From First Impressions to Now: 2 Years in Portugal as an American

Kalie from ExpatsEverywhere sits down with Dave, an American who has moved to Portugal. He found out that he couldn't afford to live in Lisbon so he chose the Silver Coast where he has a car and bought a property with some land. Dave has been here a couple of years now and has mingled with the Portuguese. He also runs a KZbin channel about his experiences. They talk about culture shock, what Portugal is really like for a foreigner, things to expect, and so much more.
Dave's channel: / @daveinportugal
* ABOUT US *
Josh and Kalie left the US for a life abroad in 2009 and haven't looked back. They have lived in Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and are currently in Portugal. Yes, they realize they only moved to countries starting with the letter "S" until they spoiled that streak with their move to Portugal. Follow ExpatsEverywhere as we aim to get information to you through expat interviews, city breakdowns, expat life, travel, vlogs, and more.
* VISAS FOR PORTUGAL *
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* YOU NEED THESE FOR YOUR D7 & REMOTE WORKER VISAS *
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*LEARN A LANGUAGE
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*AROUND PORTUGAL
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[@DaveinPortugal]

It was a great pleasure to meet you guys and do this interview! Excited to feature you guys in my next Porto video coming soon! 😉

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

The pleasure was ours, man! We’re looking forward to seeing how the match footage turned out. Next time we’ll have to get Kalie to Budapest Bar for a deep chat. 😃 - Josh

[@DaveinPortugal]

🙏🏻

[@JenShea]

Fun interview! It’s interesting. I’m not young… (probably old enough to be Mom to all of you… but I lived in Atouguia da Baleia (5 minutes from Ferrel, Baleal and Peniche… and I loved it. In fact, that’s where I plan to make my permanent home. I hav no interest in living in an North American expat community… I love to meet people from all over the world (and I love to guess where they are from based on language and accents). I’m from Canada’s capital, and it’s has always been a cultural melting pot. That feels good to me! The Portuguese people are not unlike a lot of Canadians… but even better! They welcome you in… all you have to do is greet them with a BomDia, say thank them with a smile and Obrigada and be humble and kind. You are in their country so simply respect that fact, always and they will love you! Admittedly, I didn’t know much about the Portuguese culture before deciding to rent a house there… I did lot of research and was so excited to have the experiences I did and it was super helpful to have an idea of what to expect. There were not many KZbinrs doing great videos as there are now… I learned a lot from the fantastic Rick Steves videos. I have to admit, when I did look on KZbin all I found were surfing video and I don’t surf. I thought, oh boy, it’s going to be all you kids my daughter’s age and younger… but it wasn’t like that. Yes, lots of surfing (and now I’m hooked on watching) but normal everyday people live in every town. The day I arrived, I landed at the airport, fell in love, after my first Pastel de Nata (literally my friend was waiting at the airport with one, LOL)… And that was it! * you know what I will say about foreigners moving, in this case to Portugal and for the most part it’s the US Americans and the people from the UK (more than any other group)… that you have 2 choices. If you learn, become adaptable and choose to adapt, it will be a hugely better experience!

[@djQUA_SETS]

@@JenShea i totally agree with you^^ im native Portuguese and you forgot 1 thing.. go slowly dont need to rush,,, Americans tend to live in a rush (dont know about the Canadians) but here we live life more slowly and that may be a shock^^ and yes ... learning a few words of Portuguese is good to interact with the locals ... especially the elders which are not familiar with English language.. we have a say here in Portugal : "In Rome be Roman!" and you will see things will be just great^^ All the good to you^^

[@richvangogh]

Dave! Are you from Reno? I love your KZbins. I lived in Reno for 9 years...I'm headed to Portugal soon! ;-)

[@SylvieShene]

I'm originally from Portugal and have been in the US for 40 years. When I arrived here in 1984 I had a guy arguing with me that Portugal was in South America and I told him: I'm from Portugal so I know where Portugal is but you put Portugal wherever you like!

[@Alfablue227]

Finally came back to my Portugal after 40 years in the USA. Having left as a barely turned teenager, this has been a good challenge...despite the few negatives Portugal throws our way, but how I wish I had come sooner! Portugal is NOT for anyone, but if you wait it out and give it chance... it's a dream. Thanks Dave and all others that decided to give Portugal a chance. Yes gentrification and Air B&B is not good, but overall, what you do for our economy and self esteem, is unmeasurable. ❤

[@homyce]

I always love it when two of my favorite KZbinrs make a video together.

[@lostinreverie2183]

Dave is racist, narcissist and opportunistic.. So not a favorite youtuber material tbh

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Woooo :-) Thank you. - Josh & Kalie

[@homyce]

@@ExpatsEverywhere love you guys, keep up the good work

[@girlybutch666]

I've watched both channels for some time now and love the comparisons of experience, particularly rural vs urban.

[@homyce]

@@girlybutch666 Yes, same here!

[@jadziaidaris]

My parents immigrated to the US in the 60s. I was born in the US but grew up in a Portuguese community. My family is from around the silver coast. The times that I have visited Portugal, I just felt like I was home. I’ve been thinking about getting my citizenship in order and moving back. Life there is just so much more peaceful than where I live in the US.

[@periscope7731]

That’s how I felt when I made my first pilgrimage in 2018. I experienced my family’s home in the Azores, followed by visiting Lisbon and area. Muito tranquilo.

[@matildesantos4215]

There are many peaceful small towns in USA .I live in one .

[@klimtkahlo]

To all ethnically Portuguese you are welcome and wanted and needed in Portugal. Don’t be discouraged by the people working in the embassies / consulates and all the burocracy. If you can prove one of your grandparents was Portuguese it will be an easy process, for you even easier. There is good and bad in every country but Europeans in general are more truthful and genuine. We need Portuguese people to come back with customer service mentality and a can do it all mentality, like it exists in the USA. 💞 Heck we need Portuguese in Portugal before they sell the country to Chinese, Americans, Brits and Germans. Very dangerous to our national security.

[@quantummotion]

​@@periscope7731Same situation here. Parents left Azores in the 1960s. I saw Azores as a child at age 7 and 11, but reconnection really did kick in until in 2018 when I went. After that visit, I thought of the Azores and family there EVERY DAY. In 2023, I filled out my citizenship application. The consulate contacted me, said everything was in order and sent materials off to Lisbon. In Summer 2023 I resolved to go to the Azores again and visit Lisbon for the first time. I loved Lisbon, and it was so nice to see wider Portuguese culture beyond just what I knew from the Azores. I learned some things that I didn't know before. I've now resolved to visit every two years, and explore more of Portugal over time. I feel like I've developed a love affair with the culture of my parents. I've improved my Portuguese speaking skills, and the first full Portuguese conversation I had in Lisbon, the gentleman detected the "sotaque Micaelense". Lol. I've been listening to Portuguese artists in the car and my night walks, and been getting more Portuguese products here in Canada. I think about Portugal every day.

[@pilotrserra]

You are the type of person we want in Portugal. You have family roots and heritage. We do NOT want all these carpetbaggers who come to only make a profit and raise housing so Portuguese families cannot purchase property or houses. You are welcome to re-establish your roots.

[@choctawriverlife194]

I'm American Portuguese. My family came to America in the mid seventies from Nova Lisboa/ Huambo, Angola, Africa. My family originated from Viseu and Aveiro in previous generations. We still have a lot of family in Portugal and across Europe. 🇵🇹❤ thanks for the video! It was great!

[@AzureKite191]

Yes. Cape Verdeans are Portuguese as well

[@BeYourselfMan]

I LOVE Cape Verde!!! Viva Cabo Verde@@AzureKite191

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing your background! It's great to hear about who's out there watching. You're welcome and thank you for watching. - Josh & Kalie

[@gl2023_]

Engraçado, gerações de portugueses que fugiram de Portugal e agora cruzificam os imigrantes brasileiros e africanos que fazem o mesmo. Bando de hipocritas. Por isso e por outras que Portugal é uma merda!

[@marcioborgesreis9066]

​@@AzureKite191 they are not .

[@michaelhovden7846]

Another great vid, and I think this does an excellent job of dispelling some myths and generalizations about what is happening in Portugal (assuming massive numbers of "Americans" moving in), and the ease (or not) of integrating when arriving with certain expectations. Having been here now 2 1/2 years I can easily say that my experiences have been somewhat different from Dave's with regards to locals' willingness to help out in conversations, norms etc....I have found that almost across the board the locals in my day to day life have been so eager to engage and play along! To me, that's just representative of the overall warmth, openness, and acceptance of my host country. Everyday it reinforces to me how lucky I am to be here and call this my new home. Additionally, was refreshing to hear Dave point out his reasons for embracing the move - wanting something more, new, and different. Thanks again for all that the lot of you guys do to get the message and facts out :)

[@tb355921]

I love it when two of my favorite KZbin channels get together!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. We were glad to get together. - Josh & Kalie

[@petrvm]

Dave’s channel is great! Even for a Portuguese like me that is living abroad and thinking about come back next year to Portugal is great to have a “impartial” opinion about living in Portugal! Thanks for your videos!

[@jong6477]

Dave is a cool down to earth guy, I met him randomly with my family at a cafe here in Portugal. I have lived here as long as Dave and my wife has been here for over 6 years. I love Portugal and the experience here has been great, it feels like home now! :) I have not been to any other place in Europe only Portugal. Great job with your videos! I like the content. (maybe we could meet) Força! :)

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

He certainly is. Thanks for the comment. If you ever see us out, say "hello". - Josh & Kalie

[@rossgossman6530]

It’s great to see Dave on Expats Everywhere in this interview. You two are my favorites and both are so informative on realistic living in Portugal. Keep up the great work guys!!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. It was great to have Dave on. We appreciate your kind words. We'll keep it up. - Josh & Kalie

[@terrisokolow7796]

Yet another great, informative interview, Kalie!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Terri! - Josh & Kalie

[@TechMelee]

Great collaboration here. I'm glad the algorithm brought me here. This video was very well done and hearing Dave yet again speak about his experience with Portugal with such passion. ✨️✨️

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We're glad you're here as well! Thank you for watching. - Josh & Kalie

[@myitaliantherapyginafiore4414]

Great job Dave. You have inspired me to create my own channel so when I arrive to Portugal which is FINALLY FRIDAY. I am going to document my journey. It is a heck of a lot of work to create content, film and edit. I see that now. I am practicing on my renovation that I have been doing in Upstate New York since Covid and will be selling. So exciting to see your channel has grown. I sure could use some help after I get situated...Cheers my friend. Appreciate all of the great videos and content. You ROCK! Gina in Upstate New York USA moving to Central Portugal

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

All the best with your channel. - Josh & Kalie

[@308berry]

I appreciate the work and time you put into your videos man. @DaveinPortugal

[@chuckmurray1825]

Love Dave in Portugal. One of my favorite channels.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing, Chuck. - Josh & Kalie

[@tesfayesisay6720]

Very Nice interview guys. Enjoyed his perspective and very articulate.

[@sergiosoure]

I love your work, you are realistic in your information, you don't paint an incorrect picture of the country. Obviously, my country is neither a paradise nor a hell, as everything has pros and cons and in your work you expose these truths. As a Portuguese, I am extremely proud to be able to count on you in this Portugal of mine/yours.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you for the love. We're not sure if you're addressing us or Dave but we'll take it. Thanks for sharing Portugal with us. - Josh & Kalie

[@JavaWalkerWorld]

Great video. Very interesting. Great questions and answers. 😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much for the feedback. - Josh & Kalie

[@user-jl2li7tr9o]

GREAT WATCH! THANKS GUYS

[@redsand06]

really great video everyone!

[@ala5726]

i love your channel guys, always so informative and entertaining same time

[@veronicadcf]

This is so awesome! It feels like you guys blended in, culturally speaking. It all goes down to how tolerant and patient you are when moving abroad. Like he has said: it is not for everyone, lots of Americans would have a hard time adapting to Portugal. Can't wait to see you on his videos!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Veronica! We're all certainly trying to do the best we can. You know. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@trave7644]

Good interview. Kalie is a good listener.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

:-) She is. Thank you. - Josh & Kalie

[@2clarityin30]

Engaging video. I resonate with Dave's grounded perspective on what it's like for Americans moving to Portugal once the honeymoon period wears off and their real adjustment begins. Kalie asks the best questions.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. Kalie does ask great questions and her listening skills are fantastic. - Josh

[@robinbailey55]

Great interview Kailie! Dave seems like a good guy.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! He is. - Josh & Kalie

[@GUERRAGMAC]

Love you guys, I follow both channels at least 2 years and is pleasure to see Americans so emerge in my country. Congrats 🎉😊

[@user-kv3pu2ug3w]

Great interview.... As a Portuguese/American living in Portugal I say Dave and the Expats Everywhere are really great!!!! Honest straight forward talk.... Porugal is not for everyone and so isn't any other country in the world...

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. :-) We appreciate the support. - Josh & Kalie

[@BOULDERGEEK]

Great injection of reality to the travel KZbin matrix. Kalie's hair is absolutely perfect!

[@briant3404]

oddly Dave, I think that was the best of all your videos, because it gave you a chance to give perspectives of all your videos and experiences compared to others. .like how you compared how friendly people were in the north and as you go south things start to change.. that has happened to me a couple of times but now you validated the truth of it.. your videos also have gotten so much better recently , and of course you were kind of a stumbling new comer to the country at first and in this very short 2 years you have come a long long way in so many waysdue to the potential you have always had..

[@Hdio99]

yes true, I am portuguese and so I can say yes North to south People have some diferent values, its mostly historic, you see Portugal was invaded several times by several diferent cultures, not going to detail but generally the north is much more catholic poor and much more populated, so u find the north more cheaper, people help more each other generally more warm opposite to the weather witch is more rainy and cold, the more you go to south the less catholic you find People so money is more a value to the south than it is in the north, family unity is more strong in the North and you feel it, Dave has felt it , the exparts everywhere to and the cheap side..., it is not to say the People from the south will not help or be warm but its not 9 out of 10, it will go 6 out of 10. But from Americans i see here or follow a lot in videos ( my brother lives in USA its a teacher of medicine in a University there and I have been there to several times ) , that come to PT they normally find everything interesting and wooou...but after 6 moths or less they begin to moan...we Portuguese are less extreme generally but like everything has its ups and downs...like improvement is slower, some things in Portugal are not undestood even some here dont understand the reasons and causes of the state of things, Burocracy has its roots, why some state department has diferent interpretations, why we complain a lot of ourselfs but dont go the next mile to improve or force things to change it has simple explanations...remeber its a hint Portugal 50 years ago was a super poor state or better not the state its major population we came from the biguest or longuest dictatorship in Europe history we were a closed country to other cultures for so long, we have part of this population still living, my other brother is a teacher in the north Oporto region, the poverty there is some areas is stuning, he had children that never had seen the sea witch is at 20/30 kms, yes never seen the sea, so he took some to see it, it is just to see and remember how sometimes there are cultural changes in the making still to be a country truly developed...i could go on but its not the place...cheers to all

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It was very much the idea of the video to give Dave the space to give his perspectives and his origin story. Sometimes it's really hard to do on ones own channel. - Josh & Kalie

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the comment @Hdio99. The 6 month marker of Americans in Portugal isn't a Portugal thing. It's an American abroad or foreigner abroad thing. The honeymoon ends and the greater frustrations beginning. :-) It's all a part of the relocation process. - Josh & Kalie

[@briant3404]

muito obrigado @@Hdio99 . a pesar do que disse, agradeço todas e cada uma das suas palavras do seu resumo sobre esta co-evoluçao sobre tempo, a explicar os acontecimentos e aspectos que resultam na cultura e no povo de hoje . Foi uma rara oportunidade para ter uma compreensão mais profunda ..I hope to read more of your insights on KZbin!

[@MiguelSantos-mm5fy]

keep doing that great job both..obrigado.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Miguel. Will do! - Josh & Kalie

[@seankalleyart2065]

It is such a beautiful place to live, and keeps your mind working and young.

[@jaimecosta2966]

Hi.. I am Portuguese i lived in UK for over twenty years .. I needed a change .. twentieth years ago I decided to move to Portugal it has bean a challenge and I am loving it .. saying that excellent video wish you well ..

[@pressrepeat2000]

What was the best and worst part of moving back?

[@seamusp5991]

Love it! Thank you all. 😊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the love. We appreciate the view. - Josh & Kalie

[@MikeMorenoActorCEO]

This was great. Dave has shared such a brilliant and practical perspective on his channel with some stunning visuals! Thank you Expats Everywhere for this showcase!

[@mariap2481]

@DaveinPortugal. I love all your videos. Thank you from a 🇵🇹 in North America.

[@abrahamlevi3556]

My take: Portugal has been marketed as an ideal place to get a Golden Visa based upon to two USP: an immediate entry to the Schengen Zone for those nationals who need a Schengen visa, and a place where a temporary residency that could be converted into a permanent residency leading eventually to naturalization without the need for physical presence in the country.. The result was a hike in property to price level that goes in sync with the changing Golden Visa rules. The prices of the offered properties where ridiculously high, and Now that the conventional Golden Visa has ended, the marketers pivot toward Greece and the results are exactly the same. I've been based in Cyprus for the last ten years and Cyprus has gone through exactly the same cycle of inflated real-estate prices when the CBI program was still alive and kicking. Nowadays the same is true vis-a-vis real-estate prices as stipulated in order to gain temporary residency, and with the new adjustments to rules as of February of this year, the whole exercise has become to expensive altogether for non-multi millionaires .

[@AshleyOliviaDaCosta]

What a crossover episode! We were just comparing the choices y’all made yesterday! What timing. We live near Mafra and enjoy the best of both worlds. ❤

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you! Wooo! We're glad this video found you with good timing. - Josh & Kalie

[@Ms.Robinson__]

The "I'm doin' it" moment is life changing if planned well. The lockdown was good for propelling many to pivot and make life what you want.

[@kayclifton9064]

I am entertained by your videos and I share them with Anna my daughter who really wants to live in Portugal 🇵🇹.

[@droops63]

Finally catching up and seeing this. I followed Dave's channel but had a bad experience in the comment section so I moved on. My bad. This video is solid and I appreciate the honest outlook on things. Thanks.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Welcome back! Thanks for watching and commenting. Good to see you again. - Josh & Kalie

[@lost_porkchop]

Dave, I was taken from Portugal as a child and it's become my biggest regret in life. But I'm now too tied down over here to ever go back and have to live the experience through people like you. Keep making videos and I'll keep watching. Thanks.

[@Dan-xx5jq]

Could you try to visit, at least? Sorry to hear you still have feelings for the place. I think if you visited it would give you some peace for your past. I too would love to visit although it is still a lot of money to fly out there to stay for a month but I am not giving up hope of visiting just yet. I always said I will travel when I retire. Retirement came quick for me because of an illness and my RA now makes it difficult to walk long distances. I would now advise young folk to travel when you are still young. Do not wait until you retire because you never know how things will change.

[@lost_porkchop]

@@Dan-xx5jq I spent a week there this year after nearly twenty years of not visiting, but it was so different and my family was gone. It was like seeing someone you once knew but no longer recognized. I enjoyed it, there were just a lot of mixed feelings about it. Some day I hope to visit again. For now, I just tell everyone else to.

[@NataleeHEALS]

Great video! Appreciate you! I am protugese Canadian and just unexpectedly spent a month in Portugal (was robbed day 4 😂 and needed to wait for a new passport). I am now considering buying property there for work, and personal vacations. Do you have any videos on what to expect if buying in Portugal?

[@mitohancke7475]

Congratulations! Your portuguese accent is perfect! Enjoy Portugal and the portuguese! I love your vídeos even when they “hurt”!

[@cortarelva]

Its so funny that as more and more foreigners from rich countries come to live in Portugal to have fun and enjoy retirement a lot of young Portuguese find themselves having to move to others countries because they cant find any decent job here. And with so many "expats" buying so many real estate here the housing price is also reaching levels that are inaccessible for locals especially people with lower education that rely on minimum wage jobs.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

It's our understanding that for well over a decade that young Portuguese people have been moving abroad to seek better paying jobs. The data shows that as well. - Josh & Kalie

[@marcosgomes7681]

And now all these Asians think they come to paradise,most of them don't like to work, Portugal goes in a very bad direction

[@kiwish2003]

Love your videos guys and Daves been following both for last 18 months and bought a house in Central close to Caxarias but living between New Zealand and Portugal at the mo. Back in Portugal in April yay

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for the love! We appreciate the shout. NZ is awesome. We visited there back when we lived in Singapore. Great place but so remote. Hope to make it back one day with Cia. - Josh & Kalie

[@tyronevincent1368]

Great story Dave. Expat for 25 years living in The Netherlands retiring in 2 weeks bought home in Azoren islands for the same price as my flat in NL. Looking forward to learning another EU language language. Some of the natives don't like seeing Expats coming because of forced gentrification. Germans, Canadians and Americans are buying properties like lottery tickets

[@on2thenextthing]

Dave has one of the best Portugal channels out there. He doesn't sugarcoat it, which is exactly what viewers want. I've followed a lot of other KZbin Portugal channels, in fact probably all of them. So many of them are the exact opposite. Many of them provide very selective viewpoints and limited or biased feedback and information. Dave's channel is top notch. Thanks for your content Dave!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

He certainly does have a great channel. He hope Dave sees this comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@DaveinPortugal]

I really appreciate the kind words. Comments like these keep me going!

[@Tharoah23]

Im excited because we just started our Journey in Portugal tbh

[@trave7644]

That guy is great, and he keeps it real. I some who had glamorized Portigul took issue with him, but we like it.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. - Josh & Kalie

[@michaelhaardt5988]

Portugal should be ideal for solar air heaters. Large DIY systems with like one or two dozen sqm deliver much energy and operate with very little electric energy.

[@tobytune]

We bailed from the US many years ago and wound up in Costa Rica. I think it is the best place on the planet. Been here 24 years now!

[@craigbjork7786]

You all do realize that implying 'Expat' is another way of saying I'm not an immigrant because I'm better than you. Please stop referring to immigrants from the U.S. or U.K. as Expats or maybe call everyone from Mexico in the U.S. as Expats?

[@pilotrserra]

Yes you are correct. They all are immigrants with no money and taking away young Portuguese jobs. I don’t see the benefit to Portuguese communities. I rather have the older retired folks with a pension and don’t need a job. They spend money in our communities

[@AA-iy4gm]

I agree especially seeing how these people are moving to these European countries because of affordability meaning economy which is one of the top reasons why immigrants immigrate...they're no different but pretend that they are.

[@carlosbarbosa5821]

Nice collaboration. I love Portugal.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks a lot! We do too. - Josh & Kalie

[@AbandonedHousePortugal-2023]

We came from Brazil 2019, opned a turism business and then the Covid ... we opened another business move from Lisbon to Mafra and bought a ruin... we just started this new chapter

[@bertieferreira]

Yeah, that's my area, Peniche. I lived in Olhão and Faro and decided to go surfing in Baleal 😂🏄‍♂️ 🌊

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. - Josh & Kalie

[@expandwitherika]

Your channel is soooo helpful! Love it! My husband is American, and we have been located in Thailand for a few years, but as a European Im missing the European lifestyle. So we are looking at buying a farm or similar in Portugal. Exited to explore this country! yay!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you, Erika! We appreciate the love. We lived in Asia for 10 years and really got drawn back to the European lifestyle too. We're very happy here. - Josh & Kalie

[@williamgautreaux5545]

Yay! Two of my favorite youtubers in an interview together! I move to Setúbal January 11, 2024 thanks to the two of you (Hi, Kaylie!) with all your abundant information online!

[@marklee1960]

Wait, I can't find a link to Dave's channel. Is it noted and I just don't see it?

[@brianwhite1189]

Search 'Dave in Portugal' and you'll find his channel.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

www.youtube.com/@DaveinPortugal it's in the description section. - Josh

[@icysurfer1]

I like this Guy's ideas. Wish I had a supportive Father, like He did. Not a sabotager.

[@TheLexy131313]

Nice to hear Dave lives in the region where my family lives for centuries. My family is from a small village close to the small town of Cadaval. I'm guessing Dave lives in the surroundings of Caldas da Rainha. But we'll never know, because he's very secretive about it 😅

[@gjm456]

Hi Dave, I'm an (old) expat living in the Philippines. Admittedly, I haven't watched many of your vids. I am drawn to watching central Portugal videos on properties for sale around small villages, as well as the expats renovating old houses of ruiness nature. My observations are these small little villages that seem to barely hanging on due to a declining population of remaining senior citizens. These small village/towns sadly(to me) look like beautiful ghost towns. Obviously, there is a shortage of tax base to maintain them. Shop owners with few customers. Cost of living certainly isn't cheap either. Will these villages survive? Will/do they receive government help? Would like to hear your thoughts on this. Geoff in the Philippines

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hopefully Dave sees this comment. - Josh & Kalie

[@carmenzaldivar4393]

As an Ecuadorian living in USA Then moving to Costa Rica. And back to USA I can tell once you get used to "commodities" you get in USA it is hard to accept the ways on other countries. Still some of us keep trying to find the perfect place.going from one country to another till the day we die

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Very interesting Carmen! Why else didn't Costa Rica work for you or was it just the commodities bit? - Josh & Kalie

[@michael_claudiu]

So very true 👍

[@Dan-xx5jq]

I do worry about that too, in my quest to find that perfect location, to retire on my measly budget. Even though I don't live an extravagant life style in the US, a few chronic illnesses has made life more challenging and this is true the older one gets. If the electricity goes out in a storm in the summer, I find it unbearable to go an hour without air conditioning. Fortunately I own a vehicle, so I can take off to one of the beautiful libraries we have in our city and hang out there. I know most developing countries have issues with providing power on a continuous basis. In the Philippines, they call them 'brown outs' and are fairly common from watching other American YTers living there complain about it. And because of my chronic illnesses I worry if they act up, will I get the care at the hospital I visit? I had considered the Philippines at one time as lots of American retires raved about it especially since it was affordable. However after keeping up with their videos I have seen them run into major problems when it comes to medical. An Australian guy that fractured his elbow that needed surgery, used the local medical facilities and had to share a bed with another patient..I was shocked! Of course if he had insurance he could have gone to a private hospital which a just a little better, but not to the standards we have in the US. At the same time, since I live alone in the US, it is very lonely as most folk keep to themselves whereas in developing countries one can afford to hire 'help' to take care of the chores and provide some company. Then of course is the cost of living, my disability income is barely enough for me to survive here in the US, and usually eat one meal a day. I am also too lazy to go get groceries to cook it. 😂 It would be nice to hire someone to do all that. Some developing countries have families that will supply you with a home cooked meal twice a day delivered, basically whatever the family is eating that day, for cheap. One thing for sure it is fresh food, unlike the awful TV dinners that are part of my life here. So, I just don't know how to decide if it going to work out for me. They do say a chance in environment can do a lot of good for one's psyche. I am trying to visit but that takes money too. Sorry, I am just confused. Any thoughts?

[@kenlewis2253]

It isn’t just big roads and well laid out neighborhoods that we Americans like. We like not hearing all the dogs in the neighborhood barking, we like newer & quieter cars that aren’t stink bombs, we like not hearing our neighbors talking/having sex/playing their music, not having our neighbors burning brush, etc. We like the luxury of space. As much as I love the simple life in Portugal, it would cost me more to insulate myself from the air and noise pollution than it may be worth - even in relatively remote places where the neighbors are less but the dogs and burning are more.

[@user-lv1io3oj3x]

I AM LOVING IT

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Glat you're loving it. - Josh & Kalie

[@ShirleyKirsten]

What about high speed internet access outside the big cities... I am a musician as well.. seeking a place without disturbing neighbors with my practicing, and teaching by Internet. (zoom). If I chose a rural area, could I rely on high speed internet being available and reliable????

[@wilkenanna]

Portugal is the best country to live in Europe. Nicest People , nicest weather.❤

[@marcosgomes7681]

I am Portuguese and don't agree with you, great changes in our country in the last year's sometimes I think, it's not Portugal, I'm somewhere in Asia , Pakistani,Indians and what the hell delivered everywhere 😢

[@marcosgomes7681]

And the prices triple in much things in just a Year

[@marcosgomes7681]

When you are Rich and live in these security covered areas maybe it's no matter to you

[@eliomarandrade3909]

What a bag of hot air. He talks as If Portugal is an exotic location at the far corners of the Earth. Go back to Jersey.

[@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759]

So I'm curious. Is it possible to live in a city (not Lisbon) as a retiree from the US and live somewhere where they are *not* building retirement communities which cater to people from the US and Canada? I'm from NYC, and my idea about living in Portugal (or anywhere in Europe) was to live in a European city, not a replication of a US suburban gated community. I don't have to be in a big city (I've lived in mid sized and small US cities; I just don't want to be in a car-dependent suburb). I did that in the US and it's not my style. Any suggestions?

[@fernandomagalhaes6820]

Hi, you have some nice small cities near the coast, where you have everything you need, and you don’t need a car! Besides these cities are cheaper than Lisbon or Oporto. In the north there are Viana do Castelo, Braga and Guimarães, in the center you have Aveiro, Coimbra and Leiria… and the south but is more expensive, and touristic…

[@alannahprestaynofbraavos5759]

Also would be a *very* good idea to learn Portuguese.

[@missamericausa]

Question? More local transit in Porto, Lisbon? Not that much in algarve, I don’t drive? Differences between Lisbon n Porto? Porto cheaper? 1 person!!

[@alessandrosilva4441]

The areas of Lisbon and Porto are more expensive to live in, but you will find all the facilities of modern life in big cities. However, Portugal is a small country without such a large population. If you leave the top 10 cities, you will start to notice a lack of infrastructure even though you are not that far from a big city. Still, it all depends on your lifestyle. Personally, I prefer intermediate cities, that is, not so expensive, with good infrastructure and not full of tourists. Therefore, my option continues to be Braga: 200 thousand inhabitants, good university, some shopping malls, many events throughout the year, 40 minutes from Esposende beach, 30 minutes from the mountains (Parque Nacional do Gerês) and 50 minutes from Porto (and from the International Airport). The metro only exists in the Lisbon and Porto regions, but public transport serves Braga satisfactorily and it is also possible to travel between cities by train.

[@alessandrosilva4441]

Whatever the country, learn the local language and interact with the natives. The best part of living in another country is absorbing a new culture and developing a new lifestyle and creating new connections, that is, seeing the world in a different way.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

We have a lot of videos addressing your questions. Enjoy watching. :-) - Josh & Kalie

[@ninarosaphotography2039]

I agree. Should be fun

[@gracielapereda1663]

When I saw the thumbnail I thought it was Dave in Portugal video

[@briant3404]

it kind of was,, he should post it on his channel.. a really good one..

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

:-) - Josh & Kalie

[@BaguetteBound]

Love how this interview gave a bit of big picture / backstory / Meta of Dave in Portugal. And cheers to being in the countryside! While the cities of europe are incredible and I love them, I think for our family as foreigners its been easier in village life to get a sense of the people, traditions, and culture than if we were in a bigger more cosmopolitan city.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Perfect! That was the idea and hope. - Josh & Kalie

[@observer8736]

I moved to the USA over twenty years ago and now moving to Europe. I am so worried because it was my husband's decision. It wasn't easy to change when I moved to the States. Now I have to get used to another culture and language. I am an adaptable person and a fast learner however, I am little anxious about moving.

[@AndNowIWrite]

I laughed when Dave mentioned how many US Americans he has met since being here. I was in a campsite and logged on to the wifi, and "Verizon" popped up, so I was on a quest to find the Americans. Lol. So far, they are two of five US citizens I've met in four years here.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Verizon!!! That's hilarious. - Josh & Kalie

[@lost_porkchop]

Crossover episode! 🤯

[@DJarry394]

What is the name of the town Dave is in now?

[@TheMyaLoo]

I always hear about stuff for retirees and stuff for young people but what about young couples who are planning to start a family? I don’t want to be around parties all the time but I do like the surf and I like the more artsy authentic vibe. Golfing and country clubs are not my speed lol

[@ejikemeonuoha3272]

This is interesting. Please come to Nigeria. It's an interesting place to be too

[@fernandomagalhaes6820]

I live in Leiria, where is the castle and I love the city….

[@davidleong6606]

DOUBLE-DOUBLE BURGER, DOUBLE SCOOP ICE CREAM CONE AND EXPATS+DAVE... AHHH, MY 3 FAVS... I'M FILLED!!!

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

That's an awesome comment. Thanks for the comparison. Very funny. We love a good double scoop ice cream. - Josh & Kalie

[@DaveinPortugal]

Gotta love the In N Out reference for my West Coast fam!

[@meaco247]

That was awesome interview guys !!!!! US meaco247 from Poland

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thank you very much. - Josh & Kalie

[@mikeagostinho]

@daveinportugal do you think when that number of 10,000 Americans are living in Portugal includes people like my parents and uncles and aunts as well as many other Portuguese Americans from here in the East Coast of the US that go back to Portugal after 30-40 years here in the US? People like my parents don’t stick out as Americans because they were born in Portugal and have always spoke Portuguese even though they are technically Americans and are American citizens. My family’s house is in a tiny village halfway between Caldas & Óbidos.

[@PickOfDestiny2010]

Even if I would sell everything I own, still couldn't afford living in Portugal. For people that don't have much money and no own property to sell it's very difficult to move there. And if you want to rent an apartment, you'll need to pay at least 6 month of rent up front to get it.

[@marcosgomes7681]

And it's becoming difficult just to survive,here

[@anebb42ify]

0:36 time stamp. which city/beach is that?

[@tatianaschoenfield9819]

Are you a scouter?

[@boimanso]

Azenhas do Mar - Sintra

[@antoniof9756]

That's a village called Azenhas do Mar, with some 400 inhabitants, in Sintra municipality

[@valsblueforrest2961]

​@@antoniof9756 Azenhas do Mar, next to Praia das Maçãs in Colares. There's a wonderful restaurant at the lower part overlooking a natural swimming pool. I took all my visitors there. Loved it.

[@BeYourselfMan]

I stopped watching Dave in Portugal because his videos went from being great to increasingly negative towards Portugal. I mean, you can't move from America to Europe expecting American standards and similar cultures. I'd say only about 10% of Europe in whole might be similar to American culture. The increasing moaning about this and that put me off. You are NOT in America mate, you're in Portugal which is similar throughout Europe. I'd hate to see him visit Eastern Europe.. that would be a wild one. Cultures are different. In Portugal they don't want to ruin their culture and become Americanised, they just don't. They want to live the peaceful, slow family life and enjoy their great quality of life that they have. No offense intended, just my thoughts. I've been to Portugal many times and lived there for years and for me, it's was absolutely amazing.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

No offense taken. Thanks for sharing. - Josh & Kalie

[@periscope7731]

I am shocked to learn that Cascais is being referred to as the California of Portugal. Mauricio Umansky, an American real estate broker and owner of The Agency, is opening an office in Portugal. We can expect more high-end real estate to be gobbled up by foreign investors moving forward. I stand firm in my belief that gentrification will not change the nature or character of my Portuguese blood brothers and sisters whom I have always known to be very unpretentious people. By and large, they are very humble and not the least bit status conscious or star struck. This attitude is reflected in the way they dress, what they eat, and in their values, priorities, and in how they conduct themselves out and about.

[@darrenmanser2847]

I haven't watched any of his videos but it always intrigues me how this descent to negativity occurs after the honeymoon period is over (post 13-18 months) but then when interviewed everything is rosy again. I've been living in Nicaragua for 18 months now and this totally applies to me!

[@luisfilipe534]

​​@@periscope7731sorry .. but gentrification is already happening in Portugal very SEVERE way thanks to this hype of experience living in Portugal... Portuguese are not happy at all with this situation, they are being prevented to buy or even rent a house. Same situation applies to the imigrants that move here to work (real work) that actually needs a house.

[@periscope7731]

@@luisfilipe534 😔

[@MAX96MENDES]

Portuguese are the friendliest people in Europe. Portugal is Great to visit and to Live !

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Thanks for sharing. - Josh & Kalie

[@martadias906]

Great to live for who? 0.0025% that come from rich countries?

[@MathinusG]

Ok Dave,sowhat area do you live in?

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Dave said it in the video. - Josh & Kalie

[@semsemeini7905]

I was in Nazare in 1964 and I did not like it. Someone told my dad to buy land there. The waves are very rough and the ocean was too cold. Many Portuguese leave / move to France, Switzerland, UK for jobs. My dads cousin moved to Portugal in 1954 and worked for the Herald Tribune. I liked Obidos.

[@TheLexy131313]

1964......? 60 years ago?? Like in Salazars time? Wow.

[@Vinc3n7]

"I'm also a drummer. I'm also a musician." ... Sounds like there's a distinction. 🤣

[@Dan-xx5jq]

I heard the locals are becoming resentful of Outsiders with a ton of money from richer European countries especially from the cold northern countries have been moving to Portugal and driven the prices up. This is especially true of real estate, there are quite a few YT channels of folk from Britain who have bought Portuguese properties and are redoing the houses and then putting them back on the market at very higher prices. The locals do not have those incomes to afford to buy or rent those places.

[@dr.danielkester9313]

Hello! Great video! My wife and are slpitting up after 25 years and I'm headed to Portugal. I'm retired and have a good income. I'm a 63 year old PhD. I'm looking for a quiet, artsy, academic (i know, not mutually exclusive lol) the LAST place i want is an american retiree area with a bunch of golf courses and karens. I would like living in an old, charming european, spanish archatechure. Not a large city, but with access to public trasportation. What area should I check out? No rush, I'm leaving today!

[@gailalbers1430]

undecided has videos on his channel with household wind generation .

[@DJarry394]

Hey, I’m not young. You make it sound like we all want to live in American style suburbs and golf. I need to be in a cheap place that has transportation. Like a medium sized city. I am urban

[@AA-iy4gm]

The guest says he didn't stay in Lisbon due to affordability and noisy neighbors, that's fine but then he says he went with a different town that's popular with surfers and has a large party scene...large party scene sounds like noisy neighbors though, that was contradictory and confusing.

[@joanofarcxxi]

People in the north are typically very friendly and welcoming. In general, Portuguese people are friendly and welcoming, however in the big cities and especially in the south people are fed up with foreigners because they are taking over the economy and spaces to the point where the demand for housing has increased greatly and so have the rents, mortgages, and cost of living. Portugal is not a powerful country nor is it wealthy like the USA or the UK, so it's starting to affect the native population who already struggled financially. So although we like and enjoy visitors, we are starting to get concerned and annoyed with the great migration of foreigners into our little country. In the north is not as bad - yet! But I am afraid that it will change soon because of all the promotional videos on social media.

[@TravelonlineWalk]

Thats life

[@krisburke1712]

I left Canada in 2021.. moved to Nazare

[@Carolinapetroska]

Problem is that in the north and the center of Portugal, it rains every day in the winter. So depressing and nothing to do. That's why I prefer Lisbon.

[@ExpatsEverywhere]

Hey Sophie, it seems like for most of the past two winters barring a few storm systems that have been further north, whatever the weather is in Porto, it's similar to the weather in Lisbon. Definitely over the whole Lisbon is warmer year round compared to the north. Alternatively, the summers don't get too hot up here at least along the coast whereas if it's hot up here in the summer, it's blazing hot from Lisbon and further south. To each their own, right? - Josh & Kalie

[@klimtkahlo]

Driving from Lisbon to porto is something Americans do often only not at Portuguese fuel costs!