Retire on $1500/mos in These Portuguese Cities | Black Americans in Portugal | Retire on a budget

[@vcarvalho193]

About black people in Braga: Yess there are black people everywhere. But communities in our country do not appear primarly due to someone's skin colour but due to other common interests, like nationality, culture, etc. In Braga there is a large number of brasilians and because of that you will find a large community tied by nationality, common culture, common type of food, etc. regardless of their skin colour. Do not be focused on your skin colour when you want meet people or live somewhere at least here in this country. Try to mingle as other people does I think I heard once a black american lady saying that " ...finally I can live in a country where I am invisible! I can appear and disappear as I want to! Because no one notices me." As much as I get from my experience living in several countries in the wrold, the 'need for being with equal people' (or 'community' for humans) is not related to someone's 'physical look'. To get emotional support if needed is the driving reason. Braga is hilly, but being not as large than Lisboa or Porto is 'more affordable' so to speak

[@OurBlackUtopia]

I absolutely LOVE this sentiment and I thank you V for trying to understand our mental illnesses having been abused in the US! Folks reading this, he is right - there's a different mentality here and it is seen amongst the people born and raised here. Yes racism is everywhere, but it doesn't have to beat you over the head and leave you bloody. The greatest thing we can do is try and leave the baggage behind and view the world though a new lens. One love, one people. 🥰

[@vcarvalho193]

@@OurBlackUtopia Halisi, please do not thank me for nothing. About 'racism', here in this country, maybe the word can have a different meaning than in other places. If we meet (and I hope so) we may discuss the subject face to face, of course if it is ok to you, then you will see the difference. Ok? Have a good staying and enjoy Spain!

[@RudyEtienne16]

Like Gerald Wilkins, I am retired military, currently living in Puerto Rico. 🇵🇷 Was thinking of relocating to Germany 🇩🇪 since I serve and lived there for 9 years. After following your channel and taking in all the information you provide, Portugal 🇵🇹 is looking very attractive. Thank you for all the information. You are awesome. 🙏🏽👍🏽

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Rudy, you are so welcome! Obviously, there's a HUGE difference in the German and Portuguese cultures. Portuguese people probably have more of the warmth of Puerto Ricans. And with that comes a relaxed attitude that leads to inefficiencies. If you don't mind some minor inconveniences and some bureaucracies being a bit cumbersome then most definitely come visit. If you don't mind milder winters...😜. Obviously, we love Portugal, but as you are proving today's decision doesn't have to be next year's decision. We can pick up and try a new place whenever we like.

[@RudyEtienne16]

@@OurBlackUtopia Great! Thank you for the reply. I definitely have Portugal on my list. Two of my siblings visited Lisbon and told me I will love the lifestyle there. 🙏🏽

[@eiia3894]

I moved from Northern Cali to a small city in Alabama to cut down on my expenses. I have saved so much already in less than one year. Thanks for the information.

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

this was excellent!!! thank you

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You're so welcome, glad you enjoyed it. Are you coming to 🇵🇹 Move to Portugal Virtual Summit: bit.ly/Move2Portugal ?

[@toddleo66]

I have 7 years to go and you 2 have myself and the wife excited about Portugal

[@sherryburton7644]

Us too!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Toddleo - is there anyway you can move up that date significantly? When we started investigating Portugal in 2020, folks on passive income (D7 VISA= SS or pension or dividends) had 0% tax for 10 years and no need for a lease, bank account nor NIF until AFTER you had been approved. Today, the tax rate is 10% and you need all 3 of those things + other things BEFORE you even apply and there's a chance that you can be denied. Moving to a place with a much lower cost of living can speed up your financial goals; especially if you can still work remotely for a US company. In which case you would need to initially apply for a D8 Visa. Are you signed up for the 🇵🇹 Move to Portugal Virtual Summit: move-to-portugal-summit.heysummit.com ? or you can book a call and we can help you figure out how to move up that timeline. 😉

[@vcarvalho193]

Me again 2. The prices for telecoms are also valid for all country and are related to the package you choose. Sometimes not all the options are available due to the fact the telecom infrastructure are changing and not all country is covered with 5G and optic fiber at this time (regardless the operator you choose (NOS/MEO/Vodafone/WOW just to mention the most common ones).

[@OurBlackUtopia]

You know we love and appreciate your knowledge of our new home country. YESSSS, I noticed that when we were in Obidos, our signal was just okay.

[@htowndmangames7599]

So glad to see you guys again. Apologies that I missed the last few videos. You two are awesome.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Welcome back, D - it's all good - it was great spending time with you and the Mrs a couple of weeks ago.

[@NataliaCouto-l6j]

Portuguese here .Portugal is NOT cheap!!! If you come bring lots of money to start your life here .

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there thanks for watching. "Expensive" is relative. In Denver a ride-share for 1km will cost €20,00+. An espresso is €4,00, the cinema is €15,00, 1 month pass to ride the metro is €180,00...each month - you get the point. The rent is Portugal is definitely out of control. But everything else is about 30-70% less expensive then most major cities in the US. Our concern is when Americans come and just start slinging around money without consideration of what local people can afford. We make a point to try and shop and eat at family owned mini mercados, cafes, etc. 🥰

[@MadonnaBold]

Hello Halisi and Ric, I love your shirts and as always great video! Thanks for sharing! 🎉

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Awww, thank you, MadonnaBold 🥰 and thank you so much for watching and for your encouragement.

[@vcarvalho193]

Malls open 10 am and close 10 or 11 pm ( if they have movie theathers can be open partially until last session time). Supermarkets in general, open at 9 or 10 am and close 8 pm, open 364 daya a year closing Christmas Day. Mercados open everyday from 8am to 1pm, closing mondays and natiional holydays. Mama & papa's follow regular food commerce hours: early morning to late evening . Asiatic food stores open early morning to lata, late evening.

[@lmsf2445]

Thx. We’re in Lisbon now. Plenty of small mercardos near us. Suggestion for music, dancing? 💃🏽🕺🏽

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Fado - go to Alfalma. Afro-centric jazzy vibe go to Tabernaculo: www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g189158-d8726887-Reviews-Tabernaculo_by_Hernani_Miguel-Lisbon_Lisbon_District_Central_Portugal.html

[@globalexplorer3619]

Love the shirts ❤

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Awww, thank you 🥰 and thank you so much for watching.

[@vcarvalho193]

About electric appliances: in Europe the mains is 220 volt AND 50 Hz (hertz). With a simple transformer you can achieve 110 volt ( north and central American standart). The problem is the frequency. Unless you use a converter (a device that rectifies AC to DC and back to AC) appropriate to switch from 50 HZ to 60 HZ and at the same time lower the voltage from 220V to 110 all appliances without a stabilized/universal mains will do not work properly. Typically motors, mecanical alarm clocks (or electronic ones without an independent time-base), fans, shavers and other equipment that need to use mains supply frequency to be syncronized when working. There will be no problem with sound/video equipment, laptops, notebooks, PCs (check if the monitor has an independent supply as the screen may be piloted by the 60Hz from the mains) some TV sets (unless 'universal') will not work with PAL standard, as the US standard is NTSC. In short ask yourself if you really need that stuff and if you really need see if you can purchage the equivalent in Europe or in Portugal. By the way the plugs are different from the US standard, so if you have appliances to work with such plugs you must buy an adaptor or a chord with our system. The plugs used in Europe are under the same standard (except in the United Kingdom) and above 2.5Amp must have an earth pin .

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Are you an engineer or just brilliant? 🤩. Most stuff is not worth shipping, for the cost of the shipping you can buy new.

[@vcarvalho193]

@@OurBlackUtopia I'm just an old guy...

[@elizabetejesus6575]

BRAGA ITS THE YOUNGEST ( YOUNGER PEOPLE LIVING THERE, GOOD PLACE TO HAVE A FAMILY) CITY OF PORTUGAL AND AT THE SAME TIME THE MOST HISTORICAL AND NOBEL, ITS SP BEAUTIFUL 🤩 AND THE FEELING OF LIVING IN CHANTED PLACE, BACK ON TIME, MIDDLE AGE AND AT THE SAME TIME MODERN. PEOPLE ARE VERY NICE AND WELCOME. I WENT THERE IN VACATION AND I CRY WHEN I LEFT SO AMAZING PLACE. OF YOU GO, YOU DONT WANT TO LIEVE.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Elizabeth, Braga definitely made one of our other "best cities" list in the past. We're looking forward to visiting soon. 💕

[@sandrarobinson4448]

I love the shirts! ❤

[@OurBlackUtopia]

YAH! 🥰 thank you and thank June for the gift.

[@phyllisburrell3523]

Thank you. Halisi & Ric! Everything you talk about is above my head. I need a step by step plan. I don't learn by hearing. I have been watching for a good while. For some reason I was paralyzed. The more I watch the better I feel. I have 2,687.66 a month. No $00. 4 credit cards total 15,000, 0 savings. I have a house which I will sell $200,000. I My daughter and 4 grandchildren would have to come. They live with me. She will have no savings or income. We need at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. We need out before. 11/2024. I need a dry desert living. I am retired. How soon can I leave. desert climate. No natural disaster area. Grocery in walking distance.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Phyllis, thank you for watching. Please forgive the delay in responding. Life has been lifin'. 🙄 and KZbin held this one up for some reason 🤷🏽‍♀️ There are too many follow up questions for me to coach you effectively. However, you can book a call with us here: calendly.com/halisi OR we can offer a gratis coaching call, if you're willing for it to be recorded for our PodCast. If you want the free recorded session send us an email: [e-mail]

[@vcarvalho193]

Hi Halisi and Ric . Suggestion: to see restaurants (menu, price, location etc.) I always rely to Google Maps and filter restaurants. You will get all info you need and also the internet site with more info provided by the restaurant itself. As a general rule, sooner or later you end up cooking the food you like. Then you switch the prices to the supermarket / street market / mama&papas' you llike/is closer to your place. To check the super's prices you check the particular store you are interested in (by city/brand filtering). This is valid to all country.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

We've realized that what is listed online is not fact but merely a suggestion. 🤣 Friends of ours unfortunately had their biz listed as permanently closed and that led to them eventually closing...🥹. However, you are absolutely right, we cook more often than not - even if it is buying a roasted chicken from Pingo Doce and cooking the side dishes. Making dishes that I grew up with is definitely home made and I can usually find all of the ingredients.

[@shenpenlhamo22]

I agree -- was in Coimbra last week no way will you spend 75€ on a meal for two! I guess you could but generally speaking, that's on the pricey side. Important to mention how densely populated these areas are -- Coimbra and Porto; Americans like space which comes at a premium in these areas. Great show! Thanks

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Right!?!? - sometimes I wonder about the folks that they survey. If it's digital nomads working for US companies, they may be spending more than they would if they were not getting a weekly paycheck. 😆 - YES we do talk about the differences in living styles and that for single family homes for the most part you're going to leave the city center...🤷🏽‍♀️

[@janemanuel1292]

Hi, I am visiting Portugal from September 10 to October 3. I've been in Prais de Rocha. Travelling to Porto for four days. Hoping to visit Lisbon next, until leaving for the states. Would love to meet both of you while e in Lisbon. I am a retiring teacher and looking for a new country to settle. Want to meet ya

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Jane, we're in Spain right now. Send us an email and if we can make it work when we return will do coffee or a meal. 😀 [e-mail]

[@anaclohessy402]

Is funny listening to you all asking about roaches and rats etc 😅. Every Sunday is a market in Galinheiras

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Some cities like New Orleans have really poor public hygiene!

[@mariam.3224]

They think we are third world country, smelly and filthy 😂😂😂

[@nutritionfordiabeticssenio8901]

Q Love you guys. Cn I vacation in Portugal while renting my $1000 apt in Arizona and save money to retire.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, we've been traveling. Sorry for the delay. Possibly. If you own the apartment - no problem. If you are renting you will need to read your lease about re-renting. We moved to Lisbon to save money. There are very few things we miss about our former life. Not including loved ones, the only thing that I miss is already knowing where to find what we need 🤦🏾‍♀️ and some food and spices that I'm used to. Corn tortillas were a staple and cannot be found in Portugal. However, I know how to make them from scratch which we know is better for our bodies...

[@actionvj]

😳Did y’all drop some “breaking news” and go off the air⁉️ The 2024 meet-up is the week of Juneteenth??

[@OurBlackUtopia]

I don't know what was happening without internet! Yes we've decided that the week of Juneteenth is our meetup week. So for 2024 that will be probably the 17th and 18th of June before the ORJ meetups. 😉

[@WrldExplorer]

Hey family

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hello World Explorer. Either you've changed your name or your a newer subscriber, if so, WELCOME TO THE FAMILY! 🥰. Are you considering a move abroad? If so, here are some resources that might help: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@WrldExplorer]

@@OurBlackUtopia I just changed my name. It’s Christopher y’all. Was trying to come up with a name that would fit me.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey fam good to hear from you.@@WrldExplorer

[@sblack8694]

Hi, Sheba' from Maryland

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Sheba from Maryland, thank you so much for watching. Are you considering a move abroad? If so, here are some resources that might help: bit.ly/OBUresources

[@barrybeasley9148]

I am from Oviedo Florida looking at DR or Colombia which one would you recommend

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Barry, there is no way that I would recommend one country over the other with someone that I don't know. Both have pros and cons and we know folks who live in both countries. kzbin.infoZ4x9Kn7UL9Q (for DR). We haven't interviewed anyone that lives in Colombia but check out our friends, @TheYarbros

[@lmpreston1]

How much is the cost to move? I know moving cost me a lot if I plan to take the things that I value. I like the price point you are sharing it is eye opening.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey ImPreston - thank you so much for watching and for your question. 💕 Moving to a new country is not inexpensive. Economically, the value is created once you've lived there for awhile. The cost depends on where you're going. We suggest decluttering and truly keeping only things you cannot live without. Some folks move 80% of their stuff and some, like Ric and I move about 30%. Shipping options depends upon where you're moving to, how organized you are, and how long your willing to be without the possessions. For us, moving from Denver to Lisbon and getting residency in Mexico in the middle of all of it - the cost was about $30,000 for the two of us. That includes scouting trips in Portugal and a month in Mexico and then back to Portugal. If you need help creating a move abroad plan, we got you covered: bit.ly/moveabroadtoolkit✈️

[@polly8844]

Please give info on the extreme south of portugal. I'm not one for the colder winters. What city in Alagarve state would be good for people of color. Thanks.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Polly, the Algarve has a reputation of being expat-heavy. However, at the Move 2 Portugal Virtual Summit that we co-hosted a few months ago, we had someone from our community who lives in the Algarve talk about her experience there. She loves it but admits that there is not a large black presence down there. 🙂

[@polly8844]

@OurBlackUtopia thanks for your speedy reply. It is appreciated.

[@toddleo66]

Hello, how far ahead did you start planning to move to Portugal

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Toddle, great question and thank you for watching! We started looking seriously at Portugal before the 2020 election 😂 We had a vague notion of one day moving to Spain which is one reason I started taking Spanish lessons. 🥹 So we knew the basics by the time we made the decision to move forward. We made that decision in December 2021 WITHOUT visiting but didn't apply until we visited. We had a list of 'needs and wants' and on paper it checked off most of both lists. We hired an immigration specialist in Feb. 2022 and we had already started getting rid of stuff, and deciding what was going to come with us on the first move. We did our scouting trip in June of 2022 as part of ORJ's meetups. Got residency in Mexico in July of 2022 (because why not, it's easy), and in the first week of August of 2022 we applied for the VISA. We made the official move in September 2022. We moved here on our tourist VISA keeping our fingers crossed that we would be approved. For those selling houses, and basically eliminating an easy path back to the states, I would suggest waiting for approval. But because we did not sell our either of our homes and had family living in them, we felt no hesitation it just going for it. Need more help? 🇵🇹 Move to Portugal Virtual Summit: move-to-portugal-summit.heysummit.com 🙋🏾‍♀️ Book a 1:1 Consultation: Book a Call with Halisi & Ric: calendly.com/halisi

[@ibelieveinjesuschrist8911]

cute shirts

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Awww, thank you 🥰 and thank you so much for watching!

[@autobotdiva9268]

I have a NTONPOWER 4 Outlets 3 USB(1 USB-C), 4ft Flat Plug, wonder if that would fit

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Is that a good brand? Is it a converter or just an adapter?

[@TheCabanastavira]

1500$ is about 1200€, only house renting is 600€ or more, soo think twice, is not realistic.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

These prices take into consideration the conversion rate. NO ONE should move abroad with doing thorough research. HOWEVER, as we live in Lisbon and pay much less than $1500 for our 3 bedroom apartment and save 50% or more on groceries and most clothing - Once CAN live in these smaller cities for $1500 or less...today.

[@fluffycody]

Does portugal have daily siesta whereby shops close at a certain time?

[@mariam.3224]

Siesta is a Spanish thing, however here in Portugal street shops and offices have usually one/two hour for employees lunch. Shopping centers open all day

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Mariam is correct - HOWEVER, if you are American than I must tell you, to think of the restaurants like dinner restaurants in the States. They will open for lunch, close during the slow period and open back up for dinner. Cafe's stay open for burgers and snacks but regular restaurants, with full service tend not to. Probably not the case in the tourist areas; I wouldn't know because we avoid that area until company is in town.😆

[@marilynpeoples5099]

Prior to Michelle, there were perhaps 10 black people in San Miguel… my sister was one of them… 😂 But it is and was a. wonderful city. Just too rich for my blood.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

10 black folks 🤣 - a lot more now... Is it really THAT expensive or just expensive for Mexico?

[@lmsf2445]

We arrived today from Croatia … yll available to break bread this week?

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey there, thanks for reaching out. We're actually in Spain right now, otherwise we would love to. 🙏🏾

[@lmsf2445]

@@OurBlackUtopia Enjoy. thanks for responding.

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Absolutely - when you come back, let us know in advance. Send us an email, [e-mail]

[@anaclohessy402]

I live 45 minutes from faro

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Is the area still considered 'the algarve'?

[@anaclohessy402]

@OurBlackUtopia Yes, Vila Real de Santo Antonio, I can see Spain across from the Guidiana River, We have a boat that takes us across 10 minutes, and we go for tapas and vinho Verano

[@OurBlackUtopia]

That is so cool! When we're down there we're going to have to check that out!

[@beccamacawa5299]

I am planning to move to Portugal next summer. I have had it in the USA and I am a immigrate from Africa who has lived in the UK now, as I look around I am ready for retirement early I am not waiting for Uncle Sam to tell me its time for retirement. Portugal is a country I can survive being single and in my late 50s. America is slavery and the darker you are the more risk of being killed at a traffic stop ENOUGH OF THAT< I AM OUT!!

[@OurBlackUtopia]

Hey Becca, folks who haven't lived it, don't get it. 🤷🏽‍♀️ If you are seriously considering a move to Portugal, you might find this helpful: bit.ly/Move2Portugal