Tips for a Successful Scouting Trip to Portugal 

Scouting Portugal
Written By João Pires

Table of Contents

    Embarking on a scouting trip has become a common practice among individuals considering relocating to Portugal. This process entails a thorough exploration of various towns and cities to identify the best place to live in Portugal. It serves as an opportunity to immerse oneself in the Portuguese culture and lifestyle, thereby evaluating compatibility with the prospective environment. 

    The dynamics of each scouting trip vary, ranging from brief visits spanning a few days to extensive stays lasting several months. While some opt for a tour encompassing multiple locations and tourist attractions, others adopt a more leisurely approach, opting to rent an apartment and acquaint themselves gradually with the surroundings. Regardless of the chosen itinerary, certain strategies can enhance the effectiveness of a scouting tour in Portugal. 

    For those pursuing residency visas like the D7, the journey often overlaps with practical tasks such as securing accommodation and establishing banking arrangements - essential prerequisites for visa application. Procuring a Portuguese taxpayer identification number (NIF) is imperative for these purposes, particularly for non-EU/EEA residents.

     

    Choose the Right Time to Scout Portugal

    Choosing the right moment for your scouting trip to Portugal is crucial. The seasonality, including weather patterns, local festivities, and peak tourist times, significantly influences the overall feel and experience of your visit. It's vital to remember that the vibrancy of Portuguese towns, particularly those along the coast, can drastically shift with the seasons. A bustling hotspot in summer may transform into a tranquil retreat in winter. 

    Considerations for Timing:

    • Climate and Seasonal Changes: Recognize the diverse weather across Portugal's regions. Temperature and precipitation can greatly differ from north to south and inland to coastal areas. 

    • Local Festivities and Cultural Events: Engage with Portugal's rich cultural landscape by aligning your trip with local festivals and events. This immersion offers a deeper understanding of the community and traditions. 

    • Cost Implications of Seasonal Travel: Weigh the pros and cons of visiting during peak and off-peak seasons. Traveling outside the high season can yield more affordable accommodations and services, offering a glimpse into local life without the crowds. 

    Our Suggestion: The optimal months for a scouting trip to Portugal are from March to June or September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant, the costs are more manageable than in the high summer, and the destinations are not as crowded, providing a realistic sense of life in both the cooler and warmer months. 

     

    Identify Your Priorities on a Scouting Trip 

    Embarking on a scouting trip is essentially about doing your homework before making a big move. It's crucial to keep a clear list of what you're searching for during this exploratory phase. 

    A well-planned scouting trip in Portugal can assist you in: 

    • Selecting the ideal city for your new home in Portugal; 

    • Understanding daily life, including living expenses; 

    • Exploring the local customs and cultural practices; 

    • Finding out what recreational activities are available; 

    • Identifying employment opportunities that match your skills and background; 

    • Picking a neighborhood that feels like home; 

    • Evaluating the closeness to essential services such as educational institutions, grocery stores, and public transport; 

    • Checking the accessibility of medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, in the vicinity; 

    • Visiting potential homes or schools to make an informed decision before making any financial commitments; 

    • Determining whether the Portuguese lifestyle aligns with your personal preferences and needs. 

    • Learning about language education options, including courses and communities for expats; 

    • Staying informed about any planned developments that could impact your living experience; 

    • Gaining insights into the legal requirements involved in purchasing or leasing property in Portugal; 

     

    Scouting Essentials Packing List 

    One way to guarantee a successful and stress-free trip lies in thoughtful planning and packing. This checklist will help you remember the essentials for your Portuguese scouting trip. 

    • Passport: Confirm its validity - at least six months beyond your intended departure. 

    • Copies of Travel Documents: Keep physical and digital copies of your identification documents. Google Wallet and TripIt are great for your digital documents and Google Wallet can store your bank cards digitally too, so you can pay for items in shops with just your phone (this does work in most places in Portugal). 

    • Travel Insurance Documents: Plan for unexpected scenarios with travel insurance. A great supplier we’ve found for travel insurance that will cover your trip to Portugal travelers to Portugal is Ekta. 

    • Travel Itinerary: Keep a paper printout of hotel and transport booking confirmations, in case phones die. 

    • Driving License: In case you are hiring a car. Many car hire places in Europe hold a deposit of anything between €200-€1,000 on your credit card, so ensure that your card has sufficient funds available. One of the cheapest car hire suppliers we’ve found in Portugal is Discover Cars - who usually have the best prices, and depots in most Portuguese airports and cities 

    • Credit and Debit Cards: Notify your bank about your travel plans. 

     

    Learn Some Portuguese 

    Before your scouting trip, it can be a good idea to learn some Portuguese, so we’ll take a minute to discuss that now - this will not only enhance your trip but will make your whole transition smoother and deepen your connection to your new home.  We've put together a roadmap to help you get started on your language learning journey: 

    1. Set learning goals 

    The first step in any language learning journey is to set clear and realistic goals. This will help guide your studies and keep you motivated. 

    By setting clear goals and a study schedule, you're laying the groundwork for successful language learning. Remember, consistency is key, and even a little study each day can go a long way. 

    2. Choose learning resources 

    The next step is to choose the resources you'll use to learn Portuguese. There's a wealth of options out there, from textbooks to language learning apps. 

    Important note: When looking for books or resources, be careful you don’t buy Brazilian Portuguese resources. Even though it is technically the same language, much of the pronunciation and vocabulary is different. 

    Useful resources:  

    • One of our favourite apps for listening and speaking practice is Practice Portuguese - a great platform that in addition to having native (European Portuguese) speakers speaking slowly and clearly in audio and video clips (something they don’t always do in reality!), it also has interactive flashcards and a great verb learning section. 

    • Preply is a great platform that connects language learners with online tutors, enabling you to learn Portuguese cheaply, conveniently and quickly. 

    3. Start with the basics 

    Starting with the basics will give you a strong foundation in Portuguese. Focus on key phrases and vocabulary, as well as basic grammar. 

    • Learn essential phrases like greetings, asking for directions, and ordering food. 

    • Start building your vocabulary around common themes like family, work, and hobbies. 

    • Get a grasp of basic Portuguese grammar. 

    Mastering the basics will give you the confidence to start using Portuguese in daily situations. 

     

    The Ideal Scouting Trip Formula 

    We believe that the ideal method to explore and scout Portugal is a combination of private scouting tours and self-exploration. You don’t need to do everything by yourself or pay someone to take care of everything. Allow yourself some time to be guided and to adventure yourself independently.

    • Take it from us - learning 100% by doing can be very costly, confusing, and, at times, frustrating. The information that we share with you will save you time and money.  

    • Living in Portugal is not like living in Northern Europe, Australasia, or North America (and we’ve lived in all of these places). Often the biggest challenges and surprises are things that you don’t know that you don’t know.  

    • It is much more fun having a guided day trip and a delicious lunch while having your questions answered, rather than consulting social media! 

     

    12-Day Portugal Scouting Trip Suggestion: From North to South 

    We're excited to present an itinerary for a scouting trip across Portugal, spanning 12 to 13 days, blending both guided scouting tours and self-exploration with a rental car for a truly immersive experience. 

    Initiate Your Journey in Porto Begin your adventure in Porto, allocating 2 to 3 days to wander through the city and its surroundings. Porto serves as the perfect starting point, where you can easily rent a car to venture southward, stopping by notable spots such as Coimbra, Nazaré, and Óbidos. We recommend dedicating 1 to 2 days to either Nazaré or Óbidos. 

    Discover Lisbon and Surrounds Continue to Lisbon, where you'll spend 3 to 4 days exploring the capital. At this point, you may opt to return your rental car as you won’t need it in Lisbon. Join us for two personalized scouting tours: 

    • Tour 1 (1 day): We’ll explore Lisbon's highlights and venture to coastal towns between Lisbon and Cascais. These areas, known for their expat-friendly atmosphere and high quality of life, offer a glimpse into the serene coastal lifestyle. Cascais, for instance, has around 16% foreigners of its total population and the quality of life is high. 

    • Tour 2 (1 day): We’ll cross the bridge to the south bay to discover Caparica and Setúbal, including Azeitão's villages, some breathtaking Arrábida beaches, and driving through Arrábida Mountain. We'll also visit Setúbal, a former fishing city, known for its affordability and relaxed vibe, just a 40-minute drive from Lisbon. 

    Vicentine Coast and Algarve Exploration Next, rent a car again and head South, taking 2 days to explore the Vicentine Coast, with a 1 or 2-night stay midway. 

    • Tour 3 (1 day): In the sunny Algarve, we’ll guide you through Lagos and surrounding expat-friendly towns. Should you wish to delve deeper into the East Algarve, Tour 4 can be added to your itinerary. 

    Our tours are designed to accommodate leisurely lunches at local eateries or quick stops for tasting local delicacies, without any rush. 

    Value-Added Discussions Our tours are more than just sightseeing; they're about engaging in meaningful discussions on various topics, including real estate, mortgages, Portugal's history, lifestyle, and providing you with the tools for independent exploration. This approach ensures you're well-prepared for your scouting trip. 

    Preparation Is Key To maximize your experience, we recommend reading our book, Portugal Beckons - A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Moving to Portugal, as essential pre-trip homework. This will equip you with valuable insights and questions, ensuring a well-informed and successful scouting trip across Portugal. 

    With our guidance and your explorative spirit, this itinerary promises a thorough and affordable scouting experience from north to south Portugal in just a few days. 

     

    Don’t Behave Like a Tourist  

    Approach your visit with a resident's mindset. Falling into the trap of treating your scouting trip like a holiday is common, yet remember, this journey is for your future, not for leisure. Consider it as a crucial step in your life planning, akin to a business endeavor for your personal advancement. 

    To sidestep the tourist label, opt for accommodations like local guesthouses or vacation rentals. These choices offer a glimpse into authentic living and facilitate interactions with residents. Venture beyond the popular spots to uncover the true essence of life in Portugal. Engage with the community, seeking advice and sparking conversations to gain deeper insights. 

     

    Engage with the Expat Community in Portugal 

    The trend of relocating to Portugal has been growing among expatriates, resulting in vibrant expat communities throughout the country. 

    Yet, the challenge of adjusting to a new country can be overlooked. This aspect should be a primary consideration once you've made the decision to move. 

    The pleasure of living in Portugal is undeniable, and the prospect of moving can be exciting. Nonetheless, the separation from family and familiar faces poses its own set of challenges. Adapting to this new life means navigating the complexities of distance while forging new friendships. Establishing a support network post-move is essential for a smooth transition. 

    Seeking out and learning from the experiences of other expats in Portugal is invaluable. Here’s how you can connect: 

    • Engage in Online Expat Forums: Utilize platforms like Facebook Groups to engage with fellow expats. These forums are a goldmine for advice and information. Join 30,000+ other expats in the Expats Lisbon Facebook Group we manage. 

    • Participate in Expat Gatherings: Look for meet-ups and events hosted by expat communities or organizations. These are great opportunities to meet like-minded individuals face-to-face. 

    • Join Interest-Based Groups: Whether it’s a sports club, a literary circle, or a language exchange meetup, joining groups that reflect your interests can be a pathway to meaningful connections. 

     

    Essential Apps for your Scouting Trip

     

    Conclusion

    In conclusion, embarking on a scouting trip to Portugal represents an important step for individuals contemplating a new life in Portugal. This exploration is not merely about finding a place to live but about discovering a community where you can thrive, understanding the cost of living, and immersing yourself in the local way of life. 

    As you consider your move to Portugal, remember that this is more than a mere change of scenario; it's an opportunity to engage deeply with the country's culture, traditions, and people. From selecting the right city that resonates with your lifestyle to understanding the daily living and legal requirements for residency. 

    Moreover, integrating into the expat community offers invaluable support and insights, making the transition smoother and more enjoyable. Through interactions with fellow expats and locals, you'll gain firsthand knowledge of living in Portugal, from overcoming challenges to celebrating the joys of your new environment. 

    Wanna know more about Portugal and the Portuguese life? Thinking of moving to Portugal? Questions on visas? Healthcare? Expat life? Where you should live? Download our “Portugal Beckons - Book”, read by over 700 expats.

    João Pires
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