Living the high life in Lisbon For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Hine Kerrich and her partner came for the rugby and stayed for the beautiful weather and good times.
Where are you from?
Hawke’s Bay.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
I’ve been in Lisbon since August 2017. I first came to visit in July of that year, and while on our travels my partner met someone from Benfica Rugby to look at potential contracts. Gaining a rugby contract in Portugal meant we could save for more travel after his contract and didn’t have to go home to New Zealand as we were running low on money.
What do you do there?
I’m currently unemployed but working on gaining a work visa. My partner plays rugby for Benfica and gains an income from that. Benfica found us accommodation and covers those costs.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Beautiful weather and most people speak English. Lots to see and do. All the history behind the towns and buildings is simply amazing!
Disadvantages?
Missing home. Nothing else I can really think of.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?
Relatively cheap. As far as I’m aware, the accommodation and utilities such as electricity are expensive in Lisbon. In terms of food and activities, it’s cheaper. All you can eat sushi for 15 euro (about $25), and it’s amazing! It costs for entrance to clubs, which can get expensive, but they’re pretty amazing and often have live performances or bands.
How much is a beer?
You can get a glass of beer for 1 or 2 euro in most places and bottles of red wine for 1.30 euro at the supermarket!
What do you do in your spare time?
Drink sangria using all the cheap wine, go exploring, bowling at the mall, check out places to eat, or just roam the streets.
What’s the local delicacy, and would you recommend eating it?
They have a lot of cod at all the supermarkets I’ve been to. It’s dried and usually hanging up or piled on top of each other and super smelly. I haven’t yet tried it but apparently there is a Portuguese recipe book with a 1000 ways to eat it.
Easiest way to get around?
Metro and bus and, if you go out, probably Uber.
What’s the shopping like?
Good. It’s the same sort of stuff you can get everywhere else. Great shops in the malls if you like big brands.
Best after-dark activity?
Going out on the town. A lot of people drink in the streets as there is no alcohol ban.
Best time of year to visit?
Summer, of course!
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
LX Factory all-you-can-eat sushi and sitting at the Santa Catarina lookout with friends and beers. There is an awesome viewpoint where everyone hangs out, and probably a day trip to Sintra to check out the beaches and the sunsets.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
I miss seafood. There’s a bit of seafood here in Lisbon but you don’t get paua or crayfish, which I can’t wait to eat again.
How easy is it for you to get back to New Zealand?
It is not easy. It’s a 36-hour flight and about $1500 one way. There are a lot of teleperformance roles for English speakers, but it’s handy to know another language if you are seeking work.
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