JanineWesterweel
South African expat in Portugal
Forum posts
43
Contacts
10
About me
South African
Lives in Lisbon District
Speaks English; Afrikaans. Studied French, German & Italian. Plan to start learning Portuguese soon!
Registration: 18 June 2018
strange allergy by superkev
Hello we are thinking of retiring to the Algarve having stayed there the last few winters, However I get a strange allergy which brings me out in lots of small spots like mosquito bites which are very itchy. The medical centres say its an allergy to ...
Hi Superkev This is something that I am battling with at this very moment, so I'm interested to hear if anyone else has experienced this and what they think it is. My husband also suggested yesterday that it might be an allergy. I don't know ... Read More
Looking to move from South Africa to Portugal, where to start!!! by SheenaNut
Hi Everyone, I am in the process of trying to sell up in South Africa and would like to relocate to Portugal but I have no idea where to start. Do I need to do all the legal paper work first regarding immigrating before buying property or is that ...
You're welcome. I only wish I'd found them long before we left, cos one thing I didn't know about was the certificate of bagagem that you need BEFORE you leave. Customs informed us quite cheerfully yesterday that they've sent every ... Read More
Looking to move from South Africa to Portugal, where to start!!! by SheenaNut
Hi Everyone, I am in the process of trying to sell up in South Africa and would like to relocate to Portugal but I have no idea where to start. Do I need to do all the legal paper work first regarding immigrating before buying property or is that ...
Hi guys I couldn't get any South Africa-specific info on this site when I needed it. My advice to you would be to join the FB group South Africans helping South Africans in Portugal. It has a ton of very valuable info there (including files on ... Read More
Healthcare Question (Again) by Pazzone
Hello guys, I have been trying to find out exactly about healthcare requirements to move to Portugal. Our situation is a bit different than a lot of members of the forum or i cannot find the information i really need to know. Our situation is ...
Hi David I can share our experience with you. My husband is an EU citizen. I am South African. I know that Americans have it a bit easier than we do with this process, but can't give you the full info on that - others here will be able to give ... Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Numero de Identifica莽ao de Seguran莽a Social - your social security number 馃槈 Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Thank you :) Hoping and praying... I think that's a good idea. We used an agent to import our furboy because he told us that customs is very strict and very tricky... it worked perfectly with our dog and now I understand what he meant! Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi @Dilys My two cents worth on all of your queries... :) 1. Chronic condition/health: Since my previous post, I've now had my first consultation with the doctor at our Centro de Saude, who was very good, very thorough and caring. She also did ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Portugal? Is the public ...
@DCretiree, if you're sending personal items i.e. moving your goods to your new home, you can circumvent the customs duty by stating that. Once your packages/boxes arrive and you receive the notice from CTT, go onto their website, register ... Read More
Portugal Weather by Joelpdev1
What is the Portugal weather like in winter time. Is it similar to Cape Town or Durban?
Well...@daffodil-11, I don't know if I'd say "more uncomfortable". South Africa has the same mentality as Portugal, it seems. They think it never gets cold enough for central heating and never hot enough for air conditioning (in ... Read More
Portugal Weather by Joelpdev1
What is the Portugal weather like in winter time. Is it similar to Cape Town or Durban?
Hi Joelpdev1 It is very similar to Cape Town's REAL winter (not what we've had in the last few years of drought). In other words, cold and rainy at the same time. The big difference is that the rain doesn't usually last long and you ... Read More
Medical Insurance by Dan Plute
I am 76 and having difficulty seeking reasonable cost private medical insurance for myself. I have a EU passport from Ireland. I am also seeking a private policy for my wife who is 64. I was told the auto club of Portugal has reasonable medical ...
Hi there We are already "on the ground", having been here for 3 months now ( my husband for 6). He's in his 60's, I'm in my 50's and I, as a Type 1 Diabetic, am about to get into the whole public vs private issue. I now ... Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi Pat Thanks for your detailed reply :) My idea is to try and get away from paying for private medical care. I've done it all my life and found that even with specialist visits/treatment, I ended up paying in far more every month than I ... Read More
Do foreigners need a local guarantor to rent ? by marcus-bremen
Is it true, that foreigners need a local guarantor to rent an apartment in Portugal?
Hi Sue Would you mind sending me a PM with the lawyer's details please? Kind regards Janine Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi Pat I see we're on the same page with most things! However, I'm interested to know why you think private medical is important? My husband and I both need chronic meds - and in fact, I'm a diabetic, so I need a lot more medical care ... Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi Amanda, lovely :) We're very remote, but let's keep in touch (pm me with details) and see if we can make a plan closer to the time! Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi Ali Yeah, sorry about that... :( but to be quite honest, I wish I had known some of these things before moving - especially the dire housing situation! It wouldn't have changed our minds at all, and it still would not change our minds now. ... Read More
Moving to Portugal (2019) and very excited but also very apprehensive by ALIREYNOLDS67
Hi everyone, My partner (Joe), 3 dogs and I are planning on moving to Portugal sometime this year and leaving cold Fife in Scotland behind. We are planning on renting first so we can decide where we want to live. (Not beside the beach as dogs cant ...
Hi Ali Tomorrow will mark 3 months since my daughter and I left SA and joined my husband, who has now been here for 6 months. He's lived through the worst of that really hot summer and now this really cold winter. I know it probably doesn't ... Read More
Language requirements for citizenship
Hi there Yes, I've read that too. Am just keen to know how it's measured for citizenship. Regards Janine Read More
Language requirements for citizenship
Hi everyone Who on this forum has already been through the citizenship application? I'm keen to know what level of language proficiency you needed and how was it measured in order to obtain citizenship - i.e. oral or written exam? Was it very ... Read More
Vet for Pet Passport near Praia De Luzand Walking Football
Hi Steve Have you had a look at the veterinary site yet: http://www.dgv.min-agricultura.pt/portal/page/portal/DGV/genericos?generico=22785089&cboui=22785089 There are also additional requirements for dogs from the UK. Kind regards Janine Read More
Convert South African Drivers License to Portuguese license by Graeme.Duckworth
Can anyone advise the process of converting a South African Drivers license to a Portuguese license. Is it necessary to do a test or do the accept the South African license without a driving test.
Could work 馃槈 Or maybe CNAI could help... Read More
Convert South African Drivers License to Portuguese license by Graeme.Duckworth
Can anyone advise the process of converting a South African Drivers license to a Portuguese license. Is it necessary to do a test or do the accept the South African license without a driving test.
Still no replies? Gee Graeme, it seems there aren't enough Saffas on here to answer your question... 馃槙 Read More
What documents do I need to move to Portugal? by netdobeiras
I have lived in America all my life and was born here as well. Recently I decided that I should give a try at life in Portugal however I'm not sure if I have every document needed. I am an american citizen and also a portuguese citizen. I have ...
Sounds lovely 馃槉 Setubal .. easy travelling distance to city centre and cheaper rentals ! 馃槤 Read More
What documents do I need to move to Portugal? by netdobeiras
I have lived in America all my life and was born here as well. Recently I decided that I should give a try at life in Portugal however I'm not sure if I have every document needed. I am an american citizen and also a portuguese citizen. I have ...
Hi Sandra Gee, I wish I had tips to share, but I suspect it's more likely to be the other way round! We're about to apply for our Schengen visas and stressing like crazy because they're so strict... 馃槓 If you can sponsor your ... Read More
How much does it cost for a young person to live in Lisbon ? by bfakhriloo
Hi I am gonna relocate to Lisbon for a job opportunity. I wan to to know Can I rent a room with 400鈧� (bills included) ? How much does it cost to cover 3 meals ? For example, can I find an affordable breakfast ?
@bfakhriloo, my advice to you, if it's for a job opportunity, is try to ask your company if they have accommodation, or can assist, because it's a nightmare. And there is such a huge demand that landlords are now charging double your budget ... Read More
How much does it cost for a young person to live in Lisbon ? by bfakhriloo
Hi I am gonna relocate to Lisbon for a job opportunity. I wan to to know Can I rent a room with 400鈧� (bills included) ? How much does it cost to cover 3 meals ? For example, can I find an affordable breakfast ?
Thought not. Your stock reply of "check this forum under housing" is actually not helpful, as the very, very few listings that do appear there are mostly in the Algarve, so that doesn't help people wanting accommodation in Lisbon, ... Read More
How much does it cost for a young person to live in Lisbon ? by bfakhriloo
Hi I am gonna relocate to Lisbon for a job opportunity. I wan to to know Can I rent a room with 400鈧� (bills included) ? How much does it cost to cover 3 meals ? For example, can I find an affordable breakfast ?
@stumpy - do you actually live in Lisbon? Read More
What documents do I need to move to Portugal? by netdobeiras
I have lived in America all my life and was born here as well. Recently I decided that I should give a try at life in Portugal however I'm not sure if I have every document needed. I am an american citizen and also a portuguese citizen. I have ...
Speak to Luis Ramos Pena on this site. He's a local lawyer and can advise correctly. But if you're already a citizen, I really can't see much problem with getting a passport as your final step? It might just take some time, but at least ... Read More
What documents do I need to move to Portugal? by netdobeiras
I have lived in America all my life and was born here as well. Recently I decided that I should give a try at life in Portugal however I'm not sure if I have every document needed. I am an american citizen and also a portuguese citizen. I have ...
Hi netdobeiras I don't know much about this, but I have been doing a lot of research and my husband (an EU passport holder, already living and working in Lisbon) is in the process of finding out about us entering as South Africans in October ... Read More
Legal services in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello, Legal services can be a headache when you don't have the relevant and necessary information, especially upon moving to a new country. Please share some tips regarding legal services in Portugal. What types of legal services might an ...
Hi Chris I realise that most of your experience will be with UK citizens, but do you think I would need legal services to apply for entry into Portugal as a South African citizen, or is dealing directly with SEF on our own good enough? My husband ... Read More
Wishing I brought THIS and left behind THAT! by Gowest
So if you could do it again... What would you bring from home that you really can't replace in Portugal and what would you have rather left behind. Spouses don't count haha 馃槀. So yes that was a joke. I will bring my sweetie but ...
It's so good to get all this feedback! I will be leaving for Lisbon in 3 months, when my furboy's veterinary paperwork is done. My husband has already been over there for almost a month. So, I'm here packing up my life and been trying to ... Read More
Help! Any Saffas who have moved pets to Portugal?
Thanks 馃槉 Yes that's what I'm hoping for - that someone out there has done this themselves! I have spoken to one airline directly and they were very helpful and enthusiastic - but if you're using freight/cargo, you apparently need ... Read More
Help! Any Saffas who have moved pets to Portugal?
Hi there I have quotes from 3 companies at this stage, and each one quotes more than the last. My point / question here is: I'm doing all the veterinary paperwork and processes, including state vet just before we leave; I can book him on a ... Read More
Help! Any Saffas who have moved pets to Portugal?
I need any advice that expats from SA can give me, please! I'm trying to relocate my furboy from Cape Town to Lisbon in October. The prices being charged by agents here are really outrageous (between R30k and R50k!) Has anyone done this on ... Read More
Exploring Portugal by JanineWesterweel
We are a step closer to our final move now. My husband is already living and working in Lisbon (for the past week) and as soon as I can wrap things up, I will be on the plane! Getting excited now... :) One of my millions of thoughts has been: how ...
Thanks, I've gone through everything on this site already - including other posts... 馃槈 Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Portugal by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Portugal (cultural adaptation, ...
Thanks Jean-Paul :) And yes, we definitely plan to learn the language properly - I want to be a citizen in 6 years' time! I've had many trips into Mozambique and sold the entire region as a Tour Operator, so I'm familiar with ... Read More
Exploring Portugal
We are a step closer to our final move now. My husband is already living and working in Lisbon (for the past week) and as soon as I can wrap things up, I will be on the plane! Getting excited now... :) One of my millions of thoughts has been: how ... Read More
How to deal with stress when moving to Portugal by Priscilla
Moving abroad is no easy feat. Everyone has their own ways of dealing with stress, so we invite you to share some insights regarding this topic. What are the main factors that contribute to stress when moving to Portugal (cultural adaptation, ...
Hey Priscilla We are in the process of moving across from South Africa. My husband is already in Lisbon and started working this week. My biggest stresses at the moment are: finding him accommodation in the middle of high season!!!; arranging all ... Read More
Moving sales - Final clearance on household items!
Ah man - we miss you by a couple of months. We'll be looking for all of that around September/October when we get there....! Hope you get everything sold and good luck with the next move :) Read More
Work and Life by leeann12
Hi, I am currently in South Africa, desperately wanting to leave, new experiences. Is it difficult to find work, really nervous about that, if my family and I come here, worried that we won't get work? My daughter in law is a qualified dance ...
Hi Lee-Ann We are in the same boat - desperate to move, unsure of work at this stage, the move etc etc....! Would be keen to swap notes with you regarding moving your goods; animals; conditions for entering Portugal... whatever we can share :) ... Read More