Portugal

Portugal has cobbled streets and golden beaches, and it can feel like living in a postcard. But to enjoy life there, you need to understand how to manage your money. If you don’t set up your finances properly, even simple things like paying rent or buying food can be difficult. Portugal is a beautiful place, but it has its own rules about money. Learning these early will help you avoid problems and save money. How to open a bank account in Portugal One of the first things you need to do in Portugal is open a bank account. Without it, it can be hard to rent a home, get your salary, or set up your phone and electricity. Most landlords and employers will ask for a local bank account. Many companies also don’t accept foreign cards for regular payments. A Portuguese bank account helps you manage your day-to-day life more easily. You can choose between regular banks with physical branches or digital banks you can access on your phone or computer. Many foreigners find online banks easier and faster to use. To open a bank account in Portugal, you will need an NIF (which is your tax number), your passport or residence card, proof of your address, and sometimes proof of how you earn money. In bigger cities, many banks have staff who can speak English and they offer services for foreigners. Ask about accounts that come with low fees and easy but secure online access. If you want something simple, some digital banks let you open your account completely online. Daily expenses and how to pay for things Portugal is a comfortable place to live in and not too expensive, but it’s still important to plan your spending. Renting a one-bedroom flat in big cities like Lisbon or Porto usually costs more than in smaller towns. Food is generally affordable, especially if you buy fresh items like fruits, vegetables, and bread at local markets. Eating at restaurants is also a common and affordable option. Public transport is reliable and not too costly, and many people use monthly travel passes. To stay in control of your money, it’s a good idea to keep track of your regular expenses, such as rent, electricity, phone bills, and private health insurance if needed. In big cities and large shops, you can usually pay with a bank card. Many people use contactless payments, where you tap your card to pay. But in small towns, local markets, and village cafés, people often prefer cash. Some places do not accept cards at all. That’s why it’s a good idea to carry some cash with you, especially on weekends or when you travel. You can also use a mobile payment app that connects to your bank account and allows you to send money, pay in shops, shop online, and even take out cash from ATMs without using your card. How to get paid, save money, and avoid problems In Portugal, most employers and pension providers will send your money directly to your local bank account. If you have a job, your salary usually comes at the end of each month. If you get a pension, the money is paid on a set schedule. It is a good idea to ask your bank how long it takes for the money to arrive, so you don’t face any delays. In Portugal, you must send an income tax return every year for the money you earned the year before. If you are a foreigner living in Portugal, you may need to pay tax on all your income, including money from other countries, unless there is a tax agreement. If you have a job, social security payments are taken from your salary automatically. If you are self-employed, you must register and pay social security every three months. As a foreign resident, you can open a savings account with your Portuguese tax number (NIF) and your ID. You can also invest in things like government bonds or mutual funds, but it is best to speak to a local adviser first. To send or receive money from another country, use online money transfer services, as they often have lower fees. Regular bank transfers between countries can be expensive. When you take out money from an ATM in another country, always check the fees and exchange rates, so you do not get any surprise charges. Smart ways to manage your money in Portugal Managing your money in Portugal becomes easier when you understand how everything works. This includes opening a bank account, planning your daily spending, and knowing when to use cash or a card. Each of these helps you feel more confident about your finances. You can also use mobile payment and money transfer apps to stay organised and avoid unexpected problems. Find the right programme to help you move to Portugal easily—only here at Global Visa Support: https://globalvisasupport.com/portugal.html. Trust the expert team at Global Visa Support to help you move to Portugal quickly, easily, and without stress: https://globalvisasupport.com/contact.html.

Portugal is becoming one of the greenest countries in Europe—not just because of its nature, but also because of how people live there. The country has lots of sunshine, excellent rules to protect the environment, and a simple way of life that helps the planet. When you visit a local market, ride a tram in Lisbon, or use a recycling bin on the street, you’ll notice that many people in Portugal care about the environment and are making green choices every day. Living green in Portugal is simple and doesn’t mean giving up comfort. You don’t have to be perfect or know everything to make a positive difference for the planet. It’s about making small, easy choices in your daily life—like saving energy, reducing waste, and using less plastic. These changes are not only good for the environment, but they also fit well into the relaxed lifestyle in Portugal. Today, you’ll learn about fun and practical ways to live more sustainably. From smart home tips to greener ways to shop, eat, and travel, you’ll see that eco-living in Portugal can be both easy and enjoyable. Easy changes for a more eco-friendly life in Portugal Living in an eco-friendly way often begins at home, and in Portugal, it’s quite simple. With sunshine almost all year round, many people use solar panels to power their homes. These panels provide hot water and electricity, which lower both energy bills and pollution. You can also switch to LED light bulbs and energy-saving appliances, which use less electricity but still keep your home bright and comfortable. Cutting down on waste is easy in Portugal. You can compost food scraps at home or take part in local composting programmes in many areas. When you go shopping, try to use less plastic by buying fruits and vegetables at local markets. Sellers often offer unpackaged food and are happy when you bring your own reusable bags. Saving water is also simple. Many people use special taps and showerheads that use less water, and in towns and villages, it’s common to collect rainwater to water plants. Shop, eat, and travel the green way In Portugal, shopping and eating in an eco-friendly way is fun and doesn’t cost a lot. You can visit farmers’ markets in many towns, where you can buy fresh fruits and vegetables. These foods come from small local farms and are grown without harmful chemicals. You can find tasty fruits like figs, oranges, and cherries, depending on the season. Even when enjoying a glass of wine, you can make a good choice for the environment. Many wines in Portugal are made using natural methods that protect the land and reduce harm to nature. It’s also easy to travel in a way that’s good for the environment. Public transport is cheap, reliable, and enjoyable—you can take trains with beautiful views, ride old-style trams, or hop on modern buses. In cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Aveiro, cycling is also a great choice. There are safe bike lanes and bike-sharing services that make it simple to get around. When it’s time to relax, there are fun and green options too. You can stay at eco-friendly resorts, help with beach clean-ups, or join events like GreenFest, which offers music, workshops, and ideas for living more sustainably. Be part of Portugal’s green living community Portugal has many people and groups helping the environment. In many places, local governments support projects like zero-waste living, shared gardens in towns, and composting with your neighbours. Charities also work to protect nature and teach people how to create less rubbish and live in a cleaner way. In Portugal, it’s easy to join the green movement and feel part of a community. In places like the Alentejo region and the Douro Valley, people live in eco-villages and run small farms where they work together and care for nature. Across the country, second-hand shops and repair cafés are popular, helping people fix and reuse items instead of throwing them away. If you want to get involved, there are many volunteer groups you can join. You can help plant trees, clean rivers, or join events that teach how to live with less waste. It’s a great way to meet people who share the same values. Start with small changes and enjoy green living in Portugal You don’t need to change everything at once to live more sustainably in Portugal. Just start with one easy step—like using a reusable shopping bag, switching to a bamboo toothbrush, or carrying a water bottle you can refill. These small changes are easy to do and can grow into good habits. In Portugal, it’s simple to live green because many shops and local events support eco-friendly living. Global Visa Support has many years of experience and is happily offering simple and exciting programs to help you move to Portugal: https://globalvisasupport.com/portugal.html. Talk to our friendly team at Global Visa Support about moving to Portugal—they are always happy to help you get started: https://globalvisasupport.com/contact.html.