The Downsides of Living Overseas

[@celtosaxon]

I’ve lived abroad for 25 years. It really does take grit, flexibility and an active effort on the social side to make it work. I’m not an entrepreneur, but was fortunate to build a successful career at a US company overseas. But without my wife and kids here, it honestly would not have worked for me.

[@The_Spaniard10136]

I’ve been watching your videos for years. You’re the son I’ve never had. I love how you’ve developed yourself, the company you created and the people who’s lives you bettered.

[@mz_962]

Moved from California to Mediterranean Spain in 2019 after 30 years, life couldn’t be better . Physically, mentally, spiritually, and financially !! Zero regrets !

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

Just curious, did California want to back tax you ? Good for you that you got away from expensive California with unfortunately many drug and homeless problems that they don’t seem to solve

[@mz_962]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 still pay my taxes in the US . Easier

[@6foot596]

Are you retired?

[@dragasan]

I've lived in a few countries, but never for long periods of time. It wasn't until I decided that I wanted to retire young and live the American dream that I realized I couldn't do that in America. I just had to leave and have no regrets - none.

[@Void-Element]

So may I ask in which country you are currently residing in? I plan on moving to Canada one day so I could develop my own company of mine, which would be focused on making animated films and video games for that is quite literally impossible for me establish here in my home country, and I would also like to know if that is a good idea for someone who's coming from abroad. Thanks!

[@maribethcondrillon1079]

i am american dream i'm.waiting for my passport visa i want to travel soon

[@maribethcondrillon1079]

I'm here in the Philippines

[@IStayTrueToI]

@@Void-Element Canada will tax you HEAVILY. Good luck finding a family doctor that won’t gaslight you. Way better options elsewhere.

[@user-iu2kq7nx8u]

Și eu la fel

[@expeditionconfidential8853]

We relocated from the U.S. to the Iberian Peninsula with a long list of "Why's." The States can meet all your wants, just not all your needs....Europe can meet all your needs, just not all your wants. It's a process deprogramming oneself from certain conveniences. It's not all glamorous, but the level of stress and anxiety has lessened exponentially. I was diagnosed with cancer while in Europe (we do have a private health policy here) and there was an immediate silver lining because I can afford to get treated here and the medical treatments and equipment are absolutely state-of-the-art. When folks ask us why we left..... in a nutshell...we could no longer afford the U.S. financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, medically, politically, or spiritually. Is living abroad perfect? No. Is it glamorous? Not always. Do I still have obstacles and challenges? Daily. Was it the right choice? ABSOLUTELY!!!

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

That is very true. used to live in work in a western European country and just to see the dentist cost less than a fourth of the cost is in the United States and I could give more examples. And that was without insurance at first. Paying just out of my pocket

[@expeditionconfidential8853]

@@enjoyslearningandtravel7957 Wonderful example given!!! 👏 ❤️

[@ShadowMind312]

Needs are always more important than wants. Live where needs are met, visit where wants are met. I will leave USA as soon as my business income gets to what I need.

[@blktauna]

I hope you're well these days!

[@expeditionconfidential8853]

@blktauna I am. The treatment here in Portugal is incredible. That's very kind of you to say. Thank you. ❤️

[@garrygrant2394]

Living overseas truly changes you as a person, but in a good way (for most people ) . You even start to appreciate aspects of your own country / culture when you come home for a holiday.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

What's stressful for me is I don't seem to do well in other countries with iffy hygiene/sanitation. No matter how careful my system is torn up most of the time. Wasn't a problem in Argentina. Absolutely terrible in 4 different cities in Mexico. And half a dozen other countries. Beyond that it's definitely different for someone on a small pension as opposed to being wealthy. Financially it's still much better than the U.S. and modern communications makes it doable. Loved Argentina by the way. Met the most beautiful girl in the world in Kyrgyzstan. Really liked Batumi, Georgia. Loved Lviv, Ukraine. It's what you make of it but overall it's easier to live in the States if you have the money. It's not a failure to say so. It's just easier.

[@alaskanwhiskey]

Not true at all bro. Just stay in the U.S I've had none of those issues in Mexico. You clearly don't do your research before going abroad. I was in Mexico two years and other countries I visited in between with no issues. Currently in the Philippines and still no issues with that either. The U.S is on the decline and there are many better countries out there in 2023. Mexico included.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

But I'm not you. I got constantly sick in Mexico. A lot of people who live in Mexico either don't have those issues or eventually get over them. I spent a total of 6.5 months over two years in 4 cities. Got super sick in one, got a parasite in another. If you follow groups about that town, San Cristobal de las Casas, you'll find a lot of people get parasites there. I love Mexico. Wouldn't have kept trying otherwise. But I threw in the towel. Had those issues in some other countries. I get torn up in the States too but not as severely or as often. It's a facet of living in developing countries that people should be aware of. It's not just about drinking bottled water and being careful. Taking showers, brushing teeth, eating in restaurants can give one problems. If you go to a resort town like Cancun they tend to have modern water treatment and drinkable water to keep tourists happy. In a city like Oaxaca, which I loved, you might not be so lucky. Please consider Mexico is a country of 100 million+ with a lot of options. Those of us on small pensions are looking at more affordable places and experiences in those places may be very different than what you experienced. It's not fair to prospective residents to give them an everything's wonderful scenario without giving them the downsides too.

[@alaskanwhiskey]

@@kennethkilpatrick3758 then that is a issue medically with you. Not the general population. So don't make it sound worse than it is.

[@kennethkilpatrick3758]

No, it's an issue for plenty of people who go to these countries. It's something people should be aware of before they go. I made a point of saying it was what I experienced but others don't. You seem to not want to hear any negatives. But I did find I did well in Argentina. And no surprise that many Argentine cities have modern water treatment.

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

@@alaskanwhiskey he’s just telling his experience with Mexico. It’s not a broad statement of what happens to the general population. His experience could talk to other people who might have problems with a low immune system or become sick easier in Third World countries. I personally enjoy Mexico myself but also can listen to other opinions.

[@kachrachi]

I have lived outside my home country for 8 years,and strongly recommend it. But I'm not sure I like the tone of the video. Anyone who doesn't agree with my recommendation is not a miserable person..

[@JFord44]

Money exists to buys us options. Therefore, do not trade optionality for it.

[@NomadicRVLiving]

I am currently in Guadalajara. Last night I had a really good 11 oz filet, it came with a salad and bread. I also bought a beer. Total bill with tip....$16 usd. So much cheaper than US. Four tacos and a pepsi for lunch was less than $5.

[@hughjass1044]

Kind of reminds one of that old saying - "Whether you believe you can or whether you believe you can't, you're right."

[@lavidawithjoey]

Choosing to make decisions that are damaging, expensive, and create a difficult reality can be created abroad or local. Living abroad alone comes with its own challenges but people are a reflection of their experiences in life. Spending a few months learning a new language provides countless opportunities to meet new people. There are plenty of developing countries where you can live comfortably for a month on a weeks wage working an entry level job in the US. 14 years is a lot of time on a path not providing the desired results!

[@alkemystica]

There are also other aspects aside the practicality of it. The energy, the personal mind state, more hidden and esoteric aspects of it, etc...not only logistics or money matters.

[@DontReadMyUserName_]

Thanks Andrew, the search for the best beaches segment really felt like you were speaking to me! Very valuable input.

[@PaulP-BC]

I’m not rich nor an entrepreneur, but Andrew has convinced me that you can live less expensively and with a better (or equal) quality of life - than in Canada. I’m taking the plunge and moving to Batumi Georgia next month, despite the influx of Russians fleeing mobilization. Andrew always makes realistic observations and his vast experience living abroad has made me a believer.

[@shortcuttv1320]

Moving abroad can be full of stress, as the locals might see you as money face... What does that mean, they want what you have... And often their smile is their wish to see your downfall...

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

Agreed

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

used to live overseas and while I did have some problems, I had a lot of staying power and as for social connections I had to be my own social leader such join a group Or make my own groups such as hiking or learning languages or whatever I would either join them or create them if I had a different interest than what was there . I believe it’s up to the expat to get involved, the country is not going to do that for you. It might be a little easier if you’re a couple or a family then a single person however a couple or a family might create their own bubble that might isolate them to some degree from the local community if they don’t make an effort to get involved in the local community which has many wonderful advantages also

[@ajc-ff5cm]

Part of the issue for people like me is that this information and these services are targeted to “7 and 8 figure entrepreneurs” - I am not that. I do well for where I am and what I do, but I simply don’t have the kind of capital that is required to live this kind of lifestyle. Making the kind of money to do so takes time. Lack of knowledge? Maybe.

[@j.flaner8506]

You don't have to have a seven or 8 figure income to live well abroad, he said this in this video and I concur. I did it. I've lived and thrived in Sweden, France, South Korea. It's been amazing!

[@gosmarte669]

Clearly Andrew is a single person and not a man with a couple of young kids. I moved to the US in 1994 and it has been with ups and downs from a social life standpoint. Most if not all my true friends are foreigners as I find it difficult to establish true friendships with Americans. Or at least in the area I live.

[@speed_freak_1001]

He mentioned it on his other videos that he’s married, and possibly already with kids.

[@-Kamal-]

Agreed! I'm an American headed abroad because I have NO friends here. Real buddies are overseas*

[@azdbuk]

Regarding "true" friendships with Americans, I can understand that. I am American, and find it hard to establish true friendships, superficial ones are easy, but I think it is the nature of our society as a whole. Bigger towns usually easier to meet but bonds are superficial and easily broken, small towns hard to be accepted or trusted but the bonds are tighter. The thing now though is that smaller towns have been inundated with move ins so in some ways they are mimicking bigger cities, (easier to meet folks now, but, they move out or the bonds are not tight). I fear our society as a whole does not value friendships and family to a high degree anymore, when I travel, I am almost embarrassed by the lack of community as compared to other cultures. BTW Andrew is married.

[@miloc-x]

I’m the opposite. Most of my good friends are Americans. I still go to my “people” community from time to time. But I have more in common with the locals.

[@gosmarte669]

@@speed_freak_1001 at some point one needs to settle and find a stable environment for kids.

[@haych27]

the frustrations change...if you're a wage and salary earner and still accumulating wealth the most significant blocker going overseas is finding suitable work. I love Thailand, I could go teach English there and sure the cost of living is a lot lower but am I going to make friends and find dates there? Unlikely. I won't earn enough to save money. USA could be an option but would I feel safe there? Not something I ever have to worry about in most places i've travelled to but American cities are seedy and I hate commuting. Surely, the major benefit to the US is lower taxes. I mean I hear a lot of negativity about the US and I get it, it's not brimming with beautiful cities but the US tax laws are a hell of a lot lower than Australia.

[@cetriyasArtnComicsChannel]

Those US taxes follow you world wide and with medical, school expenses and bad infrastructure, Americans are definitely paying high taxes

[@enjoyslearningandtravel7957]

The cost of the medical system in the United States is very high if you make a decent salary fetch if you don’t have insurance with your jobs cause you’re a private then you might pay nearly 1000 per month for health insurance.

[@ajc-ff5cm]

The tax system in the US is "incentive based." If you spend your money on certain things, you'll pay less in taxes. If you're a high earner and in a high tax state, you can lose 50%+ of everything you earn to taxes. If you're middle class, ($50-$200k), taxes aren't soul crushing, but you need to pay for Healthcare if you don't get it through an employer and education if you can't get scholarships.

[@bigdogpete43]

I get why people would move.. But my problem is that I can move, but I can't move my life. Friends, family, traditions, birthdays, gatherings --none of that can come with me. That is the reason why I stay. I just can't get past that.

[@LisaCulton]

I got past it. No problem. If people want to see me, they come and visit, call, email, Skype.

[@bigdogpete43]

@@LisaCulton I am dad, grandpa, uncle, brother, husband, friend, and business partner. Skype can't replace those relationships for me.

[@LisaCulton]

@@bigdogpete43 I'm all that except grandmother, and life in Switzerland works for me. It's up to you to decide how you want to live. Luckily, I understood many years ago that most people (even "close" relatives) don't give a hoot about what you're doing or how you're getting along the minute you move to another city or state that's mere hours away. Out of sight, out of mind. It will be up to you to maintain contact because you are the one who "left". But, if your dream is to try life somewhere else, I would advise you to not hold back, because people who truly care about you will maintain a relationship with you, and you shouldn't shape your life around the opinions of the rest.

[@alaskanwhiskey]

@@LisaCulton exactly. I still went abroad a few years ago. Never looked back.

[@LisaCulton]

@@alaskanwhiskey Painless. It can be done. Plus, I have been in the military, so I was used to being in foreign countries, and getting on with my life.

[@user-dy2qq5wh4b]

Nobody ever mentions one of the best reasons to live overseas is access and availability to dating younger beautiful (not woke and feminist women). Thailand, Mexico, Columbia, Georgia to name a few. They are totally open to meeting good men who are building their career and can offer them a better lifestyle.

[@guest3858]

totally, i was thinking about georgia, which place would you recommend?

[@sprezzatura8755]

To me the West is the worst place to find a worthwhile woman.

[@alaskanwhiskey]

Yep. Love being overseas maximum options. Fit, feminine and friendly.

[@kling8460]

Can you do an episode on Egypt please.

[@vmoses1979]

Egypt is a shi*hole. Why would any expat want to live there?

[@stevenmitchell3782]

I don't know if the complaint about having to call four different maid services was a joke but it was hilarious!

[@HunkyMan777]

I learned that Vietnam is not for me

[@ilsevanheerden4976]

I don't even want to think about how bad my life would have been had I stayed in my country. Versus how amazing the last 22 years of my life has been. Money, skills, career prospects, experiences, learning, friends from all over the world, but the best part is being able to afford early retirement

[@DavidWDeWitt]

I Felt ALIVE!!!!! The Time I spent overseas yea there were challenges. I kept my US thinking in the US. And had people where I was Helping me to adapt. To fit In. I simulated rather Quickly. Working on going Back. I found it LESS STRESSFULL overseas. More rewarding. Mostly Arab World for Me.

[@KELLENKASH]

You gotta love when Andrew sneak disses someone so smooth lol 😆 10:58 "The commoner"

[@joekahno]

I didn't leave America. The land I was born in no longer exists in anything but name. I live on planet earth. Some spots are nicer than others. There is no perfect place, everything is some degree of compromise.

[@lucysnorebush964]

Earth is not what space agencies told you. 😂 Que ,"durrrrr, flat earth," knee jerk programming.

[@joekahno]

@@lucysnorebush964 If Elon ever gets the Mars thing going we have a huge pool of government employees who could achieve their finest moment as involuntary colonists.

[@amjadsulieman1148]

Fact is, happiness is not permanently achievable. That's simply part of being human. Unless we train everyday to develop ourselves as better human beings we simply will remain dissatisfied. Money is part the answer but there way more to it than simply where you live or how much you make. Fact is we gotta look "within" before looking "with out". People in most places around the world are actually nice and livable but wherever you go you will find "dislikes". We have to accept that life = struggle. A human being has physical and emotional needs that can't be ignored. Knowing and accepting this reality for the sake of learning and being better is the path one should tread. Knowledge essential is key and if Knowledge isn't acted upon its simply data. True knowledge is transformative.

[@anastasiahopkinson5676]

Thank you. Excellent observation and guidance.

[@badinfluencers1635]

Whether you are an employee or an entrepreneur, your network can substantially expand through expat experiences.

[@fillername458]

The first commenter said that it hurt their career and social life? Did they make no effort to leave their house, learn the local language or actually enjoy the country that they were staying in? I loved living abroad and regret returning to the US which is also why I opted to get a Plan B and then renounce.

[@EastWing411]

"Wherever you go, there you are" You can move for better circumstances and opportunities but you will take all your issues with you. You cant run away.

[@grossnegligence022]

14 years is a lot of time to decide you are miserable living abroad. That tweet is spoken by someone who doesn't want to change their situation.

[@Al-yu6bq]

If you are working and you have a job, you don´t realize until after you lose your job, then you feel in a foreign country with all your life ruinned. Inmigration for working is bad idea, in this channel is focus to rich people for moving a better country with paying less tax and more freedom

[@LisaCulton]

@@Al-yu6bq I worked long enough in Switzerland that I got permanent residency. 👍🇨🇭 It only took 5 years and now I'm free to do whatever I want - resign, star my own business, buy property, whatever.

[@Imhim247]

What if just move to a other country and don't own no business. You can still live a good life?

[@theonenonly122]

Andrew I think you are also forgetting that even though you say that people can move wherever they want, maybe if they are using your services for any number of reasons, the set ups that work for them probably don’t actually allow them to just up and move to literally anywhere they want

[@grant5059]

Andrew. What about a more detailed update on buying property in Turkey to meet their CBI criteria. Thanks

[@johnnybbgunner2136]

My family owns a newer home in Croatia in a smaller village where I can move and live rent free….I am single again and speak the language. I am 63 years of age and could retire there today. Should I pack up and move and improve my wealth?🇭🇷🇺🇸

[@haych27]

omg YES go - what a gift. You have the support network, housing and the language - these are three significant obstacles that most people have to re-build or compromise when they live abroad. Some people, I'm one of them would love to have this opportunity so do it for us

[@johnnybbgunner2136]

Leaving my parents would be the hardest part of my decision. My siblings are all set up here and have families of their own. Problem is that I am aging as well and do not want to come across as being selfish.

[@maribethcondrillon1079]

yes I'm eager to get to America around the world but this is my first time to travel in case I get the visa

[@Carolinapetroska]

Lol I also have problems with my maids, one of them put my Cashmere sweater in the laundry and now it's reduced to the size of an handkerchief ! Annoying to be after your employees all the time because they don't care......

[@LisaCulton]

Get some of those washable cashmere sweaters from Ralph Lauren. Problem solved. They deliver worldwide.

[@maribethcondrillon1079]

please let me know what steps should be taken to get the greecard visa thank you so much for your kind consideration and have a good day god bless

[@lepassiontdarby]

Please create a video discussing countries where people are naturally on time: where promptness is part of the culture. This is important to me as I plan to move outside of the United States and as a person who despises people who are habitually late. By the way, my cleaning lady was 45 minutes late yesterday for no good reason. 🤷🏾‍♀️ Please help. Thank you.

[@ginwilliams4202]

Go with India. India has a culture of arriving on time. School kids are taught that they must not be late for class. If you make it clear your expectation of promptness then the workers will be on time and hard workers too.

[@lepassiontdarby]

@@ginwilliams4202 Thank you for this insight. 🙏🏾

[@lenoxlenox9447]

Sweden Denmark Uk Switzerland Germany…

[@adamsuval1689]

Would you recommend buying one STR income producing property, debt free, in a popular destination. Or mortgaging 2 properties?

[@giggles8458]

To add to the cable guy's comment at 14:45 a friend was air-cared, here in the USA only to land in the hospital's waiting room and sit there for 8 hours before he got to see a doctor. Twilight Zone? Nope, the USA!

[@JR-eq6jz]

The most important question though? Can you finance, or is it all cash? For long lease, do you pay the entire price up front?

[@turbo8677]

Can you please talk about overseas government bonds? Are they safe? How can Columbia and Egypt offer over 10% yield? Thanks.

[@idratherbetrikin4179]

I can't believe "Defeatists" write to you complaining about their situation. Push back against them. There are so many drastic LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES by moving overseas that are almost NEVER able to achieve in the USA and Canada. And Australia and more of Europe these days unfortunately. I'm not sure why anyone expects "glamorous" or if moving overseas will change YOU instead of YOU doing the INTERNAL WORK needed to change oneself. If the country isn't for you, try the next one. Kudos Andrew, nailed it as usual!

[@johnq.public2621]

Get 'em Andrew! 😃👍👏👏👏

[@ReverendDr.Thomas]

🤔

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

Problems follow you to each country but some are less than other countries

[@mattanderson6672]

Ignore the haters. There will always be negative people

[@Kitsune205]

Literally laughed out loud when you said "born in Ohio". I'm from Michigan, so, I get it 🤣

[@ThiefKingofLegend]

I've been thinking about this a bit and I'm at a roadblock. I've just come back from traveling the world for 7 months. My business partner is relocating to Portugal, I'll check it out but I'm still on the perfect hunt. I am thinking I will split my living to three different nations.

[@happyinparadise7812]

Never The Lonely!! Out of USA is ok?

[@iJay073]

What an excellent video's you make. I moved to Asia in my 30's. Never regretted it. living in Thailand now to retire. Good luck to all.

[@sweetsimpleslowlife2709]

Where there is a will, there is a way! When you want something very much, you make it happen. Regardless of circumstances, you make decisions and choices which bring you a better life.

[@Al-yu6bq]

USA was a good country when There was no enough people to work, When poor people in Europe move to the USA, Europe got better

[@ht3oldnavy]

Do as I did and vacation by venturing into the neighborhoods that are not the tourist spots to get a real perspective of what the country "really" is like instead of the tourist places where you see all the nicey nicey things, see smiley people, and buy items with the countries name on it. that way you see what was described to me as " the places where the camera turns off". Only then will natives speak real with you, you actually gain respect from natives

[@DerrickWe]

I am going to be honest going on a year and a half and do not miss being in the US

[@nomadcapitalist]

Glad to hear that.

[@jasongabe5678]

Its lonely

[@muckwa10]

Go out and make friends build relationships

[@jasongabe5678]

@@muckwa10 I am

[@Carolinapetroska]

Yes especially when it's raining and cold like today !

[@alaskanwhiskey]

Only for you. Been abroad almost 3 years later this year. Plenty of women to deal with and friends to make.

[@vwchan841]

Come on, Andrew, there will always be a naysayer or a bad apple in a bushel. Obviously, there are probably millions of folks who have moved to another country and ended up loving it.

[@castroolivia7544]

Success seems to be connected with action. Successful people keep moving. They make Mistake but they don’t quit... As the economic crisis keep rising, we literally need to have different streams of income. The crypto market has plenty opportunities to earn a decent Payouts with the right skills and proper Understanding of how the market works.

[@IntelligentRiskTaker]

The world is your oyster enjoy it……

[@carollee3044]

Many wonderful happy people are miserable abroad, do not smear them as miserable people.

[@edwardt4283]

Well, dont move her then.

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

I don’t feel well in London UK but I’m still here for business.

[@datingandlifeadvicechannel7534]

UK and US are being destroyed terrible palce to live as a women. I agree at the end go where you are treated best. I don’t know because everywhere I have been I have been treated like shit but especially in the west. The eastern countries are a bit better