'Big mistake!' Expats warned of the main misconceptions people make when moving to Portugal

Expat in Portugal gives advice to those considering the move

GB NEWS
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 16/01/2025

- 12:33

Updated: 16/01/2025

- 12:47

Britons have been told of four things to make note of before moving to Portugal

Moving abroad is a big decision, and a woman who lives in Portugal has shared some useful advice.

She addressed the "first things" people get wrong when living in Portugal, naming four main misconceptions, including mistaking the Portuguese for the Spanish.


One of the core things that people do is get the basics of the language wrong, @AlexandraVictoriaBonte said on YouTube.

She explained the mistake is often "assuming 'obrigado' works for everyone."

Portugal beachPortugal is popular with tourists and expats PA

This is the Portuguese word for "thanks", but the expat explained it is gender specific, so expats should watch out for this - "it's 'obrigado' for male and 'obrigada' for female".

The second point she raised is foreigners often "think Portuguese food is just about bacalao".

Alexandra continued: "Expats often think that bacalao is the only dish - it's codfish. No, here we have amazing fresh seafood, and that's what [we're] known for."

Portugal has stunning beaches and boasts warm and sunny conditions for much of the year. However, the conditions may not be as idyllic as some visitors expect.

The travel pro added the next mistake people make before moving to the country is "believing that all beaches are tropical paradises".

She explained: "The Algarve has pretty beaches but get ready to have a bit of a cold plunge because that Atlantic ocean is pretty chilly."

Finally, Alexandra said one of the most common misconceptions is "assuming Portugal is just like Spain", which she described as a "big mistake".

They are both extremely popular destinations among British holidaymakers and expats alike, but that doesn't mean locals want to be thought of as the same.

The Algarve

The beaches may not be everything you expect

GETTY

Alexandra added: "Do not confuse the Spanish with the Portuguese they will not like that. You don't say 'gracias'."

For more advice on moving to Portugal, one man opened up on what he found to be the biggest differences to home when living there.

He said the culture was not what he was used to, adding that the way some people acted was "very difficult for me to understand".

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