How We Adjusted to Life in Portugal As Americans | Our Tips for Anyone Leaving the US for Portugal

[@OurRichJourney]

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[@dave5633]

As a Portuguese who has lived most of his life in Canada, I can say that you guys really give me second thoughts about my future plans. The world seems so complex right now. And Portugal seems like a safe and great place to live.

[@jairlopes4679]

I moved from Canada last year, and I do not regret. But... bring money, making money here is hard.

[@menarheu5527]

My husband and I have just relocated to Portugal from Canada (like you, he’s Portuguese and wanted to move back after spending many years in Canada). Best decision we ever made. I just had to let go of my North American ways (I.e. feeling stressed out and the need to rush)…adapting to Portuguese ways has been truly life changing. I’m so happy and my husband is thankful to be home again. Please consider coming back home. You will not regret it.

[@etbaby6967]

I HATE canaduhhhhhh. We can’t wait to move to Mexico. I’m a 4th Cdn.

[@Alfablue227]

Come back home to 🇵🇹. We need our people, our country needs us. I returned 42 years after leaving 🇵🇹 to the US. I knew very little of life in Portugal after leaving so young and no longer having my dear parents, but I never looked back. At 55 I left the US and it was the best decision.

[@lemorjohnston5006]

I am in Lisbon right now because of this Blog. Loving the experience, added something new to my journey.

[@georgd3013]

Hearing you say that Portugal is your “forever home” is heart warming and reassuring to us contemplating the move. Thank you for another great episode!

[@germelljohnson]

Man has it been 3 years already. I found you guys when you just moved over there. I think it was the place with the fireplace in the background. Wow, I can’t believe I’ve been on this journey that long myself. Keep making great videos. We love you two.

[@hrhsophiathefirst4060]

I have to say this is all good advice for moving anywhere! When we bought our second home in Vermont we had all the utilities switched and on as soon as we closed and walked in with everything up and running. Knowing where all of the important places were food, medical, dental etc. was also done before hand. We are moving to Portugal in the next decade and we are already doing our online lessons as we plan to visit annually until the move and knowing the language is helpful at best and respectful to the locals.

[@jameshall2299]

My wife and I are traveling to portugal in October. So excited!

[@danelledautrievesanford]

The recurring advice is planning ahead and preparation. Also, great advice about making a commitment to be out-going. Have a great week.

[@robertoaugustomachadodesou8001]

Hi , i am a portuguese citzen , but i have always living on Brasil . Now i intent to move and live in Portugal and i do like your videos , it is wonderful !

[@chabridgettumusiime8994]

I just found your page today July 6th 2022 ! I love your outgoing Attitude , your positive energy, enthusiasm, organization, planning both finances , everything.

[@ashleydemarcos8589]

We have been here for almost 4 years in Caminha and it’s beautiful. Looking for a home now but prices are too expensive right now up north. Looking forward to seeing lots of your videos ❤️

[@francisphenry]

This video is great! The way you break down the adjustment curve is wonderful. We've just spent 5 weeks in Portugal doing what I call the "sniff test" and we can't wait to go back, so I'd say we're ripe candidates for moving there. Starting the D7 process. Thanks. Hope to meet you when we're there.

[@silverf0x7]

You're both full of wonderful, practical advice. It's motivating, especially when you 're feeling like financial independence is looking further and further away than what was initially hoped. Thanks again for what you do!

[@andyw7283]

Hello from Las Vegas - bound for Portugal soon It is always a breath of fresh air to wake up and turn on your videos. You have Amazing content and graphics/ pictures are the best. I remember moving from Australia to the USA and trying to understand the American/English quite a transition and there was a 6 month to a year honeymoon period. Thank you for your insight and all the hard work editing your videos. Signing up soon for your classes Cheers Andrew and Monica

[@carlav8357]

You both are amazing parents! That why your children are thriving!!

[@tobirates916]

So happy for you all that you’ve found your “forever home”! 🤩. Sort of related question, how is the garden going?

[@ivyc6495]

Hi from Arizona! Thank yum so much for these videos. I started watching your videos and it’s good to see updates. I also love that you still love it there. Gives me hope when we make our journey to leave the US.

[@carlav8357]

You both would be great mentors to our younger generation!

[@saraquips]

Great video guys! I’m planning on going in summer 2023. My list of friends that are coming with me is growing.

[@wavveytae4181]

Man I love this channel. You guys always give me Great insight on a plethora of things from investing, housing, and business opportunities. I’m thankful for you guys especially with me being in the army where most of us service members don’t know much about financial literacy, this channel has been so great and I have even referred this channel to many of my army buddies 🤟🏾💯so proud of you guys 🙌🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@esg9758]

Hi! Great points! We have a toddler and are looking to move to Portugal by the time she starts school. Did you arrange for international schools for your daughters, or did you research and go the public school route? I think since my daughter will be just starting out it would be great for her to learn the Portuguese language at school with her classmates! Super excited for our scouting trip in the Fall!

[@justcallmebon2684]

Based on their videos, I believe they’ve enrolled them into an international school (private)

[@venuskirby8243]

Another fantastic and informative video!!!!! I love your Sunday sessions!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@OurRichJourney]

📈Looking to learn how to invest? Enroll in our Stock Market Investing Course: www.ourrichjourney.com/investingforfire 🔥Learn more about financial independence and retiring early: Enroll in our F.I.R.E. Master Class: www.ourrichjourney.com/firemasterclass ✈Want to move to Portugal? Enroll in our Moving to Portugal Course: www.ourrichjourney.com/movingtoportugal

[@RebloomRoom]

Thank you so much for these practical tips. I'm a planner, so these are things that I will definitely keep in mind, especially about turning on utilities and identifying my medical team before I need them!

[@ElectiveAmputation]

I’m so excited to get to Portugal and find a town we love!! Thank you for these videos! 💖

[@laurieb7098]

This is the first video I have watched wrt moving to Portugal - loved it. I lived overseas '09-'14, but this would be a completely different type of move. Thank you - you have a new subscriber!

[@saleemah31]

I lived in Paris for two years, visited Portugal and LOVED it! I told myself I will live here one day but came back to the States for family 8 years ago and I still haven’t adjusted being back. I’m ready to go back and setup my life in Portugal but now I have a 4 year old daughter and concerned about relocating as a single parent. It feels like everything has to be perfectly setup before I relocate her.

[@layla8647]

She’s only 4. Adjusting for her will always be easy. Plus at that age age, she will pick up the language immediately. It’s you that u need to worry about. All the decisions & stress fall on U. Make it easy on U & make a decision that works for U. U r the adult. Because whatever decision u make will be good for her. I would NOT let a 4 years old dictate such a huge decision. Honestly at 4, she doesn’t have any input anyways. If u wait for perfection, u r not gonna leave.

[@Colourandwellbeing]

I' am a Portuguese national living in UK. I really regret not returning when my son was under 5. My husband passed away and I was scared of starting again with a young child. Huge mistake, now he is 12 loves England, doing really well in school. He loves Portugal for holidays but cries in a desperate way when I mention retuning to Portugal to live. I wish I had just taken a leap of faith. With the pandemic and increasing house prices its more difficult now. Age 4 is the best time for you to go if you really want to do it. All the best and Got bless your journey

[@saleemah31]

@@Colourandwellbeing First, I am sorry for your loss. I know from experience that years can pass but the heart never forgets. Second, thank you for sharing because you're right - the older they get the more entrenched they get with where they are. It's me. I'm nervous. I've picked up, left everything and everyone behind before and lived abroad but never as a mother. I keep thinking am I being irresponsible? Is moving 3000 miles from family with a child to a place where you have no community, wise? But the States doesn't feel safe IMO and I don't trust it here to raise her. But moving us has been nagging me, so I'm going to at least do my due diligence to see where it leads.

[@saleemah31]

@@layla8647 Truth, it is me. Becoming a mom has made me more resistant to risks. But I know this is one I may have to lean into, for both our sakes, because I don't think the States is the best place for either of us at this point. I felt that when I lived in Paris back in 2014 and I definitely feel it now.

[@michelehernandez5992]

WOW 3 years already?? Thanks for the tips. Notes taken.

[@christianbaliko990]

Congrats on your successes! I have just found your channel as my wife and I will also be moving to Portugal. Like you, we decided against moving to Spain which was mostly due to its wealth tax restriction. One question I wanted to ask, could you recommend a tax specialist in Portugal that could provide advice on the NHR program and general tax advice? Thank you in advance.

[@Hello_Pri]

Another great video with great advice. I have taken notes! Thank you!

[@nomap2161]

So glad you guys found your forever home! The US has really taken a turn for the worse in the last year and a half and I'm not sure it'll ever recover by the time I retire in 3 years. We were looking at retiring in Portugal, but I keep reading that the digital nomads have made it so popular that the home and rent prices have skyrocketed. Is that true? I know the golden VISA has changed, but we never planned on living in the city. We prefer the quieter suburb or country life and have an 8 year old who will be enrolled in school.

[@antoniocruz8083]

Prices are expensive in the Lisbon area but not so just about everywhere else. The quality of life in smaller cities and even small towns can be just as good if not better than in lisbon. All the big chain stores with their cheap prices are everywhere now. There are sports facilities, clubs, medical clinics everywhere and what one town doesn't have, the next one does, at an easy reach by usually empty highways. And the big cities are never too far away for a quick visit.

[@thrshwll1526]

The USA took a turn for the worst in 2016 and has been going down hill ever since. Politics here is disgusting. It's not about what's good for the country and citizens. It's about what's good for the wealthy and politicians. Nothing but lies and greed going on here.

[@jtugg7341]

Looking forward to vacationing there this September. Looks interesting.

[@moxiegirl2135]

Best video I’ve seen yet. I’m going to visit in a few months. Can you guys make a video about Portugal during the holidays. Thanks

[@Genzmillenial]

The learning the new language part is what is keeping Portugal off my list because I am bad at learning languages🙈 and I have not reached FIRE yet so I would also have to find a job which is another hurdle

[@mendamend]

Portugal is a great place to live if you are an expat American family with millions of US dollars in the bank. If you are a native Portuguese there are limited career prospects and you need to head north.

[@joaomoedas1702]

I’m a native Portuguese and never headed north :D

[@jairlopes4679]

True

[@lemorjohnston5006]

This seems to be a recurring statement among a lot of the immigrants I met so far. They claim they out selling stuff to tourist as proper jobs are limited.

[@alebirds]

The final answer should be SIM!!!! 🙌🏻❤️🇵🇹

[@alvar6773]

I believe you’ve made an impact on my future plans. For good.

[@zeg9204]

Such great content! Super useful thank you 🙏🏼

[@avgholson8143]

loved your mini documentary!

[@TeriWhitman]

I LOVE you guys and hope to meet you one day in passing in PT.

[@Mary2020VA]

Very informative video. Thank you!

[@adrianewill5571]

Love watching your channel. Smart savvy couple.

[@rickpacan4497]

Visiting Lisbon for the first time in August

[@jrwheeland]

Christina, how do you stay calm while amon(sp?) talks? How many takes? I’m always impressed that you can calmly sit by his side? You both have to get the script right! Also thanks for your content. Our family is pretty far along in our fire journey. We’ve traveled in Portugal(2019) and loved it. It’s encouraging to see a family living a fire lifestyle. Thanks!

[@layla8647]

😂 I always wondered same thing. Behind a great man is an Amazing woman. In these situation it looks equal power though. They are perfect & complement each other. Thy are too precious 🙏🏾!

[@KhaliahAli]

Such great information!

[@lashawn369]

Checking in from the DMV.

[@cann9155]

Excellent tips guys thank you. Ur How to Move to Portugal Course has been highly valuable to me.. Working my plan. 👌🏾❤️🙏👏🏽Would you ever consider a MTP Summit like you did for the F.I.R.E. Course for those who are

[@robinr3702]

Language! I narrowed my retirement destinations down to Southwest France and Portugal. I decided to go to France first. I did my due diligence; I joined expat groups, did online research, and studied French online for 4 months. The concensus from my research was "Just learn as much French as you can, there is always someone nearby to help if you need a translator, and most young French people speak French." I found NONE of this to be true. EVERYTHING is printed in French and nothing is in English. I politely approached people for help; most said they did not speak English; one lady gave me a dirty look when I asked if she spoke English. Even waiters - no English. I found a British-owned restaurant and ended up eating there several times. After a few days, I was ready to come home, but had booked a two week vacation. I'm easy to get along with and outgoing, but what was supposed to be a vacation was more like a punishment. So PLEASE, can you REALLY get along in Portugal speaking only English in the beginning? I am more than happy to undertake learning Portuguese and intermixing in the culture once situated, but I couldn't stand another vacation of complete isolation. Thank you so much for sharing so many of the details of your life in Portugal!

[@ricardogabriel6329]

Yes, you can. English is spoken everywhere in Portugal, except perhaps in remote vilages with almost no population. The portuguese will be impressed and extend their friendlyness if you try to comunicate in Portuguese but will quickly switch to english if you seem to strugle with the language. Enjoy your vacations!

[@robinr3702]

@@ricardogabriel6329 Thank you Ricardo, for your kind reply. I've heard how friendly the Portuguese are. I will always try to learn the language and I hope the locals will smile and giggle with me as I proudly "try" to say what I mean. Thanks again!

[@lemorjohnston5006]

I am in Lisbon right now and a fair amount of people communicate in English. it might not be fluent in all cases but I have been able to get what I needed etc

[@roxaneh99]

I know this view might not be shared by some, but, as someone who has had holiday homes in France for nearly 20 years (my husband is a Francophile), I have not found the French to be an 'inclusive' race. They are very much focused inwards to family and lifelong friends. It is rare to build lasting friendships with a French person where you have little in common. Did you spend your holiday in a mostly rural area? The Spanish and Portuguese, I have found to be more outgoing and inclusive and happy to welcome incomers to share their beautiful countries.

[@robinr3702]

@@lemorjohnston5006 Thank you for your response. Do you speak only English? When you enter a shop or need to speak to someone, is it proper protocol just to start speaking in English?

[@markastor6740]

What are you doing about US taxes or did you renounce your US citizenship? Perhaps you can do a video on that.

[@sharilove6222]

Since everyone is different ....it is important to contact a international finance person BEFORE you move...there are things you can do to minimize your taxes if you make some changes BEFORE you move. There are also youtube videos on this ...type in taxes us and and portugal and they should come up. They explain NHR and other things.

[@thrshwll1526]

Great question

[@blckjedi]

I was in the Algarve this week....I get it now!

[@creandolibertadfinanciera1366]

Love your videos and your journey

[@JackNapierKnows]

I spent a month in Trinta and Guarda. Not recommended, not a lot of people speak English, not a lot of diversity and basic stores are far apart.

[@pedrodionisio8789]

I don't like that you guys are doing this and exposing this amazing secret that is Portugal. Shhh, not everyone deserves this :D You guys are gorgeous and I hope you have, literally, the time of your lives in my beloved country. Just try and trick other people a bit by saying the food is awful, no history whatsoever, people are nasty, beaches are just disgusting. Come on, it's a tiny country, there's no space for everyone :D

[@layla8647]

😂. But u r right. Sorry your country is getting too popular & more expensive for the local to afford. It’s not fair. I understand.

[@jarrodwinslett5987]

Could you guys do a video on investing in whole life insurance and using the cash buildup as a personal loan versus selling your investments during a recession if needed. Or a video on loans on your investment accounts? Just wondering what your thoughts on if those are good ideas

[@gonzalopenagil4454]

Housing is only affordable if you don´t live in any major Portuguese city

[@layla8647]

It’s only affordable for outsiders. For the locals it’s getting too expensive.

[@josephsaeteurn9158]

2:42, dont u miss lake Merritt? my best morning runs... and a few laps of the stairs.

[@JurassicB99]

Less than 2 years and you can become portuguese. Is that in your plans?

[@silverfox5925]

Hello! What European Portuguese language Sites / APP’s do you recommend? Most are Brazilian Portuguese. Thank you

[@mattwaugh100]

How easy is it to find pick up or adult league basketball games? In particular, outside of the major cities. I am more likely to end up in a less populated location like Caldas da Rainha, though I am happy to drive up to 30 minutes to find games.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

Super... subbed

[@jeevanjoshi1070]

Would like to know the practical aspect of having a pet or a Dog. Especially if you travel a lot.

[@autobotdiva9268]

You definitely arent missing any American "taxes"👍

[@pjayshah]

My take is that it appears nice 👍 to be worldly.

[@zipporahndungu5093]

Do you guys have a move abroad checklist that you used before moving to Portugal?

[@danelledautrievesanford]

Hi There 🙋🏾‍♀️😊

[@OurRichJourney]

Hi there Danelle! ❤️

[@hannkg7715]

Are the universities/colleges good in Portugal?

[@thorarthur66ddz]

Can you do more videos about Bitcoin and economics? Thank you

[@gregj1241]

Bitcoin is a scam

[@bklyntraveler9705]

Good evening!😊 How are Portuguese language skills progressing for you two? What about your daughters?

[@OurRichJourney]

Good evening! 😀

[@Constellasian]

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask because you two are married and have a family. I'm single and never been married. I have no kids. How difficult would it be for a single person to move to Portugal and adjust? Is Lisbon probably the best place for single folks to live in?

[@MarisolFerreiraMarysoul]

Lisbon is very expensive, but you’ll have no problem making friends, nationals and expats. It is a wonderful place to thrive as a single person, but investigate different neighborhoods, they have different “vibes”. Overall it is a very welcoming society, you’ll have zero problems adapting if you are open to mingle with locals and activities for locals. Most of us speak english, Spanish and can manage french and Italian too. And all advice given as a couple here is applicable to singles as well. Good luck 🍀

[@moy6569]

Everybody is rushing into Portugal now. 😕

[@shadowr6348]

One thing I would like to ask you guys: I am considering living abroad in retirement, am I better with a Roth or trad iras ? regards Charlie

[@pama2892]

We’re planning to move to Portugal but we have not decided on an area yet; mainly because of the schools for our 2 kids - 11 and 12. Wanted to ask you - do your 2 girls go to an international school or Portuguese school? Can you share with us the experience they have had. Thanks.

[@hanworld6565]

How's homeschooling in Portugal?

[@kcsnew]

Any comments on the stock market situation ?

[@soniadesousa3830]

Hi guys! Thanks so much for all of your knowledge and all that you share with us…I am in pursuit of FIRE and a purchaser of your “Stock Market Investing for Financial Independence & Retiring Early (FIRE)” course…loving it! I am planning to in about 2 years make the move to my homeland Portugal and I’m trying to begin the home search process but there’s just so much online and it’s hard to know what’s a true good source of info…wondering if you could share how you started your home search…was it online or did you work with a realtor? And if you worked with a realtor, how did you find a reputable one? TIA

[@aliciatavizon001]

Hello! I had watched a few of your videos. I made it to Portugal last week, I am not ready to buy yet; however, I would like to find out the best area to live in away from touristic areas and crowd; my Portuguese friend is touring me around, I am still a little confused about the move from California. I recently retired but my benefits are paying my mortgage there; should I start the process when I get back in the states ? And do you know hoe long process will take before I get approved to D7?

[@alexfernandesgarcia]

E então, vocês aprenderam Português? Eu gostaria de ver um vídeo sobre a sua jornada rumo ao FIRE só que todo em Português, conseguem? Desafio feito. [EN] So, have you learned Portugueses? I'd like to watch a video about your journey towards FIRE but, all in Portuguese, can you do that? Challenge done!

[@Brick_Squared]

Is there unrest in Portugal because of Americans "creating hardships"? Bali comes to mind.

[@layla8647]

I can understand why. Living conditions are getting expensive for locals. They don’t make much. Outsiders can afford any price. Not fair for the locals.

[@NRSmith]

As always, I enjoy and appreciate your posts! I've scheduled a trip for Oct to visit as many areas as possible before selecting a area when I relocate. I'm curious if there is a Black expat group in the Algarve. I know expats and tourists love the Algarve but are there any black KZbin content creators in/from the Algarve?

[@martacancela7681]

Please try to look at people as people, don't bring your skin colour here as a definer as you do in the US. You can check with Amon, but skin colours don't define us. You will get the same treatment, the same looks whatever your skin colour is. Believe us. Things can be different. The only way you will feel mistreated is if you show arrogance, superiority and forget to smile. Culture here is different, but we are open. We don't have black clubs, white groups, green folks, blue this and that. Please, please, please don't bring that mentality here. Try to make acquaintances with individuals, whatever skin colour they have. Find affinities. Meet people. Start a conversation. Forget your differences. True friendship is colourblind.

[@prix205]

Gosh he is cute 😁

[@brauliocavalcanti3703]

I just can't see how a foreigner can ever understand Portugal's Portuguese. Understanding their time-stressed, Cockney-like pronunciation is definitely a Sisyphean task.

[@TM-vg4mx]

so you are not working at all now? just living from investment, well done!

[@joeg2760]

Do you need a VPN to access investment accounts in Portugal? I was locked out of my gmail and Fidelity account while trying to access them on vacation in Portugal.

[@jaimeconceicao]

if you go abroad and don´t tell anything to your insurance and bank, you might get cut off for security reasons. You have to announce in advance before leaving. There were also an american couple with that tipe of issues and they had to contact their bank ( in america) in order to solve the problem. If you don´t tell them nothing they can assume a scan attempt at your account, from overseas...

[@anthonyjames4319]

Is it easy to move there from the US? Like getting a job and citizenship?

[@Trip4man]

Difficult question man... Depends on you. Jobs?? There's plentyyyyyyy. You can open a journal or an e-site.... And just pick one! Although you should have some sort of familiarity with the activity. A degree related to the activity helps a lot! But if you don't have one, no worries, we also have jobs that don't require degrees. But usually (usually!) they don't pay that well. Pay in mind that the salary vs cost of living is very... What's the word... Skewed?! Disproportional?! You have to have good salary to live man... Salaries are bad around here for the most part. You either have 2 jobs or move with another person to support costs of living.... Coming alone?!? I wouldn't recommend that except if you're an workaholic. Having 2 jobs like I said. And for getting a job... I STRONGLY advise knowing the language. They don't have the habit of hiring foreigners who don't speak a word... That's slowly changing but that will take someeee time. I know some people around here that don't speak a word that are working but... They're not working in an "elegant" job if you get what I'm saying. But hey... Not to say they aren't making good money, because they can make good money on their activity actually. Citizenship idk exactly how that works... For me, for the population, if you're working and paying taxes I don't care where you from. But for the government, authorities and bosses... They do care. I think you have to work for 5 years to get citizenship or marry a Portuguese. I may be wrong on this one so you need to seek info about that. Hope I'm not forgetting anything... Bottom line?! If you have a relatively good life in the US... You can pay bills, you have stable good job, you have a house, everything is more or less peaceful and guaranteed.... Don't move to Portugal. If you can't stand the system, if you find something veryyyyy horrible with your situation, if you're wondering madly about your future, if you live (somewhat) in panic and fear... Move to Portugal. I also suggest spending a vacation FIRST here to see the "terrain"... If you can plant seeds if you get me... 2 weeks is good enough to get a good picture. Don't move blindly to then realize you don't like the food, the people, the climate, the sports or the freaking trees not being green enough. Idk some people can have that problem... Moving to another culture/country is a big shift on your mindset. Some things you will like, somethings you won't like, somethings you can adapt, others you can't live with... And only YOU will know that. Hope I helped. I tried.

[@thrshwll1526]

@@Trip4man If retired and receiving a pension, social security and have savings, could I live comfortably?

[@evacardozo4286]

Are public school good in Portugal

[@jairlopes4679]

Excellent. Better than in Canada where my kids were going to. Great classes,.of stuff that matters

[@renastreetman602]

😍

[@Dedicated_.1]

Do you speak fluent Portuguese? Do your daughters ?

[@bklyntraveler9705]

I would also like to know. I edited my post above but they had already responded - they’re quick!

[@fgg45g]

Bem vindos, o sistema de saúde português não está de muito boa saúde!