Essential apps to have as an expat in Portugal (what locals actually use)

After seeing this question come up a lot in expat groups, I thought it might be helpful to put together a list of apps that people actually end up using in Portugal once they settle here.

Some of these are obvious after a few months, others are things many newcomers don’t realize exist until much later.

Here’s a practical breakdown.

💳 Payments and daily life

MB WAY
Probably the most important app in Portugal. It links your phone number to your bank card and lets you send money, split bills, pay in shops, withdraw cash from ATMs, and pay online. Many locals use it daily.

Bank app (your Portuguese bank)
Most banking here is done through apps. Transfers, payments, and even some government payments happen through them.

🚕 Getting around

Bolt
Very widely used ride-hailing app in Portugal (and in the EU). Often cheaper than Uber depending on the city (they also offer a bunch of discounts form time to time). Also has scooters and Bolt Food in some places.

Uber
Still very common, especially in Lisbon and Porto.

Via Verde + easypark
Useful if you drive. Lets you manage tolls, parking, and some mobility services.

CP (Comboios de Portugal)
Portugal’s national train company. You can check schedules and buy train tickets directly in the app.

Rede Expressos or Flixbus
Main long-distance bus network in Portugal. Rede Expressos covers a lot of Portugal, but Flixbus can be cheaper!

Anda (Porto) or Navegante (Lisbon), basically your local transport
If you live in Porto (AMP) or Lisbon (AML), those apps either automatically calculates the cheapest public transport fare, or simply help you get around, providing routes, tickets and timetables. Each major town has its own public transport system, so check which one applies to your location.

🍔 Food and delivery

Glovo
One of the most popular delivery apps. Restaurants, groceries, pharmacy items, and random convenience stuff.

Bolt Food
Another major delivery option depending on the city.

🏠 Housing and finding things

idealista
One of the biggest platforms for renting or buying property in Portugal. Most expats end up using it when searching for apartments.

OLX
Huge marketplace for second-hand items. Great for furniture, bikes, electronics, and random things when you’re setting up your place.

Vinted
Very popular in Europe for buying and selling second-hand clothes, across the continent. Great option for deals!

📦 Mail and logistics

CTT
Portugal’s postal service app. Useful for tracking packages and deliveries.

🧾 Bureaucracy and taxes

gov.pt
Portugal’s official government app. You can store digital documents, authenticate yourself with Chave Móvel Digital, and access some public services.

e-fatura
Tracks receipts connected to your NIF and helps categorize them for tax deductions. If you live here long term, this becomes important.

🏥 Health

SNS 24
Official Portuguese health system app. Useful for appointments, prescriptions, and health information if you’re registered with the public system.

🛒 Shopping and saving money

KuantoKusta
Portuguese price comparison platform. Very useful when buying electronics or appliances.

Supermarket apps
If you shop regularly at a chain, their apps often give discounts and coupons. The main ones people use are:

• Continente
• Pingo Doce
• Auchan

Quick recall

If you just arrived, the most useful starter pack is probably:

MB WAY
Bolt
Glovo
idealista
OLX
CP
gov.pt
SNS 24

Everything else you add depending on your lifestyle.

Curious if we missed any apps locals rely on!