About USA2.pt

Nobody tells you that buying laundry detergent in Portugal will confuse the hell out of you.

Or that your debit card won't work the way you expect. Or that scheduling a doctor's appointment requires understanding a system that makes zero sense to Americans. Keeping your US phone number active after moving abroad? Actually complicated, but completely doable if you know the tricks.

These aren't the sexy parts of moving to Portugal. But they're the parts that trip you up every single week during your first year.

I'm John Egan, and I write USA2.pt to help Americans navigate the practical realities of moving to and living in Portugal.

My Story

My wife and I moved from Boise, Idaho to Portugal in July 2022. We spent 15 months in Lisbon before buying our home in Braga, in the north. Before Portugal, we had a typical suburban American life. Corporate jobs, raising kids, the whole package.

With the kids out of the house, we wanted to downsize and try something new while we're still healthy enough to enjoy it. Portugal lets me work remotely while living in a place with better quality of life, lower costs, and actual walkable neighborhoods.

The move itself wasn't dramatic. We didn't have any major disasters or shocking revelations. Instead, we encountered hundreds of small, practical things I wish someone had explained clearly. How does healthcare actually work here? How do you use the banking system effectively? Where should you shop for what you need?

Why This Blog Exists

I'm a chronic researcher and note-taker. I have a history degree, so I learned how to dig into topics and find reliable, first-hand information. Over the past three or four years, I've accumulated extensive notes on everything from keeping your US phone number active to understanding Portuguese bureaucracy.

This blog is my way of paying it forward to the people who shared what they learned before I arrived.

I take a no-bullshit approach. When I write a guide, you can trust I did the research and invested the effort to find good answers. And if I'm not sure about something, I'll tell you that too. You deserve honest information, not confident guesses.

What You'll Find Here

USA2.pt focuses on the practical matters Americans need to address when moving to Portugal.

You'll find guides on handling your phone, banking, and digital life. I cover navigating Portuguese bureaucracy and immigration. I write about understanding healthcare, grocery shopping, and daily logistics. I explain the cultural differences that seem like common sense until they're not.

I focus on an American audience because we need information that recognizes our specific context. Portuguese systems work differently than American ones, and you need someone who understands both.

I'm active in the Americans and Friends PT Facebook group, where I've helped hundreds of people prepare for their move. My phone number guide has helped countless Americans stay connected after relocating.

Get the Weekly Take

Every week, I publish practical guides to help you navigate life in Portugal. Premium subscribers get early access to new posts, plus the full archives of everything I've learned.

Have a specific question? You can find me in the Americans and Friends PT Facebook group, or reach out via email at [email protected].