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So, you’re thinking about moving to Portugal? Excellent choice! Sunshine, friendly people, safe cities, stunning properties—and… the metric system. 😅
That’s right. If you’re coming from the U.S., it’s time to ditch feet, gallons, and pounds and embrace meters, liters, and kilos. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with this lighthearted guide that makes converting to the metric lifestyle as smooth as a glass of Portuguese vinho verde. 🍷
📏 The Great Length Debate: Inches vs. Centimeters
- 1 inch = 2.54 cm
- 1 foot = 30.48 cm
- 1 yard = 0.91 meters
- 1 mile = 1.6 kilometers
💡 Pro Tip: Most apartments are listed in square meters (m²). So that gorgeous 150 m² villa? That’s about 1,615 square feet. Plenty of space for you, your flip-flops, and maybe a pool floatie.
🏋️ Pounds vs. Kilos
- 1 pound = 0.45 kilograms
- 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds
Planning to lift a bag of cement during your Algarve renovation? That “25 kg” bag = 55 pounds. You’ll feel it. 😅
🎯 Bonus: When you see your weight in kilos, it might look lower. Who doesn’t love that?
🧪 Gallons vs. Liters
- 1 gallon = 3.785 liters
- 1 liter = 0.26 gallons
Gas prices in Portugal are listed per liter, not gallon. If you see €1.70/liter, that’s about €6.43/gallon. Yes—it’s steep, but we drive smaller cars, and the views make up for it. 😉
🚗 Need a car? We’ve got listings with garages! Check them out here
🌡 Fahrenheit vs. Celsius
- 32°F = 0°C (freezing)
- 68°F = 20°C (nice day)
- 86°F = 30°C (perfect beach day)
Portugal rarely gets too hot or too cold. The Algarve sees lots of 25°C+ sunny days, which translates to “bring your sunglasses and SPF.” 😎
📦 Real Estate in Metric: What to Know
When you browse homes on Immo Lusitania, you’ll see:
- Room sizes in m²
- Land in hectares (1 hectare = 2.47 acres)
- Distances in km
Need help converting all this while hunting for property? That’s what we’re here for.
📲 Contact us and we’ll break it all down while you sip a bica (that’s a Portuguese espresso ☕).
🎯 How Immo Lusitania Helps You Adapt
At Immo Lusitania, we guide you from confused expat to confident homeowner:
- We speak your language—literally (English, Dutch, German, Portuguese, Swedish… you name it!)
- We convert sizes, costs, and local jargon so you don’t have to Google every measurement
- We handle everything from airport pickups to renovation quotes (in metric, of course)
Ready to make the leap across the Atlantic—and the measuring tape? ✈️🏡
📲 Quick Links
🎧 Prefer to listen while packing your bags? Follow our podcast on Spotify
🌍 Need mobile data while house-hunting? Use our official partner Airalo eSIM
❓Frequently Asked Questions
🔹 Will I need to learn the metric system to live in Portugal?
Not necessarily! Most locals are happy to help, and over time you’ll pick it up naturally.
🔹 Are homes in Portugal smaller than in the U.S.?
Often yes, but layout and outdoor space more than make up for it. And we help you find the right fit.
🔹 Are renovation materials labeled in metric?
Yes. But don’t worry—we help you translate your vision into Portuguese measurements.
🔹 Can I bring my U.S. furniture?
Yes, but measure carefully. Standard U.S. beds and appliances may not always fit as expected.
🔹 Will my tools work in Portugal?
If they’re electric, check voltage and plug types. Measurements? Go metric or bring a converter!
