Assuming Everyone Speaks English

Funny things, expats are not always beloved. They drive up prices, look down their noses, and act like they are entitled. Now, that is just a stereotype – but the point is, don’t reinforce it. Here are 10 of the most common (and avoidable) mistakes expats make in Portugal—so you can sidestep them and settle in smarter.

Assuming Everyone Speaks English

Yes, many Portuguese people speak English well—especially in cities and tourist zones—but expecting it everywhere is a fast way to come off as rude or clueless. Learn some basic Portuguese (bom dia, obrigado, desculpe) and show you’re trying. Locals appreciate the effort, even if your accent is off.

Ignoring Bureaucracy (or Thinking It’s Like Back Home)

Portuguese bureaucracy has its own rhythm: slow, paper-heavy, and often dependent on face-to-face appointments. Skipping steps or assuming emails will suffice is a rookie mistake. Bring extra copies of everything. Smile. Be patient. Bring snacks. Keep good records!

Overpaying Because You Didn’t Ask Around

From buying a car to hiring a contractor, it’s easy to get quoted the “foreigner price” if you don’t shop around. Ask locals for referrals. Compare options. Don’t assume the first quote is the real price—or that high cost equals high quality. You earn more, so many will assume you can pay more.

Driving Like You’re Still in L.A. (or London, or Toronto…)

Portuguese roads can be narrow, winding, and… let’s say lively. Speed limits are “suggestions” for some locals, and roundabouts come with their own logic. Study the rules (and the roundabout etiquette!) before hitting the road.

Buying Property Without a Local Lawyer

Falling in love with a centuries-old stone ruin and buying it without a solid legal team is a fast track to heartbreak (and possibly bankruptcy). Titles, permits, water rights—don’t skip due diligence. Hire a Portuguese lawyer and surveyor before you sign anything.

Comparing Everything to Back Home

“This wine would be $30 back home!” or “Why don’t they do this like we do in [insert country]?” gets old fast—for locals and for your own mindset. Portugal is different. That’s the point. That is why you left… Embrace the slower pace, the long lunches, and yes, even the random strikes.

Speaking Spanish to Everyone

Yes, Spanish and Portuguese share a border—but they’re not the same language, and the Portuguese are not Spanish. Speaking Spanish instead of Portuguese can come off as disrespectful or rude. If you’re stuck, English is actually more welcome than assuming Spanish will do.

Being “Rude” About Portugal to a Portuguese

Complaining loudly about bureaucracy, service speed, or infrastructure—especially in front of locals—is a quick way to offend your hosts. You’re a guest here. Critique with care, and save the venting for your expat WhatsApp group. Better yet, try to understand why things work differently.

Believing the Hype That Living Here Is Like Being on Permanent Vacation

Portugal is beautiful—but real life still happens here. Groceries, traffic, tax filings, rainy days, and sometimes struggling with the language or missing family. But don’t buy the hype. If you expect daily sunsets and vinho verde by the sea, reality may disappoint. But if you lean into the lifestyle, it becomes something even better: home.

Forgetting to Slow Down

Portugal moves slower—and that’s a feature, not a bug. If you’re always rushing, frustrated by café wait times, or tapping your watch at the finanças office, you’re missing the magic. The country runs on patience, pastries, and long conversations. Try it. It’s good for you.

Jayme H. Simões is a Portugal–U.S. communications consultant who writes about the realities of moving, living, and retiring in Portugal, based on first hand experience.

Let’s Move to Portugal Now is an independent resource for Americans considering life in Portugal. We provide practical, experience-based information on visas, housing, health care, cost of living, and everyday life—focused on clarity, realism, and informed choices. This site is not affiliated with the Portuguese government and does not offer legal or immigration advice.

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