Alex Trias, a retired attorney, has spent the last ten years navigating life in Lisbon, Portugal, after relocating from the Washington, DC area. Since making this significant move in 2015 with his wife and daughter, Trias has embraced the Portuguese lifestyle, integrating into the local culture while maintaining a connection to his American roots.
His online work as an author of the “Investment Pancake” series on SeekingAlpha.com made him a self-taught expert as the published author of nearly 500 articles. His latest adventures include tax planning and investing for early retirement, as well as exploring fresh produce and culinary delights sourced from Lisbon’s farms and markets. His deep current and past foreign exchanges provide an uncommon lens. He knows first-hand the promise and pitfalls of making the move to this picturesque European destination.
The idea of moving to Portugal began to take shape shortly after Trias and his family arrived for a vacation. Barely two days into their trip, they were already making plans to move themselves. You’ll freaking love it as an ocean dweller. Just amazing,” Trias said. So imagine that beautiful, sunny day in Lisbon—it’s one of the dozens of great things about living here!
According to the latest studies, Portugal is the number one most sought-after country for Americans who want to move abroad. This trend is indicative of the country’s growing popularity due to its positive lifestyle and cost of living considerations. Trias cautions that while in-place living may cost less than comparable lifestyles in the U.S., Americans have additional administrative hurdles to overcome. These barriers result in out-of-pocket costs.
Trias explained that ‘laid back’ and ‘low stress’ adventures are two different experiences. This distinction matters, especially for people used to efficiency and white glove customer service. This statement, though seemingly simple, rings true for many expatriates who discover that the transition from an old routine to a slower lifestyle can be difficult. It’s not just equipment and infrastructure—this cultural transition will take time and as much commitment to a new, healthier way of life.
So far, they’ve had an easy time adjusting—surprisingly easy, according to Trias— to life in Portugal. Of course, they’ve taken part in an array of Lisbon’s expat-centered group activities, which have only fortified that feeling of community. This newfound relationship to their new-found local and global neighbors has helped make their time in Portugal more culturally rich.
For anyone looking to make a move like this, Trias advises starting by deriving an aggressive budget from what you’re presently spending. This is an approach that allows people to better save and spend their money, even as they adjust to a new market. On top of this, he urges any would-be expats to consider currency fluctuations into the mix when figuring their move abroad.
Then there are the administrative burdens, Trias continues, such as figuring out which tax obligations to comply with. It’s meant that his family has had to pay both a U.S. accountant and a local accountant to ensure their taxes are filed correctly. These additional administrative steps can make the relocation process more cumbersome. They are imperative for complying with both US and Portuguese environmental standards.
Nature lovers and thrill-seekers will be in heaven on outdoor adventures in Portugal. Trias is often found hiking along Guincho Beach in the evenings, particularly on days when the surf is up. These kind of activities help him be mindful of the natural beauty around him, all while packing in heart healthy activities into his schedule.
Returning to San Francisco
After a decade in Portugal, Trias looks back fondly on his experience. In his view, no experience has deepened his life, professional and personally, like living abroad and learning about other cultures. His family still experiences the privilege of being able to feel culturally “American,” even while having lived in Portugal for over a decade.