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How to settle in Lisbon: Everything you need to know

 Moving to Lisbon can be an exciting adventure. With its vibrant culture, sunny weather, and welcoming community, Lisbon is an increasingly popular destination for expats and remote workers. Here’s a practical guide to help you settle in seamlessly, covering public transport, essential documents, shopping, and more.

1. Navigating Public Transport in Lisbon

Lisbon has a well-connected and affordable public transport network, including buses, trams, metro, and trains. Here’s how to make the most of it:

Getting a Public Transport Card

  • Lisboa Viva Card: This is the rechargeable card you’ll need for all public transport. To get one, visit a metro station kiosk or online at the official Carris website.
    • Required Documents: Passport/ID and a passport-sized photo.
    • Processing Time: The card typically takes 10 business days to be ready.
  • Zapping Option: If you’re visiting temporarily, you can use a Viva Viagem card, which allows you to load credit and pay per ride.

Monthly Subscriptions

  • The most popular pass is the Navegante:
    • Navegante Municipal: €30/month for unlimited travel within Lisbon.
    • Navegante Metropolitano: €40/month for travel across the entire metropolitan area.

Bikes and Scooters

Lisbon has introduced more sustainable transport options:

  • Bikes: Services like Gira (Lisbon’s bike-sharing program) allow you to rent bikes for short distances. Download the Gira app to find and unlock bikes near you.
  • Scooters: Electric scooters, provided by companies like Lime, Bird, and Bolt, are widely available. These are great for short trips, though be mindful of the hilly terrain in some areas.

2. Essential Administrative Step: Obtaining Your NIF

The Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF) is a tax identification number required for nearly everything in Portugal, from opening a bank account to signing a rental lease.

When you move to Lisbon, getting an NIF is one of the first steps you’ll need to take, as it’s required to sign up for utilities and access various local services. You’ll also notice that when shopping at a supermarket or settling your bill at a restaurant, you’ll often be asked for your número de contribuinte, which is simply another term for your NIF.

Why is this important? Once you begin paying taxes in Portugal, you can claim deductions based on your everyday expenses. By providing your NIF during purchases, these transactions are automatically linked to your tax ID, allowing you to benefit from these deductions later on. A good tip: always include your NIF, and make sure to learn how to request it in Portuguese.

How to Get Your NIF

  • Visit a Loja do Cidadão (Citizen’s Bureau) or a local tax office (“Finanças”).
  • Bring your passport/ID and proof of address (this can be from your home country).
  • If you’re not an EU citizen, you may need a local representative to assist with the process.
  • Fees are minimal, and you usually receive your NIF immediately.

3. Supermarkets and Shopping in Lisbon

Lisbon has a wide variety of supermarkets, specialty stores, and fresh markets:

Supermarkets

  • Pingo Doce: Known for affordable prices and frequent promotions. Great for everyday groceries.
  • Continente: Offers a broader selection, including household goods.
  • Aldi & Lidl: Excellent for budget-friendly shopping and high-quality products.
  • Minipreço: Convenient for small, quick shopping trips.

Fresh Markets

Specialty Stores

  • Celeiro: For organic and health-focused products.
  • El Corte Inglés: A high-end department store offering international products, groceries, and more.

4. Other Essentials for Settling In

Healthcare

Portugal has a high-quality healthcare system:

  • Public healthcare (“Serviço Nacional de Saúde”) is affordable but may require long wait times.
  • Many expats opt for private health insurance for faster access to services.

Learning Portuguese

Although many locals speak English, learning Portuguese will make your life easier. Consider:

  • Language apps like Duolingo or Memrise.
  • Enrolling in local classes at schools like the Portuguese Language Center or community programs.

5. Enjoying Lisbon Like a Local

Once you’ve settled in, take time to explore Lisbon’s vibrant culture and attractions:

  • Visit iconic spots like Belém Tower, Alfama, and the LX Factory.
  • Enjoy the nightlife in Bairro Alto or by the Cais do Sodré.
  • Don’t miss the delicious local cuisine, especially pastéis de nata and bacalhau dishes.

Settling in Lisbon is an adventure full of opportunities. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the essentials and make the most of your time in this beautiful city. Bem-vindo a Lisboa!

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