Ditch Portugal for THIS Amazing Country?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for watching! Which country wins it for you? For how we got a great price on our travel insurance for our 2 week trip to Asia, check out our insurance partner on this video, SafetyWing bit.ly/3ALAoCA - Josh & Kalie

[@josecarvalho8518]

I appreciate a lot of the information you both have provided but as a person who lives in Portugal I will say some of your comparisons did not apply to areas outside of big cities like Lisbon and Porto. I live in the Silver Coast (Caldas da Rainha) meals are cheaper and crime is hardly an issue. I would love to visit Singapore but not to live…I’m a little bias being Portuguese I guess.

[@TigasFMS]

Epa parem de dizer os nossos sítios bons à estrangeirada. Depois queixam-se que fica tudo caro e que ficamos todos sem casas e que não se fala português nas ruas 🤷‍♂️ Algarve, Porto e Lisboa já se estragaram. Preservem o pouco que ainda têm

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

I think we do a good job of prefacing things by sharing national stats and making more granular comparisons to Porto and Lisbon here are large portion of our audience has either moved to or is interested in. - Josh & Kalie

[@Portuco_Dream]

7:39 small detail, but I always appreciate you guys making an effort to use the services you promote!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It's important to us. Thanks for recognizing. We were actually talking offline with a viewer about this but we've been blessed this quarter with a bunch of brands that we live and have used reaching out to us to sponsor videos. - Josh & Kalie

[@jjoel609]

Having been to both places, Portugal wins hands down! Both are great, in different ways! Singapore could almost be somewhere in USA, like Miami(?) and somewhat "sterile". I enjoyed my visit, but wouldn't want to live there, but Portugal is so liveable!

[@klimtkahlo]

As a Portuguese that has lived in the USA, Germany and Austria always astounds me to hear Portugal is livable. I was born and will die Portuguese but such a frustrating country: banking is hard comparing to my frame of reference, Internet sucks, just had two days without electricity because workers don’t know what they are doing. Try to explain that to your remote employer. No consequences for these outages. Laws change all the time. My drivers license was valid until 65 and then they decided why not change the law and for course not communicate it to citizens living abroad. Houses have no heating system and I have been to Hungary and Poland which 30 years ago were poorer than Portugal and they had stellar heating system. And yes it doesn’t get that cold here but the humidity ruins everything and makes it feel really uncomfortable… I could go on forever… honestly the only thing and there may be exceptions is the qualify of the people. Portuguese are educated, cultured, fairly worldly and open minded and like most Europeans straightforward and honest, we normally mean what we say and say what we mean… I think that is a plus, some may not…

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yea, we understand that. We loved living in Singapore. We could definitely see how it could feel sterile as a tourist. - Josh & Kalie

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. I think some people that move here learn how to deal with those frustration and they love Portugal despite them and others don't manage and they end up leaving. - Josh & Kalie

[@paulabuls5802]

For those of us in the LGBTQ community, there is no comparison. Portugal was the eighth country in the world to adopt same sex marriage and non discrimination for trans people is enshrined in the national law. Singapore by contrast does not recognize same sex marriage and gay male sex was only decriminalized in 2022. Many LGBTQ people are fleeing the increasingly hostile environment in the United States and Portugal is a far better option.

[@pbohearn]

Amen to that. Josh and Kaylee you simply don’t realize that there are many places all over the world where gay couples just would never go let alone settle there. And I would count Singapore as one. a country that discriminates against a group of people based on sexual orientation potentially could discriminate against women or people of color or of other faiths or many many other Different qualities.

[@musa-too]

I agree, Portugal is better for LGBTQ people. I love my country.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Patrick, politely, I believe you're extending LGBTQ into other social issues that are actually Singapore's strong suit like women's right/equality as well as religious freedom. Singapore is far more religiously diverse than Portugal. To the other points, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBTQ_history_in_Singapore en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LGBT_pride_events_in_Singapore pinkfest.sg/ Singapore is showing growing liberalism in regards to LGBT issues. Not sure if you've ever noticed about our videos, but we don't talk about religion, politics, or sexual orientation. We prefer to not put anyone in a box and let people do more research on very personal issues that they might have when immigrating. - Josh

[@amyyates8273]

You are absolutely right. That’s a great point.

[@Alfablue227]

I am a Portuguese who spent most of her life in the USA, but returned home x 6 years ago. I visited Singapore and Malaysia twice. Loved Singapore, but would never live there. It's too expensive, hot, clean, busy and too restrictive for my freedom loving barometer. I am a law abiding citizen, but there are so many restrictions that it's kinda scary giving Singapore a chance. Malaysia, I absolutely love and could live there if it wasn't for the pollution, hot and muggy weather, and both places are just a bit too far from my little Portugal..also I could never get a hold of my beloved codfish there, so I will stay put. 😊

[@klimtkahlo]

I just returned back home after 22 years in the states. Love how less hectic we are. Love that there isn’t a mad rush and competition to decorate homes for every Holiday (valentine, 4th of July, spring, summer, fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas!) but I get very frustrated about bad customer service and outright Portuguese inefficiency! Trying to buy an automatic car with blind spot sensors and directional back rear camera that come standard in any cheap car in the states was a golden goose chase…

[@klimtkahlo]

Oh also having to pay to have your own money in the bank when USA banks give you checks and cards and rewards just infuriates me!!!

[@Alfablue227]

@@klimtkahlo it's not just here, it's in the rest of Europe. The price we pay for a less capitalist society. In the USA banking is for sure cheaper, but so many other things are not.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing! Great comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@amyyates8273]

I feel like this video is really comparing apples to oranges. The two are so different! Having spent time in both, I’d say if I were very wealthy I’d live in Singapore but if I were anything else, Portugal for sure. Both are wonderful in their own ways.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

For sure, Amy! The main connection for us is how it's splitting hairs when people ask us our favorite country to live. We LOVED our time in Singapore. - Josh & Kalie

[@NunoFerreiraX]

34:48 also a lot of Asians. We had colonies in India (Goa), China (Macau), and not very far from Singapore: East Timor. We have lots of Indians and Pakistanis in Portugal. Our last prime minister is of Indian descent from Goa.

[@moward301]

Always enjoy these side by side comparison videos, and you guys did not disappoint! I have never been to Singapore, but as someone whose move to Portugal was somewhat influenced by your vlogs, I trust your deduction. Love it, thank you!🫶🏿👍🏾😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Mo! Singapore is definitely worth a visit. We always appreciate your visits to our videos and video comment sections. - Josh & Kalie

[@pauljiltsov9950]

love it, fantastic video. Please keep making these. Anyway you could do germany vs. Portugal? maybe have a guest that lived in germany?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. We've got Germany in the works. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@shellrock5294]

Singapore is almost unaffordable on the housing front other than that, I really didn't find it that expensive. We visited last December and you can eat expensively or in China town, Little India, or the Hawkers, there is something for everyone. Its completely incomparable really to Portugal. I absolutely loved Singapore for everything except the weather, and there is where Portugal is better in leaps and bounds and for countryside and space. Cleanliness, safety and quality of life - Singapore all the way!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for sharing. The housing is really where those expat packages com in handy. - Josh & Kalie

[@christiemiller8851]

We were in Porto in Oct & loved the weather - we are living in TX,USA- and it’s sooooo hot here. I do love Asian food a LOT- had some good Thai food while there. We love Portugal - Ithe food was amazing the people are amazing! I got a tattoo of the Portuguese flag from a local tattoo artist in Porto ❤🇵🇹 we plan to move in spring 2026!!

[@klimtkahlo]

😮 you got a Portuguese flag tatoo!!! That’s commitment! I would grant you honorary citizenship if you wanted it just for that!!!

[@christiemiller8851]

Well I wish you were granting citizenship then - I’d fly there tomorrow!

[@toxico8067]

@@christiemiller8851what about the food do you find amazing? And are you of Portuguese heritage?

[@musa-too]

@@toxico8067 yes the portuguese food is amazing.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

A tattoo is serious commitment! :-) Thanks for the comment. All the best with the move. - Josh & Kalie

[@globalretirementus]

This video makes a strong case for considering a move away from Portugal, but I’m curious-what makes this new country stand out in terms of quality of life, cost of living, and opportunities? Is this country truly a better option for long-term expats, or are there hidden downsides we should know about?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

The important thing to note in the difference between Portugal and Singapore would be the right to live/work there. Portugal has much better options for those with remote work and those with moderate levels of passive income (retirement income). Cost of living in Singapore is much higher, taxes are better, salaries are much better so one has to look at those factors. The quality of life is impacted by lower levels are bureaucratic stress but could be negatively impacted by the climate if ones doesn't like the higher temperatures and humidity. Opportunities? For work, higher income and higher positions in a corporate structure. Again, it could be a better option for families due to the education system (although Portugal's isn't bad) and income earning potential. Downsides, it's hard to adapt to the climate for those that don't like the heat. It's dubbed as Asia-lite by many but it's still Asia and both Asian food and culture aren't everyone's taste so that could be a downside as well. - Josh

[@jameshaddan8538]

I love both countries…though it’s been several years since I’ve visited Portugal. I was in Singapore just a few weeks ago and it’s extremely impressive…immaculately clean and safe…I’d probably struggle with the constant heat and humidity, though I adapted fairly quickly to always being wet with sweat.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

I adapted really quickly as a PE Teacher there coaching half the school day outside. But some people we knew couldn't or didn't adapt. - Josh & Kalie

[@paisley_flamingo2]

We lived in Texas and Mississippi with hot weather most of the year with cold winters. We moved to Porto and love the cooler summer and not as cold winters.

[@toxico8067]

Do you like Portugal more than Texas?

[@paisley_flamingo2]

Portugal is definitely a better fit for us now. We grew up in Texas so there is a certain amount of nostalgia attached to it. But even before coming to Portugal, it was not on our short list of places to live. So, yes.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

How about the weather this winter!? Amazing! - Josh & Kalie

[@toxico8067]

@@paisley_flamingo2 what makes Portugal a better choice than most countries? The people there are the same as anywhere else.

[@Luckyamor]

I think it's a bit of a confusing comparison, comparing a country with a city state!They should compare Lisbon or Porto or Madeira Island with Singapore. Because Portugal has a lot of variety that Singapore doesn't have, there are safer and cheaper cities among other things.

[@Fzrox303]

You missed comparing efficiency/bureaucratic red tape between the two countries. 😅

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Dang! We do need to add that as a criteria!! You're so right! Singapore FTW. - Josh & Kalie

[@DanielFlonnster]

Portugal has incredible beaches, mountains, valleys and close proximity to Spain, France, Italy etc. However, Portugal 🇵🇹 has Madeira and the Azores. Checkmate.

[@romang9480]

It was interesting comparison 🙌

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. - Josh & Kalie

[@NunoFerreiraX]

13:11 the pastel de nata kept buzzing in their heads, hence 4th... 😂

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

The pastel de nata in Macau is an abomination. 🤣 - Josh & Kalie

[@klimtkahlo]

Seriously, we like the food we are used to but most foreigners that tried Portuguese food loved it so I am surprised you are surprised fourth is a high ranking! Portugal has two good things: food and the Portuguese people. Everything else I am ok with you criticizing! 😆

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Yeah, it's because we see the comments from foreigners in comment section when food is discussed. Believe it or not, it's split. - Josh & Kalie

[@terrisokolow7796]

Great video!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks! - Josh & Kalie

[@TheGforceuk]

Roll on 5 years , we’ll be moving to Alvor to live on a small pension , can’t beat portugal on any front for me

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Nice! Thanks for the comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@Lafonense]

Em matéria de gastronomia, nada como uma vitela de Lafões com batatas assadas no forno . Todos os restaurantes de Vouzela e São Pedro do Sul é possível degustar esse manjar. Na Serra de São Macário ( São Pedro do Sul) os restaurantes de Macieira, da Pena e Covas do Rio, servem Vitela de Lafões e Cabrito de Lafões, sempre acompanhados peles batatas no forno. O Alentejo é fantástico, tanto em comida como em vinhos. Felicidades para o casal !

[@lost_porkchop]

Being Portuguese, im surprised that our food is ranked so high. There's a few good things, but most of it is really bad.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing your opinion. It's funny because other people in the comment section say the opposite. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@congruent-thoughts8781]

I did follow you guys as long as you did travel. For me Portugal was beautyful and Singapor a different dimention, often like a place in Florida. But more a good Asian style. My heart goes to China since my childhood. And also to Scotland. I found my real fathers family was from there a few years ago. I Wonder what I find in China. Perhaps my soulmate. 😊 I have just two - to me important Questions: 1. how about KL and Malaysia compared to Singapor or Portugal? 2. you gave a great tip about expat insurence. How about Bankaccount. I’m an Expat since 1972 and it’s the reason why I get pension from several countries today. It is a hell with tax and complicated to proof every year, I am still alive. 🥵 I always did move to the next country and changed to the local bank. But now with the pension and traveling much more, it would have been better, having a bankaccount in each country and transfer the money to my Apple account or Revolut or are there other specialized Expat banks today? Thank you for sharing 🌹🙏👏👏👏

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

1. check out our podcast! kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIuraqSbnM2bi8ksi=nMHs90-VcoE4j1LH 2. we bank locally with Millennium and internationally with Wise. We make big money transfers with SpartanFX. Thanks for the message! :-) It was fun to read. - Josh & Kalie

[@fuglygooogly]

which city in Portugal do you guys live?

[@musa-too]

Porto.

[@fuglygooogly]

@@musa-too lovely

[@MamaLlama007]

Haven't visited Singapore, or really have it on the bucket list. Loved our trip to Portugal in April, & would love to move there! I do agree with Kaylee, I love Asian foods, but don't personally enjoy many of the Portuguese dishes, but there were plenty of alternate options available.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@JenShea]

Great video. I used Nomad when I travelled to Portugal the first time, for 3 months. Their rates are too high now, in my opinion... I've been shopping around for an upcoming trip. I'm with Kalie, Portuguese food doesn't really do it for me... I do prefer Asian food, but my preference is Portugal... I'm not a foodie though either. I like what I like and I eat what I like. I can't stand 'wasting' money on expensive food... no judgement on those who do love their food and value it. It's just not me.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks, Jen! Really, check out SafetyWing. We were blown away by the affordability of the coverage the 3 of us got. Food is such a subjective thing, isn't it? - Josh & Kalie

[@pkmuhammedhisan]

What are your thoughts on moving to Dubai..?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We would rather Abu Dhabi. It’s more authentic. We had jobs in Dubai and were going to move there sight unseen. We ended up in Saudi also sight unseen. We then visited Dubai and Abu Dhabi and we preferred Abu Dhabi. - Josh & Kalie

[@sherrytok2501]

I'm singaporean, travel 50 countries include portugal sad to say, very unsafe, pickpockets, follow travelagency our tour bus infront of hotel we stay, jacket,shoe, etc. Driver of the bus left his electrical items, all stolen, polices report, nothing given, feel very grateful, staying in Singapore, very safety, everything withinreach, my home fully paid, hospital bill well taken care, food from all over world can enjoy, hawker ctre food very cheap, chicken rice $2.80, rice with 2 type pof vegetables n 1 meat $2.70, fried mee with fried chicken ñ egg...so on. Save money for clothes like winter.....happy,keep healthy 💪🙏

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the comment. Very sorry to hear that you were stolen from. - Josh & Kalie

[@paulogarciadesousa]

That’s a pretty well-balanced assessment, but I guess I’d be the odd Portuguese guy out, because Asian food wins hands down for me. The only thing that threw me off a bit when I was in Singapore was the weather: Way too humid and stuffy for my liking…

[@klimtkahlo]

As a Portuguese I am ok with Asian food as long as they do not do sweet and sour, which is the majority of what they cook! We can’t really argue about people’s likes and dislikes.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's totally fair, Paulo. It's okay to be the odd Portuguese guy out. You're not odd to us. 😉 Singapore's humidity is next level and it's relentless. Thanks for your comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@pbohearn]

The main flaw of this comparison is that you’re comparing a city with a country. You’re comparing a city with a country that has two major cities and several moderately sized cities, that has a geography that is much larger and diverse from the very north mountainous region to the very south beach areas. It’s not a good comparison. Better would’ve been to compare Singapore with Lisbon only. Of course they have better infrastructure in Singapore. It’s a little city; they’re not having to cover an entire country. and it’s a wealthy little city so they’ve got plenty of money to make their city state look perfect which is what they do. Portugal has been a poor country for a very long time and is trying to catch up, and you see it -a lot of it is first world, some of it second, and a little bit of it is third

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We explained all that and the reason for it (the comparison "What's your favorite country you've lived or visited?"). We can't take away Singapore's status as a country. Is it a challenging comparison, sure? You do have a country of 6 million vs one of 10.5 million and a country with 734 km2 area vs 92,000 km2. 501 billion GDP vs 287 billion GDP. So of course when you compare places they're going to be wildly different. Just as an FYI, Singapore is left of the (vs) and Portugal is on the right. We're happy to watch you make a comparison video between Lisbon and Singapore though. - Josh & Kalie

[@jtp1984]

No comparison! Singapore is a top world class country! Modern infrastructures, strong financial banking systems, honest & efficient government, a melting pot of cultures, great mix of foods, highly advanced in technology! Notwithstanding the cleanest country! All attributes of a rich country! I've been to over 52 countries and Singapore is definitely an envy of the rest of the world! Portugal is just way behind in a lot of ways!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. It was a fun comparison for us. - Josh & Kalie

[@elizabethfajardo9655]

This is a difficult comparison, somewhat unfair too. Portugal is a relatively poor country in European standards. Singapore is one of the richest countries in the world. Unfortunately, your comparison is heavily biased towards Portugal supporting the hype of Portugal. I have spent time in both countries and I would not live any of them. Singapore is great but you have to be quite affluent to be able to enjoy it. It is also quite sterile and a sort of police state. Portugal is great when people sell their home in California/New York for couple of million $ and move to Portugal. I believe in the near future a lot of Americans will move back to America or look for another country after they realized that Portugal is not as good as they hoped.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Which points where biased towards Portugal, Elizabeth? We used data and rankings to support the 11 criteria. Regarding your other point, I remember seeing the flux for SEF's data a year or two ago and there's a good 20-30% year on year turnover from the American demographic. The only thing with that data is that we can't do too much with it to know the reason for people leaving. Did they move on an expat package? Is it a retiree or remote working family that couldn't adapt? The data isn't that granular. I imagine that the percentage of people that leave between 1-3 years will indeed remain the same. We shouldn't see a massive jump in % of people leaving vs number of people leaving. If there are more people (Americans) in Portugal in 2024 compared to 2021 and the same % of flux stays true then by default, more people will leave in 2024 than previous years. - Josh

[@rickchandler2570]

completely agree about the food. i’ve not found a lot of português food that i like but singapore food i enjoy much more. much more interesting and flavorful than português food. IMHO

[@klimtkahlo]

I believe you have a very peculiar palate!

[@rickchandler2570]

@ are you portuguese? i would bet most people outside of portugal would agree with me

[@musa-too]

@@rickchandler2570 no, portuguese food is always amazing.

[@rickchandler2570]

@ haha i need to find out where you are then!

[@2Rugrats9597]

Singapore is ALOT more expensive than Portugal

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

For housing and groceries for sure! - Josh & Kalie

[@tral403Hrytw]

No Singapore! too small and too autocratic

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We didn't feel that way when we lived here, however, we weren't there in 2020. Our friends that were didn't have a good time. Life is back to normal now though. - Josh & Kalie

[@antoniodasilva1230]

The door is open for anyone to packup and go our come 😂 and yeah Singapore a rich nation that will put you in jail for spitting

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Antonio, that's a little disingenuous towards Singapore. The joke within Asia is that Singapore is a "fine" city. If you break the rules, you'll get fined. But also Singapore has a lot of fine things. It's a fun play on words that's true. So, do people spit in Singapore? Yes! Have we ever seen someone given a ticket for it? Nope. In fact, you hardly see police on a daily basis. - Josh & Kalie

[@antoniodasilva1230]

@ExpatsEverywhere I just remembered the American kid getting lashings In public for spitting gum back a few yea

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

@@antoniodasilva1230 yea, believe it or not that was 1994 so 30 years ago now. - Josh

[@gkunz3]

The lead on this feels pretty deceptive- suggesting you are leaving Portugal. I know why you do this, but it weakens your brand. I’m a lot less likely to watch your videos as a result. A shame, I liked and trusted you guys.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Sorry that you feel that way. If you're referring to the Title and TN, we felt like it was pretty clear and we tried to design it for the viewers story and not our own. "Ditch Portugal for THIS Amazing Country?" is purely meant to set up a comparison video, which has been a part of a serious that we've been doing for the past year. Picking the winner was hard, thus the text "This is so hard!" "This is so difficult!". I'm not sure what TN you were shown because YT allows us to test up to 3 thumbnails at a time to see which works best for our viewers. This video is definitely not one where we tried to cause a panic among our viewers but we wanted to create intrigue to earn people's click. We didn't want to put Portugal v Singapore because some people might not understand why the comparison would be getting made and therefore they wouldn't click it. Some people wouldn't recognize the SG flag and thus be curious to see, "oh, what country is this that's being compared here". We have a personal reason why we chose to compare these two, which we explained at the beginning of the video. They are our FAVS. So there's the explanation. Hope you understand. - Josh

[@johnwise5996]

Muslim country no many many things

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Singapore isn't classified as a Muslim country. Only around 15% of people in Singapore identify as Muslim. - Josh & Kalie

[@dickielarue1451]

Greetings from Estoril...Just got back from Esposende. Like you I have lived, traveled and worked in many countries around the world...Yet under the current set of circumstances on this planet, Portugal bang for buck offers everything my gal and I need and want in a small package...We have been a legal residents since 2016...In December we hit our 8 year mark...I did most of Asia during my Navy days...Beautiful countries with Rich History and amazing cuisine and people...Yet too many people...I like my elbow room here in Portugal...My gal is from São Paulo Paulo...22 plus million...No thanks...Less is More...Boa Sorte! 😉👌

[@placidovalente]

singapor is a muslim country no drinking alcohol

[@rufusreloaded1043]

It isn't a Muslim country and you can drink alcohol. Apart from that everything you said was right.

[@jameshaddan8538]

I was just there in October…yes, you can drink alcohol - alcoholic drinks were widely available. One of the most famous cocktails, the Singapore Sling, was invented there…I had one at the Raffles Hotel bar where it was invented. It’s also a diverse place with Hindu and Buddhist temples, and Christian churches…it’s not only Muslim.

[@Fzrox303]

@placidovalente No. According to Mr Google, of the four million citizens and permanent residents, 31.1 percent are Buddhist, 20 percent identify as having no religion, 18.9 percent Christian, 15.6 percent Muslim (predominantly Sunni), 8.8 percent Taoist, and 5 percent Hindu. -2020 census data

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Buddhism is indeed the most dominate religious group (over 30%), with non-religious people 2nd and Christianity 3rd. - Josh & Kalie