As the weight of the news cycle grows heavier for many Americans, Portugal keeps emerging as a dream escape—a place of stability, beauty, and a slower pace of life. But the overwhelming lack of knowledge mixed with often misleading advice found online can lead newcomers astray.

If you're considering making Portugal your home, here are some hard truths worth reflecting on before making the move.

Humility Goes a Long Way

You never hear about the "Ugly Canadian", but the "Ugly American" is a well-known stereotype—one built on arrogance, intolerance, and a lack of cultural awareness. For generations, Portugal has been a nation of emigrants, moving abroad in search of a better life. They learned new languages, integrated into their communities, and never forgot where they came from.

American exceptionalism is in decline, and perhaps now is the time to learn some empathy. Portugal is a proud country with its own traditions, and respect goes both ways. If Americans expatswant to be welcomed here, they must be better than their history of exclusion back home.

Lisbon Is Not Portugal

Once charming and affordable, Lisbon has become overcrowded and unaffordable—mostly for the Portuguese who were born and raised there. Expats and real estate investors are often blamed for pricing locals out, and the trend is now spreading to Porto and the Algarve.

The good news? 95% of Portugal remains untouched by over tourism and investor speculation. If you plan to buy property, consider restoring abandoned or underutilized homes rather than driving locals out. This is their country, and you are their guest. So, give back.

Can I Earn Good Wages?

No. Portuguese salaries are significantly lower than those in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Germany.

If you’re moving to Portugal, don’t expect U.S.-level wages—salaries here are much lower, and the cost of living, while affordable, reflects local earnings. Adjusting expectations is key to a smooth transition - so think of how you can bring in good wages by remote working.

Is Portuguese Hard to Learn?

No, not really. Portuguese is actually classified as a Category 1 language, meaning it is one of the easier languages for English speakers to learn. Yet, only 22% of Americans speak a second language ( and those are Latinos ), and many expats in Portugal never even attempt to learn.

If you’re planning to stay long-term, learning basic Portuguese is not just polite—it’s necessary to fully integrate and navigate daily life.

"The Portuguese Treat Their Dogs Terribly"

Animal welfare is an issue in every country, and while stray dogs and neglect exist in Portugal, let’s not pretend the U.S. has a perfect record.

Each year in the U.S.:

• 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty.
• 250,000 animals are victims of hoarding, living in unsanitary, inhumane conditions.
• 400,000 dogs are euthanized annually in shelters.

Instead of judgment, consider supporting local animal shelters or adoption efforts to make a difference.

"Portuguese Homes Are Poorly Built"

Portugal’s older homes were built for a different climate—thick stone walls and tiled floors designed to stay cool in summer, not necessarily warm in winter. But this is easily fixed with modern insulation, a quality wood stove, or a ductless AC unit.

The real question: Do you want a home built to last centuries, or a U.S.-style house that will need replacing in 50 years?

Are You an Expat, Immigrant, or Refugee?

Words matter. If you are fleeing political turmoil, you are a refugee. If you are seeking a better life, you are an immigrant. If you live abroad but refuse to integrate, you are an expat.

Think carefully about how you define yourself. Are you here to be a part of Portugal, to pay taxes, contribute, and engage—or are you here to take advantage of what’s offered without giving back?

What You Won’t Find in Portugal

If you’re leaving the U.S. in search of something better, you should know what you won’t find here:

• Handguns and assault weapons – In 2023 alone, nearly 46,728 people died from gun-related violence in the U.S., including more than 2,500 children.
• For-profit healthcare – While Portugal’s healthcare system has challenges, it is affordable and accessible to all residents. No one has to skip medication or forgo treatment due to cost.
• Ultra-processed food – Less than 10% of food in Portugal is processed, compared to the U.S., where 40% of the population is obese.
• Student debt crises – Education here is affordable, and students don’t graduate into lifelong debt.
• Divisive nationalism – The Portuguese love to debate, but when it comes to their nation, they stand together.

Portugal Is Not Your Escape—It’s a Place to Call Home

To those looking to move here, I offer this simple advice:

Respect Portugal. Treat this land well. Don’t judge it or try to remake it in the image of the country you fled.

Embrace Portugal for what it is—its culture, history, and people. Happiness is not about the place—it’s about your willingness to adapt and appreciate life as it is. That's our truth - we can earn more in other lands - but those lands are not Portugal.