living in Albania 5 month review

[@Bravo21]

So glad to hear the good news continues and things are going well for you and yours. I am really looking forward to making the move myself soon.

[@patrickoverseas]

So far so good ! Only thing beginning to get to me , i will miss the friendships ive made here in Tirana

[@harry5515]

I just started watching your videos today. Excellent videos you have me very interested in coming there and start looking for an apartment. I will continue to watch all of your videos. Thank you

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you Harry !

[@malcolmnicoll1165]

Another great and informative video. Straight blogging. Thanks, Patrick. Most grateful.

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you malcolm !

[@moneymonarch8102]

As an Albanian that now lives in the states Albania is rapidly changing sort of like Miami in the 80s 90s they exported crime but benefit from crime dollars being put to use in Albania, so Albania is safe but corruption and high unemployment are rampant, not a bad place to settle if you can work a remote job

[@patrickoverseas]

Or retirement..thank you for your comment

[@sailingnowherequick188]

From the national stats, the corruption index is twice as high in the United States. Albania is 35 on the index, the United States is at 70. It's about to get a whole lot more corrupt in the United States. I'm moving to Albania in January.

[@longevity-ineternalbeauty705]

Thanks for mentioning singles struggles versus couples!!!! 👍🏻

[@patrickoverseas]

Just hoping to give people a heads up. In hopes they will be ok

[@sailingnowherequick188]

Thanks for the informative video. I'm moving to Albania in January. Still looking at as much information as I can to make the transition a bit easier. Flight and hostels have been booked and in communications with real estate agents to tour apartments when I arrive.

[@patrickoverseas]

Very good ! Safe travels !

[@anthonynork8868]

Patrick, thanks for sharing, Love the hat and I am looking forward to meeting you and April one day soon, my fingers are still crossed for your move to Pogradec!!

[@George-hd7tl]

supposedly pure vanilla extract mixed with water , misquotes don’t like.

[@patrickoverseas]

Im scared to say i got it. I want it so bad but the owner can pull out. Fingers crossed.

[@anthonynork8868]

@@patrickoverseas a couple of things I found today that should be fun when you go back to Pogradec "Balkan Film Food Festival" - Takes place in September. Balkan movies, documentaries and culinary are showcased throughout the days of the festival. "Wine Fest" - Takes place in December. Pogradec families compete together for the best homemade wine in the city. The days of the festival are accompanied by great food and live music.

[@patrickoverseas]

i will check it out thanks !

[@janroach1852]

Don't worry. If you don't get it you will find what you are looking for somewhere in Albania, possibly even in Pogrodec. Beautiful town, looks more comfortable to get around in than Tirana.

[@bartosullivan8050]

Happy to have found you and subscribe. Thank you for your service. Was thinking Ecuador until now!

[@patrickoverseas]

Its a big world out there...thank you for watching !

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

Thank you Brother...This was fantastic to here...!!!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi jay. Thankyou ! i hope you are well.

[@JayCWhiteCloud]

@@patrickoverseas I am and trying to set up social security now for the first time and trying to get over there in the spring or summer!!!

[@patrickoverseas]

@@JayCWhiteCloud Happy for you Jay !

[@tonyz9384]

Wow 5 months already? Time flies. Y’all will enjoy New Year’s Eve celebrations. It’s an all out war of fireworks 😁 Thank you for not regretting moving to Albania!

[@ExpatSingleMom]

Oooo I can’t wait to see the new years fireworks! They set off fireworks every night here! Have safe travels!

[@patrickoverseas]

Tony z ! yea i cant believe 5 months already.

[@patrickoverseas]

looking forward to it

[@gwensellars2747]

Great information. Thank you Patrick. I just found you thru Vagabond.... glad I did. Albania looks like a treasure. Can't wait to see future videos. Keep up the great work!

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you so much Gwen ! Im currently in the city of Berat. Its so beautiful. Going to try to reach the mountain top to go into a cascle there.

[@HyperSane-y3k]

Super information, very well explained and logical- especially your logic on cost of living. Thanks!

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you so much ! Its great to explore here

[@dmiroy]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Much appreciated! 🍺🍻

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you for being here !

[@DanielPerry-ji5jp]

It's been a while since I've commented. I've been actively getting everything in order for hopefully an April 1st-May 31st visit. I'm getting very excited. I'm also going to get a complete dental makeover during this time, taking advantage of the excellent quality of care and extremely reasonable costs offered in Albania.

[@patrickoverseas]

Yes..dental is awesome here and affordable.

[@JetsetterJournals]

Great video. Congrats on the 5 months. Still working on selling my home to start moving over.

[@patrickoverseas]

Took us about 9 months to sell everything and do what was needed once final decision was made to go. Make sure your banking choices are set.

[@JetsetterJournals]

@@patrickoverseas Thanks, Patrick,

[@ndyajeff]

Yes go to Corfu!! It is amazing!

[@patrickoverseas]

ive heard. Only thing that may hold it off for a bit is us moving. But we will go.

[@survivingtn5034]

Nice video. Been there 3 times and love it. The food and prices are great.

[@patrickoverseas]

I feel the same way

[@bw5911]

I will be there soon!

[@patrickoverseas]

happy for you

[@joannelaflamme2360]

Continue to enjoy your videos. We do a lot of research also, and traveling to Albania for the month of May. We decided to try Sarande for our first visit, and will take the ferry Italy-Corfu-Albania. We love traveling to coastal areas by ferry. Thanks!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi ! We hope to go to Corfu soon as well. So glad your enjoying life with travel.

[@MissRed-AKgirl]

Newer follower here. Just wanted to say I so appreciate you explaining to be kind, grateful and not be an arrogant American. Personally, I find other cultures very interesting but also realizing we as foreigners need to understand we are visitors to their THEIR country. Enjoying your videos! Very informative.

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you miss red !

[@stephanieviolette593]

Finding your videos was kismet. My situation is unique in that I have traveled Eastern & Western Europe solo, won’t be selling my home (no mortgage), and my husband is Albanian (American citizen now) so I am eligible for dual citizenship. I will be in Shkoder w/ some of his family in the area as back-up when he travels back to Manhattan to work in the summer. However, at age 66, it is still a major life change so your videos have been very helpful. My family is upset as I have somehow become the matriarch- an unasked for role- 90 year old dad, a sister, and grown nephews. They think it’s selfish. But at my age, life is now and it’s time to live it. Probably too much TMI😂

[@patrickoverseas]

First congrats on the chance of dual citizenship . Now i hope its ok to say this. Its YOUR time now. I hear this over and over. Not your fault. You work hard and now wish to travel and enjoy your golden years. And people try to drag you down. Normally its family. Don't let them. They are the ones who are selfish. They either dont have the means, or are to afraid to travel. So they will try to stop you. Dont let them do this. Its your turn, and your time! If they love you they will wish you the best.

[@stephanieviolette593]

@ 😂 I wrote my blurb hours after cataract surgery and receipt of their “joy juice.” I suppose it’s paramount to drunk texting! Not that I have ever done so…😉. You are a sweetheart for being supportive - truly. It helps…I will take your advice.

[@patrickoverseas]

@@stephanieviolette593 happy your ok

[@BooklessPete]

Really enjoyed your video! I sadly must leavd Tirana Oct 1st, the end of my one yr tourist visa. Everything you said on your lists resonates with me, especially about the safety of the country and the INCREDIBLE people. I divided my time in Durres, Sarande, Vlora, and lastly Tirana. As you say, each city has its own unique vibe but ridiculously safe and laid back. I'll have to have my game face on for my next country. I do feel some Americans here dont have quite the respectful attitude toward the country that you do. A little more patience and less entitlement would go a long way. I laughed at your negatives too, I recognized them all, and agree with you they are mostly quibbles (still bath towels and all). Except the no windowscreen things, that's a huge one! Scandanavia was the same, I found, but they don't have the mosquitos up there!

[@BooklessPete]

Oh, also must say that as a singleton I didn't feel particularly lonely here, but maybe that just my happy shut-it nature!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi ! I was really hard pressed to find cons. I agree with you the ones that dont give respect miss out on sooo much.

[@patrickoverseas]

Glad ive met some struggling. Its the one thing they have in common. Glad wasn't a issue with you,.Safe travels my friend !

[@adrianog4148]

sure, no mosquitos in scandinavia..😂

[@Nunya-biz-ness]

So, after your 1 year is up, what do you do? Apply for residency? Head back to the states for a little bit (30 days?) and then come back with a new year long tourist visa? Thanks for your service! AF Veteran here as well!

[@spl1x]

Brand new to your channel, came across it because I've been looking into moving overseas at some point because of the cost of living here in CA. I'm going to go through your earlier videos so I won't ask a ton of questions here, but if you could and have the time I have a couple of quickies I'd love to know. You're uploading videos to KZbin so I'm assuming the internet is decent there? Is the city you live in basically walkable, ie. groceries, food nearby? I'd like to avoid buying a car and renting if I were to travel, and probably get an ebike. I love your 'keep it real' style, thanks for all of the great information so far!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi ! go to my playlist of my prep. things i did before coming. Yes internet is good here. All the cities are walkable. Grocery stores are all around. We escaped cali. in 2006. I feel ya...crazy out there. i have a scooter and i will get a ebike soon.

[@galenhelpingstine6654]

Patrick Get spray bottle with water and put 10 drops of vanilla extract in it. Mist yourself and mosquitos won't bite. Patrick Helpingstine

[@patrickoverseas]

Thanks ! I will tell April

[@whosebonesaresharp]

Been loving your videos! Next summer we will check it out. I have been interested in Pogradec that's where Lake Ohrid is correct? I am so looking forward to many updates.

[@patrickoverseas]

Yes thats where lake Ohrid is. Beautiful and peaceful there.

[@ExpatSingleMom]

Woohoo! Love the hat! (Glad you still have your ears 😉)

[@patrickoverseas]

Lmao ! Shes referring to i was getting my head shaved and she saw me in barber chair and was making me laugh. As the barber was taking a razor near my ear ! Was funny and scary !

[@lynetterosario5697]

I am single, good idea about social groups. I have been going to Portugal for the past two years and was going back again next year but now I think I want to go to Albania instead, I think Portugal is going to begin taxing soc.sec. income! I'm going to try to find the town you bought in, I still can't understand what you are saying. Tirana sounds too busy for me. But I can't afford a $65.000 property, any suggestions? Thanx, Lilly

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi Lilly. Were heading back to Tirana today to grab the last of our stuff and stay a week for thanksgiving, I will do a video on the place ive been renting for 390 euros a month. Try the city of Durres. Cheaper then Tirana. But buy the water. Alot of what you pay for is location. A few or even 1 block away from city center or the beach can save you alot of money.

[@tonyrussell873]

Your mother christened you Patrick for a good reason .....St Patrick came to Ireland and converted us and you are also converting 🙏 l have fully decided to move from Ireland ☘️ and looking forward to maybe meeting up ☕

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you for the kind words. I understand about moving. Its a big beautiful world out there. I wish you safe travels !

[@Property2030sg]

Thks for this video! I thought one of the cons of Tirana is that we have to be resigned to inhaling second-hand smoke in public places ?

[@patrickoverseas]

There are a lot of smokers here. But i do see most will sit outside of a cafe or restaurant. Not always, but just what i noticed. But yes, many people smoke here.

[@Mark-el8sb]

Check out the inverter dryers from Samsung and LG (and maybe other manufacturers)... they use the same drain pipe as the washing machine, work extremely well, and don't need an outside vent

[@patrickoverseas]

Thanks mark. i will check that out

[@shyamdevadas6099]

Hey Patrick! As usual, a great video! Glad you and April are still enjoying your adventure. Funny story about about the mailing addresses. It's a little bit like China was. If you buy something online, you often don't have to put the name on the label. You provide province, city, neighborhood, street, building number, room number, and phone number. Somehow...it always makes it to you! Question: Is there anything like Amazon in Albania? Thanks again, brother!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi ! I haven't found anything like amazon over here. Thank you for being here and watching.

[@bw5911]

I was in Corfu at the end of April.

[@patrickoverseas]

really want to go there

[@1959Ravens]

We are in our 60s, one of us is type 2 diabetic. What is healthcare like there? Thanks!

[@patrickoverseas]

very in expensive. As far as type 2 ..i dont know because april and i dont have it. I got another chest cold, i was going to finish my physical this week, but will wait till i feel better. I will report on it then.

[@1959Ravens]

Thank you! Will wait to read what you think of it. I ask because on a few other channels I heard that it's a sort of hit or miss. We're still in the stage of deciding between Albania and Ecuador. Keep hearing Ecuador has excellent healthcare. Personally I'm drawn to Albania because I was born and raised in Europe and moved to North America when I was 18. Thank you!

[@ELITETRADEr294]

Hi , On the retirement residence visa , do you have to live there full time to hold the visa , or can you spend a few months there a year ????

[@patrickoverseas]

The retirement visa im working on. For now im using the1 year in and leave for 90 days and return. I ask you to email or call a lawyer from where you are for proper explanation to it. I dont want to give you bad info on that. Things like visa or taxes i beg people to go to the right sources for that.

[@KenCrouch-m5i]

If you go for the full year and you come and go on the full year visa?

[@patrickoverseas]

Yes you must exit for 90 days. then it starts over. Unless of course you get residency.

[@KenCrouch-m5i]

@@patrickoverseas Thank you for your reply. We are currently in Thailand for a few months but have decided to would like to visit Albania. Do you have any recommendation for housing? Looking for at least a three bedroom.

[@patrickoverseas]

@@KenCrouch-m5i my realtor guys are great...www.illyrianhome.al...they helped me and some of my friend's. Great people

[@markandannette]

Love your videos Patrick, Annette (my wife) and I will be in Tirana soon and hope to meet with you and your wife while we are there. We arrive on Monday September 30th and will be there until October 22. Not sure how to reach out to you other than the comments section. I do have a FB page, please let me know how to reach out while we are there in Tirana

[@patrickoverseas]

your here long enough to meet up. We have been out of Tirana for a bit. in the city of Berot, and now were in a hotel that is inside the castle of Elbasan. The castle is stunning. We hope to be back in Tirana tomorrow , but you never know. i made a email just for this channel. its... [e-mail]...you can reach me there..safe travels !

[@john-h7q8v]

Hey Patrick, my wife and I live in the US and really appreciate and enjoy your videos about Albania.They are very informative and real. Question, how did you and your wife decide to move to Albania? Did you visit there first and then decide to make the move or some other process? Thanks for your efforts.

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi and thank you for watching. We studied the planet. Honestly since 2019. Started paying everything off then. Down sizing the house. I really wanted Panama. But April wasn't sure about it. In the end it was Albania. For the reasons i have listed, and its relationship with America. It was important to me to move to a country that is pro America.

[@sarahkelson8386]

Here it's like a pressure cooker. I really am considering moving even though I am getting old.

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi Sarah. I feel ya.

[@whupass95]

Good vid. I've been thinking Asia, now this has me thinking...Albania? Could be.

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you . At least as a option ! Another place to study. Thank you for your comment and watching !

[@janroach1852]

Patrick, your beard is grey but you look very young. Are you retirement age and able to retire on Social Security? People can support themselves on 401K income though. But no one ever talks about the taxes on income in Albania. The anger over politics can actually be dangerous because there is one particular party whose members can be violently aggressive. When someone asks you who to vote for the safest thing to do is tell the person that who you vote for is private information, just as what religion you are and how much money you make. Vloggers started covering Albania during COVID. I was stunned at the natural beauty of the country, though you probably need a car to see it. The mountains and coastlines. But it is no longer unspoiled as tourism is starting to take over. I am glad for the Albanians as I would like them to be able to earn much more money. A few years ago it was wild completely unspoiled beauty. Still incredibly beautiful and I would love to visit one day.

[@patrickoverseas]

Great points. We are not driving here. We are able to use public transportation or taxis to see this beautiful country

[@jazzsounds8159]

Can an American get a work visa in Albania?

[@patrickoverseas]

yes

[@violetab2498]

You can go to the post office Sir and ask for a personal postal box number and you pick it up anytime you want.

[@patrickoverseas]

thanks !

[@violetab2498]

​@@patrickoverseasYou are welcome

[@sarahkelson8386]

Why make it what you have ran away from? It looks lovely.

[@patrickoverseas]

Not sure what you mean. But if why i left its because im asked about that all the time.

[@lr3682]

Nice shirt

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you sir ! I just happen to be on now. Hope you are well

[@rocketmanpm]

My friend from Greece let me know that Albania is their escape! Basically, Albania is Greece without the drama and politics! Sounds good to me.

[@patrickoverseas]

Its a great place for us

[@Bss792]

Ay am proud tou hawe you in Albania end ay want more connection between Americans end Albanians thenks enjoy

[@patrickoverseas]

Thank you so much ! And im proud to be here in Albania.

[@DebraJFrank]

Thank you for this valuable info! I will be escaping the USA soon because of the corrupted food. I recall you said your are from Fort Worth?? me too!!

[@patrickoverseas]

Hi Debra ! Yes Fort Worth..We ended up down sizing before we moved here to Saginaw. Yes the food here is farm to table. Organic, no chemicals.

[@topgun4499]

Hat looks cool on you buddy! Look like a gangster….

[@patrickoverseas]

lol. Thank you ! Wife got it for me back in the states

[@DixonDixon65]

Are WOMEN SAFE IN A DARK ALLEY???😮

[@patrickoverseas]

YES ! Late at night i see women walking swinging their purses. I know a 60 year old women loves exploring streets. Shes a hundred pounds soke and wet. Never feels unsafe.