, the real challenge is navigating daily life—from opening a bank account and booking a doctor’s appointment, to understanding how to greet neighbors or use public transport.

If you’ve already started learning the language—especially through a practical course like the PLA (Português Língua de Acolhimento) program by EdproPT—you’re one step ahead. But even with A2-level Portuguese skills, knowing how things work on the ground makes all the difference.

This guide is filled with first-hand experiences, student anecdotes, and practical tips for navigating everyday life in Portugal like a local.

🏦 How to Open a Bank Account in Portugal

What You Need:

• NIF number (Número de Identificação Fiscal)

• Valid passport or residence permit

• Proof of address (can be rental contract or utility bill)

• Proof of income or employment (sometimes requested)

“I went to Millennium BCP in Lisbon with my PLA teacher’s help. They explained the documents I needed and even scheduled an appointment for me. The whole process took just 30 minutes!” – Ana M., PLA student from Colombia

Tip: If your Portuguese is still improving, ask for a translator or bring a friend. Many banks in larger cities like Lisbon and Porto now offer English-speaking services—but it’s still helpful to know key terms in Portuguese.

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🏥 Healthcare for Expats in Lisbon and Beyond

Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) is accessible for residents, including expats with legal residency status. To access public healthcare, you need:

• A Número de Utente (healthcare user number)

• Registration with your local Centro de Saúde (health center)

• A residence certificate and proof of address

“I was nervous about going to the health center, but the vocabulary I learned in my PLA class helped me explain my symptoms and book a consultation on my own.” – Rahul P., PLA student from India

Many PLA students say healthcare was one of the first areas where their language skills made a real impact. PLA classes often include practical roleplays for doctor visits, filling forms, and navigating emergency services.

Bonus Tip: Emergency number in Portugal is 112, and pharmacists can often provide quick help for non-critical issues.

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🤝 Portuguese Etiquette: What Expats Should Know

Understanding cultural norms helps build trust and avoid awkward situations.

Common Social Etiquette in Portugal:

• Greet people with “Bom dia,” “Boa tarde,” or “Boa noite”

• Two kisses on the cheek are common among friends (but not strangers)

• Punctuality is appreciated in professional settings, but social events may start a bit late

• Use “Desculpe” (excuse me) and “Com licença” (may I?) frequently—politeness goes a long way

“In one of our PLA sessions, we practiced how to introduce ourselves at a neighborhood gathering. I actually used it the next week at a community barbecue!” – Sara K., PLA student from Syria

🚍 Bonus: Getting Around – Public Transport Tips

• Lisbon and Porto have excellent metro systems. Rechargeable “Viva Viagem” cards make travel easy.

• Apps like CP - Comboios de Portugal help you check train schedules.

• Carris is the main public transport operator in Lisbon.

“Learning how to ask for directions in Portuguese saved me from getting lost my first week! We even did a ‘transport vocabulary’ lesson during the PLA course.” – Mohammed A., PLA student from Pakistan

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Why Practical Language Learning Makes Integration Easier

The PLA course by EdproPT doesn’t just teach vocabulary and grammar—it prepares you for real life in Portugal. From government paperwork to casual conversations, every lesson is built around your day-to-day needs as a resident.

Key PLA Course Features:

• 🧑‍🏫 Focused on integration, not just academics

• 📚 Real-life scenarios: bank visits, doctor appointments, apartment hunting

• 🌍 Taught by native instructors who understand expat challenges

• 📍 Available in Lisbon, Porto, and online