'A lot isn't great': Expat in Portugal shares warning about moving to sunny hotspot

Expat / view of Lisbon

The expat said "a lot isn't great" in Lisbon

YouTube/Camden David/GETTY
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 25/06/2024

- 12:45

An expat in Portugal shared his opinion on living in Europe

A man who moved to Lisbon in Portugal opened up on his experience and explained there was a lot that shocked him.

The expat lived in many parts of Europe before settling down in sunny Portugal.


However, the expat found it very different from other European cities he has been to, he explained on YouTube channel Camden David.

His initial opinion of the capital city is that "there are a lot of things that aren't great".

Lisbon beach

Lisbon is popular with tourists and expats alike

GETTY

Camden said: "I think of Lisbon as a city of extremes. You have this extreme beauty, an extreme charm and an extreme culture. But at the same time, it feel like there is an extreme pain."

He explained this further referring to uncleanliness in the city and shared he has noticed a lot of poverty.

The expat continued: "It's probably the dirtiest city I've seen in Europe and I've seen quite a few. This is not a clean city."

He added there is a level of "poverty and pain" that he has not noticed in other big European cities.

However, the expat added he had been there for just one month and stressed his opinion was only based on a short period of time.

Camden also commented on the prices in the city, explaining it has become more expensive "from my understanding" amid an influx of wealthier expats moving to the area.

"Businesses were able to drastically raise prices because there was now a group of people that could afford them," he added.

Lisbon

The expat criticised affordability in the city

GETTY

Moving abroad is a big decision for anyone but luckily expats will often share advice for others considering the move.

This comes as expats in Spain warn of a common mistake people make when moving that "makes it harder for everyone".

They warned against discussing their living budgets publically. They said: "The rent is getting way higher because of the influx of people. If you're looking for an apartment, I beg you do not post your budget.

"I know it might be inexpensive for some of you but that doesn't mean it's inexpensive for everyone else who is here, or for the locals."

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