BEST Cities for BLACKS to Retire| Getting a VISA | Retire Abroad | Black Expat |

[@Simona_midulcevida]

Thank you for doing this. I love Spain. I am also a city girl- born in NYC...Barcelona was my favorite, but I also like Valencia. I plan on visiting Malaga and Alicante on my next visit.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hello Simona, thank you for watching. We just met a lady today who lives in Malaga, she was at our meetup here in Lisbon. As soon as we can were going to start visiting various cities/towns in Spain again. We love it! 😍

[@Simona_midulcevida]

@@OurBlackUtopia Thank you! I forgot to ask are you guys learning Portuguese?

[@standelasanantone2180]

22:30 Just bought a ticket yesterday going to Lisbon on RyanAir - cost $24.00 (one way)…!!! However, by the time they added extra fees for a 20kg bag, a seat with extra legroom and their travel insurance, the end total was ~ $99… still not bad.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey, good to see you in the comments. $24?!?! Wow, where are you flying from?

[@standelasanantone2180]

@@OurBlackUtopia Flying in from Luxembourg… and really looking forward to exploring and enjoying Lisbon and the Algarve region!

[@cts-video]

Italy is where I am!!!!!!! I have been here for 6 years now and can attest to the fact that Italy is DEFINITELY a place where you can retire for a LOT less than the USA. There are numerous villages (cities or towns) where you can live very comfortably on 1500 - 2500 per month; especially in the South. The 'South' is considered below Rome starting around Capua, Naples, Bari, and other below.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Wonderful! Thank you so much for adding to the conversation. I wish that I would've known 10 years ago that we could live in Europe for less than living in the US... 🤦🏾‍♀️

[@cts-video]

@@OurBlackUtopiaAs you have said...it is never too late. I am soooooooo glad to see more of our people waking up and escaping the rat race. Keep doing what you guys are doing, sharing and encouraging more of our people to get out while they can. Do your homework, research, take a scouting and recon trip, read read read and watch videos - the good and the bad - of all the places being considered. Peace and blessings.

[@TobyAstern]

Italy has an extreme racism score though...

[@johnjackson5749]

I'm new to Our Black Utopia. You all are wonderful. I love this!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you so much for watching,🥳 WELCOME to the OBU family. 💕If you are seriously considering a move abroad, here are some resources that might help which includes a Scouting Trip Checklist and our Ready to Retire and Move Abroad Toolkits that have links to the databases that we use to check cost of living information and human rights for cities around the world: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@sonyahaley7384]

Loved your review on best cities to retire! Halisi, we have alot in common as far as comfort, entertainment, and overall lifestyle. Love you and Ric.❤️

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, Sonya - thank you for watching. Giiirrlll, I'm a city girl through and through and trying to embrace some ease in my life! 😇

[@leslierb3484]

Thank you for sharing this valuable info...so much to consider as I plan for my scouting country journey beginning in Nov '22. My first solo travel abroad trip to Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon and Maderia will be my very first exploration of living my early retired life in a new country. Thank you both for your guidance and support and sharing your life living abroard. I'm so grateful for finding you thru our connection to Stephanie Perry/Roshida Dowe and the Exodus Summits. 🤗💞🙏

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Our pleasure and I'm so happy that you found us. Email us before you come to town and perhaps we can meet for coffee! 🥰

[@leslierb3484]

@@OurBlackUtopia Yes, will do. Looking forward to meeting you both 😀

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia Yugoslavia split up in early '90s. 1993, I think.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia No, Croatia has nothing to do with former USSR! It's very far away! The war is impacting all Europe, but just the economy.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia The University of Coimbra isn't the oldest, I think it's the third or forth. The oldest (or the second oldest) university is Bologna (Idk how to say in English, Bolonia, maybe...?), in Italy.

[@vaneesej4592]

Hi Thank you for sharing your experiences and information on living abroad. I’d like more information on the scouting checklist but the link is currently down. I plan on visiting Lisbon this September.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Vaneese, thank you for watching. We need to go back and check some of our older videos to ensure they have the updated links. 🙏🏾 Thank you for the heads-up. In the meantime, here's the updated link: a-new-dawn-prod-inc-dba-our-black-utopia-q1i5o1.mailerpage.io/resources

[@stephanied.k.3589]

New listener. Thanks for the info. Current inflation rate trends appear to be global with the US dollar continuing to have a favorable exchange rate. September inflation rate: Portugal 9.3, Croatia 12.1, Mexico 8.7, U.K. 9.9 percent.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

WOW and welcome! I hadn't read those stats; I can't say that I've seen that inflation in what we've been purchasing in relation to the costs when we were in Lisbon in June. However, I hear rental costs are out of control.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia Andaluzia isn't a city, but a region: for instance, Sevilla is in Andaluzia.

[@samuelalix7208]

We love how safe Lisboa and Portugql as a whole was.... We spent a week there late Sept to early Oct

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right!?!?! I frequently walk to the grocery store at night by myself and I've never felt unsafe. There is NO WAY that I would ever do that in any of the cities in which we lived in the States.

[@gretacobb2627]

Enjoyed this video and the course!...Found my place...just planning to stock my $$$$ in December....:)

[@OurBlackUtopia]

options, options, options. 😉

[@sierra1005sb]

Good afternoon

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Sierra - thanks for watching. Are you considering a move abroad? If so, here are some resources that might help: bit.ly/OBUresource

[@s.baldrick870]

Italian - GL = LL (spanish), LH (portuguese) Italian - GN = N~(spanish), NH (portuguese)

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you 😊

[@errolmorris341]

Liverpool UK .... very good ....may be not the weather but no chance of gun violence

[@OurBlackUtopia]

That's what I'm talking about - does the racism lead to gun violence? Cannot do UK weather - too gloomy. 🥹

[@IMakeBrooklynBeats]

I appreciate the videos y'all produce. I am a new subscriber and listener. Peace and Love!! Thank you for the information..

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you so much for watching and for the sub, WELCOME to the OBU family. 🤩 Are you considering a move abroad?

[@IMakeBrooklynBeats]

@@OurBlackUtopia Yes!! Would ♥️2

[@SimplyNatasha25]

I love Croatia. It’s so beautiful and the food is amazing and it is truly budget friendly. It’s my dream place. Not sure if I’ll ever be able to go back there permanently.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Split Croatia is now on our list. One of our other viewers, has family there and he says it's gorgeous. So why do you not know if you can relocate there? Did you get our Ready To Retire Toolkit: bit.ly/readytoretiretoolkit

[@nyla3235]

Thank you for sharing all the great info.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Our pleasure! and thank you for watching!😎

[@ValerinaW_9912]

Swansea was just a bit too damp for me, when I went in October 2019. I found it was easy to get around by bus there though. It is very townish, so there is that. Singapore is lovely; I don't think there is a winter type lower temperature though. 🤣 I went in March and I think it was upper 80s or 90s. It was the cleanest and most organized place ever. Thanks for the list.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Oh wow! That's what we've heard about Singapore, a place we definitely want to visit and we definitely don't want (can't afford 🤣) to live. I'm with you, a city girl through and through. I love towns for sabbaticals but not to live...at least not right now. 😉

[@ronicmwest]

Happy I found you through your interview with Stephanie. I'm mid 40s and refuse to stay in the US much longer. I'm searching hard to begin scouting trips. I would need a place that is family friendly for my daughter and grandchild to come with me eventually and my daughter is LGBTQ. So healthcare, low cost of living I'll still do business in US or wherever I am, etc., fun, dating because I'm not married again yet, I also would like a black expat community but not to large where it is impacting the culture. I want out of America not experience America where I go. I keep hearing we are moving and changing things. Thank you for the information. Can you spell the cities out?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey WELCOME and thank you for watching. Was there a certain country in particular that caught your fancy? Of course I'm biased but I think you should start with Portugal. It meets all of the needs you listed above AND there are so many portuguese-speaking Black folks here that you will blend in and not be a perpetual tourist.

[@samuelalix7208]

Thank You for being the awesome power couple you are! I feel inspired everytime I particiapte. Agape! Sam and Kayla USA

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You are so welcome! Thank YOU so much for watching and your continued support! 🥰

[@RobertsDigital]

I'm Afroeuropean living in Italy. However I'm making arrangements to retire in Panama. That's a hot spot destination I always love to share with my African American brothers. The country is so green so i guess it will be an ideal spot to get a retirement home with a good space and garden to plant your fresh vegetables. Other cool destinations for black retirees: Southern Spain Portugal Dominican Republic Kenya Angola These are the top on my list. I choose Panama because I love the green tropical climate and the universal healthcare and of course the Afropanamanians to interact with. Been to Panama and immediately fell in love with the placce because it's a nation that closely resembles my dream destination.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you Roberts Digital. Though I have to disagree about Angola. All of our Angolan friends are trying to get their families out. But the government has told the embassies of receiving countries not to grant VISAs. So the government can say that they're not holding anyone hostage, that it's the other countries not wanting them to come...

[@yahbaht342]

Gabrielle Union and Croatia. Wow!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thanks for watching. 😁

[@ms.creole7451]

Thanks for the information. I was at the Exodussummit too. I saw you in the chat. When do you go live. I seem to always miss it.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Bom Día, LoyalSkye, THANK YOU for watching. ExodusSummit was amazing, right?!? 🤩. We go live Sundays at 3:30et.

[@cts-video]

I like the fact that you mentioned that people must consider the sources of how these countries being rated, but most importantly by WHOM! I have always said that "we" can "fit-in" in any place on this great planet. It's in our nature and humanity. Not all of us, but most of us can.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

That's why it is so important that before folks start country shopping that they have an objective needs and wants list. Sometimes we romanticize a place and overlook the fact that it doesn't have a good portion of our needs list and only a few wants. There's a whole big world out there and we definitely should be shopping for options. 😉

[@soulnspired888]

I'd like to be in the exodus summit group on fb but i don't put my picture up on my profile because i don't want ex co workers or supervisors to see my plans just in case i have to get another job with them.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Send Francis a picture of you from your LinkedIn or something - we require a picture too for the FIRE over 50 FB group - but I will accept it messaged to us 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@Escape_isum-qe8vo]

Just curious how you feel about retirement in the Caribbean

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Escape - thanks for watching. Check this out kzbin.infoYcjiyl5eFVM?si=3O8_ThmMn9Gppa8O

[@toyshiajohnson8604]

Great info 🥰 thank you 👍🏽

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You are so welcome, and thank you for watching.

[@wrightintime]

Hey

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Wright in Time - 😃 Thank you so much for watching and for adding to the conversation. 💕

[@errolmorris341]

Columbia souns great!!!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We know immigrants who love it! 🥰

[@ppietrap3876]

About the time you have to spend in Portugal, I would confirm with SEF everything, because I have seen contradictory information about this subject. If you were to take what is written in the law at face value, then you could only spend 8 non-consecutive months over the first 2 years (Visa length) outside of Portugal, and a maximum 6 consecutive months outside over the same 2 years. So it wouldn't be about what you are allowed to do over a 1 year period, but a 2 year period.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Ahhhh, okay - thank you for that information. It is a bit confusing because I think when we first started researching (a few years ago), the first temporary VISA was for 1 year, then 2 years. Now it is a 2-year period + a 3-year extension if you want it. Thank you as always for watching and adding value to our community conversations! 🥰

[@ppietrap3876]

@@OurBlackUtopia don’t take what I said as the "truth", I have no info into what SEF actually does... it’s just that the law would lead to a different interpretation. Just make sure they give you objective info about what you can do so that you have no doubts or surprises.

[@ppietrap3876]

Fun fact: Coimbra was the only officially declared (on paper) capital of Portugal, so in a sense is still the capital of Portugal, lol 😊. Another fun fact about portuguese capitals, Rio de Janeiro was once the capital of Portugal, making it the only time that an European country was ruled from the Americas. As for Coimbra vs Lisbon prices, Coimbra should be less expensive for many items while others are the same, though I imagine that you could get good prices in Lisbon if you know where to buy

[@OurBlackUtopia]

WOW! As I was reading this, it seems I remember reading about Rio somewhere else but I don't remember. That is an AMAZING fun fact. Portugal obviously put a lot of stock and hope in to Brazil...very interesting.

[@ppietrap3876]

​@@OurBlackUtopia 😊 well... actually that only happened because they had to flee from Portugal to Brasil when Napoleon’s French army invaded Portugal, not exactly a planned decision. But still it was a significant moment, it completely changed Brasil’s future. If, afterwards, they hadn’t changed the capital back to Lisbon, it is possible (even if remote) that today we would still be united with Brasil - it was one of the reasons why Brasil became independent.

[@vagreene4867]

By "high health care" do you mean high-quality health care vs high-cost of health care? Vero

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Dang, you reached back to an old video. Yes, we mean high-quality healthcare. Thank you so much for watching and for your question. 💕

[@kimberlyturner4065]

I’m surprised Italy made the list

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Because of price or culture?

[@kimberlyturner4065]

@@OurBlackUtopia culture.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Well, it's wasn't our cup of tea for anything other than vacations, but everyone is different. I've come in contact with a few African American families that made Italy their home...If you are seriously considering a move abroad, here are some resources that might help which includes a Scouting Trip Checklist and our Ready to Retire Toolkit that has links to the databases that we use to check cost of living information and human rights for cities around the world: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@jacquelinemcclain3219]

Hello my name is Jackie. When you say Healthcare is high what do you mean by that? The cost is high I'm not understanding?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Jackie, quality is high 😉

[@MyStethoscopeTravels]

NY state or NYC? The Manhattan tax is 2-2.5x most American cities, so I’m trying to adjust the numbers appropriately to compare to where I live now

[@OurBlackUtopia]

NYC of course, I hear upper state is just 'normal expensive' 😉😆

[@MrMC-xg8qp]

Being that the dollar will be worth significantly less then the Euro, that will definitely change some options since I'm being paid in US fiat. Thailand 🇹🇭 looks stronger now

[@OurBlackUtopia]

There is definitely that to consider. I think it really depends on your budget, where and how you want to live. Did you see our cost of living video? kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZa3e32wqreep6c

[@MrMC-xg8qp]

@Our Black Utopia As a matter of fact, I did. My wife and I are fine financially, but I would like for my dollar to stretch further if I have the option. Plus, I think we can live healthier and very comfortable in Thailand.

[@cts-video]

OMG RyanAIR charges for EVERYTHING!!!!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

They are a bit ridiculous. But for a long weekend trip to your neck of the woods, I can carry everything necessary in a backpack. 😉

[@TH-qk6ez]

@@OurBlackUtopia never mind the delays and cancellations.👍

[@sherryburton7644]

You need to ask specifically, how they feel like having a Black person living next to them.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hello Sherry, thank you so much for watching and for adding to the conversation. There are not enough Black folks in each of these countries to justify the money necessary to do that survey. However, we understand that anti-blackness is different from general bigotry. If you are seriously considering a move abroad, we encourage people to have a list of needs and wants and do an extensive scouting trip(s) Here are some resources that might help which includes a Scouting Trip Checklist and our Ready to Retire Toolkit that has links to the databases that we use to check cost of living information and human rights for cities around the world: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@loisevora2717]

Hello, I have been doing research on moving away from the US. I am a single black woman and I am 62 years old. I was planning on working until I am 65. I am a new subscriber. However, since I have been watching your videos it seems as if I will not be able to live outside of US after retirement. My plan was to live somewhere in Africa on my SS and a small pension.

[@ms.creole7451]

It’s still possible. Their search was very specific but there is s a lot more countries. Don’t give up.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you for watching and for subscribing. 🥰. Are you in our FIRE over 50 PRIVATE Facebook Group, for folks from the Diaspora? If not here's the link: bit.ly/FIREover50 We will do private live Q&As in the group at least once a month. And we would be happy to answer follow-up questions. If we can retire outside of the US living off of 1 social security check at present (though we did set aside savings for the move and extra upfront costs). Then you surely can. We did another video for a budget of $2k or less, (a couple were under $1500) and Porto was on that list. There are plenty of places on the globe with great communities to give you a soft landing. 🥰

[@loisevora2717]

@@OurBlackUtopia Thank you for replying back. I do appreciate it. 🙂

[@loisevora2717]

@@OurBlackUtopia I did answered the questions to the Private Facebook group. Thanks again 🙂

[@margaretwilliams7658]

@loisevora2717, Have you looked at Rwanda?

[@dbthefactor5517]

How do u get your citizenship to these countries?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey DB, thank you so much for watching and for your question. The first step to any of it is residency. You have to get residency before citizenship in most cases. We have permanent residency in Mexico and temporary residency in Portugal. It takes 10 years to become a citizen of Mexico and then you have to pass a language test. After renewing residency in Portugal we may apply for citizenship after 5 years and, again, we have to pass a language test. You can google any country you're interested in to get similar info.

[@ruimiguel1976]

Portugal is the best because of the people, easy :)

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🥰 - yes, yes, and yes. Em geral, the people are very sweet.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

Ó Rui, as pessoas cá em geral são fixes, mas não é só cá!

[@errolmorris341]

Be very carfull re European Black retirment Racisum not good ..... relying on your indepth study , but italy and portugal I knowto have issues

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Óla Errol, we always say racism is global. However, America has a special type of racism that includes gaslighting and often lethal violence. So far, here in Portugal I have not seen nor read of anything similar happening since we've lived here. Of course, that doesn't mean it hasn't happened but in the US it would've been a weekly occurrence - some innocent Black person killed by a racist.

[@errolmorris341]

Try asking to stay with Black retired people all over the world to truly find out how itis to live in thier enviorment

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Ooooh, great idea! 🥰

[@youngneo2956]

How did you guys find each other? I am a single black man how do I marry smart?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

🤓 Make a list of the characteristics that you value about yourself and make sure that the other person has the same values. If you write it down, then flutters of the heart or libido don't confuse you. 😉 Good luck and thank you for watching.

[@venuskirby8243]

#Replay 🎉.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you, we've missed seeing you in the chat lately. Thanks for watching the replay! 🥰

[@errolmorris341]

Italy ... far right???? dear god nooooooo!!!!!!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Errol, thank you for watching and adding to the convo. We recorded this before the election, if I remember correctly. HOWEVER, European's version of the far right compared to the USA...We live in Portugal and I know you mentioned potential racism in Portugal. Racism is everywhere, some places worse than others. We have not been in a situation that comes even close to the situations we dealt with in the US...

[@errolmorris341]

I hope you can increas the popularity of your site .... see and exprience all places .... in deepth analisis is neccessary.... As they say BLAK LIVES MATTER .... the uk is very good !!!! not cheap

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Thank you! We're just over a year old - so I'm sure people will eventually find us. 🥹

[@vervideosgiros1156]

The president of Italy isn't a guy, it's a woman Georgia Melone (melon, in English).

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Yep, and Ric knew that and didn't correct me. 🤪

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia That's ok. It was just to let you know who she is.😊 I don't put that much faith in her because she's unabashedly from far right. 😑

[@vervideosgiros1156]

The only european countries that aren't free are: a part Russia (they pretend to be a free country but we know it isn't), Belarus and the european part of Turkey (more or less free). The rest of Europe is free.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Indeed!

[@alpineai]

Top Best Cities for *BLACK AMERICANS* to Retire abroad. Friends I am not tryna throw shade. But you do know that 96% of the black people on the planet are not AMERICAN RIGHT?II It's perfectly *okay* to create content just for folks back home i.e. the USA - it's your channel, you can do what you want.... Let's just be cognizant of the global black community (this is one of the advantages of leaving the psychosis of America).

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Yes sweetheart, however, 95% of our audience at present is from the US and we haven't lived outside of the US long enough to understand the psycho-dynamics of others from the Diaspora that haven't been infected by the US. So, we stay in our lane.

[@vervideosgiros1156]

@@OurBlackUtopia As usual, a classy reply! However, I don't think that 95% of your audience is american: probably 70%, 25% portuguese and the 5% other places. I'm portuguese and I think I can speak for the majority of the people here, we love to watch what foreigners say about us or our country! 😊