1. Relax!
Portuguese life happens at a slow pace. Take time to sit and take in the sights and sounds of your new home. You’ll find pretty squares lined with benches all over the country — use them and enjoy them!

2. Be friendly!
In Portugal people smile at each other and strangers exchange friendly greetings – very different from life on the mean streets of UK cities! Join in with this tradition, it’s good for the soul.

3. Learn the language.
Don’t let fear put you off your first few attempts at speaking Portuguese. The Portuguese are very friendly and patient, and as so many visitors expect to get by simply speaking English in a loud voice, they will appreciate your efforts.

4. Read everything
Make use of leaflets, billboards, supermarket flyers and local free papers to immerse yourself in both the language and the local culture.

5. Shop around
Prices of everyday items are likely to vary from store to store far more than you are used to. Try to become familiar with the product ranges in small local stores, hypermarkets, and of course, the wonderful local markets.

6. Tackle the bureaucracy
Arranging residency, banking, medical care and car importation can all be a serious headache, so try to get ahead. Give yourself far more time that you need, and then there will be no reason to panic when everything happens at a glacial pace.

7. Try new things!
If you are going to start to live and breathe the culture of your new country, you will need to step outside your comfort zone. Read Portuguese literature, go to a fado performance and eat your first octopus salad — you’ll feel like a local in no time!

8. Make friends
Introduce yourself to your neighbours, even if it means writing down the Portuguese words you need to do so!

9. Use the forums
Internet expat forums can be an extremely valuable source of free information about your new home and you can be pretty sure that any newbie question you have will have already been answered. Before too long it will be you answering the same questions for the new arrivals!

10. Enjoy it!
Make sure you keep reminding yourself of why you decided on a new life in Portugal. If you moved for the weather, take the time each day to sit outside and feel the sun on your back. Don’t let any day-to-day hassles distract you from your dream!

Start your hunt for a home in Portugal here…
If you’re searching for a Portuguese property, a good place to start is the Portugal Buying Guide’s new property search facility. To start your search now visit http://www.portugalbuyingguide.com/content/portugal-properties