Hello and thank you for being a DL contributor. We are changing the login scheme for contributors for simpler login and to better support using multiple devices. Please click here to update your account with a username and password.

Hello. Some features on this site require registration. Please click here to register for free.

Hello and thank you for registering. Please complete the process by verifying your email address. If you can't find the email you can resend it here.

Hello. Some features on this site require a subscription. Please click here to get full access and no ads for $1.99 or less per month.

American expats in Portugal - a renewed form of imperialism or a blessing for Europe?

I was reading the article linked and I have found it interesting. People from the West Coast in particular, seem to like the idea of moving to Portugal because it's cheaper, safer, picturesque and both university and healthcare are free. Also, they have 5 years to be able to apply for nationality, which means that they will enjoy the same rights as EU citizens.

However, they have also caused a 500% increase in rent and property prices since 2016, and some of the reasons that they have for moving to Portugal seem to be extremely superficial - wanting a more relaxed lifestyle, disliking how contentious US politics have become and wanting to wind down and work less for the same amount of money. I have also found it supremely annoying that some of them stupidly think that Portugal would have similar cultural traits to Southern California, and are shocked that Mexican food is not commonplace and they have to learn Portuguese.

All in all, this is an interesting article, even though I am not sure whether having an influx of whimsical rich wannabes from L.A. is good for Europe.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 2May 19, 2022 12:56 PM

As long as they understand that they will always be "americanos", "gringos"...

by Anonymousreply 1May 19, 2022 12:33 PM

Would anyone of the darling poison flowers on DL like to leave the US for Portugal? I am dying to know your reasons!

by Anonymousreply 2May 19, 2022 12:56 PM
Loading
Need more help? Click Here.

Yes indeed, we too use "cookies." Take a look at our privacy/terms or if you just want to see the damn site without all this bureaucratic nonsense, click ACCEPT. Otherwise, you'll just have to find some other site for your pointless bitchery needs.

×

Become a contributor - post when you want with no ads!