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Day-to-day Living in Portugal

Accommodation

For a two bedroom flat, you're looking at a cost of between 500 and 1,500 Euros a month, depending on location. You will need a Portuguese guarantor to enter into a lease.

Utilities

Water is fine to drink from the tap. Bottled water is available if you prefer. Water usage is metered. Bills are delivered by hand and you are expected to pay on the spot.

Energy can be quite expensive in Portugal, as it relies on heavily imported fuels. Electricity is available everywhere, although, like water, bills are delivered by hand, and you are expected to pay on the spot. Gas is scarce, and usually only found in some areas of Lisbon. Gas canisters are available if you require this method of energy.

Costs

Although the cost of living in Portugal used to be low, it is now at the European average. However, you will find things such as food, entertainment and alcohol much cheaper than the UK.

Cuisine

The Portuguese diet is quintessentially Mediterranean. Spanish, Arab and Moorish feature heavily. Many things are based on fish, meat, bread, olive oil, garlic and herbs.

There are many Western Europe dishes available too.

Sociality

The Portuguese are rather traditional and conservative. The family is very much the foundation of society. Portugal does not traditionally practice egalitarianism: it respects and subscribes to hierarchical structure.

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