Surviving Winter in Portugal: A Guide to Choosing Between Heating and Eating

👋 Hi! It’s Angelique here, welcome to The Expat Hustle, where I share interesting case studies, fun facts, and insights into culture, lifestyle, community, etc., as an expat making a living in Portugal.

What you can expect to bite into today:

🔥 Burning Through Your Income this Winter (and the cost of keeping warm)

🚗 Road-Savvy Tip to Steer Clear of Trouble!

🛠️ Meet the MacGyver of Portugal

Let’s dive in!

HUSTLE HACKS

Can We Just Call It “Character Building” Instead of “Freezing” in Portugal?

For a country that boasts over 300 days of sunshine a year, we were surprised to find that winters here can get really cold.

Though outdoor temperatures may be higher than in most other European countries during the coldest months, it’s, unfortunately, inside our homes where we shiver the most.

Winter’s icy grip took hold of us during our first year in Portugal.

We had just moved into our rental home, and it seemed the cold—and mold—moved in right along with us.

It wasn’t pretty.

And it wasn’t cheap.

Turning up the heat with our electric and gas heaters that first winter had us raiding our daughter’s piggy bank (we’re still paying down the interest on that loan).

During the coldest months, we were forking out a hefty €250 per month on electricity, gas, and firewood combined.

That’s for a household of two adults and one child in a two-bedroom home. Ouch.

But you don’t have to suffer like that.

I did some research (via Reddit, where else) and took in the humble, honest advice from others who’ve braved the high costs and discomfort of Portuguese winters and learned to handle it more efficiently.

Here are the top five tips for staying warm more cost-effectively—and I’ll definitely be putting them to the test this winter!

5 Tips for Taking on the Cold this Winter without Taking it out of Your Christmas Budget:

1. Embrace the Humidity Battle First

   • Humidity, not just the cold, is the main culprit! Start with a dehumidifier (or two!) to keep that dampness in check. This humidifier here has a great efficiency rating, but get the piggy bank ready.

   • Use temperature and humidity sensors around the house for better control—apparently, this makes a huge difference. Check out this nifty little device here.

2. Isolate Before You Insulate

   • Portuguese buildings are made to handle heat, not cold, so take extra steps to seal those drafty windows and doors as much as possible.

3. Choose Your Heating Wisely

   • Air conditioners are currently the cheapest way to heat a room.

   • Gas spot heaters offer affordable warmth too. Find out more here.

   • Oil or electric heaters are cheaper upfront but can rack up the electricity bill fast.

4. Layer Up for Cozy Comfort

   • Hit up Decathlon for ski underwear—yep, even if you’re not hitting the slopes, they’re great for at-home warmth!

   • Add a thick robe, thermal socks (Primark has them for €5), and cozy slippers, and you’re set!

5. Stay Humble, Stay Warm

   • Embrace the Portuguese tradition of layering inside, even if it feels funny—think of it as “indoor chic” for winter!

A few other things to consider are the rates you’re paying per kWh with your current electricity supplier. We’ve switched from EDP to Gold and now to MEO to save as much as possible on each unit of electricity we use.

How are you managing the cold and the cost of staying warm? If you have any insights or hacks, don’t keep them to yourself! Hit reply to this email, and we might do a Take 2 on keeping warm. 🔥

QUICK TIPS 🗲

The Extensive Documents List for Driving In Portugal - Just One Document Shy of Your Birth Certificate

Just three weeks ago, the GNR waved us down for our insurance and roadworthy documents. Naively, we pointed at the little sticker on the windshield, only to learn it’s no longer mandatory—and definitely not enough! You need the full insurance document in the car.

And registration? They didn’t want the ID card lookalike or the tiny green badge. They needed the full inspection certificate.

We fumbled through the mess of tools and tissues (my car doubles as my husband’s Handyman Van), nervously admitting we had no clue originals were required. Luckily, they let us off with a frown and a wagging finger. Graças a Deus—could’ve been worse!

Quick Reference Checklist for Driving in Portugal:

• Photographic ID (passport recommended)

• Full insurance document

• Full vehicle inspection certificate

• Vehicle identification document and card

• Driver’s license (Your original driving license - Portuguese or other)

• If you're from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit

• Proof of ownership: Portuguese law also says you should produce the 'title record' of the vehicle.

Read more here and here for in-depth driving details.

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HUSTLE SPOTLIGHT

The MacGyver of All Hustlers

How long have you been living in Portugal?

We just passed our three-year anniversary here.

What was the original hussle plan when you moved to Portugal?

I planned to start a distillery. Back in South Africa, I was making brandy on the side for friends and acquaintances, and I enjoyed it so much I wanted to turn it into a full-time venture once we moved.

What happened to that plan?

It’s been delayed due to a series of unfortunate events! First, we took the wrong advice, we had all our money tied up in our Portuguese bank account as security for a loan on a car we bought. We rushed into signing the contract without fully translating or understanding the terms. Then, I entrusted my business back in South Africa to the wrong people, and it ended up closing. Most recently, I had a near-death experience and had to undergo brain surgery at the main public hospital in Coimbra. I’m still aiming to start my distillery—I just need to navigate a bit more red tape first.

What is your hustle now?

I registered as an independent contractor shortly after arriving and have been working as a handyman for over two years. It’s closely tied to my skills (I’m a qualified Tool-, Jig-, and Die Maker with solid electrical and mechanical knowledge), and I enjoy the work—especially meeting other expats.

What’s something small that you took for granted in your home country but really miss now?

A good steak.

What’s been the greatest improvement to your life since moving to Portugal?

Sleeping with both eyes closed and not paying for armed response companies to watch over us at night!

What has been the greatest frustration or drawback to life in Portugal?

The way people drive. It drives me crazy! I have a close encounter on the roads nearly every day.

If you could give yourself one piece of advice for your first month in Portugal, what would it be?

Don’t listen to other people’s advice—follow your gut.

If you could create a Portugal survival kit for new expats from your home country, what would be in it?

Decent and strong pain medication, Mrs Balls Chutney, and effective fly repellant.

What’s one Portuguese word or phrase you absolutely can’t live without now?

Onde é a casa de banho?

Wayne is the go-to handyman in Alcobaça and the surrounding areas. You can visit his Facebook page here.

LOST IN LINGO

I Speak “A Little” Portuguese 🤨

Learning Portuguese can feel overwhelming at first. In the video above, you’ll discover helpful phrases for setting expectations about your confidence and fluency in Portuguese. This fantastic YouTube channel is perfect for learning conversational and practical Portuguese, and their paid app is an excellent learning tool, too!

Sentence of the week ✏️

É muita areia para o meu caminhão.

Literal translation: “this is too much sand for my truck”.

Explanation: You’ve taken on too much, my fellow expat: new foods, new culture, new friends, new hobbies. Here, take it easy this weekend with today’s lesson in plurals:

3 CHEERS! 🎉✨🎉

Let’s celebrate!

• Started a new gig or side hustle?

• Landed a job?

• Received a local award?

• Celebrating a milestone on your expat journey?

Send me your small (or big) wins and we’ll raise a glass to you in the next newsletter.

Thanks for reading! 💌

Hustle on!

Angelique🧞‍♀️

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PS, what’s your hustle story? Write to me and you could be in the next hustle spotlight!

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