http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ The Portugal Expats forum is a community of people that have moved to Portugal from all over the World. This is the place for Expats to meet and discuss all aspects of the Portuguese way of life. Discuss anything from jobs, property in Portugal, culture, food, history and more. en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:56:14 GMT vBulletin 180 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/images/misc/rss.jpg http://www.expatforum.com/expats/ http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33366-crime-portugal.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:41:13 GMT Hi i'm interested to know about the levels of crime in Portugal?
I was in 2minds about whether to move to Portugal or Spain, have decided on Portugal but still don't know where in Portugal will have to look around first:).

Just wanna know about Crime in Portugal, how likely is it to get:

Burgled
Mugged
Beaten
Stabbed
Shot
Raped
Killed

I know it sounds extreme but here in London all of the above is very common, 'Broken Britain' as they call it is on the increase and I hate even leaving my son at Nursery anymore where I cant keep an eye on him.
I long to leave but can't yet financially, I feel it'd be safer to migrate once I can afford to buy a house of my own there as renting without a job will be a gamble to if i'll find one in time to continue paying my rent, and with a child its even more of a risk. Good thing in a way because it gives me lot's of time to find out more, and levels of crime is an important factor as I don't want to go from one crime ridden city to another.

I'm interested in every part of Portugal Especially Lisbon and the surrounding areas, Central Portugal and all along the Silver Coast, if anyone personally has had any experience of the above and where and how-common occurances are to your knowledge.

Also be interesting to hear of the exact opposite, if you've never experienced any of the above i'd be interested to know where and how long you've lived there for!

I know crime is everywhere, it's the frequency of it that i'm interested in.
Thanks. ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal blueskies http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33366-crime-portugal.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33232-campsites-france-spain-central-portugal.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:43:23 GMT Can anyone help, we are planning our journey down to the Algarve, probabley from St Malo, heading towards Bayonne and across Spain to central PT and... Can anyone help, we are planning our journey down to the Algarve, probabley from St Malo, heading towards Bayonne and across Spain to central PT and down, we are looking at travelling about 8 hours a day, we will be towing a caravan and have 2 dogs with us.
I was wondering if anyone has any experience of good campsites on this route, that are open all year round.
I would welcome any suggestions ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal deburto http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33232-campsites-france-spain-central-portugal.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33220-living-tomar-area.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:17:46 GMT Hi, we are presently living in Sao Martinho, having been here 6 out of 25 weeks, and next spring will need to move. We are thinking about the Tomar... Hi, we are presently living in Sao Martinho, having been here 6 out of 25 weeks, and next spring will need to move. We are thinking about the Tomar region and have already paid a fleeting visit to see our Forum friend Omostra. We would like to hear from anyone who has moved there to read of your experiences and opinions of the area. Our main concern is the weather in summer and winter as here near the coast the temperatures seem to be 'bearable'. We do not want to live in 35-40 degrees of heat nor do we want wet and cold winters.

We will no doubt be attending the xmas party that is being arranged so hope to meet up with a few of you then.

Has the party been sorted yet?

Cheers and thanks. ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal beverleyp http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33220-living-tomar-area.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33192-fiscal-number.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:27:58 GMT I am an International Student in Sweden from Bangladesh. I want to get residence permit in Portugal. I have full time USA job - which I am... I am an International Student in Sweden from Bangladesh.

I want to get residence permit in Portugal.

I have full time USA job - which I am doing over internet from Sweden.

Is it possible to apply for Fiscal(Tax) number in Portugal over internet. For me it is very tough to visit Portugal.

Please help me out this - how can I do all applications and paper works for Portugal over internet.

Thanks in Advance for the guidance. ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal Lemon http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33192-fiscal-number.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33189-radio-show-guests.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 10:06:14 GMT Anyone interested in having a telephone interview live on the Radio this Saturday, we are looking for a couple of Central Portugal, expats that... Anyone interested in having a telephone interview live on the Radio this Saturday,

we are looking for a couple of Central Portugal, expats that would like to take part in a new English Language radio show starting this Saturday at 10am.

Just a five minute chat about living here in Portugal, what you like what you dont like, etc.

anyone interested please drop me an email or pm ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal omostra06 http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33189-radio-show-guests.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33183-where-stay-algarve-cheap.html Wed, 18 Nov 2009 08:35:55 GMT I'll be flying into Faro in a week and have yet to set up temporary accomodation for the first few days while looking for longer term rental.
I'd like some recommendations for cheap hotels in a central location where I can take public transportation to various places on the coast and a bit inland, as well as walk to amenities during my stay, such as restaurants (good traditional, from scratch kind of food), ATMs, groceries etc.
So cheap but still decent, clean, safe. I have two young children, youngest is 2. I have looked at hostelworld.com and it seems that I must pay for the toddler full price (as for an additional person)--does anyone know if this is true? If so, maybe a hotel that charges a flat rate would be a cheaper option?
What towns fit my criterias? I'd like to be somewhat central from where I could travel both east and west easily.

Thanks! ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal swedeinus http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33183-where-stay-algarve-cheap.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33139-kindergartens-gas-bottles.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:49:24 GMT Hello all

I hope someone out there can help me with two dilemmas we're currently facing:
We've recently moved to Sao Joao do Estoril from Korea, and we've shipped all our household goods in the process. I have found part-time employment teaching English, and my husband is currently doing freelance translation work from home. We are both looking for full-time work, but in the meantime we're earning enough to keep going.

The first, and biggest dilemma we're facing is finding a good, yet reasonably priced creche/ kindergarten for our son to attend (he's almost 3) in the Cascais/Estoril area. Although we're working, we're not earning a great deal as yet, since neither of us have full-time jobs. We've looked into kindergartens in the immediate area, but they all start charging at around 400 euros per month. This, when converted, is the equivalent of the tuition fees charged by the top university in Korea!! At this point in time this is a big stretch for us financially, but we also both currently need to be able to work for at least half the day. There is therefore no choice, our son has to go to kindergarten, at least in the mornings. Does anyone out there know of a good, reliable daycare facility / creche / kindergarten that will charge less than this (and believe me, we looked into the free government-funded ones - they have waiting lists) in the Cascais/Estoril area?

My second dilemma relates to the gas bottles that are in use in Portugal. I've shipped my gas oven, but can't use the oven itself, as the gas here is diferent from what is in use in Korea. Does anyone know if one can get LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) bottles anywhere in Portugal?

Any information you may have will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you. ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal mickie_dw http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33139-kindergartens-gas-bottles.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33137-some-info-about-importing-car-portugal.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:53:12 GMT Ola,

Here's some information from the Portuguese Consulate in The U.S. about importing a car to Portugal for anyone else who is considering taking their automobile. I'm still trying to decide about bringing my car over! Hope this is helpful:


DUTY FREE IMPORTATION OF AUTOMOBILES INTO PORTUGAL


Persons Who Can Benefit:

1. Portuguese citizens, older than 18 years of age, holders of valid driver’s licenses, who have been residing abroad for over 12 months, and are returning to Portugal.
2. Professors working under exchange programs and Foreign Service officials working for the Portuguese Government.
3. Citizens of other European Union countries, older than 18, holders of valid driver’s licenses, who have been residing abroad for over 24 months, and who are transferring their residency to Portugal.

Exceptions: Citizens of non-European Union countries transferring residency to Portugal, or Portuguese citizens who have lost Portuguese nationality by voluntarily acquiring another citizenship before 1981, are not exempt.
Students, interns, or individuals who are executing specific duration functions for a limit two years period.

General Information

The Consulate must issue an importation certificate to be submitted to the customs in Portugal. The automobile must be imported at the time the applicant is transferring his/her residence to Portugal.

The following documents must be submitted:

Original Title as proof that vehicle has been in applicant’s possession for over 12 months prior to being imported into Portugal.
Vehicle registration issued by the local Motor Vehicle Department.
Proof of continuous residence during the last 1 year, such as letters from employer, income tax receipts, visa, rent bills, utilities, etc;
Valid driver’s license issued at least in the last 12 months(either US or Portuguese)

Legalization of the Vehicle in Portugal

The request for duty free entry must be presented to the Customs authorities in Portugal within 12 months from the date vehicle arrived in Portugal. The vehicle must be legalized in Portugal within 180 days from the date of arrival. Failure to follow these regulations will result in the applicant being ordered to pay the customs fees.

The vehicle cannot be sold, lent, leased or otherwise transferred to another person within the first 12 months of importation, and may be driven only by the owner, or his/her spouse or children.

Consular Fees
Certificate of Importation .................................................. ......................................... US$ 99,90
Certificate of Residency .................................................. .......................................... US$ 36,75
Certificate of authenticity of US driver’s license (*) .................................................. ... US$ 35,35
(*) For applicants who do not possess a valid Portuguese drivers license
All fees payable in cash, money order or certified check. Personal checks are not accepted ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal BellaLuna http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33137-some-info-about-importing-car-portugal.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33105-gibraltar.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 09:55:18 GMT Has anyone visited Gibraltar? Has anyone visited Gibraltar? ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal siobhanwf http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33105-gibraltar.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33002-telephone-adapter-use-portugal-question-about-internet-provider.html Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:35:04 GMT I'm bringing my US-bought laptop to Portugal and have read on walkabouttravel.com that two kinds of phone jacks are in use there, the Denmark /Portugal (#22DEPT) and the North American RJ11. Which one will I most likely encounter? I wonder if I should buy the adapter for the 22DEPT, or whether RJ11 is widely used in which case I wouldn't need an adapter at all.

Also, what's available for internet service? Will they service foreigners? I won't have a Portuguese bank account since I'll be there for only 6 months, and not sure that I will register as a resident (don't have medical insurance).

Thanks. ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal swedeinus http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/33002-telephone-adapter-use-portugal-question-about-internet-provider.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32951-galp-gas-re-connection.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 15:15:19 GMT Hi My Gas was cut off yesterday, apparantly some confusion over the direct debit from my landlords account, anybody know what the process is to... Hi

My Gas was cut off yesterday, apparantly some confusion over the direct debit from my landlords account, anybody know what the process is to get reconnected,

also anybody know where the Galp office is in Albufeira.

Thanks

TJ ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal mayotom http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32951-galp-gas-re-connection.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32945-bank-account-banco-espirito-santo-bes.html Sat, 14 Nov 2009 12:57:10 GMT Hi everyone, I live in Lisbon now and I am posting this thread to ask if any of you had any good/bad experiences with Banco Espirito Santo (BES)?... Hi everyone,

I live in Lisbon now and I am posting this thread to ask if any of you had any good/bad experiences with Banco Espirito Santo (BES)?

I opened a bank account with BES at the end of last month and so far, it seems like this bank likes to mess around with my money.

First, they automatically signed me up for life insurance that I never asked, so I had to go to the bank account and cancel it immediately.

A day later, BES created a second account under my name and transferred 90% of my money from my main account into the second account. I never authorised them for the transfer.

I will stop by the bank on Monday why they did that and then I will transfer again the money to my main account.

I wonder if other banks like BCP Millenium or Santander Totta, etc. do this.

I have lived in England, Holland, Germany, United States, and Canada and this is the first time I have had such experience with a bank that is messing around a lot with my money without my authorisation.

Thanks! ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal bershka http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32945-bank-account-banco-espirito-santo-bes.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32859-furniture-shops.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:19:34 GMT Hi Is there anyone out there that can recommend several good furniture shops in the silver coast region near Penich , caldas da raine but not to... Hi

Is there anyone out there that can recommend several good furniture shops in the silver coast region near Penich , caldas da raine but not to buy whole furniture packages as I have serched the net but no luck that can possibly deliver within a couple of days. Bedroom and various other items:)

Thanks Antonina ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal Antonina http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32859-furniture-shops.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32849-house-enquiries.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:11:46 GMT Hi All For a long time now i have been interested in Timber Frame houses. On my last trip i went to see a friend who was having a TF house built.... Hi All

For a long time now i have been interested in Timber Frame houses. On my last trip i went to see a friend who was having a TF house built. I was very impressed with what i saw but i was left with a few questions.

How come wood houses don't get eaten by termites and It must be vulnerable in a fire or is it.

Come on guys help reassure me with your views.

Peter


]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal PETERFC http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32849-house-enquiries.html http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32835-when-last-earthquake-portugal.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 12:55:44 GMT If you are worried have a look at this site Instituto de Meteorologia, IP Portugal (http://www.meteo.pt/pt/sismologia/actividade/) Alpiarça on... If you are worried have a look at this site

Instituto de Meteorologia, IP Portugal

Alpiarça on October 14th at 18.53:50 with a strength of 3.1 :eek: ]]> Portugal Expat Forum for Expats Living in Portugal siobhanwf http://www.expatforum.com/expats/portugal-expat-forum-expats-living-portugal/32835-when-last-earthquake-portugal.html