Life Abroad in Portugal with Bob Tapper 🇵🇹
Hosted by American expat Bob Tapper, Life Abroad in Portugal is your go-to resource for navigating life in one of Europe’s most welcoming countries. Each episode dives into the real questions people ask when considering the move:
— How do immigration laws and residency options work?
— What’s the process of starting a business in Portugal?
— How do you handle insurance, banking, and taxes as a foreigner?
— What are the cultural traditions, local events, and hidden gems worth exploring?
Whether you're actively planning your move or just curious about the expat experience, this podcast offers practical advice, up-to-date information, and the occasional fun story from life on the ground in Porto.
Episodes
76 episodes
S6:Ep4 - Visa Victory: Back to Portugal, Albania Highlights & A New Chapter
APRIL 2025After months of waiting, it finally happened — my Portuguese visa was approved! In this episode, I share the emotional highs and lows of April: flying back to the U.S. to finalize paperwork, returning to Portugal ...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 4
•
5:49
S6:Ep3 - From Porto to Tirana: A Visa Pause & a Whole Lot of Flying
MARCH 2025Hey everyone—checking in from Albania! This month’s been a bit of a whirlwind. I finally moved into my new place in Porto (which felt amazing), but then had to leave Portugal until my visa is approved. Cue the Great Trav...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 3
•
5:55
S6:Ep2 - Moving Abroad: My Portugal Visa Journey & Expat Life Updates
February 2025This month was a whirlwind! I started in Portimão, soaking up the Algarve sun (when it wasn’t cloudy) before making a long trek back to the U.S. for my visa appointment. After trains, flights, and plenty of travel day...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 2
•
3:08
S6:Ep1 - From Porto to Portimão: My Portugal Journey
JANUARY 2025It’s a new year and a new season for the podcast! A big thanks to those of you who tune in regularly and those who drop by for an episode that catches your interest.This year is shaping up to be different—proba...
•
Season 6
•
Episode 1
•
9:48
S5:Ep12 - Porto, Portugal: Reflections, New Beginnings, and a Visa
DECEMBER 2024I’m back in Western Europe, and it feels great to be in Porto—a city that feels like home. This month, I’m reflecting on the cultural contrasts between Turkey’s authenticity, Albania’s Western touches, and the peacef...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 12
•
7:56
S5:Ep11 - Adventure and Relaxation in Tirana, Albania
NOVEMBER 2024I’m currently in Tirana, Albania, and it’s been amazing to settle into a great routine. From savoring incredible traditional dishes to exploring breathtaking spots like Djit Mountain and Bunk’Art 2, every moment has ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 11
•
8:27
S5:Ep10 - Istanbul Moments, Tirana (Blloku) Vibes
OCTOBER 2024I just wrapped up an unforgettable stay in Istanbul, and I can’t wait to share some highlights with you. The highlight was the golden hour boat cruise on the Bosphorus with the city’s skyline glowing in the sunset—def...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 10
•
5:21
S5:Ep9 - Istanbul, Turkey: First Impressions and Challenges
SEPTEMBER 2024This month, I’m diving into my first impressions of Istanbul. The flight from Manchester, UK was a breeze, but getting settled was a marathon—long drives, airport chaos, and finding my Airbnb with its 137 steps (hel...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 9
•
14:15
S5:Ep8 - Visiting Cologne/Bonn, Germany (Pros and Cons)
AUGUST 2024I traveled from Manchester to Cologne, and despite the heat, I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here. Being my first visit, I’ve put together a list of pros and cons. Splitting my time between Bonn and Cologne gave ...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 8
•
14:40
S5: Bonus - Votes Across the Rhine: Cologne's Take on U.S. Politics
I took a stroll around Cologne, Germany, near the Rhine River, where people gather, and I asked them who they would vote for in the U.S. elections—Kamala Harris or Donald Trump—if they had the chance to vote.
•
Season 5
•
5:36
S5:Ep7 - Summer Journeying through Leeds
JULY 2024I've settled into my routine, my allergies are gone, and I'm exploring more of the city, even though it's a bit chilly and cloudy.I experienced an authentic British Sunday roast, a tradition that's been around si...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 7
•
10:36
S5:Ep6 - Back in Leeds, UK: A Summer Adventure
JUNE 2024Join me as I explore Leeds this summer! Arriving on June 1st, I've settled into the vibrant Leeds Dock, a hub of modern apartments, businesses, and cultural attractions. I love spending time at Fearns, a trendy bar...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 6
•
9:13
S5:Ep5 - Exploring Manchester, UK (England)
MAY 2024Join me this month as I explore the historic market town of Bury in Greater Manchester. We'll journey from metro to bus, ending up in Ramsbottom to focus on the iconic Holcombe Hill and the majestic Peel Tower, a tr...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 5
•
9:31
S5:Ep4 - Embracing Manchester, UK (England)
APRIL 2024Embark on a scenic journey from Manchester to Pool-in-Wharfedale for a captivating acting workshop. Experience the tranquility of the countryside as you travel through rolling hills and lush green landscapes. In M...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 4
•
7:16
S5:Ep3 - Lisbon, Portugal and beyond
MARCH 2024In the latest episode of my podcast, I bid a temporary farewell to Portugal, leaving behind the sunny streets of Lisbon but carrying cherished memories with my filmmaking group. Before my departure, I took time to...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 3
•
5:08
S5:Ep2 - Wintering in Lisbon, Portugal
FEBRUARY 2024Welcome to my February podcast, broadcasting live from Lisbon where the weather has been delightful, marked by sunny days occasionally interrupted by refreshing rain showers. Nestled in a cozy Airbnb, convenien...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 2
•
7:11
S5:Ep1 - New Year, New Adventures in 2024
JANUARY 2024To begin the new year, I take you on my adventure back to the US, where I reconnect with family and friends, and delve into the nostalgic task of clearing out a storage unit filled with memories. I'm thr...
•
Season 5
•
Episode 1
•
6:30
S4:Ep12 - Back to Lisbon, Portugal
DECEMBER 2023As the year draws to a close, I find myself back in Lisbon, reminiscing about the events of 2023. While my Airbnb experience hit a snag, a move to Estoril, Portugal, brought a satisfying resolution. Unlike my l...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 12
•
10:16
S4:Ep11 - Tirana, Albania (Blloku neighborhood)
NOVEMBER 2023So, I just went from a small town near the Adriatic Sea up to Tirana, the capital city of the country. What a change! I'm fully embracing it and really enjoying it.I'm staying in a wonderful neighborhood...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 11
•
7:58
S4:Ep10 - Durrës, Albania (Pros & Cons)
OCTOBER 2023Albania has truly been a delightful surprise! Durrës is a port city and my Airbnb is on the 11th floor of a high-rise, so the view of the Adriatic Sea is spectacular! There's so much to see and do here. The loca...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 10
•
16:40
S4:Ep9 - Autumn in Liverpool, UK
SEPTEMBER 2023I had an amazing summer in Leeds, and now that I've moved to Liverpool, I'm loving the fresh scenery. My stay here has been upbeat, filled with great conversations. It's just a 10-minute walk to the vibrant Hope Str...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 9
•
7:33
S4:Ep8 - August in Leeds, England (U.K.) and Summer Spendor
AUGUST 2023As summer slowly comes to a close here in Yorkshire, it's been an absolute blast! These past few months have been a delightful mix of adventure, discovery, and happiness. This marks my third English summer, and I must ...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 8
•
10:42
S4:Ep7 - Summer Vibes in Leeds, England (U.K.)
JULY 2023The month of July has been fantastic! Throughout the month, I had the chance to embark on a couple exciting day trips - one of the best things about being here in England. The weather has been comfortable and I've ...
•
Season 4
•
Episode 7
•
13:09
S4:Ep6 - Back to Leeds, England (U.K.)
JUNE 2023I'm back in Leeds! Even though Leeds is only 45 miles from Manchester (and a one hour train ride) packing up and moving my life, even a short distance, feels like a major life changing shift for me.
•
Season 4
•
Episode 6
•
11:02
S4: Bonus - Leeds, Manchester, or Liverpool (Which City is Best?)
The north England cities of Leeds, Manchester, and Liverpool are very different from each other. I've spent time in all three, and they all have positives and a few negatives.In this interview, I asked some people which city they ...
•
Season 4
•
5:06