It really depends on your level of Spanish and whether you learned in Spain or Latin America. My wife is Japanese but grew up in Valencia and Madrid. Spanish is her 2nd language, English her 3rd. We traveled throughout Spain and she spoke everywhere without any problem. But my Spanish was beginner-intermediate level and Latin American, and it was just as difficult to speak in Malaga as in Madrid and Valencia. We live in Japan, but will retire to Spain next year. I am studying Spanish (from Spain) because I want to live in Spain, not the US or UK. Malaga is the last place we will settle because we don't want to live in an expat community. Spain is a very large country, and there are many places to choose. But expats mostly move to expat communities and then try to turn the community into their home countries. It's normal, but is definitely not for us to live that way.
Hi, wow! You are correct about too many expats changing the charm and affordability of a place. You have a great advantage learning Spanish before you go. Best wishes to you. We plan to see Japan as well. So far we bounced through the airport only.
Hi, I was born in Malaga, and I've lived in Malaga most of my life. I will say the following. The Spanish government is made up of the Socialist and Communist party, which means that Spain has become a tax inferno. As of today, Spain has the highest unemployment rate of the entire EU, Spain as a country is broke, and debt to GDP is 120%. Last but not least, native Malaguen̈os have recently been marching on the streets protesting for the massive amount of Expats that have moved here, it's unbearable to be honest. So the Expats situation, combined with mass tourism, have ruined the life of many Malaguen̈os. Real Estate prices have gone through the roof, now Spanish people can't buy or rent properties. We are leaving Malaga for good next year, we no longer recognize our hometown, it's terrible. However, American Expats are nicer than arrogant, entitled Scandinavians, Germans, and Brits.
Perhaps English-only speakers should limit their expat to English-speaking countries? I for one I’m fortunate I’m native Spanish speaker so I have lots of cheaper countries to live in and merge better. Socialist governments create the poor countries we then “take advantage” to thrive with our higher retirement income. As a native from Puerto Rico, descendant of Spain Islas Canarias I have many choices of countries which I share language and culture. It is indeed disruptive when foreigners move, don’t speak Spanish, and don’t try to merge with locals. West coast of Puerto Rico has lots of locals hating openly on mostly gringos. This is wrong but human. I’ve lived in the USA since age 21 and am a retired USAF LtCol so you won’t find a better 🇺🇸 patriot and right winger 😂 But I do see the jealousy, protectionism, and antagonism created when a different language, culture and unfriendly attitude moves next door.
You have massive immigration going to Western countries raising Real estate prices there along with food and everything else. The locals in the Western countries financially strangled immigrate en masse to cheaper countries, raising Real estate prices there along with food and everything else. The locals there end up financially strangled.
The people marching need to take a closer look at the mass amount of illegal aliens entering your country. It's the same as USA. That puts far more financial burden on the system than some old people retiring and living there. They are taking no jobs from any native born citizen and are probably contributing more to the Spanish economy.
What a great video! Very informative. I had seen on another You Tube video that some Americans spent over 1000 Euros and four months to obtain their Spanish Drivers license, that bureaucracy and the high income taxes on worldwide income caused me to change my mind about retiring to the Costa del Sol. Spain does have so many great attributes , fabulous beaches, and none of the water and power shortage issues that plague much of Latin America, very low crime rates, lower cost of living and first class healthcare. The current life expectancy at birth is 7 years longer in Spain that it is here in the US.
What a great video! Thx Pat, Vivi and Malaga Mike 😀 That was really informative. I loved learning about the differences among the 3 cities as well as the costs, culture, etc. I lived in Sevilla during college (in the 80s), had an intercambio and remember the difference in the language. Me guta etto (Me gusta esto) 😂 and Digame and Que tal or Que hay. I barely knew Spanish when I was there, so it was actually a great place to learn. We got to explore so much, and I just love Spain 🇪🇸 ❤ All the best to Malaga Mike & wife w the doctors, driving, and enjoying Spain. I can’t wait until your next video Pat & Vivi. Thx again! 👏💗
Great video. Mike could do videos of his own, if he wanted to. He looks and sounds like a professional on-air presenter. Superb presence. I like Spain and Malaga was on my short list. But, I've noticed that the prices are creeping up. Also, I suspect that the impact of climate change is going to continue to edge the temperatures upward. I'm only 60, so things can get worse during my prime retirement years. Gorgeous place, though.
Thank you for the great interview with Mike. I just wish he wouldn't keep referring to Ajijic as México. Yes, it's technically located here, but it's just another expat bubble and does not represent the real Mexico. I'm fortunate enough to be living in Guadalajara and happy to enjoy all the pros that he mentioned without being surrounded by the entitled expat. Great work, informative channel, best looking couple on RUclips. All the best.
Good information. We have traveled up the East coast of Spain and found the Spanish people to be very friendly. I think Malaga may be a bit unique with the local’s attitude toward expat retirees.
Hi Mike, would you be able to do a video around how Spain deals with taxes for us Canadians? Specially how do they deal with our savings accounts, TFSAs, RRSPs, CPPs and work pension. That would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
Hi! Thank you, for the question. We thought Mike was pretty clear. You show the tax paid in Canada, and pay Spain the difference of their higher rate. Hope this helps.
I'm a recent subscriber here. I don't know this gentleman but would like to know his reasons for leaving MX. If you want you can point me to one of his videos that explains it. Thanks.
Mike explained their reasons for leaving Mexico in the video on our channel last week. Just go to our channel and see Mexico. It'll be right there up front.
@@laptopseniorshello,hope you are doing well. Here is a question I’ve been wanting to ask the two of you. If you had no financial constraints on you,out of all of the countries outside of your home country or the USA,which country would you choose to retire to?
I’m currently living in Mexico but have both my Canadian and US citizenship. Can I do all the Spanish visa requirements while still living in Mexico or will I have to return to US to fulfill them? Do they send digital proof or does it have to be mailed to you? Getting regular mail (not FedEx, DHL etc) in Mexico is impossible.
I also have a wife who feels compelled to tell me how to ‘look’. I just tell her to deal with it, because it’s the face god gave me. That usually shuts her down. Just saying…
@@laptopseniors I did find out that some EU countries have reciprocal license programs with certain states . France has direct reciprocal license with my state Delaware as well as a dozen or so other USA states . Till things quiet down on Eastern Front I would not consider EU at all .
USUALLY you can drive for 180 days then after that you are illegal IF you have another license, yes you can apply for a local one without taking classes and a drivers test
These guys kind of mock the Malaguenian dialect, but why not get a local tutor and get with the program? Otherwise it's just a variation of not learning the local language.
This man is very intelligent and interesting to listen to.
It really depends on your level of Spanish and whether you learned in Spain or Latin America. My wife is Japanese but grew up in Valencia and Madrid. Spanish is her 2nd language, English her 3rd. We traveled throughout Spain and she spoke everywhere without any problem. But my Spanish was beginner-intermediate level and Latin American, and it was just as difficult to speak in Malaga as in Madrid and Valencia. We live in Japan, but will retire to Spain next year. I am studying Spanish (from Spain) because I want to live in Spain, not the US or UK. Malaga is the last place we will settle because we don't want to live in an expat community. Spain is a very large country, and there are many places to choose. But expats mostly move to expat communities and then try to turn the community into their home countries. It's normal, but is definitely not for us to live that way.
Hi, wow! You are correct about too many expats changing the charm and affordability of a place. You have a great advantage learning Spanish before you go. Best wishes to you. We plan to see Japan as well. So far we bounced through the airport only.
Hi, I was born in Malaga, and I've lived in Malaga most of my life. I will say the following.
The Spanish government is made up of the Socialist and Communist party, which means that Spain has become a tax inferno.
As of today, Spain has the highest unemployment rate of the entire EU,
Spain as a country is broke, and debt to GDP is 120%.
Last but not least, native Malaguen̈os have recently been marching on the streets protesting for the massive amount of Expats that have moved here, it's unbearable to be honest. So the Expats situation, combined with mass tourism, have ruined the life of many Malaguen̈os. Real Estate prices have gone through the roof, now Spanish people can't buy or rent properties.
We are leaving Malaga for good next year, we no longer recognize our hometown, it's terrible. However, American Expats are nicer than arrogant, entitled Scandinavians, Germans, and Brits.
Perhaps English-only speakers should limit their expat to English-speaking countries? I for one I’m fortunate I’m native Spanish speaker so I have lots of cheaper countries to live in and merge better.
Socialist governments create the poor countries we then “take advantage” to thrive with our higher retirement income.
As a native from Puerto Rico, descendant of Spain Islas Canarias I have many choices of countries which I share language and culture.
It is indeed disruptive when foreigners move, don’t speak Spanish, and don’t try to merge with locals. West coast of Puerto Rico has lots of locals hating openly on mostly gringos. This is wrong but human.
I’ve lived in the USA since age 21 and am a retired USAF LtCol so you won’t find a better 🇺🇸 patriot and right winger 😂
But I do see the jealousy, protectionism, and antagonism created when a different language, culture and unfriendly attitude moves next door.
Wow....thank you for that. Seems people moving to other countries in mass is a big problem everywhere anymore.
You have massive immigration going to Western countries raising Real estate prices there along with food and everything else. The locals in the Western countries financially strangled immigrate en masse to cheaper countries, raising Real estate prices there along with food and everything else. The locals there end up financially strangled.
The people marching need to take a closer look at the mass amount of illegal aliens entering your country. It's the same as USA. That puts far more financial burden on the system than some old people retiring and living there. They are taking no jobs from any native born citizen and are probably contributing more to the Spanish economy.
EVERYWHERE BRITS go the act like total POS
What a great video! Very informative. I had seen on another You Tube video that some Americans spent over 1000 Euros and four months to obtain their Spanish Drivers license, that bureaucracy and the high income taxes on worldwide income caused me to change my mind about retiring to the Costa del Sol. Spain does have so many great attributes , fabulous beaches, and none of the water and power shortage issues that plague much of Latin America, very low crime rates, lower cost of living and first class healthcare. The current life expectancy at birth is 7 years longer in Spain that it is here in the US.
What a great video! Thx Pat, Vivi and Malaga Mike 😀 That was really informative. I loved learning about the differences among the 3 cities as well as the costs, culture, etc. I lived in Sevilla during college (in the 80s), had an intercambio and remember the difference in the language. Me guta etto (Me gusta esto) 😂 and Digame and Que tal or Que hay. I barely knew Spanish when I was there, so it was actually a great place to learn. We got to explore so much, and I just love Spain 🇪🇸 ❤ All the best to Malaga Mike & wife w the doctors, driving, and enjoying Spain. I can’t wait until your next video Pat & Vivi. Thx again! 👏💗
Great video. Mike could do videos of his own, if he wanted to. He looks and sounds like a professional on-air presenter. Superb presence. I like Spain and Malaga was on my short list. But, I've noticed that the prices are creeping up. Also, I suspect that the impact of climate change is going to continue to edge the temperatures upward. I'm only 60, so things can get worse during my prime retirement years. Gorgeous place, though.
That’s lovely of you to say. We will pass it along to Mike. He said this week has been the hottest yet. Best to you. 😁 in your retirement plans.
Thank you for the great interview with Mike. I just wish he wouldn't keep referring to Ajijic as México. Yes, it's technically located here, but it's just another expat bubble and does not represent the real Mexico. I'm fortunate enough to be living in Guadalajara and happy to enjoy all the pros that he mentioned without being surrounded by the entitled expat. Great work, informative channel, best looking couple on RUclips. All the best.
60 euro is not $2 USD but $65, official exchange rate is. 109 euro
He actually said 1.6 euros Janis. Maybe your audio cut out for a second.
@@laptopseniors thank you
Good information. We have traveled up the East coast of Spain and found the Spanish people to be very friendly. I think Malaga may be a bit unique with the local’s attitude toward expat retirees.
Hi Mike, would you be able to do a video around how Spain deals with taxes for us Canadians? Specially how do they deal with our savings accounts, TFSAs, RRSPs, CPPs and work pension. That would be greatly appreciated. Cheers.
Hi! Thank you, for the question. We thought Mike was pretty clear. You show the tax paid in Canada, and pay Spain the difference of their higher rate. Hope this helps.
not many retiries have that income, how much canadian a month? sounds expensive
Just started watching your videos. We are looking at Panama or Portugal.
Just wondering if you two still live in Panama?
Hi Terry. We go back and forth. And still research new places. Thanks for watching.
I'm a recent subscriber here. I don't know this gentleman but would like to know his reasons for leaving MX. If you want you can point me to one of his videos that explains it. Thanks.
Mike explained their reasons for leaving Mexico in the video on our channel last week. Just go to our channel and see Mexico. It'll be right there up front.
@@laptopseniorshello,hope you are doing well. Here is a question I’ve been wanting to ask the two of you. If you had no financial constraints on you,out of all of the countries outside of your home country or the USA,which country would you choose to retire to?
I’m currently living in Mexico but have both my Canadian and US citizenship. Can I do all the Spanish visa requirements while still living in Mexico or will I have to return to US to fulfill them? Do they send digital proof or does it have to be mailed to you? Getting regular mail (not FedEx, DHL etc) in Mexico is impossible.
Was it worth it to move to SPAIN?
25:40 I wonder if the insurance becomes prohibitively expensive after age 70.
Hi Will. Travel insurance becomes higher and some companies even stop offering coverage over 70 or 75.
I also have a wife who feels compelled to tell me how to ‘look’. I just tell her to deal with it, because it’s the face god gave me. That usually shuts her down. Just saying…
LoL.....Thanks Texas. Guys have to stick together right? 🙂
How do they work driver’s license if your citizen of another EU country but have American license ?
Thank you, for watching. My guess is you still need a licence in Europe.
@@laptopseniors I did find out that some EU countries have reciprocal license programs with certain states . France has direct reciprocal license with my state Delaware as well as a dozen or so other USA states . Till things quiet down on Eastern Front I would not consider EU at all .
USUALLY you can drive for 180 days then after that you are illegal
IF you have another license, yes you can apply for a local one without taking classes and a drivers test
Rude spaniards, no thanks. Great interview !!
Hi Dave. Thanks for watching and sharing your praise. We try to be real.
VERY ARROGANT and RUDE, NO THANKS
These guys kind of mock the Malaguenian dialect, but why not get a local tutor and get with the program? Otherwise it's just a variation of not learning the local language.
Pick pocket capital of the world.
Hi. Unfortunately that’s a lot of tourist places.
Do you need to speak Spanish?
Mike thinks so.
@@laptopseniors any ideas, for areas we can go where English is the primary language???? I don't want to struggle talking with Drs.
@@stargazer5073Areas where English is primary language? Great Britain, United States, Canada, Australia, and several others.
He sounds miserable , why is he there ?
Way, way too much trouble to live in Spain, maybe go their for a very short vivit.