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The Ultimate Expat Shopping Guide to Portugal

The Ultimate Expat Shopping Guide to Portugal

Everything you need to know about buying almost anything in Portugal

Moving to Portugal brings many pleasures: warmer weather, beautiful landscapes, excellent food and a more relaxed pace of life. It also brings a surprisingly long list of practical questions.

Where do you buy good-quality bed linen? Which supermarket offers the best choice? What is the Portuguese equivalent of a chemist or hardware shop? Can you order from Amazon? Where can you find familiar products from home? And what exactly should you ask for when you need a fitted sheet, an extension lead or a particular cut of meat?

Shopping in Portugal is not especially difficult, but it may work differently from what you are used to. Product names, measurements, opening hours, customer service and returns policies can all take a little time to understand.

This guide has been created to help new residents shop with greater confidence. From supermarkets and furniture stores to pharmacies, markets, garden centres and online shopping, it provides a practical introduction to buying what you need while discovering some of the excellent Portuguese products available along the way.


1. Understanding Shopping in Portugal

Portugal offers a mixture of large national chains, international retailers, family-run businesses, traditional markets and independent specialist shops.

In larger towns and cities, you will generally find shopping centres, retail parks and hypermarkets offering almost everything you need in one area. Smaller towns may have fewer large stores but often provide excellent local shops, municipal markets and independent businesses.

One of the pleasures of shopping in Portugal is discovering the value and personal service offered by smaller local retailers. The nearest independent hardware shop, butcher, bakery or electrical repair business may prove far more helpful than a large chain, particularly when you are looking for something specific.

Opening hours

Large supermarkets and shopping centres often open seven days a week, although hours vary according to location and season.

Independent shops may close for lunch, particularly outside major commercial centres. Some close on Saturday afternoons or Sundays.

Public holidays can also affect opening times, so it is worth checking before making a special journey.

Useful signs include:

  • Aberto – Open
  • Fechado – Closed
  • Horário – Opening hours
  • Encerrado para almoço – Closed for lunch
  • Feriado – Public holiday

Payment

Debit and credit cards are widely accepted, but some smaller businesses have minimum card-payment amounts or accept Portuguese cards more readily than foreign ones.

It is sensible to carry a small amount of cash, particularly when visiting municipal markets, cafés, village shops and rural businesses.

Multibanco is Portugal’s national banking and payment network. You may see signs stating:

  • Multibanco
  • MB WAY
  • Pagamento em numerário – Cash payment

Receipts and tax numbers

At the till, you may be asked:

“Contribuinte?”
or
“Número de contribuinte?”

This means the cashier is asking whether you would like your Portuguese tax number, known as the NIF, added to the receipt.

You are not obliged to provide it for an ordinary purchase, but residents may choose to do so for tax-record purposes or when buying higher-value goods.


2. Supermarkets and Food Shopping

Portugal has an excellent choice of supermarkets, ranging from discount stores to premium food halls.

The best supermarket will depend on what matters most to you: price, convenience, fresh produce, imported goods, wine, organic food or home delivery.

Continente

Continente is one of Portugal’s largest supermarket groups. Stores range from neighbourhood supermarkets to large hypermarkets.

Larger branches usually sell groceries, household products, clothing, small electrical items, garden products and seasonal goods.

Continente’s loyalty scheme is widely used and frequently offers discounts that can be redeemed against future purchases or with participating partner businesses.

Pingo Doce

Pingo Doce is popular for everyday shopping and has stores throughout Portugal.

Many branches offer ready-prepared meals, fresh bakery products, meat, fish and household essentials. Store size and product range vary considerably according to location.

Lidl

Lidl is a familiar choice for many international residents.

Alongside its regular groceries, bakery products and household essentials, it offers rotating promotions on clothing, gardening products, kitchen equipment, tools and small appliances.

The Lidl Plus app provides digital discounts and promotional offers.

Aldi

Aldi combines its own-brand groceries with imported products and regular seasonal promotions.

It can be particularly useful for speciality foods, household items and competitively priced everyday essentials.

Intermarché

Intermarché stores are found in many towns and smaller communities where other large supermarkets may not be present.

Some branches have strong fresh-food counters and a good selection of regional products.

Auchan

Auchan operates large-format stores and smaller supermarket concepts.

Larger stores may include extensive food, electrical, household, clothing and leisure departments.

Apolónia Supermercados

Based in the Algarve, Apolónia is known for its premium food selection, international products, speciality ingredients, fresh produce and wines.

It is particularly useful when looking for less common imported items, although prices may be higher than in mainstream supermarkets.

Local supermarkets and minimarkets

Do not overlook smaller chains and independent shops. They may not have the scale of a hypermarket, but they are often extremely convenient and may stock regional products that are difficult to find elsewhere.

Shopping tip:

Supermarket ranges vary considerably between branches. A product unavailable in one location may be stocked regularly at another branch of the same chain.


3. Fresh Markets, Butchers, Fishmongers and Bakeries

For fresh ingredients and a more traditional shopping experience, visit your local municipal market, known as a mercado municipal.

Markets commonly sell:

  • Fresh fish and seafood
  • Fruit and vegetables
  • Meat and poultry
  • Cheese
  • Bread and cakes
  • Olives
  • Herbs and spices
  • Flowers
  • Regional produce

The best choice is usually available early in the day. Some stalls close by lunchtime, especially once their fresh stock has been sold.

Buying fish

Portugal has an outstanding variety of fish and seafood.

Fish may be sold whole, but the seller will normally clean and prepare it for you if asked.

Useful phrases include:

  • Pode limpar, por favor? – Can you clean it, please?
  • Sem cabeça, por favor – Without the head, please
  • Em filetes – In fillets
  • Para grelhar – For grilling
  • Para duas pessoas – For two people

Buying meat

A traditional butcher is called a talho.

Portuguese cuts of meat may differ from those used in the UK, United States or other countries. Rather than relying only on the name of a familiar cut, explain how you intend to cook it.

For example:

  • Para assar – For roasting
  • Para estufar – For stewing
  • Para grelhar – For grilling
  • Carne picada – Minced meat
  • Peito de frango – Chicken breast
  • Costeletas – Chops

Bakeries and pastry shops

A bakery is a padaria, while a pastelaria sells cakes, pastries, coffee and often light meals.

Bread is an important part of Portuguese daily life, and many areas have distinctive regional varieties.

Trying the local bakery is often one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to become part of the community.


4. International and Familiar Foods

Most large supermarkets stock at least a modest selection of international products. In areas with substantial expatriate populations, the choice can be extensive.

You may find familiar tea, breakfast cereals, sauces, biscuits, frozen foods and cooking ingredients in dedicated international sections.

Specialist shops also serve British, Irish, Dutch, German, Scandinavian, Asian, Brazilian, African and Eastern European communities.

However, living in Portugal is also an opportunity to discover local alternatives. Portuguese brands are frequently excellent value and may contain fewer unnecessary ingredients than some imported products.

Items that can be harder to find

Depending on your location, you may need to search more carefully for:

  • Particular types of tea
  • Speciality flour
  • Certain breakfast cereals
  • Specific sauces and condiments
  • Large jars of spices
  • Some vegetarian and vegan products
  • Gluten-free speciality products
  • Specific cuts of meat
  • Familiar over-the-counter remedies

Imported items may also cost considerably more than they do in their country of origin.


5. Portuguese Products Worth Discovering

Some of Portugal’s best products are also among its most affordable.

Olive oil

Portuguese olive oil is widely available and produced in several regions. Look for azeite virgem extra, meaning extra virgin olive oil.

Cheese

Portugal produces an exceptional variety of cheeses, from soft and creamy varieties to strongly flavoured cured cheeses.

Look out for cheeses from Serra da Estrela, Azeitão, Nisa, São Jorge and the Alentejo.

Tinned fish

Portuguese tinned fish is far more than a cupboard standby.

Sardines, tuna, mackerel, octopus and mussels are available in beautifully designed tins, often with olive oil, tomato, lemon, chilli or herbs.

Salt

Traditional sea salt and flor de sal are produced in Portugal, particularly in coastal regions.

Honey

Local markets and independent food shops often sell regional honey. Flavour varies according to the flowers and landscape surrounding the hives.

Ceramics

Portugal is famous for ceramics, including tableware, serving dishes, decorative tiles and hand-painted pieces.

Cork

Cork is used for far more than wine bottles. Bags, wallets, placemats, hats, home accessories and even footwear are widely available.


6. Wine Shopping in Portugal

Wine shopping can be one of the great pleasures of living in Portugal.

Good Portuguese wine does not need to be expensive, and excellent bottles can often be found at everyday supermarket prices.

Understanding the label

Useful terms include:

  • Tinto – Red
  • Branco – White
  • Rosé – Rosé
  • Verde – Literally “green”, although Vinho Verde refers to a wine region and style rather than the colour
  • Espumante – Sparkling wine
  • Seco – Dry
  • Meio seco – Medium dry
  • Reserva – A designated reserve wine, although meaning and quality vary
  • Colheita – Vintage or harvest
  • Garrafeira – Wine shop or cellar; on a label, it may also refer to a wine aged according to particular requirements

Wine regions

Portugal’s major wine regions include:

  • Douro
  • Dão
  • Alentejo
  • Vinho Verde
  • Bairrada
  • Setúbal
  • Tejo
  • Lisboa
  • Algarve
  • Madeira
  • The Azores

Supermarkets provide a wide choice, but specialist wine shops can be invaluable when selecting bottles for a meal, gift or special occasion.

Do not be afraid to give the shop assistant a budget. Portuguese wine professionals are generally very good at recommending excellent-value bottles.


7. Furniture and Furnishing Your Home

Furnishing a home in Portugal can involve a combination of international retailers, Portuguese chains, local furniture shops, carpenters and second-hand purchases.

IKEA

IKEA is a familiar starting point for many new residents and offers furniture, kitchens, storage, lighting, textiles and household products.

Delivery and assembly services are available in many areas, but costs and availability depend on location.

Conforama

Conforama sells furniture, mattresses, sofas, appliances and household goods. It often has promotional offers and bundled furniture ranges.

JOM and other Portuguese retailers

Portuguese furniture chains can offer competitive prices and a broad selection of styles.

Independent shops may provide more personal service, local delivery and greater flexibility regarding measurements, fabrics and finishes.

Made-to-measure furniture

Local carpenters and cabinetmakers can be an excellent option for awkward spaces, fitted wardrobes, shelving, kitchens and traditional properties.

Always request a written quotation confirming:

  • Measurements
  • Materials
  • Finish
  • Delivery
  • Installation
  • Payment terms
  • Estimated completion date

Beds and mattresses

Mattress dimensions may differ from those in your home country. Measure the bed frame before buying.

Do not assume that terms such as single, double, king or queen correspond exactly with overseas measurements.


8. Bed Linen, Towels and Home Textiles

Bed linen can cause unexpected confusion for new residents.

Portuguese mattresses and bedding sizes do not always correspond with British, American or northern European sizes.

  • A fitted sheet is called: Lençol de baixo ajustável
  • A flat sheet is: Lençol de cima
  • A duvet cover is: Capa de edredão
  • A pillowcase is: Fronha
  • A duvet is commonly called: Edredão

Always check the measurements printed on the packaging rather than relying only on names such as casal, king or queen.

Good places to look for household textiles include department stores, furniture shops, hypermarkets, specialist linen stores and homeware chains.


9. Homewares and Household Essentials

Portugal has a good choice of affordable homeware shops.

Depending on location, you may find branches of:

  • Hôma
  • Espaço Casa
  • CASA
  • Zara Home
  • IKEA
  • Large supermarkets and hypermarkets

These shops usually sell combinations of:

  • Kitchen equipment
  • Crockery
  • Glassware
  • Towels
  • Bedding
  • Storage
  • Decorative accessories
  • Garden items
  • Seasonal products

Chinese-run variety shops are also widespread and can be extremely useful for inexpensive household goods, storage boxes, stationery, tools, kitchen accessories and seasonal items.

They are often identified simply as a loja chinesa, although many are now large, modern retail businesses.


10. Electrical Appliances and Technology

Major electrical and technology retailers include Worten, Rádio Popular and FNAC, along with specialist computer and mobile-phone shops.

Large supermarkets may also sell televisions, small appliances and seasonal electrical goods.

Before buying, consider:

  • Delivery charges
  • Installation
  • Removal of the old appliance
  • Warranty arrangements
  • Availability of local repairs
  • Whether instructions are available in English
  • Whether the appliance fits the intended space

Measure doorways, staircases and installation spaces before ordering large refrigerators, washing machines or furniture.

Warranties

Keep the receipt, invoice and warranty documents.

For expensive purchases, ask whether the warranty process is handled by the retailer or directly by the manufacturer.

Never rely solely on a digital account unless you are certain the receipt has been stored correctly.


11. DIY, Tools and Home Improvement

Large DIY retailers include Leroy Merlin, MaxMat and Bricomarché.

They sell products such as:

  • Paint
  • Timber
  • Tools
  • Plumbing supplies
  • Electrical fittings
  • Bathroom equipment
  • Kitchens
  • Flooring
  • Garden products
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Building materials

Independent hardware shops, called drogarias or lojas de ferragens, can be particularly helpful when you need a small replacement part, unusual fitting or practical advice.

Take the old part with you whenever possible. A photograph with measurements can also save considerable time.

Useful terms include:

  • Parafuso – Screw
  • Prego – Nail
  • Broca – Drill bit
  • Berbequim – Drill
  • Tinta – Paint
  • Tomada – Electrical socket
  • Extensão elétrica – Extension lead
  • Lâmpada – Light bulb
  • Torneira – Tap
  • Fechadura – Lock
  • Chave – Key

12. Garden Centres and Outdoor Living

Portugal’s climate encourages outdoor living, but choosing plants requires some local knowledge.

Garden centres are called centros de jardinagem or viveiros.

Before purchasing plants, consider:

  • Sun exposure
  • Wind
  • Soil type
  • Water requirements
  • Salt exposure near the coast
  • Frost risk inland
  • Whether the plant is suitable for pots
  • Potential toxicity to pets

Native and drought-tolerant plants are often better suited to Portuguese conditions than varieties requiring frequent watering.

Garden centres may also sell:

  • Irrigation systems
  • Compost
  • Pots
  • Decorative stone
  • Barbecues
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Shade structures
  • Pool products
  • Garden tools

Local agricultural cooperatives can be useful for fertilisers, irrigation equipment, animal supplies and larger quantities of gardening products.


13. Pharmacies and Health Products

A pharmacy is called a farmácia and is identified by a green cross.

Portuguese pharmacists are highly trained and can often advise on minor health concerns, medication use and whether medical attention is needed.

Some medicines available over the counter in other countries may require a prescription in Portugal, while certain products handled differently elsewhere may be supplied following a discussion with the pharmacist.

You may be asked for:

  • Your prescription
  • Your Portuguese health number
  • Your tax number
  • Details of other medication
  • Information about allergies or medical conditions

Outside normal opening hours, a notice on the pharmacy door usually identifies the nearest duty pharmacy.

A health and beauty shop or para-pharmacy may sell cosmetics, supplements, baby products and non-prescription health items, but it is not the same as a licensed pharmacy.


14. Clothing, Shoes and Shopping Centres

Portugal has a wide choice of international fashion chains, Portuguese brands, designer shops, outlets and independent boutiques.

Large shopping centres provide convenience, air conditioning, food courts, cinemas and free or low-cost parking.

Popular Portuguese fashion and footwear brands can offer excellent quality, particularly in leather goods and shoes.

Sales periods

The word for sale is: Saldos

You may also see:

  • Promoção – Promotion
  • Desconto – Discount
  • Liquidação – Clearance
  • Últimas unidades – Last items
  • Até 50% – Up to 50%

Check whether discounted goods can be returned or exchanged, particularly when buying from smaller shops.

Clothing sizes

Sizes can vary significantly between brands. Trying items on is advisable, especially when changing between UK, European and American sizing systems.


15. Shopping for Children and Babies

Large supermarkets, department stores, shopping centres and specialist retailers sell baby equipment, clothing, nappies and children’s products.

Useful terms include:

  • Fraldas – Nappies
  • Toalhitas – Baby wipes
  • Carrinho de bebé – Pushchair
  • Cadeira auto – Car seat
  • Berço – Cot
  • Biberão – Baby bottle
  • Chupeta – Dummy or pacifier
  • Roupa de criança – Children’s clothing

Check that car seats and safety equipment comply with current European standards.

Second-hand children’s goods are widely available online, but exercise care when buying safety-critical products such as car seats, cots and mattresses.


16. Pet Supplies

Pet shops are known as lojas de animais.

Supermarkets stock mainstream pet foods and basic supplies, while specialist retailers offer a wider range of:

  • Veterinary diets
  • Harnesses and leads
  • Beds
  • Carriers
  • Grooming products
  • Toys
  • Flea and tick treatments
  • Aquariums
  • Bird supplies

Veterinary clinics may sell prescription diets and health products.

When buying parasite treatments, make sure the product is suitable for the species and weight of your pet. Never use a dog treatment on a cat without veterinary confirmation.

Useful terms include:

  • Ração – Pet food
  • Trela – Lead
  • Peitoral – Harness
  • Coleira – Collar
  • Cama para cão – Dog bed
  • Transportadora – Pet carrier
  • Veterinário – Vet

17. Cars, Fuel and Motoring Supplies

Car-related purchases can include far more than simply buying the vehicle.

You may need:

  • Insurance
  • Servicing
  • Tyres
  • Replacement parts
  • Toll-road registration
  • Vehicle inspection
  • Breakdown assistance
  • Parking permits
  • Car-cleaning products

Fuel stations may be attended or self-service.

Common fuel terms include:

  • Gasolina – Petrol
  • Gasóleo – Diesel
  • Sem chumbo – Unleaded
  • GPL – LPG
  • Elétrico – Electric
  • Carregamento – Charging

Be certain which fuel your vehicle requires. Pump colours and labels may differ from those in your previous country.

A vehicle inspection is commonly referred to as the IPO.

For servicing and repairs, request an estimate before authorising extensive work and ask whether the price includes IVA.


18. Second-Hand Shopping

Portugal has an active market for second-hand furniture, vehicles, appliances and household goods.

Online platforms, social-media groups, charity shops, markets and local noticeboards can all be useful.

Second-hand purchases can offer good value, particularly for:

  • Outdoor furniture
  • Garden equipment
  • Children’s items
  • Storage
  • Tools
  • Temporary accommodation
  • Rental properties

However, inspect electrical goods carefully and confirm that large items can be transported safely.

For private transactions:

  • Meet in a safe location
  • Avoid paying large deposits without verification
  • Check the item before completing payment
  • Be cautious of unusually low prices
  • Confirm ownership of higher-value items

19. Online Shopping and Home Delivery

Online shopping is widely available in Portugal, although delivery experiences vary according to location.

Many Portuguese retailers provide home delivery, store collection or collection from lockers and designated pickup points.

Amazon Spain is frequently used by residents in Portugal, but not every product can be delivered to a Portuguese address. Delivery costs and return arrangements vary by seller.

Other European and international websites may ship to Portugal, but always check:

  • Delivery charges
  • Estimated delivery date
  • Return costs
  • Whether taxes are included
  • Where the seller is based
  • Whether customs charges may apply
  • Warranty arrangements
  • Plug type and voltage

Orders arriving from outside the European Union may be subject to customs procedures, taxes or handling charges.

Delivery addresses

Portuguese addresses can be confusing, particularly in rural areas or developments without clear street numbers.

Include:

  • Full name
  • Street or development name
  • House or apartment number
  • Floor and door designation
  • Postcode
  • Town
  • Mobile number
  • Delivery instructions where permitted

A Portuguese mobile number can make delivery considerably easier because drivers frequently telephone when they are nearby.


20. Returns, Exchanges and Consumer Rights

Do not assume that every shop will accept a return simply because you changed your mind.

Return and exchange policies vary, particularly for purchases made in physical stores. Some retailers offer generous voluntary return periods, while others may only exchange an item or issue store credit.

Online purchases generally have different rules from purchases made in person.

Always check:

  • How many days you have to return the item
  • Whether the packaging must remain unopened
  • Whether you need the original receipt
  • Whether sale items can be returned
  • Whether the refund is made in cash, to the original card or as store credit
  • Who pays return postage for online orders

Faulty products are treated differently from unwanted products.

Keep receipts for appliances, technology, furniture and other significant purchases.

Useful phrases include:

  • Queria devolver este artigo – I would like to return this item
  • Queria trocar – I would like to exchange it
  • Tenho o recibo – I have the receipt
  • Está avariado – It is faulty
  • Não funciona – It does not work
  • Qual é o prazo para devolução? – What is the return period?
  • Posso receber um reembolso? – Can I receive a refund?

21. Loyalty Cards, Apps and Promotions

Portugal’s larger retailers make extensive use of loyalty programmes and mobile apps.

Benefits may include:

  • Immediate discounts
  • Digital coupons
  • Points
  • Fuel savings
  • Partner offers
  • Personalised promotions
  • Discounts on future purchases

However, promotional pricing can sometimes be complicated. A displayed discount may require a loyalty card or may be credited for future use rather than deducted immediately.

Check the small print and confirm whether the price is:

  • Available to everyone
  • Exclusive to loyalty-card members
  • Applied immediately
  • Issued as a voucher
  • Valid only on particular dates

It can be worth joining the schemes of retailers you use regularly, but there is little benefit in collecting numerous cards for shops you rarely visit.


22. Shopping Vocabulary

At the till

  • Quanto custa? – How much does it cost?
  • Tem desconto? – Is there a discount?
  • Posso pagar com cartão? – Can I pay by card?
  • Precisa de saco? – Do you need a bag?
  • É tudo? – Is that everything?
  • Quer contribuinte? – Do you want your tax number on the receipt?
  • Talão – Receipt
  • Fatura – Invoice
  • Troco – Change

Finding an item

  • Onde posso encontrar…? – Where can I find…?
  • Tem este produto? – Do you have this product?
  • Há noutro tamanho? – Is there another size?
  • Há noutra cor? – Is there another colour?
  • Está esgotado – It is sold out
  • Quando chega novamente? – When will it be available again?

Delivery

  • Fazem entregas? – Do you deliver?
  • Quanto custa a entrega? – How much is delivery?
  • Fazem montagem? – Do you provide assembly?
  • Quando podem entregar? – When can you deliver?
  • Pode ligar antes de chegar? – Can you call before arriving?

23. Measurements and Sizes

Portugal uses the metric system.

You will need to become familiar with:

  • Millimetres
  • Centimetres
  • Metres
  • Square metres
  • Grams
  • Kilograms
  • Millilitres
  • Litres
  • Celsius

Useful approximate conversions include:

  • 1 inch = 2.54 centimetres
  • 1 foot = 30.48 centimetres
  • 1 metre = approximately 3 feet 3 inches
  • 1 kilogram = approximately 2.2 pounds
  • 1 litre = approximately 1.76 UK pints
  • 30°C = 86°F
  • 20°C = 68°F

When ordering furniture, curtains, blinds, appliances or building materials, always provide metric measurements.

Measure twice and write the figures down clearly.


24. Seasonal Shopping

Portugal’s shopping calendar has its own rhythm.

Spring

Garden centres become especially busy, and outdoor furniture, barbecues, plants and pool equipment appear in stores.

Summer

Fans, air-conditioning units, shade products, cool boxes and beach equipment are in demand. Popular items may sell out during heatwaves.

Autumn

Heating products, dehumidifiers, rugs and winter bedding begin to appear.

Christmas

Supermarkets expand their ranges of chocolates, cakes, wines, toys and gift products. Traditional Portuguese Christmas foods are widely promoted.

Black Friday

Black Friday has become a major retail event, particularly for appliances, technology and online shopping.

Compare prices in advance, as not every advertised reduction represents an exceptional deal.


25. Common Shopping Mistakes

New residents often make the same avoidable mistakes.

Assuming familiar sizes are universal

Always check centimetres and exact dimensions.

Buying large items without checking delivery access

Measure gates, doorways, lifts and staircases.

Discarding receipts

Keep proof of purchase, particularly for electrical goods and furniture.

Assuming a promotion applies automatically

Some discounts require an app, loyalty card or voucher.

Ordering from outside the EU without checking charges

Import taxes and handling fees can turn a bargain into an expensive purchase.

Ignoring local businesses

Independent retailers may offer better advice, installation and after-sales service.

Buying plants unsuited to the climate

Choose plants according to local conditions, not simply appearance.

Expecting every imported product to be available

A Portuguese alternative may be easier to find, fresher and less expensive.


26. Final Advice for New Residents

Shopping in Portugal becomes easier very quickly.

Learn a few useful words, keep photographs of hard-to-describe items on your phone and carry basic measurements when shopping for the home.

Ask neighbours where they buy meat, fish, plants, tools and household products. Local knowledge is invaluable, and personal recommendations often lead to businesses you would never discover through a standard internet search.

Above all, allow yourself time to explore.

The aim is not to recreate every detail of your former life. It is to find the products you need while discovering new foods, new brands and new ways of doing things.

From your first visit to the local market to choosing a favourite Portuguese wine, shopping can become an enjoyable part of making Portugal feel like home.


Quick Reference Checklist

Essential cards and information

  • Portuguese bank card
  • NIF or tax number
  • Portuguese mobile number
  • Loyalty cards or apps
  • Home measurements
  • Delivery address
  • Copies of major receipts

Useful shopping words

  • Loja – Shop
  • Supermercado – Supermarket
  • Centro comercial – Shopping centre
  • Mercado – Market
  • Farmácia – Pharmacy
  • Talho – Butcher
  • Peixaria – Fishmonger
  • Padaria – Bakery
  • Ferragens – Hardware
  • Mobiliário – Furniture
  • Eletrodomésticos – Household appliances
  • Entrega – Delivery
  • Montagem – Assembly
  • Garantia – Warranty
  • Devolução – Return
  • Troca – Exchange
  • Reembolso – Refund
  • Desconto – Discount
  • Promoção – Promotion
  • Esgotado – Sold out

Before buying a major item

  • Check measurements
  • Confirm the final price
  • Ask whether IVA is included
  • Check delivery charges
  • Confirm installation or assembly
  • Ask about removal of the old item
  • Understand the warranty
  • Confirm the returns policy
  • Keep the invoice

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