It's time to get out of UK...
Jun 7th 2018, 1:57 pm
#16
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,148
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
I'm not a fan of the whole UK either and while the whole UK might be dull for you, many feel the same about Portugal. Somebody who's unemployed living in a nice looking village with maintained roundabouts funded by the EU, hates these roundabouts and would rather have the government invest money elsewhere.
Jun 17th 2018, 8:38 am
#17
Just Joined
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 5
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
we are mid 50's and getting organised to move to algarve fill time sooner rather than later, we have a son whos 36 who lives there now, we have 17 yr old twins and we have waited till now to move as we wanted them out of school, before the move as we felt it best they finished their education in scotland rather than he upset of change while trying to do exams and language, not sure how well they would have managed
Jun 17th 2018, 9:03 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,313
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
Our granddaughter moved over to the Algarve when she was nearly two years' old. Sixteen years' later she is fluent in Portuguese as well as English. She started off in a creche, then went to a Portuguese private school until she was 15, and is now in a secondary state school. The private school is Olhão was good, but by no means outstanding, and was reasonably priced compared with private day schools in England. The secondary school in Olhão is not very good, thanks to the attitude of a lot of teachers; they specialize in taking a lot of time off, leaving their classes with no teacher. The school does not have a system of employing supply teachers, presumably because of a lack of finance, and so our granddaughter has a lot of free periods every week. Her parents pay for extra tuition so that she can complete her education and this seems to be the norm at her school. Hopefully she will pass her exams despite the attitude/behaviour of her teachers. I don't know whether this is typical of secondary education elsewhere in Portugal; I sincerely hope it is not widespread but I get the impression that the education system is like it is because of the attitude of the State. There are a lot of disgruntled teachers who complain about the State education system, career prospects and management generally. My wife and I have to agree with them to a certain degree.
Jun 17th 2018, 9:25 am
#19
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 6,313
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
Hi Guys,
Like many, I feel it's time to move on from the UK. Born and raised in South London, then moved to Manchester in 2003 where I currently reside with my 3 kids (8,10,11)
I'm hoping by Gods grace, to move to PT 2019. I've been doing lots of research (and i'm getting the feeling this is the right move) and checking out the job market. I know making a move anywhere is never easy, especially with kids, however, it's got to be done!
I would like advice/info on schools as honestly, I cannot afford to send all of my three kids to the private schools in PT, unless it's reasonable priced -which i've yet to see.
I would appreciate any info from expats/locals who have knowledge or know others who have sent their children to any good/outstanding state schools and if possible, the areas where the schools are situated. Has anyone taken their kids to a state school and did it have any negative impact on their children? Does any of the state school teach English as well Portuguese?
Initially, I will be moving to PT by myself to sort things out as the last thing i want is to be constantly moving around- not a great start with kids.
The language will be challenging - will learn of course, and I'm hoping my kids will pick it up quicker than me-fingers crossed.
Any info would be much appreciated.
Regards
Pat
Like many, I feel it's time to move on from the UK. Born and raised in South London, then moved to Manchester in 2003 where I currently reside with my 3 kids (8,10,11)
I'm hoping by Gods grace, to move to PT 2019. I've been doing lots of research (and i'm getting the feeling this is the right move) and checking out the job market. I know making a move anywhere is never easy, especially with kids, however, it's got to be done!
I would like advice/info on schools as honestly, I cannot afford to send all of my three kids to the private schools in PT, unless it's reasonable priced -which i've yet to see.
I would appreciate any info from expats/locals who have knowledge or know others who have sent their children to any good/outstanding state schools and if possible, the areas where the schools are situated. Has anyone taken their kids to a state school and did it have any negative impact on their children? Does any of the state school teach English as well Portuguese?
Initially, I will be moving to PT by myself to sort things out as the last thing i want is to be constantly moving around- not a great start with kids.
The language will be challenging - will learn of course, and I'm hoping my kids will pick it up quicker than me-fingers crossed.
Any info would be much appreciated.
Regards
Pat
Judging by all the posts we are now getting ,recent articles in the UK newspapers.etc You and half of the UK are moving to Portugal ( or Spain )
First... Its not ALL about the sun.. Portugal has cold wet winters too...It also has stinking hot DRY summers in many places...ie if you can't take endless heat,or damp unheated homes be aware. It has also had a spate of horrific forest fires of late...with many deaths...So location is key..water is key.. But the most important to begin with is ..work.! .. Finding a job when you don't speak Portuguese ,one that will support a large family ? Quite honestly if you don't have that before you come.. don't come.
This is a small country of 10 million people . Social security is virtually non existent to a standard that you might find acceptable . Poverty is very real here. Not saying you would ever need or expect it..just giving you a heads up...
Living off the land.? .If that were easy millions of young Portuguese wouldn't have been forced to leave the country in the first place
What skills can you bring to the country ? what sort of work can you do ? These are important questions. How much work are you prepared to put in before you come? i.e. to learn the language ..Everywhere above the Algarve speaks Portuguese and little English..Young people yes...Older no....
Not trying to put you off here.I moved with my young family to the Netherlands.. lived there for 30+ yrs.. It was very hard work..and my OH was head hunted to go,so we started out with an advantage... I never could find work.. (actually never allowed to work under the then system..) Your whole life and perceptions change..Be prepared for that.
Jun 17th 2018, 12:58 pm
#20
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 657
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
Don't forget to factor in prices for estrangeiros in bars and cafes.
Jun 17th 2018, 1:31 pm
#21
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 970
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
We pay the same as the Portuguese - in restaurants, bars, cafes, everywhere.
Jun 17th 2018, 3:34 pm
#22
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Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 657
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
I wouldn't bank on that Jan.
Jun 17th 2018, 4:24 pm
#24
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Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 970
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
Maybe it's because we're not in a touristy area.
Jun 17th 2018, 4:55 pm
#25
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Joined: Aug 2012
Location: Viana do Castelo
Posts: 1,385
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
I have already posted about the overcharging of foreigners here.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
Jun 17th 2018, 6:29 pm
#26
Banned
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 26,724
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
I have already posted about the overcharging of foreigners here.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
Jun 17th 2018, 6:48 pm
#28
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 970
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
Indeed EMR.
Jun 17th 2018, 8:13 pm
#29
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 657
Re: It's time to get out of UK...
I have already posted about the overcharging of foreigners here.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
1. We found a pub that had a great vibe so made it our favorite pub. The barman charged us €2,50 per beer all week. The following week there was a new bar girl and she charged us €1,25 per beer.
2. Had a spare door key made and was charged €10,00. When all my kids and partners came to visit I had to have another key made. Same shop, different salesman. €3,00.
3. Was charged €3,00 for the most basic wine corkscrew at a market. The exact same at Continente was 95c.
4. Food court in Porto. Don't recall price. Bought Fish n Chips. The guy next to me at the table happened to have the same except he had two fish fillets and I had only 1 plus his chips portion was humongous. I asked him as what price he paid. Same as me.
Ukkram, I can relate to the examples you have given but unfortunately there are none so blind as those that won't see.
Jun 18th 2018, 6:23 am
#30
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Joined: Mar 2014
Location: East Algarve
Posts: 996
Re: It's time to get out of UK...