The TRUTH About Moving Abroad | 2 Month Portugal Expat Update
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- Опубликовано: 21 июл 2024
- We're sharing exactly what it's like to move abroad, now that we've been here about 2 months. We're giving a bit more insight into how we got here, what we do as "digital nomads" to afford to move abroad, and we're detailing some pros and cons of moving abroad that you may not have heard before.
// ABOUT US //
Dan and Michelle are the owners of HoneymoonAlways.com, a honeymoon and couples travel website, as well as CabinCritic.co. Dan is a former SEO specialist, and Michelle recently left her job as a digital product manager. We recently sold our home in Austin Texas to live in Portugal and work full time on our travel website.
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For more updates on our move to Portugal and our travels, subscribe to / honeymoonalways
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Follow along @honeymoonalways
// TRAVEL //
Check out our travel website honeymoonalways.com/
Music: www.bensound.com
I, welcome to my Country (Portugal). First of all, the best way to fit in, in any Country, is to have an open mind, respect for the Country it self and get to know the differences in rules, ways of living etc.
One of the first things you should do, is to start learning the language, the fact that you make the effort to communicate in the local lingo, opens the doors for a warmer welcoming, we Portuguese love that, most of us speak pretty good English, French, German, just to name a few, after all, we are one of the main tourist destinations in the World, as well as a fantastic place for retirement, plus nowadays, a digital nomads oasis, another thing, get friendly with the locals, obviously trustworthy ones, don't play the smart, superior, better than you game, be nice, approachable, friendly, we like that, and if you play with honesty and all that, you will be taken in to the "club", in other words, we need to know you, what your intentions are, once you've proved yourself, we will treat you like one of the family, and believe me its worth it, we are a caring nation, we love helping others, Lisbon being the capital is not as warm as in other parts of the Country, but compared to a lot of nations, is very friendly, once you in the group, and look back, you will ask yourself: "what was that all about?".
Just another point, don't do what some people from other Countries do, stick to your culture and in your case, American club of friends, don't abandon them obviously, but be adventures and embrace the local costumes, get to know the Country, and Portugal which includes the Archipelagos of Madeira, and Azores, this two just 1 hour and 30 (+/-) by air from Lisbon, is a fantastic and very compact little paradise.
Good luck and will see on the near future, how you fill about your move from the US to our Country.
They live in a bubble in the US, and when the move to other countries, they feel entitled, they don't learn the language, they complain about anything (they expect everything to be like in the US), they will push locals away because everything becomes more expensive where they move, and most important, they don't leave behind their toxic culture.
And they like to call themselves, expats*, because they don't want to be called, immigrants, since they have given the word, immigrant, a negative connotation.
Expat is short for expatriate, and almost all of them don't resign their citizenship, so they are not expatriates.
And they have very little knowledge of how the rest of the world lives.
I've been working on my wife the past 2 years and wasn't sure I was getting anywhere so finally took a more direct approach. "Well I'm moving to Portugal within the next 3 years. You're welcome to join me."
🤣🤣👍🇵🇹
Hahahaha, that’s one way to do it!
OMG... I hope she accepted your invite!
I’m tempted to say this to my husband!
I was thinking about doing the same thing. 😂
I’m so glad it’s working out for you! The US is a sh*t show now and I’m trying to convince the husband that moving abroad would be so good for our family.
Thanks Kara!
I've almost got my wife convinced. A little more bribing should do it. 👍
I loved this video. I watch your videos for the perspective of foreigners about my country and not because I'm planning to move abroad, but there were some really great insights here.
Also, don't worry about Portuguese grannies yelling at you. Grumpy is their default mode unless you're their grandkids. Grandkids can get away with murder. Everyone else needs some tough love to learn the ways of the world ;)
Those Grandmas need to know we just want to be their friends! 😊😊😊
Loved the "default mode" comment 😊 On the positive side, if you can turn a grannie, you're set for life. Just take in consideration, that many old people don't speak a foreign language, and if they do, most likely will be french.
As for being digital, we slowly getting there. People are just used to drive to a shop and search / experiment / get advice.
@@cormerus This is very true. If you can turn a granny to love you, you going to have lots of great food in a common base.
I help one granny one time in my building complex (apartment building) after that day she sometimes when make a cake share one BIG slice with me.
I remember one time i had 4 different tupperwares from her.
Bring on the discomfort! I embrace any change that will force me out of ruts, the 9-5 grind, the stress of the U.S., and the immense, intense need to live a different life. Who wouldn't want the opportunity to re-invent oneself? I will happily take on the frustrations of a future in Portugal over the frustrations of the present here in The States.
Culture shock is real...Luckily I experienced it a year into my move to France so Portugal is a piece of cake for me! For me, the first year was great and then the shock set in...I thought I could bring my American traits of positivity and customer service to my new country...Doesn't work like that! After a year or so of new 'rules' it got old and I felt like I'd had it!! Worked through it, made like minded friends and made peace that I wasn't going to change it, but instead embrace the culture and adhere to its principles while not losing my 'Americaness'!!! I cannot imagine moving back...So much to discover and experience here! My heart and home is in Lisboa!!!
Anything specific as part of culture shock for you?
For me it was the let down after getting everything legal/administrative done, setting up house, visiting and sightseeing and then all of a sudden it's normal life! The problem is that your life expectations kind of need to change...Nothing involving living your life is the same! Best example is time...We often joke about if an appointment is in real time or Portuguese time! Thankfully the Portuguese are nice and have a self deprecating sense of humor...French do not!! I guess it's just a lot of letting go of expectations and embracing/understanding your new culture that will help you feel good and happy!!! ❤Lisboa
@@tamaramadelin4831 Nicely said. You do not want to impose the culture, but you can add what you bring to the Portuguese culture - Portuguese are always curious about other cultures and like to play the comparation game. So just check if has positive feedback. By the way, Portuguese time is there is no hurry as there is time.
After France, anywhere else is a piece of cake.
So true!!
That was amazing. You guys just talked about a lot of how I’m feeling after making my decision. I’m still on the planning stages. Thank you.
Your narrative point reminds me of a saying I love:
“You should never enjoy the discomfort of a comfort zone“
Great update! Thanks for sharing so much of your honest feelings about the process. Glad you're enjoying it here!
Thanks David!
Thank you for sharing your feelings about the move. Really good insights and this seemed to be a very honest, from the heart, assessment! Not everyone is going to have the same "why" and when people think you are crazy for "giving up the American dream" I can see why it would be very important to know exactly what your own "why" is. Good for your for making the leap and wishing you much happiness!
Great positive story. Thanks for sharing your personal journey including how to handle the anxiety of the decision to move and enjoying the adventure.
We did a similar move as you only we did it with four pets. Plus we had to purchase right away because of the pets...and after a lot of praying and crazy nervous energy - I can honestly say without any hesitation that it was the best leap of faith we could have made. I'm finally ready to sell our beach house in Canada and call Portugal home. Absolutely LOVE it here. We just got back from our sunset walk in Foz and I feel like we won the lottery with the vacation villa we bought in Obidos. Which is a sought after area for retirees :) we're 47 and 50 so we don't mind that at all. Only for a younger couple, I understand the appeal of the bigger cities. We're thinking of buying an apartment in Porto or Braga after I sell the beach house. That's how much we love it here. Thank you for sharing and hope you continue to enjoy Lisbon.
How did you move with your pets. I’m
I’m in the same situation
@@marthapimentel2815 our eldest dog has diabetes so we chose to use a professional vet service that was able to deal with her needs. excellent service and highly recommend if cost is not major issue (they did all the paperwork, etc) we sent the dogs first and once we settled the cat was sent over. there are plenty of pet nannies in Portugal only very few short term rentals that allow pets. so if you need to look for a place, you might want to consider a pet nanny or doggie camp just to give you some time sort things out. Portugal is very pet friendly and cost of care is so much better than a lot of other countries - plus it's a fantastic country.
@@thepeacefulpack thank you so much for the info !
@@marthapimentel2815 it is remarkably easy. We moved 3 dogs and a cat from the US to the UK, then to Hong Kong and then to Warsaw. We split time between Poland, Costa Rica and Portugal and it is pretty straightforward.
@@theruggedtravelers thank you so much for your info Joe!
Excellent video! I'm about a year and a half from moving to Portugal and loved hearing your personal perspective of your experience, so far. Keep up the great job.
☺️ thank you!
I've been following your journey and am so happy to hear things are going well for you. Your positive experiences echo what I've heard over and over from others. I hope to someday retire in Portugal and will continue to follow your adventures. Boa sorte!
Thank you!
I really like this video I am a 62 year old women I'm planning my solo relocation the beginning of 2022 and I do believe this will teach me more about myself and I'm excited but realistic thanks for your pros and cons
Wow, you will be here before you know it!
Hi Renee! 👋 My husband and I are both in our early 60's, (61 & 62) and we are moving to Portugal in May 2022, so let's keep in touch, (if you want) 😉😁 This way you'll have friends looking forward to seeing you in Portugal! We have a lifetime of "stuff" to sell before we go, but we are making excellent headway already by selling our RV, truck, all our ice cream shop stuff, and lots of smaller items as well!
We are so looking forward to this new adventure! ❣
Hope you are as excited about this incredible journey as we are! Be safe, be well and brightest blessings to you my new friend!
P.S. My name is Genie 🧞♀️😁
@@ladyloquitavida148 Hello Genie sounds good I am excited and a little nervous but I’m doin it 😆👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 let’s keep in touch you stay safe also
@Renee. I ( real name Laura) am planning to do the same mid 2022. 64 and solo . First exploratory trip in November. Have you decided on a specific area yet?
@@calabasascat6218 Hi Laura I will be starting in Lisbon and then travel to near by area’s. I’m just not happy here in California What area are you headed ? Keep me posted on your November trip stay safe
So glad you're happy and settled. Wishing you a great weekend. Enjoy the sunshine and blue skies 💖🏴
Thank you Carol!
I hope you two can keep positive and make a success ! I feel Michelle is feeling it and finding it hard to be far away from her culture. Don’t be in a rush to feel great - you will have ups and downs
I 💘 your video and I truly agree! After living in Mexico City for 12 years, I am so grateful for all of my experiences and the value of all that I learned about myself and the world.
Great vídeo! Happy to see that you are enjoying “my” country. Hopefully you will continue to share the portuguese culture and the fantastic places to visit. So much to see in this fantastic country
We really are enjoying it and excited to see more!
Wow you make my dream of moving there so much more valid. Thanks for your perspectives.
I've been watching your videos for about a month and this one made me subscribe. :) Thank you!
Thank you!
Loved it! Great self-insights about what it means to live in a new culture.
Thanks Denis!
So Honest. So True. Thabk you for the info and encouragement
Thank you so very much for this video. My wife and I are planning on retiring in Portugal. All you discussed has been on my mind. I feel so much better after watching. Thanks again.
Glad it was helpful!
The last 2 minutes of your video made me decide to subscribe. We have lived abroad from the US for 12 years now and how you describe the learning experience is spot on. We have lived in 5 different countries in that 12 years and it does get easier but each new country presents those same sorts of learning moments every day.
Thanks Joe! We try to share the reality we don’t see shared too much.
This is so wonderful! Thank you for sharing
You are so welcome!
Great video guys, it's really fascinating to hear your story, your perception of things and life in a new land. I really loved this one. I know exactly how you feel as even after being here for 21 years I fumbled around Lisbon on the bus the other day :)
This was my favorite video so far. Loved the honesty. Am enjoying following the two of you as you undertake this journey. I am 63, hoping to retire to Portugal in the next couple of years. Will be doing this solo so I understand how overwhelming it can feel. Plan to take my first research trip/visit in 2022. Am torn among Lisbon, Porto and Setubal at this point. Keep up the great content.
3 very different places but hopefully a visit will help you decide!
Loved the video! A lot of the expat and travel internet scene seems to be motivated by posturing only the good. So I appreciate the honest, down to earth perspective.
We just want to help other people and that means honesty.
@@HoneymoonAlways Yep, definitely love that about you two!
So Glad to see you did this while you both are Young,and Enjoying Life !! Looking forward to my visit to Lisbon on the 2nd of September,,for 4 days !! Greetings from The Netherlands !! Bill ( originally from Key West been in The Netherlands for 30 years,and Love it ) and Robert
Great video! Honest and very useful for those of us that are thinking about moving abroad.
Thank you!
Very helpful. Thanks!
Thank you for your candor! I love your energy. 🤗
Thank you!
Really great video! Michelle I love what you said about our learned narratives and how you CAN discover that you can rewrite your story!!
How about that first visit to the grocery store looking for milk 🥛 or eggs 🥚?
Driving around Portugal is pretty easy. I’m guessing you don’t have a car yet… but I would say you will really enjoy renting a car once in a while and getting out and exploring. Soooo many amazing, great things to see, places to explore and experiences to be had! Whether it is spending a day in Óbidos, driving through Douro region, taking a little holiday in the Algarve or slow-traveling up the coastal roads and discovering small coves and beaches, there is so much to see and do in Portugal 🇵🇹
We are excited to get exploring! I’ve seen rental prices going down lately so it is time for some quick getaways!
New subscriber to you. Congrats on choosing what I think is the best country on Earth. Been there many times and I can’t believe the incredible beauty and variety that exists within such small borders. Enjoy and stay safe! Ciao )
Hahahaha. This is so true. I kept dropping those subtle lines for my wife until she came on board. We will be applying in a few weeks and I hope we get it.
I totally agree with your point that you learn about yourself a lot by moving to another country. I did it 15 years ago and remember the excitement mixed with anxiety. Now I’m considering moving again … this time from UK to Portugal :) we shall see. All the best guys xxxx
Good on you !!! Sounds great.
I have kids, so it's too late for me. I won't uproot them now.
However, I am excited about the idea of moving to the saner part of Europe, and Portugal is up there. Maybe in the future when the kids grow up.
I hope you make it big in Portugal.
It's a wonderful place and the quality of life there is far and away better than the states... especially if you're starting a family.
ATX here as well hoping to get to Portugal in 2022! Subscribed!
This video was very helpful. We hope to move to either Spain or Norway. We have considered Portugal. I liked the part about the anxiety . I could see that coming up a lot with such a big move. Thanks again!
Spain or Norway, why these countries? Culturewise these countries are opposite from each other 😉
I always have wanted to travel to Portugal. Thanx for this video.
Well done on a very honest and sincere account of your experience.
Thank you!
Y’all are so cute! Nordstrom’s, Galveston, “Night time brain”. It takes the brain 12 weeks to adjust to any new situation. You guys are doing great!!
Great video guys, thanks for sharing your experiences. I'll be making the move to Spain soon myself, like you I just sold my house, so adventure awaits!
That’s awesome, we are in Spain now!
OKay - I laughed out loud when you said "...if you've been to Galveston... you know." So true. So true!
Loved your video. It really resonated with me for sure. My Hubby also “planted the seed” a while back and I have been doing a ton of research to prepare for a move to Portugal. We (Canadians) are planning for Sept 2022… giving us lots of time to prepare. I would love to hear more about “the every day” things; what to expect when grocery shopping, going to hairdresser, post office etc. having a better idea of what to expect helps immensely to minimize anxiety and these “every day” activities are not always addressed. Look forward to seeing more of your videos! Kelly & Dave from BC Canada.
Hello Kelly, we are also in B.C., south Vancouver Island. My husband is a Portuguese/Canadian from Lisbon. We've travelled there a little bit, and are retired, so living in Portugal would be great for us and our paperwork is done. Sao Miguel, Acores, is my dream place, as quiet, sustainable, semi-tropical, and not as hot as Hawaii. We are still undecided about it all though.
Have you been to Portugal? Will you still be working?
Good luck with your plans over the next few months. Wendy Soares
@@joesoares563
Hello Wendy. Thanks for the correspondence.
I am currently semi retired (run a small not for profit for seniors) and my husband retires next May. We live in the interior (Burns Lake) 2.5 hours northwest of Prince George. Winter SUCKS up here! 🙃
We have not yet been to Portugal. Due to COVID we have postponed twice and are now hopefully optimistic that by fall of 2022 we will have seen the last of COVID. We are currently working through the paperwork. We are very much looking forward to a lifestyle and climate change. If you have any suggestions to offer on Portugal love to hear from you.
We will be in Porto in Sept 2022 if all goes well. We will be staying there for 3 weeks and then on to Lisbon for 3 weeks before settling down in Albufeira for the remainder of our stay. This will be central enough for us to check out the rest of the Algarve before making a final choice of where we will land. All the best, Kelly Turford
@@kellyturford7494 Ola Kelly, I wrote to you a few months ago, from Vancouver Island. How are your plans on moving to Portugal? I have booked to stay on Sao Miguel, Acores for October 1st, to have another look around there.
We were on that island 2018 and 2019, and I love it there more than my Portuguese husband, as he is from Lisboa. After 28 years on our Gulf Islands, he isn't too keen on going back to a smaller one, even though it is much larger than Salt Spring.
You must be quite excited, as September is 3 months away. Good luck with your search in Portugal, for your dream town/city.
Best wishes on your new life, Wendy Soares
Happy you guys are enjoying Portugal 🇵🇹 Adjusting to a new country and culture isn’t easy, thanks for being honest about it.
Thank you!
We’re planning on relocating to either Porto or Lisbon (haven’t decided yet) next year. We’ve already sold the house and quit our jobs. My husband took an early retirement, and we’ve been teaching English online, part time for the last 2 years. We lived in the Philippines, and returned to the states last year. Portugal, here we come 😊🙌🏼🙌🏼
Two cities with completely different vibes; I was born in Porto but don't live there for a long time( I live near Aveiro..) but Porto is smaller and more provincial , regional city Lisbon bigger and being the capital is more cosmopolitan but both cities do have pros and cons...not easy to choose.....if possible rent a home for a period of time in each one before you decide....👍
How exciting. We haven’t been to Porto yet, but chose Lisbon based on the climate. (At least for now)
@@HoneymoonAlways When you got the opportunity go to Porto for a weekend ...You have the train in Lisbon -Santa Apolonia to Porto ...around 2 hours trip ...
@@Maria-js9ou Porto is beautiful very good people, even more friendly, but this is true, the humidity is hard and in winter the city is a lot more darker.
I grow up in Lamego and live in Porto for 3 years before i change to Lisbon for one year (Estefania) and after that the rent was crazy for my wage and i buy a house in Odivelas (10 minutes by car to Lisbon).
If people want to feel the same vibe of Porto with a warmer climate, there are one city that is like that Setúbal, very very friendly people, close of Lisbon by car or by train (30 minutes) with a small city vibe and with everything major companies and utilities in that one street alone, with the Algarve climate in winter and better than Algarve in summer, is a little more cold than Algarve in summer, with beaches with the same quality than algarve, go see Arrabida beaches, Troia beaches and Comporta beaches, this city ticks all the boxes, but with everything even great concerts of Pop/rock/classic (Lisbon is close) and some are made in Setúbal region even to appeal to the people of Lisbon, they need space and there a lot of open spaces in Setubal district, for exemple Avante, Superbock Superrock, Sol da Caparica) and is a great investment in real state right now, because the next Lisbon airport going to be closer in one of this 2 places (Montijo or Alcochete) and the market going to boom there.
I buy a house in Azeitão last year for investment and now i rent out that house is 45% income after i pay the mortgage.
@@arturjcrebelo3275 Obrigada, that was very helpful. We are trying to research where we should live....near Lisbon or the Algarves
Up watching your video at 3am because I have 'night time brain" stressing about traveling to Spain this week (vaccinated but still worried if it's "the right thing to do")...so I feel this so hard. It's nice to know my night anxiety wake ups aren't uncommon. I'm sure I'll be having more of these nights once we start planning for our home sale and move to Portugal in early to mid 2022. Your videos are such a big help. Really loving the content, and you two are so genuine.
Just read the comments, I think everyone feels the anxiety but just don’t share.
We were just in your neighborhood having dinner at Memoria. Our last night here before permanently returning in February. The anxiety is normal but it passes over time. We find people here to be so kind and helpful, and used to interacting with foreigners. This is a great city! Can’t wait to return.
We can hear the back outdoor area from our apartment!
Hi guys! I have now watched enough of your videos to subscribe to your channel! :) I am Portuguese and an expat in the USA. I find it interesting watching and listening to you. I am always curious to see how you observe, perceive, like and live with new 'things' in your daily life in Portugal. I am super happy you feel welcome and are enjoying yourselves so far. I absolutely adore my country and know that the ones who visit it or move there usually fall in love with it, too. Continue doing well. :) Beijinhos!
Obrigado!
Thank you for your honesty. I think you both are the rare few that really tell us how it is. My family and I have moved here 3 weeks ago. Everything you said was spot on. I am currently pushing through the homesickness. We have also put aside what our expectations are along timelines for getting things done. I think we miss the familiarity of Canada and it's going to take time. Not enough to go back lol. One day at a time. Thanks again.
We definitely threw several expectations and timelines out the window. Just taking things as they come.
I visited Porto, Lisbon and Lagos in 2018 and loved each. I really miss the Pastéis de Nata.
We will have one for you!
Great video, I really enjoyed it. So much so I’m bookmarking it for later when my wife starts freaking out, lol. Actually I’m in the stage where I just keep mentioning Portugal to her. We have our first trip planned in Feb 2022, so we’ll see how it goes.
Haha! Good idea. Good luck with the first trip.
You did great❤️best decision ever!
Don't know what you changed, but your audio sounds so much better in this video! I also like your jump cuts, they elevate the talking head video a lot. Though I found myself wishing "Nighttime Brain" would have included a dramatization ;) I loved the B-roll in that 16 minute mark, I would have loved more B-roll throughout.
I admit, my wife said those "things" you mentioned when I told her what you'd done. She's been really impressed with you guys. You did touch on some of her big scares though, she's so afraid of the idea of making friends when we've ever discussed moving and that's just within the US. She'd be crippled if I tried to convince her to go out of country.
I'm excited for and proud of the two of you! Stay well!
Aww man, the dramatization was a missed opportunity! Thanks for your support.
So so
Wonderful to watch -I’m ready in a year or two - but coming to visit soon.
That's exciting! Will this be your first visit?
No, 2 nd time
Follow u both on Instagram too.
See you in September/or October- drinks dinner remember
Sorry, I want to correct my last comment,,Life can be so short,You are never to old to make a move,a New Beginning, as Long as You have Good Health !! Loving your site,,Keep Positive, and Great Things will come your Way !! Bill- The Netherlands
Thank you Bill!
Great video :) we applied, 22 July our apps were sent to the consulate in DC :) so we are waiting anxiously to hear if we get in or not and have frequent nighttime brain lol. Great term for it.
Hang in there! Hopefully you will know soon.
"carrots dangling in front of me..." great line (made me laugh)
Terrific video guys! Very well said! Enjoy Seville.
Thanks!
You guys are awesome. I subscribed. You make your points very well.
I’m heading to Europe tomorrow to scope out a future home too. Canada us just too cold
Good for you! You are young and should go - do - try - experience it all! When it no longer works for you - then go someplace else. Life is the greatest adventure!
Thanks Amy!
I'm trying to move to Portugal. So excited for this video.
Definitely, your best video! You're doing so great! I've lived in different countries, and each of them is completely different. Like you said, not a huge difference from the U.S., but slightly different as Americans are used to. Eager to see more videos! :)
Thank you! ☺️
Happy 2K!!!
Thank you Michelle!
Love your show. I watched this before my trip August 8, I should call you to meet you.
Thanks Vicki!
Great video, thank you for sharing 👍
For a minute I thought you were going to say you regret it! thanks for a great video.
Thank you so much for this video, friends. We’re only 2.5 weeks into our scouting trip but feel all the challenges you mentioned intensely. (Not helped by moving to a new city every few days… or sleep deprivation. 😉) Night brain gets us big time and several times now I’ve thought, I just don’t know if I can tackle all of this; WTF did we do, selling our home and all our stuff. And then I have an interaction with a kind local, or the sunlight and clean air dazzles me, or we see the most amazing view on a walk. Our love for Portugal is growing and your thoughts were EXACTLY what we needed. ❤️❤️❤️ Hugs, Janna (and Jeremy - from that awesome Amelia meetup)
p.s. Insta locked me out of my account a while ago; otherwise I’d be DMing you. 😆
So glad it helped! It really does challenge your brain.
Really enjoyed this video. We’ve been talking about maybe moving to Portugal since we visited a couple of years ago. It’s so funny discovering via FB groups and RUclips videos that we are not alone in falling for Portugal. Like you we’d be quitting our jobs and selling our house and possessions and making the leap. We also have a school age kid so there’s that whole consideration too. Need to decide if we’re going to take the leap and try to get a D 7 visa and move next summer.
Thanks, we are definitely not alone in making this change!
Don't worry about the little things.☺️💚
Yup, we keep reminding ourselves that.
Hey girl! You hair looks fab! Portugal water is making wonders hey! Have you found a hairdresser yet to take care of your highlights? Keep doing what you are doing! It's beautiful!
Love your videos. Would like to see one on spa services. Haircuts. Coloring, nails, facials, etc.
Would love to see something on what a teenager can do there.
Anything you can show us on Cascais or towns like it that are less expensive.
Thanks guys!!
Great ideas for videos
You two are awesome!
Thank you!
Hi, I am portuguese and live in Lisbon. I like to see myself , ourselves,through your eyes. I hope we treat you well. This Was a nice video...
Thank you Paula, we’ve been treated very well!
I live in Atlanta, Georgia and plan on leaving the US within 5 years. Time to go for good!
It was good to witness Michelle open up about loneliness.
I stopped suffering from loneliness the moment I started enjoying my own company.
You are a beautiful couple.
Portugal should have air connections with Texas, like Houston or Dallas.
🇵🇹👍
Yes, we can make it home pretty easily.
Can't believe we've been here 2 months already! What questions do you have about moving abroad? If you've already been there/done that, what advice do you have for us or others who are thinking about it?
Hi Michelle and Dan!
GREAT video! You two will be at 5,000 subs in no time! Your production is excellent!
I've lived in many countries throughout my life and learned to appreciate the differences in each one, for example, the super friendly folks in Argentina that would say "Buenos dias" every day with a big smile. The affordability of products, and the lack of clothes dryers! 😂 (I was so terrified to hang my clothes out the window "drying line") LOL! We were close to downtown Buenos Aires, and food was always accessible as well as finding good help! Montevideo, Uruguay was alot different from Argentina in that the poverty was prevalent in some areas where young children would constantly ask for money or try to sell you some wildflowers. But Punta del Este had fabulous beaches and more young upwardly mobile professionals. Transportation was by bus or taxi, (but this was '83- '85) As a child, I spent 5 years in Venezuela (before the take-over) in fact I was 10 when our family had to flee to London, England in the dark of night! (My father is a Cuban Civil engineer who had fled Cuba when their government collapsed) London was my favorite! We didn't need a car at all! Between the buses and subway you can get pretty much anywhere you want! Of course everyone spoke English! 👍 We had the time of our lives in London, but it was a very expensive place to live! (Fortunately, our Dad had a great job, so we didn't know much about the cost of living as kids!)
Calgary, Alberta Canada reminded me of London a wee bit in that it is a very expensive place to live! (My hubby and I were there 5 years before moving to Spokane, Washington) We love snow! I don't mind warmer climates, but I've been spoiled by the cooler climate here in the Colorado Rocky Mountains! (At 9K elevation, it rarely gets above 80-ish, and the nights are always chilly! Much like Portugal, we get 300 days of sunshine each year! It can be snowing buckets outside, but the sun is usually shining brightly!
My apologies for writing a "War & Peace" sized reply, but I'm recovering from big shots in my knee and must sit in this chair for another hour! LOL! It's a little after 2:00 pm here, so you two must be getting ready to call it a night! (6 hour difference, right?)
Thank you again for your superb information and sharing your back story with us! Bom noit! 😴😴
Thanks so much for your videos! My husband and I are moving from the Bay Area to Porto in Jan ‘22. Your videos have been an awesome resource/inspo for us 😀
I have been thinking a while to do the same as you did, would like to hear more from you. Thanks
@@ladyloquitavida148 Hey, thanks for all that information, I for one enjoyed reading about life in the different countries that you've lived in :D
@@ladyloquitavida148 thank you so much! You sure have lived in a lot of places. As for the Rocky Mountains, that’s one of our favorite areas in the US! Hope your knee feels better!
We too are from Austin....and one thing we don't miss is the HEAT!!!! Thanks for sharing - we totally agree with your comments. On another note, have you tried the Liberty Store for US style marshmallows? Not sure if they have them but worth a try.
The climate was definitely a big reason we chose Portugal. We did find marshmallows, they just arent quite the same.
And you're right... not a lot of ExPats talk about the anxiety. Thanks for sharing that validating item. I don't mean to imply that I am in the process of moving or anything - I am just investigating possibilities. But there is still a *_very_* real anxiety that sets in even just _thinking_ about becoming an ExPat.
RUclips is the new blogging!
Hey guys I'm curious after the visa is issued are given a deadline number of days to arrive in Portugal or was that up to you?
Wlc 2 my country
Enjoy it
A big hug from London
Thank you!
Sold two houses last year and have been nomadic since. Submitted visa application for Portugal on 7/28. Hoping to be in Porto by October.
That’s exciting! Quite a change.
Happy to be **Friends in Austin**
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and your honesty. Me and my teen child want to come to Portugal 🇵🇹
We have the means and are very serious about this.
Do I apply for a D7 for my child as well? Or does that part work?
I think we will plan a visit this summer but I'd like to start the process of applying for the visa. Can we visit with a passport while doing the D7 process?
Anyone know?
Glad to know you are enjoying Portugal. If you need any help with those unfamiliar things, just ask!
Obrigado!
Hey guys, I just stumbled upon this video as I have been watching other you tube videos about traveling to Portugal with the intent of a possible move there, and this one came up and it addressed so many of my fears and put them into a better perspective, I have been living in Nashville TN for years and it's all just feels like the walls are caving in on me here and being in the US. I'm constantly thinking about moving there and then get "night time brain" and I'm like, what am I thinking?! I can't do this! But then the morning comes around and I'm back again to a positive high vibe mindset about moving and starting a new chapter there. I would be doing it alone, so there's that, extra scary but I need a new tribe and something totally new in my life. A new start. Anyway, Thank you! I'm planning a trip in a few weeks hopefully to check out Porto and Lisbon? Maybe I could swing down to the Algarve too? We'll see. Cheers!
We needed the new start too! Being single has its challenges but also it’s advantages! You can find roommates that provide an instant community.
There are a RUclips girl that make the move completely alone. From Texas (i do think is one the best states in america) with no help from anybody and no lawyer, everything by herself and now she even find a boyfriend in Portugal.
Her channel is Julia Rochelle.
@@HoneymoonAlways - I couldn’t do a roommate. I have to have my own space, but would hope to make friends at least!!
@@arturjcrebelo3275 - I will check that out. Thank you.
Thanks for another great video Dan & Michelle!! I sold my house & plan to move sight unseen also. The closing is soon & I have sold or given away all of my furniture. I can DEFINATELY relate to 'Night time brain' & constantly have to talk myself down from the ledge!!. I am waiting to start the visa application until after the close. I forget... how long did it take for your visa... start to finsh? How far in advance was your airline travel date? Did you have to purchase return tickets?? I thought I saw that somewhere. Obrigada!
No need to return tickets, it took us about 6 weeks to pull it all together with the NIF and bank account taken the longest and an additional 6 weeks to hear back. We applied about 8 weeks before our place ticket date, but it was a refundable ticket.
@@HoneymoonAlways Thanks!! I am going to start the application process early September & was wondering what date to plan on travelling. I would love to be there for the New Year.
Thanks again & keep up the great work.
Thanks for the he insightful video, Michelle and Dan! It pretty much rang true for me, having lived abroad in Tokyo and a Barcelona for about 5 years after college. Japan was SO different it made my head spin! But, I loved both cities. I’ve done the “work a solid career” in the US and am about to hang up the whole job thing and come to Portugal (likely Lisbon metro) w/my husband in about a year to live. I’ve applied for a European passport by descent (Lithuania), so am trying to work the timing to maybe avoid the D7 and come on an EU passport instead. Will probably stay in Europe permanently and work on my writing and art and photography, as my willingness to deal with the US situation is diminishing. I visited Portugal a couple times from Spain and remember thinking: “This place is so chill!” Downtown Lisbon wasn’t even that busy back then! Have fun and keep up the great content creation!
Glad you liked the video! Good luck on making the move!
Have y’all been in Portugal for a year? Still liking it?
You guys are amazing! Questions🤗
What did you guys bring with you?
How’s it going without a car?
What are you doing for banking and credit card?
Thank you!!!
We only brought 8 suitcases of clothes, electronics and things like that. Being without a car is going ok, but we are thinking we want a scooter to make getting around easier. For banking we use Chase from the US and have a Portuguese bank account as well.
@@HoneymoonAlways Do you also continue to use US credit cards (with no foreign transactions fees) in Portugal? But cards like chase saphire ones with no foreign transaction fees have annual fees.
@@trave7644 Yes, we use our Chase Sapphire cards and we take money out of the ATM with no fees from Chase with a Sapphire checking account. We do have a bank account in Portugal as well we use to pay rent and should receive a debit card soon.
@@HoneymoonAlways thanks. that is very helpful.
I hope u can enjoy Portugal long as u like it. I can help, just ask! 👍 But I think it's part of the adventure!! 😉 ❤️
Very curious about bing self employed in Portugal. Also about the visa process. Any tips would be helpful!
We are going to go into more depth about it in an upcoming video!
Welcome to Portugal. Our contry is not perfect, but it is an amazing place to live, where most people welcome foreigners with open arms. And try to explore the country, you will be amazed. :)
Obrigado!
Another great video!! You mentioned that someone asked you in the grocery store did you want to include your NIF when checking out, why would you do that? Is it a requirement or beneficial? And you also talked about going to Seville soon, love Seville, are you able to travel freely now or do you have to wait for a certain period of time after you arrive before you can travel across Europe?
Giving the NIF has something to do with taxes but I don’t fully understand, maybe someone else will comment. For travel, we can leave the country twice with our residency visa before getting our residence card. Our SEF appointment to get our residency is in the Algarve and Portimao so we decided to go to Spain before taking a bus to Portimao to get our residency taken care of. Once we have that residency we can go wherever.
It’s not a requirement, but it’s beneficial if you’re paying taxes in Portugal. Those invoices are logged in your tax profile (which you can check online or via an app), you then need to validate them (check some of their data) and get a tax credit of 15% of the VAT you have paid on each invoice, up to 250€ per tax category (there are several: leisure, utilities, groceries, etc.). The amount is deducted at the end of each fiscal year on your IRS form. In 2020, for example, I was able to pay 500€ less in taxes thanks to this tax scheme. Check out the following link: vandoorn.pt/en/e-fatura-2017/
There’s also a programme that allows you to get a credit from those invoices and apply it on purchases on restaurants and bookshops (ivaucher.com/)
@@HoneymoonAlways I'm confused...Are your SEF appointments at 2 different offices? Don't they have a SEF office in Lisbon?
BTW... I read something about the taxes paid at the stores being adjusted off of your income tax.. that is why they ask at the stores but I am not positive.
Our SEF appointments are in the same office, but in Portimao in the Algarve, they can assign your SEF appointment to anywhere really based on availability.
@@HoneymoonAlways I see. Good luck!!
Thanks for sharing your perspective. Maybe in a future video you can speak specifically to what it was like to leave a parent or parents back in the States? It's something I know a lot of nomads/expats do but I rarely hear people speak about how moving abroad impacted their parents (if the parents have kids to help take care of them as they age, etc.). Or how hard/easy it was to decide to be much further away from them.
Maybe we will interview them when we visit for the holidays! Honestly leaving them was one of the downsides because we saw them a lot and we are really close, but one of the benefits of our new situation is we can spend more time with all the family when we visit. Michelle’s siblings lived in another state so we rarely saw them when now we can go home for weeks and spend time with them all. As far as aging, All our parents are still healthy and barely retirement age and we have lots of siblings, so that wasn’t much of a consideration.
Lol, my mom is already planning her visit over Christmas and we don't even have our visas yet hahahaha.
@@HoneymoonAlways An interview with the parents sounds great :)
@@ToniaHighers Visas for where? Are you also moving (or have you already moved) to Portugal?
Yep Portugal. We submitted 21 July and still waiting to hear if we got in :)
You will love Portugal, my homeland 🇵🇹
I’m trying to convince my husband to go live there for our retirement. He loves it there but his family is holding him back.
Have you applied for NHR Tax treatment?