Your Guide to a Smarter Life in Portugal
- Suf Zen (Asaf Eyzenkot)
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
A Burtucala Community Feature: Portugal remains one of the most affordable countries in Western Europe, but let's be honest: prices are rising. The good news? The expat community is a goldmine of wisdom on how to live a richer, fuller, and smarter life without breaking the bank. We’ve gathered the best real-world tips to help you thrive.
Living well in Portugal isn't about spending less; it's about spending smarter. It’s about knowing which supermarket to go to for fresh produce, which monthly pass will save you a fortune on transport, and which new companies are disrupting the market to your benefit. This is your community-sourced guide to a better, more affordable life.
The Supermarket Showdown
Every expat has their own fiercely defended grocery strategy. Here’s the consensus:
The Pingo Doce vs. Continente Dance: The unwritten rule is that Pingo Doce often has better prices on fresh produce and staples, while Continente shines with its wider selection and excellent "marca branca" (white-label) products, which are often just as good as the big brands.
Lidl & Aldi for the Win: For weekly basics and surprisingly good specialty items (especially during their themed weeks), these German giants are unbeatable for value.
Embrace the Mercado: For the absolute best fish, fruit, and vegetables, nothing beats your local municipal market. The prices are fair, the quality is superb, and it’s a core Portuguese cultural experience.
The Monthly Bill Battle: Banking, Phones & Utilities
This is where you can save hundreds of euros a year with a few smart choices.
Rethink Your Bank: While you may need a traditional Portuguese bank for certain things like a mortgage, for daily transactions they can be expensive.
Services like Wise and Revolut (For Individuals or Businesses)offer multi-currency accounts with minimal fees, making them perfect for expats managing finances across borders.
The Telecom Shake-Up: For years, the mobile and internet market was dominated by a few big players. But new disruptors like DIGI are entering the market, offering highly competitive prices and shaking things up. Before you sign a long-term contract (fidelização), compare the new players—you could cut your bill in half.
The Dehumidifier Secret: In the damp Portuguese winter, a small, energy-efficient dehumidifier can often make your home feel warmer and more comfortable than a power-hungry space heater, saving you a fortune on your EDP bill.
The Corporate Hack: Smarter Spending for Business Owners
If you own a business or work as a freelancer in Portugal, this tip is a game-changer.
Meet Coverflex: This is a benefits platform that is revolutionizing how companies handle expenses. As a business owner, you can use a Coverflex card to pay for meals, supermarket shopping, transport, and even childcare. These expenses are allocated as employee benefits, which can significantly reduce your company's tax burden (TSU/Social Security). It's a powerful tool for using pre-tax money on everyday costs, and a fantastic benefit to offer your employees.
The Art of the Menu do Dia
This isn't just a tip; it's a way of life. The Menu do Dia or Prato do Dia (lunch menu) is your ticket to a fantastic, affordable meal. For a set price, you'll typically get soup, a main course (fish or meat), a drink, and sometimes dessert and coffee. It’s how locals eat well every day, and it’s a tradition every expat should embrace with open arms.
Living smartly in Portugal is a collective effort. It’s about sharing the knowledge that makes life easier and more enjoyable for everyone. At Burtucala, we’re proud to be the platform where that community wisdom is shared.
Have a tip of your own? Share it in the comments and let's continue the conversation!
