Gonçalo Peixoto Updated: June 26, 2026
Moving to a new country is a monumental leap, and while the promise of sun-drenched coastlines, culture-rich cities, and welcoming locals can be accurate, the actual experiences of living in a new place best reveals itself in the quieter day-to-day details.
To understand what the transition to moving to Portugal is actually like, who better to provide the initial impressions of the country than those who have jumped through the hoops.
We spoke with four clients who’ve recently made the move to Portugal from the USA, asking them about their initial surprises, the daily rhythm, and the biggest differences they’ve felt since arriving in the country, to provide an honest reflection and to provide insights to others that may be contemplating the same journey.
Client Spotlight 1: Skylar and Kyle
On warm welcomes, broken Portuguese, and a new pace of life
“We have been fully embraced, invited, taught, immersed, and loved. Our hearts truly could not be more full.”
What surprised you most about Portugal after moving from the USA?
“As Americans moving here, we were a little nervous about what local sentiments were about Americans or foreigners, but overall, it’s been very positive. Strangers speak to us so kindly and have been so welcoming—at the grocery store, cafes, restaurants, plant shops, everywhere! One lady even gave me a free baby poinsettia to welcome us 🥹. We also expected more frustration and annoyance with our broken Portuguese, but we have gotten far more praise and encouragement than we anticipated. And people slow down and work with us instead of immediately switching to English.”
What feels most different about daily life in Portugal?
“1. Work-life balance and making time for family and meals, 2. Mealtimes, 3. Food is very, very different. It’s all amazing, but very different than what we were accustomed to. I think I have to describe myself as a pescatarian instead of a vegetarian now 😅, and 4. availability of public transportation. We love the accessibility and ease of city buses, intercity buses, trains, etc., especially coming from a place where we absolutely had to have a car.”
What has been the biggest positive change?
“The people. I expected it to take us years to make strong connections with people, but it was a matter of weeks. From our landlord, to neighbors, to friends from running clubs and other fitness activities. We have been fully embraced, invited, taught, immersed, and loved. Our hearts truly could not be more full.”
Client Spotlight 2: Ido and Ifat
On authenticity, quality, and a relaxed lifestyle
“Our wellbeing is much better, we are much more relaxed. We love the beauty everywhere.”
What surprised you most about Portugal after moving from the USA?
“How nice, welcoming and relaxed people are. How they know to enjoy life. How good their English is, in Lisbon and the south, at least.”
What feels most different about daily life in Portugal?
“Food and coffee and the high quality of things. The authenticity. Less religious that I thought.”
What has been the biggest positive change?
“Our wellbeing is much better, we are much more relaxed. We love the beauty everywhere.”
Client Spotlight 3: Rob
On easy transitions and an affordable cost of living
“Access to the many things Portugal has to offer is easy, affordable, and quite varied.”
What surprised you most about Portugal after moving from the USA?
“I was pleasantly surprised by how fairly easy and welcoming it has been in my move here from the US. The local people I have met, both professionally and personally, have been a pleasure to have gotten to know. I find that those I have come in contact with are friendly and helpful.”
What feels most different about daily life in Portugal?
“A BIG difference is how friendly people are, as well as being in a safe environment. The daily cost of living is exceptionally less expensive here in Portugal as compared to the US.”
What has been the biggest positive change?
“The biggest positive changes since I have moved to Portugal from the US are how easy the transition has been in moving here. I am finding access to the many things Portugal has to offer is easy, affordable and quite varied.”
Client Spotlight 3: Ginger and Terrie
On leaving the hustle culture behind and finding safety
“It’s refreshing… really resting and having our nervous system recalibrate to feeling safe again.”
What surprised you most about Portugal after moving from the USA?
“Just how friendly the local people are once they know you have made the choice to stay beyond a holiday. We often find store owners, medical clinicians, and service people are really here to help and ensure the concern is resolved.”
What feels most different about daily life in Portugal?
“The walking lifestyle and living in the neighborhood. It’s refreshing to take short jaunts outside and move. Really resting and having our nervous system recalibrate to feeling safe again and living at a pace that more supplements [our lifestyle] vs. the hustle culture.”
What has been the biggest positive change?
“Our love for being here. We were able to navigate and integrate into our area quickly. We’ve made connections with other expats, starting with something in common! This was surprising, as we feel confident we made the right decision.”
What Portugal Offers: Connecting the Threads
If there is a common thread that connects these four American expat experiences in Portugal, it is that moving here isn’t just a change in address, it is a lifestyle change from a fast-paced one to a more relaxed one.
From free welcoming plants and the friendliness of locals, to walkable neighborhoods and a more affordable daily cost of living, slowing down and reconnecting with what you want out of life seems to be the main threads that connect with Americans who have moved to the country.
