Moving to a new country can be exciting but also comes with its share of challenges. If you’re planning to settle in Portugal, having the right apps can make your life a lot easier. Whether you need help with transport, housing, banking, or socializing, there’s an app for that. This guide covers the best apps for expats in Portugal, making your transition smooth and stress-free.
1. Navigation & Transportation Portugal Apps
Google Maps
Google Maps is essential for anyone new to Portugal. It provides accurate directions whether you’re walking, biking, driving, or using public transportation. You can also search for shops, restaurants, hospitals, and more around you. One standout feature is the ability to download offline maps, which is very useful in rural areas or while traveling.
Google Maps also shows live traffic, road closures, and estimated arrival times, helping expats plan their daily routes better. It syncs easily with ride-sharing and calendar apps too. It provides accurate directions for driving, walking, and public transport. You can explore neighborhoods, restaurants, and stores easily. Offline map access is also helpful when you’re traveling to remote places.
EMEL ePark
EMEL ePark is the official app for managing paid street parking in Lisbon. If you’re driving or renting a car in the city, this app is a must-have. It allows you to pay for parking digitally, extend your session remotely, and receive notifications before time expires—avoiding fines.
The app also shows available parking zones, pricing, and time limits, helping drivers find legal spots quickly. EMEL ePark supports multiple payment methods and is available in English, making it easy for expats and tourists to use. It’s a practical tool for navigating Lisbon’s regulated parking system without stress.
Bolt
Bolt is a popular ride-hailing app in Portugal, offering quick and affordable transport across major cities. It’s often cheaper than traditional taxis and has a user-friendly interface. You can schedule rides, track your driver, and pay directly through the app.
Many expats prefer Bolt because it’s reliable, has multiple ride options (like Bolt Comfort or Bolt Green), and provides transparent pricing. The app supports both credit cards and mobile payments, making it very convenient. It’s usually cheaper than traditional taxis and often quicker too. Expats use it to travel easily when public transport isn’t available.
2. Communication & Social Networking Apps
WhatsApp is the most used messaging app in Portugal and is essential for expats. Locals and businesses use it for daily communication. You can send text messages, voice notes, images, and documents or make free voice and video calls. It also supports group chats, which is useful for social events and local expat communities.
Landlords, doctors, and service providers often prefer WhatsApp over emails or phone calls. It works on Wi-Fi, which helps you avoid roaming charges. People use it for personal chats, group messages, and even business communication. Free calls and messages make it perfect for expats.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is more than just a texting app: it’s a bridge to local expat communities and events. Expats often use Messenger to join buy/sell groups, connect with neighbors, and attend meetups or workshops. It’s also helpful for staying in touch with friends and family across the world.
The app supports voice and video calls, media sharing, and even chat customization. Since many people use Facebook in Portugal, Messenger is a useful way to connect and communicate easily. Many expats use it to stay in touch and meet new people. You can also use it for calls and texts.
Skype
Skype remains a reliable app for video calls, voice chats, and even screen sharing, especially useful for remote work. Expats often use it to stay connected with family or conduct professional meetings. It allows international calls at lower rates, making it a good choice for those with limited mobile plans.
Skype also offers features like call recording and group video chats. It’s supported on mobile, desktop, and smart devices, making communication easy from anywhere in Portugal. It’s useful for remote work or catching up with family abroad. Many businesses also use Skype for meetings.
3. Language Learning & Translation Apps
Duolingo
Duolingo makes learning Portuguese fun and simple with short, game-like lessons. It focuses on everyday vocabulary, basic grammar, and sentence-building. You can practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing at your own pace. The app uses daily reminders and rewards to keep learners motivated. It’s perfect for beginners and those trying to pick up common phrases quickly.
Duolingo also tracks your progress and adapts lessons based on your skill level, making it a helpful companion for any expat. It uses short lessons and games to teach grammar and vocabulary. Great for daily practice.
Babbel
Babbel is ideal for expats who want to learn Portuguese through clear and structured lessons. Unlike Duolingo’s casual format, Babbel dives into conversational topics with real-life context. It focuses on grammar, pronunciation, and cultural nuances that help in everyday communication. Lessons are grouped into themes like travel, food, or job interviews.
Progress tracking and quizzes keep users motivated. It’s perfect for those who prefer a more classroom-style learning experience with native speaker recordings. It’s helpful for understanding daily Portuguese phrases. Ideal for beginners and intermediate learners.
DeepL Translator
DeepL Translator is praised for its accurate translations, especially when converting text to and from European Portuguese. It often produces more natural-sounding results than Google Translate. You can translate full documents, emails, or web pages with ease. The app is useful for reading official letters, medical forms, or signage.
It also highlights grammar suggestions and alternate meanings, helping expats better understand the language context. DeepL supports voice and typed inputs, making it a daily-use app. It’s better than Google Translate for European Portuguese. You can use it to read signs or translate documents.
4. Food Delivery & Dining Portuguese Apps
Glovo
Glovo is one of the most convenient apps for expats living in Portugal. It’s not just for food, it delivers groceries, pharmacy items, and even gifts from local stores. You can browse through different categories, place your order, and track the courier in real-time. According to TasteAtlas, Portuguese cuisine has earned global praise, ranking as the fourth best in the world in 2024.
Glovo is available in most major Portuguese cities, and the app offers English support. It’s perfect for busy weekdays or late-night cravings. Payment is secure, and you can choose delivery times as needed. It works in most Portuguese cities and lets you track your order in real time. You can also order items from local shops.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the most popular food delivery apps in Portugal, especially in cities like Lisbon and Porto. It offers a wide variety of restaurant options, from local favorites to well-known chains. The app is easy to use, with clear menus, user ratings, and estimated delivery times. Payments are made online via card or PayPal, making transactions smooth.
Uber Eats often runs promotions and discount codes, which can help save money while exploring new dining spots in your neighborhood. It features a broad range of restaurants and frequent discount offers. Payments are made online for ease.
The Fork
The Fork is perfect for dining out in Portugal. This app lets you browse restaurant menus, read reviews, and book tables directly from your phone. Many restaurants offer discounts of up to 50% if you book through the app. It also highlights special food events and chef’s menus. Available in English,
The Fork is user-friendly and helps you discover new spots in your area. It’s a favorite among expats for planning casual meals or special nights out. with special offers. It includes ratings, menus, and maps. Great for trying out new places in your city.
5. Housing & Accommodation Apps
Idealista
Idealista is one of the most trusted platforms for finding homes in Portugal. Whether you’re renting or buying, you can filter listings by price, location, property type, and even energy rating. Each listing features detailed descriptions, high-quality images, and contact options. Idealista is updated frequently, ensuring access to the latest properties on the market.
Expats use it to understand housing trends and neighborhood insights. It also includes a mortgage calculator and market reports for deeper research. or homes for rent or purchase. It includes filters, photos, and contact details. Expats rely on it for housing searches.
Imovirtual
Imovirtual is a great app for those looking for homes, rooms, or vacation rentals in Portugal. It features thousands of listings with photos, descriptions, and direct contact forms. Users can narrow searches by budget, location, number of rooms, and even pet-friendly properties. It’s widely used by local landlords and agencies, increasing your chances of finding available listings.
Many expats appreciate its intuitive interface and bilingual options. You can also set alerts to be notified when new listings appear. with detailed listings. It supports searches for short-term and long-term stays. You can message landlords directly within the app.
Casa Sapo
Casa Sapo is another reliable real estate app that helps expats explore housing options throughout Portugal. It includes rentals, sales, and even commercial spaces. The app allows you to compare prices across districts and view detailed neighborhood information. Listings are verified and often include floor plans, energy ratings, and contact details.
Casa Sapo is especially helpful for those looking to move outside major cities or invest in property. The app is available in multiple languages, making the search easier. It provides neighborhood information and tools to compare properties. Good for exploring less popular regions.
6. Banking & Financial Portuguese Apps
MB WAY
MB WAY is one of the most widely used financial apps in Portugal. It connects to your Portuguese bank account and allows you to make instant payments, send money to friends, and even withdraw cash from ATMs without using your card.
The app also lets you pay in stores, online, and through QR codes. It’s secure, easy to use, and supported by most banks. For expats, MB WAY simplifies local transactions while you’re settling in. It’s supported by most Portuguese banks. Very useful for daily purchases.
N26
N26 is a digital bank that allows you to manage your finances entirely online, making it ideal for expats. You can open an account from your phone in minutes. It includes budgeting tools, real-time spending alerts, and the ability to set savings goals.
The app supports multiple currencies and is great for international travel or remote work. With no hidden fees and a sleek interface, N26 helps you manage your money stress-free while living in Portugal. It’s perfect for managing money across borders. Features include spending alerts and easy transfers.
Revolut
Revolut is a favorite among expats for its multi-currency features and competitive exchange rates. It allows you to hold and convert money in various currencies, send money abroad, and make online purchases with ease.
The app also includes budgeting tools, spending analytics, and savings vaults. You can freeze and unfreeze your card instantly and use it globally with minimal fees. For expats who travel often or need to manage finances across borders, Revolut is highly practical. You can use it to spend or send money globally. Also includes budgeting features.
7. Health & Wellness Portugal Apps
SNS 24
SNS 24 is the Portuguese government’s official health app. It helps you access public health services, book doctor appointments, and view test results. You can also speak with a healthcare professional via the app’s helpline in case of non-emergency symptoms. Once registered with the national health service, expats can use the app to manage healthcare easily.
It supports COVID-19 certificates, vaccination records, and general health information. It’s a key tool for navigating Portugal’s public health system. You can book appointments and get medical advice. It’s a must-have for residents.
MyCUF
MyCUF is the app for CUF, one of Portugal’s leading private hospital networks. Through this app, you can schedule appointments, access medical reports, and manage prescriptions. The interface is user-friendly and available in English, which is helpful for expats. You can even choose your doctor and pay medical bills directly through the app. If you’re using private healthcare in Portugal,
MyCUF simplifies the process and provides quick access to all your health records in one place. You can view test results, schedule visits, and manage prescriptions. Great if you prefer private healthcare.
Mayday Safety
Mayday Safety is a personal safety app designed to keep you and your loved ones informed in real-time during emergencies. You can instantly share your live location with trusted contacts and send SOS alerts when needed.
The app is especially useful for solo travelers, parents, or anyone new to Portugal. It also allows users to receive notifications about nearby threats or incidents. For expats settling in a new environment, Mayday Safety adds an extra layer of peace of mind. It’s useful for solo travelers or emergencies.
8. Shopping & Marketplace in Portugal Apps
OLX
OLX is a top platform in Portugal for buying and selling second-hand items locally. Whether you’re looking for used furniture, electronics, tools, or even cars, OLX has thousands of listings to browse through.
According to the 2024 Global Peace Index, Portugal is ranked as the 7th safest country in the world. This ranking adds peace of mind for expats for shopping. You can post your own listings quickly, which makes it easy to sell things you no longer need. Many expats use OLX to furnish their homes affordably or find great deals nearby. You can find furniture, electronics, and more locally. It’s ideal for setting up a new home.
CustoJusto
CustoJusto is a Portuguese classifieds app offering thousands of listings across various categories like electronics, vehicles, real estate, and more. The app allows buyers and sellers to connect locally.
It supports search filters for price, location, and item condition, making it easier to find exactly what you’re looking for. Expats use it to find bargains and resell unneeded items during relocation. It’s also a good way to get to know the local market and interact with nearby residents. It’s easy to use and has filters for location and price. Very popular with locals.
KuantoKusta
KuantoKusta is Portugal’s leading price comparison app, perfect for smart shoppers. It helps users find the best deals across a range of categories like tech gadgets, home appliances, and fashion. You can view product reviews, store ratings, and delivery options before making a purchase.
KuantoKusta is especially helpful for expats looking to stretch their budget while setting up a new home. The app often links directly to the retailer’s website, streamlining the buying process. Useful for finding the best deals on electronics, appliances, and more.
9. Utilities & Essential Services Apps
CTT
CTT is the official app of Portugal’s national postal service. It allows you to track packages, find nearby post offices, and calculate shipping costs for domestic and international parcels. You can also manage deliveries, buy postage, and use the app for utility bill payments.
Many expats find it helpful when ordering items online or sending packages back home. It’s a must-have for managing all your mailing needs while living in Portugal. You can track parcels, find nearby post offices, and calculate shipping fees. It’s also used for bill payments.
E-fatura
E-fatura is an essential app for tracking electronic invoices and managing tax-deductible expenses in Portugal. It automatically collects and organizes invoices linked to your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) whenever you make eligible purchases. This system plays a key role in the country’s effort to promote tax transparency and combat undeclared income.
The app is especially useful for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners, allowing them to easily monitor deductible categories such as healthcare, education, rent, and general business expenses. At the end of the fiscal year, E-fatura simplifies the process of filing personal or business tax returns by ensuring that all valid expenses are properly documented and accessible.
OSCAR
OSCAR is a leading home services app in Portugal, designed to simplify everyday tasks by offering a wide range of services at fixed prices. Whether you need home repairs, cleaning, laundry, or even beauty treatments, OSCAR connects you with trusted professionals in just a few taps. The app operates in major cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga, and Coimbra, with real-time tracking, fast response times (often within 30 minutes).
All service providers on OSCAR are vetted and verified, and services come with built-in insurance and quality guarantees. With over 200 types of tasks across 12 categories, OSCAR has become a go-to solution for busy individuals and expats looking for quick, reliable help at home.
10. Travel & Leisure Portugal Apps
CP – Comboios de Portugal
This is the official app for Portugal’s national train service. It allows users to check train schedules, purchase tickets, and receive real-time updates on both regional and intercity routes. Whether you’re commuting between cities or planning a scenic trip across the country, CP makes rail travel easy and efficient. The app also offers information on ticket prices, discounts, and available services on board.
FlixBus
FlixBus is a budget-friendly option for long-distance bus travel across Portugal and throughout Europe. It’s ideal for weekend getaways, city hopping, or even cross-border travel at low prices. The app enables users to search routes, book tickets, track buses in real-time, and access travel history—all with a user-friendly interface. It’s a favorite among students, tourists, and digital nomads looking for affordable travel options.
Rede Expressos
As one of Portugal’s largest intercity bus networks, Rede Expressos connects dozens of towns and cities across the country. The app allows you to search routes, buy and manage tickets, and access travel information on the go. Known for its extensive coverage and frequent schedules, Rede Expressos is a reliable option for both locals and travelers needing comfortable, efficient, and affordable transportation across regions.
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Frequently Asked Questions About 1o Best Apps For Expats in Portugal
Are these apps available in English?
Yes, most of the apps listed offer English language options to help non-Portuguese speakers.
Can I use these apps with a foreign phone number?
Many of the apps work with international numbers, but a few local apps may need a Portuguese number.
Are these Portuguese apps free?
Most of them are free to download, but some may offer in-app purchases or require an account.
Will I need internet access to use these apps?
Yes, an internet connection is required, though some apps offer offline features (like Google Maps).
How can I find more helpful apps for Portugal?
Joining expat communities on Facebook, Reddit, or WhatsApp is a great way to discover new apps and tips shared by people already living in Portugal.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to use these apps?
Not necessarily. Most major travel, transport, and utility apps are available in English. Some government-related apps may be in Portuguese only, but they’re generally intuitive to navigate.
Can I pay for services directly through the apps?
Yes, most transport and utility apps offer secure in-app payment options, including credit/debit cards and mobile wallets like Apple Pay or MB Way.
Are these apps available for both Android and iOS?
Yes, nearly all of these apps are available on both Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Are the travel apps reliable for real-time updates?
Apps like CP, Rede Expressos, and FlixBus provide real-time updates, but delays can occur. It’s a good idea to confirm schedules closer to your departure.
