Getting utilities and telecommunications connected in Portugal

An important element of settling in to your home in Portugal is getting connected to essential services to stay in touch with friends, family, news and the rest of the world.

Portugal is very well connected and the communications infrastructure is ahead of the curve. It even had 4G before the UK. You need to consider how you will get yourself set up with each of the following services in your new home in Portugal:

Television

You are probably going to want to watch some TV when buying a place in Portugal, whether you plan to move there permanently or enjoy long holidays. There are four terrestrial TV channels in Portugal, although you’re still likely to need a digibox or digital TV to be able to receive even these basic channels. Although these are free to view, a nominal television licence fee will be added to your electricity bill.

There are four terrestrial TV channels in Portugal, although you’re still likely to need a digibox or digital TV to be able to receive even these basic channels.

You will find that most of these channels show only Portuguese programmes, but the majority of the films shown are in English, with Portuguese subtitles.

Satellite, TV and Internet packages

If you want more choice of TV channels, you can get set up with a satellite provider. The most popular satellite TV providers in Portugal are Meo, from Portugal Telecom, and Zon, which provide a lot of programmes in English and the usual mix of lifestyle, sport and news content. These providers offer packages much like you may be used to in the UK, for example, combined television, phone and Internet, like Sky or Virgin offers in the UK. An all-in-one satellite TV, Internet and phone package will cost around €40-70 a month, depending on the package you have selected and the speed of Internet provided.

Phones – landlines and mobiles

You can arrange a landline only contract through Portugal Telecom, or, as mentioned previously, you can get your landline telephone installed as part of a combined package, with Internet and TV.

Calling internationally via a Portuguese landline is expensive, so expats may find they have very little use for a fixed line telephone.

Calling internationally via a Portuguese landline is expensive, so expats may find they have very little use for a fixed line telephone. Making international calls is cheaper or even free using Skype or other similar services.

One of the key elements you will want to get connected as soon as possible on arrive to live in Portugal is a mobile phone. These are widely available, with a range of packages to suit your needs. Mobile handsets and phone tariffs are much the same in Portugal as they are in other countries – shop around for the best deal.