Skip to content 
Moving to a new country is an exciting adventure, but it can also be challenging. The right apps can make life much easier if you are planning to live in Portugal. There’s an app for everything — from transportation, housing and banking to socializing. This guide introduces you to the best apps for expats in Portugal, and helps make your transition smooth and stress-free.
1. Navigation & transport Portugal Apps
Google Maps
Google Maps is essential for anyone new in Portugal. It will give you accurate directions for walking, biking, driving, and public transportation. You can also find shops, restaurants, hospitals and more around you. One of the best things is the ability to download maps offline which is very helpful in rural areas or when travelling.
Google Maps also provides live traffic updates, road closures and estimated arrival times, which is useful for expats in planning their daily commute. It also integrates easily with ride-sharing and calendar apps. It gives precise directions for driving, walking and public transport. You can walk to neighborhood restaurants and shops. 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 drive or rent a car in the city this app is a must-have. Digital payments for parking, remote session extensions and reminders before expiration can help you avoid fees.
The app also lets drivers know where they can park, what it will cost and for how long, helping them find legal spots quickly. EMEL ePark is also available in English and provides a range of payment options for added convenience to expats and tourists. It’s a handy device to beat the rigmarole of Lisbon’s regulated parking scheme.
Bolt
Bolt is a widely used ride-hailing app in Portugal, known for its quick and inexpensive rides between larger cities. It is usually cheaper than regular taxis and has a user-friendly interface. You can book a ride, track your driver, and pay—all in the app. Reliability, variety of rides (Bolt Comfort, Bolt Green etc.) and transparent pricing are some of the reasons why many expats opt for Bolt.
The app does accept credit cards and mobile payments, which is really nice. 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 popular messaging app in Portugal and is a must for expats. Locals and businesses use it for everyday communication. You can send text messages, voice notes, images and documents, or make free voice and video calls. It also has group chats, which is handy for social events and local expat communities.
WhatsApp is often used by landlords, doctors and service providers in favour of emails or phone calls. It works on Wi-Fi so you don’t pay roaming charges.” It is used by people for personal chats, group messages and even for business communication. Free calling and messaging is why expats love it.
Facebook Messenger
Facebook Messenger is more than just a texting app; it’s a way to connect with expat communities and events in your local area. Expats often use Messenger to join buy/sell groups, to connect with neighbors and to attend meetups or workshops. It can also be used to stay in touch with friends and family around the world. It lets you make voice and video calls, share media, and even personalize your chat.
Messenger is a good way to connect and communicate easily, because many people use Facebook in Portugal. Used by many expats to stay in touch and meet new people. You can also use it for calls and texting.
Skype
Skype is still a dependable app for video calls, voice chats and even screen sharing that can come in handy for remote work. Expats use it to keep in touch with family or to have professional meetings. It allows for cheaper international calls which is perfect for users with limited mobile plans.
Skype also has features such as call recording and group video chats . Available on mobile, desktop and smart devices means you can easily communicate from anywhere in Portugal. It’s useful for remote working or for family catch-ups overseas. Skype is also used for meetings by many companies.
3. Language Learning & Translation Apps
Duolingo
Learning Portuguese is a blast with Duolingo’s fun, easy, bite-sized game-like lessons. The emphasis is on everyday vocabulary, basic grammar and sentence building. You can practice speaking, listening, reading and writing at your own pace. Daily nudges and rewards motivate learners. A good start for a beginner or for someone who wants to learn some useful phrases quickly.
Duolingo also records your progress and adjusts the lessons to your level, so it is a good companion to have as an expat. It uses short lessons and games to teach vocabulary and grammar. Good for every day use.
Babbel
Babbel is a good choice for expats who want to learn some Portuguese in a clear and structured way. Unlike Duolingo’s casual format, Babbel gets straight into conversational topics with real-life context. It offers grammar, pronunciation, and the cultural nuances required for everyday conversation.
The lessons are categorized by themes such as travel, food or job interviews. Quizzes and tracking progress are used to motivate users. Good for people who like a classroom type of learning. Has recordings from native speakers. Learning Portuguese phrases that you use every day helps. Ideal for beginner and intermediate students.
DeepL Translator
DeepL Translator is known for its high-quality translations, especially for translating to and from European Portuguese. Often it gives more natural-sounding results than Google Translate. You can easily translate full documents or emails or web pages.
This app is helpful when you are reading official letters, medical forms or signage. It also has tips on language nuances and alternative meanings to help expats better understand the language context. I use DeepL every day, it takes both typed and voice inputs. Português Europeu. Melhor que o Google Translate. You can use it to read signs or to translate documents.
4. Food Delivery & Dining Apps in Portuguese
Glovo
oceries, pharmacy items and even gifts from local businesses. Browse the categories, place your order and track the courier in real time. According to TasteAtlas, Portuguese cuisine has earned great international recognition, ranking fourth in the world in 2024.
Glovo operates in most of the major cities in Portugal and the app supports English. It’s perfect for a busy weeknight or late night craving. Payment is safe and you can choose the delivery times you need. It works in most cities of Portugal and allows you to follow your order in real time. You can also order items from local stores.
Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the most used apps for food delivery in Portugal, especially in Lisbon and Porto. There are many places to eat, ranging from local hot spots to popular chains. The app is easy to use with user ratings, estimated delivery times and simple to navigate menus. Easy to deal with, pay online by card or pay pal.
Uber Eats regularly has discount codes and deals. It’s a great way to try new places to eat in your area and save money. It has a range of restaurants and regular discount offers. Payments are made online for ease of use.
The Fork
The Fork is good for dining out in Portugal. Browse restaurant menus, read reviews and book tables directly from your phone with this app. Many restaurants will give you up to 50% off if you book through the app. It also spotlights special food events and chef’s menus.
The Fork is available in English and is easy to use, helping you find new places in your area. Expats love to use it for casual meals or to organise nights out for special occasions. to exclusive offers. It contains menus, ratings and maps. Great for finding new places in your town.
5. Apps for Housing & Accommodations
Idealista
Idealista is one of the most trusted sites to search for properties in Portugal. Whether you’re looking to rent or buy you can filter by price, location, property type and energy rating. Each listing has detailed descriptions, high quality images and contact options. Idealista is constantly updated so you always have the latest properties on the market.
It helps expats get the lowdown on housing trends and neighborhood insights. It also offers a mortgage calculator and market reports for additional research. or rental or for sale homes. It has filters and photos and contact details. It is used by expats to find accommodation.
Imovirtual
If you are looking for houses, rooms or holiday rentals in Portugal, Imovirtual is a great app. It has thousands of listings with photos, descriptions and direct contact forms. Users can filter searches by budget, location, number of rooms and even pet-friendly properties. It is widely used by local landlords and agencies which can help you to find available listings.
Many expats like its intuitive interface and bi-lingual options. You can also create alerts to be notified of new listings. with details listings. It helps you to search for both short term and long term stays. Send landlords a direct message through the app.
Casa Sapo
Another trusted real estate app that helps expats to explore housing options throughout Portugal. It includes rentals, sales and even commercial spaces. With the app you can compare prices between districts and view detailed information about neighborhoods. Listings are checked and normally include floor plans, energy ratings and contact information.
Casa Sapo is especially useful to anyone looking to move out of big cities or buy property. The app is available in multiple languages, so searching is easier. It offers neighborhood data and property comparison tools. Good for exploring less popular regions.
Get In Touch With Us
Portugal Residency Advisors® has helped hundreds of international families and investors secure residency, citizenship, and investments in Portugal. Get in touch with a specialist today and discover how we can help you start your journey to Portugal.
6. Banking & Financial Portuguese Apps
MB WAY
MB WAY is the most used financial application in Portugal. It links to your Portuguese bank account and lets you make instant payments, send money to friends and even withdraw cash from ATMs without your card.
The app can also be used to pay in stores, online and via QR codes. It’s safe, easy to use and accepted 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 lets you take care of your money 100% online making it perfect for expats. You can open an account in minutes from your phone. It has budgeting tools, real-time spending alerts and the ability to set savings goals. The app handles multiple currencies and is perfect for international travel or working remotely.
N26 has no hidden fees, a sleek interface and will help you to manage your money stress-free whilst living in Portugal. It’s very good for transferring money across countries. Features include easy transfers, spending alerts.
Revolut
Revolut is very popular with expats, thanks to its multi-currency features and good exchange rates. Keep and exchange money in multiple currencies Transfer money internationally and buy online with ease. It also comes with budgeting tools, spending analytics and savings vaults. Instantly freeze/unfreeze your card and use it globally with low fees.
Revolut is ideal for expats who are frequently on the move or need to handle money across countries. Use it to send or spend money around the world. 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 appointments with doctors and see your results from tests. Or if you have non-emergency symptoms, you can speak to a healthcare professional through the app’s helpline.
Once registered with the national health service, the app makes it simple to manage healthcare. It supports COVID-19 certificates, vaccination records and general health data. It’s an important tool to navigate the Portuguese 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. With this app you can book appointments, see medical reports and manage prescriptions. The interface is user friendly, and available in English which is good for expats. You can even select your doctor and pay your medical bills directly from the app.
MyCUF is a simple and fast private healthcare in Portugal that simplifies your search for all your health records in one place. View test results, schedule appointments and manage prescriptions. Great if you want private healthcare.
Mayday Safety
Mayday Safety is a personal safety app that keeps you and your loved ones updated in real-time during emergencies. Instantly share your live location with trusted contacts and send SOS alerts when needed. It’s super useful for solo travelers, parents, or anyone new to Portugal.
It also lets users be notified of any threats or incidents nearby. Mayday Safety provides expats settling into a new environment an added layer of peace of mind. This is useful for solo travelers or in an emergency.
8. Shopping & Marketplace in Portugal Apps
OLX
OLX is the No. 1 site in Portugal to buy and sell second hand items locally. If you are looking for second-hand furniture, electronics, tools or even cars, OLX has thousands of listings to browse through. Portugal is the 7th safest country in the world, according to the 2024 Global Peace Index. This ranking gives expats peace of mind when it comes to shopping.
It’s easy to sell things you don’t need anymore, you can quickly post your own listings. Expats often turn to OLX to find good deals close to home or to furnish their homes affordably. Find local furniture, electronics, and more. It’s perfect for a new home.
CustoJusto
CustoJusto is a Portuguese classifieds app with thousands of listings in categories like electronics, vehicles, real estate, and more. The app connects local buyers and sellers. You can filter your search by price, location and the condition of the item, it’s easy to find exactly what you want.
Expats use it to find bargains and sell off unwanted stuff when they move. It is a good way of knowing the local market and having interaction with the people living close by. It’s easy to use and has filters for location and price. Very popular with locals.
KuantoKusta
KuantoKusta is the best price comparison app in Portugal for smart shoppers. It helps users to find the best deals across a number of categories including tech gadgets, home appliances and fashion. Before you buy, you can view product reviews, store ratings and delivery options.
KuantoKusta is very useful, especially for expats looking to stretch their money further when creating a new home. The app typically takes users straight to the retailer’s website, making it easier to buy stuff. Good for finding the best deals on electronics, appliances, and more.
9. Utilities & Essential Services Apps
CTT
CTT is the official application of the Portuguese Post. It allows you to track packages, locate post offices near you, and estimate the cost of shipping for both domestic and international shipments. You can also make deliveries, buy postage and use the app to pay utility bills.
This is something many expats find helpful if they are ordering things online or sending packages home. A must have for managing all your mailing needs whilst living in Portugal. You can track packages, find post offices nearby and calculate shipping costs. It also handles bill payments.
E-fatura
E-fatura is an essential app for tracking electronic invoices and tax-deductible expenses in Portugal. It automatically gathers and arranges the invoices related to your NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) each time you make eligible purchases. This system is an important component of the country’s efforts in promoting tax transparency and fighting undeclared income.
It is particularly helpful for freelancers, entrepreneurs and small business owners to easily track deductible categories such as healthcare, education, rent and general business expenses. E-fatura makes it easier to file personal and business tax returns at the end of the fiscal year and guarantees that all legitimate expenses are correctly documented and readily available.
OSCAR
OSCAR is the #1 home services app in Portugal and aims to make daily life easier by providing a wide range of services at fixed prices. From home repairs, cleaning, laundry to beauty treatments, OSCAR connects you to trusted professionals in just a few taps. It is available in big cities like Lisbon, Porto, Braga and Coimbra and has live-tracking and rapid response times (often under 30 minutes).
All service providers on OSCAR are pre-screened and verified. Services include built-in insurance and quality guarantees. OSCAR has over 200 tasks in 12 categories and is the preferred solution for busy individuals and expats who are looking for quick and reliable help at home.
10. Travel & Leisure Portugal Apps
CP – Comboios de Portugal
This is the official app for Portugal’s national train service. You can check the schedules of trains, purchase tickets and get live updates on regional and intercity lines. Whether you’re going city to city or taking a scenic trip across the country, CP makes rail travel easy and efficient. Also the app gives info about the price of tickets, discounts and services available on board.
FlixBus
FlixBus is a low cost carrier operating long-distance buses in Portugal and Europe. Great for city hopping, weekend getaways or even cross border travel for cheap prices. The app has a friendly user interface to search routes, book tickets, track buses in real-time and see the travel history. It’s a popular affordable travel spot for students, tourists and digital nomads.
Rede Expressos
Rede Expressos is one of the largest intercity bus networks in Portugal, linking dozens of towns and cities across the country. Search routes, buy and manage your tickets and access travel information on the go using the app. Rede Expressos is also a popular choice. It is a comfortable, efficient and affordable mode of transport between regions, with a wide coverage and frequent schedules, a reliable choice for locals and travelers.
Your Questions Answered
Are these apps in English?
Yes most of the apps listed have options for english language to help non-portuguese speakers.
Can I use these apps with an international phone number?
Most of the apps will work with international numbers but a few of the local apps may require a Portuguese number.
Are these Portuguese apps free to use?
Most are free to download but some may have in-app purchases or require an account.
Will I need internet access to use these apps?
Yes, you need an internet connection, but some apps have offline capabilities (like Google Maps).
How do I get more useful apps for Portugal?
A great way to get tips and find out about apps from people already living in Portugal is to check Facebook, Reddit or WhatsApp expat groups.
Do I have to be able to speak Portuguese to use these apps?
Not necessarily. Most major travel, transport and utility apps are also available in English. Some government-related apps are perhaps only in Portuguese but are easily navigable.
Can I pay for services directly via the apps?
Yes, most transport & utility apps have secure in-app payment options (credit/debit cards, mobile wallets such as Apple Pay, MB Way etc.)
Are these apps available on iOS and Android?
Yes, almost all of these apps are available on Google play store as well as Apple app store.
Can travel apps provide real-time information?
Apps like CP, Rede Expressos and FlixBus provide real-time updates, but delays can happen. Always a good idea to check schedules closer to your departure.
Excellent
4.9 | 54 Reviews
