Moving a Startup from San Francisco to Lisbon: An Interview with Bounce Founder Cody Candee

Cody Candee is smiling at the camera while wearing a light gray sweatshirt with the "bounce" logo on it. The background is out of focus but appears to be an office setting with large windows and desks.

Bounce is the largest network of luggage storage and locker providers worldwide. It’s popular with travelers or people going to events who want to leave their luggage on arrival or departure day, instead of dragging their bags around the city. In 2023, Bounce made the decision to base their HQ out of Lisbon, a move which Cody Candee was kind enough to discuss with Portugalist.  James: I’m curious why you chose Lisbon over cities like Berlin, Paris, London, or other …

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The Pros & Cons of Living in Lisbon

A charming street scene in Lisbon, Portugal, with a vintage yellow tram labeled "28" traveling along cobblestone tracks. The backdrop features colorful buildings, including a red one, trees with autumn foliage, parked vehicles, and a quaint urban atmosphere.

Lisbon

Thinking about making Portugal’s capital your new home? From stunning views to startup culture, ancient trams to artisanal coffee shops, Lisbon has a lot to offer. But is it right for you? I’ve spent years helping people relocate to Portugal, and Lisbon remains one of the most popular choices – especially for young professionals and digital nomads. But like any city, it’s got its quirks, charms, and challenges. Let’s dive into what makes Lisbon tick – and whether it might …

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Cost of Living in Lisbon: The Breakdown

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Living in Lisbon is no longer as cheap as it once was, particularly when it comes to rental costs. Although there are more expensive restaurants and coffee shops than there were a few years ago, most of the other living costs have risen in a much less dramatic fashion. It’s still possible to find a lunch menu for less than €10 if you look hard, a glass of wine for €1-2, a coffee for 50-60 cents, and to keep your …

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Which Areas of Lisbon Are Unsafe? 

Grafitti in the Alfama neighborhood

Moving to Lisbon? The good news is that you’re headed to one of Europe’s safest capitals, where violent crime is rare and most neighborhoods are perfectly fine for daily life. But like any major city, Lisbon has areas that require extra awareness, especially after dark. Let’s break down what you actually need to know as an expat planning to make Lisbon home. The Reality Check: How Safe is Lisbon Really? Portugal consistently ranks as one of the safest countries globally, …

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A Guide to Living in the Eastern Algarve

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The Eastern Algarve, starting from the charming town of Olhão and stretching to the Spanish-Portuguese border, offers a unique and enchanting lifestyle for those seeking a more laid-back and authentic Portuguese experience. While it may not be as crowded as the Central Algarve, the Eastern Algarve still boasts a fair share of tourists, striking a perfect balance between tranquility and vibrancy. Living in the Eastern Algarve means having access to a wide array of stunning beaches, although some may require …

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A Guide to Living in the Central Algarve

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The Algarve is often split into three sections: the Eastern Algarve, the Central Algarve, and the Western Algarve. The Central Algarve is the vibrant heart of the Algarve region, offering a perfect blend of stunning beaches, world-class amenities, and easy access to both the eastern and western parts of the Algarve. With the majority of the population, including a significant expat community, residing in this area, the Central Algarve provides a diverse and dynamic lifestyle. One of the main draws of the Central Algarve …

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A Guide to Lisbon’s Best Neighbourhoods

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Lisbon is a city that captures the hearts of both visitors and residents alike. With its rich history, stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and warm, welcoming atmosphere, it’s no wonder that more and more people are choosing to call Lisbon their home or spend their holidays exploring its charming streets. However, with so many diverse neighbourhoods to choose from, it can be challenging to know which one is right for you. Whether you’re looking for a lively area to stay during …

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The Digital Nomad Guide to Porto

A scenic view of Porto, Portugal, highlighting the Douro River and the colorful houses with terracotta roofs lining the hillside. The "Sandeman" sign for the iconic port wine cellars is visible in the foreground under a bright, clear sky.

Lisbon has been a digital nomad hotspot for several years now, and Porto is catching up. Porto isn’t as big as Lisbon, and it doesn’t have as big a community of digital nomads, freelancers, and startups, but it’s getting there. It has plenty of great cafés and co-working spaces, a real arty and hipster vibe, and it also has the very important benefit of being much cheaper than Lisbon. Its location in Northern Portugal means that winters aren’t great here: …

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Cost of Living in Porto: The Breakdown

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Porto is one of Portugal’s most beautiful cities, and some would say its most beautiful. Although smaller than Lisbon, it has plenty of great bars, restaurants, shops, and cafés. Most importantly, the cost of living in Porto is much more affordable than Lisbon particularly when it comes to rental and property prices. Porto’s proximity to the beach makes it popular with surfers and those that want to be by the coast, and it’s just one the many reasons that many …

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Madeira for Digital Nomads

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While Lisbon has long reigned as the premier destination for digital nomads in Portugal, the idyllic island of Madeira has been quietly but steadily making its mark on the global digital nomad scene. Historically known for its appeal to retirees and cruise ship enthusiasts, Madeira’s recent rise as a digital nomad hotspot is not surprising, given its year-round mild climate, breathtaking natural landscapes, and burgeoning community of remote workers. What has truly catapulted Madeira into the limelight is the advent …

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