We're Leaving the USA for Life in Portugal (and Rejoicing) - 5 Good Reasons Why

[@donnacosta5633]

What caught my attention and made me click on your vlog was the title: not many americans want to become portuguese, it's hard work learning the language and some even resent it when not all portuguese understand "american". So I thought "I'll give you 3 months" but after listening to your reasons I changed that to 6 months. That's the usual timeline when reality kicks in and US folks realize Portugal is not the paradise they had imagined. But after watching a couple more videos I'm convinced you are gonna make it. You've got the right attitude. Here's a little bit of "cultural translation" to ease you into portuguese life: Americans often say that the portuguese don't have any sense of CUSTOMER SERVICE and the portuguese think that americans don't have any sense of WORKERS' RIGHTS. Americans have this saying: The customer is King. Portuguese have this belief: The customer should wait and come back later because we are closing for lunch. Welcome to Portugal ❤💛💚

[@BecomingPortuguese]

We're loving your assessment and your confidence in us means a lot! We definitely are being careful not to over-romanticize Portugal, which would likely end in disappointment. But one of the reasons we also carefully chose Portugal is exactly what you mention...we admire the culture of prioritizing workers' rights and quality of life over capitalism. The change of pace and adjustment period is something we're expecting and hopefully we can gracefully learn and grow as we assimilate into the culture ... and try our best not to be entitled Americans 🤓. Muito obrigrada for your warm welcome ❤💛💚

[@thepeacefulpack]

We moved to Portugal with our 4 pets almost two years ago...absolutely LOVE it here!!! For us we needed to find a country that my husband and I could live together (he's Austrian and I'm Canadian)...we tried several other countries before finally choosing here and our only regret is that we didn't choose it sooner. Portugal Is an incredible country with amazing people and fantastic places to explore. Because we moved with all our pets we were forced to purchase right away - so within 10 days of arrival we bought our first Villa in Obidos. Coimbra was just too hot for us and Obidos was what we could afford. if money was no obstacle...oh we would have chose Cascais (absolutely STUNNING area that has everything to offer). Very wealthy and beautifully manicured area. That said, it's only a 50 minute drive from where we live and we have fallen in love with the region we chose. Easy access to Nazare, Peniche, Sao do Martinho, Foz do Arelho, etc. My biggest advice before choosing where to live is do your research on weather patterns...there are so many microclimates in Portugal and several places that have risk of flood and fire. Humidity and mold will be an issue throughout all of Portugal only there are solutions available. OH and hire professionals for all the paperwork - very affordable and best way to avoid language barriers and all the crazy insane paperwork needed. Finally if you plan on driving - make sure you have the proper system for the tolls. Congratulations on your big move and don't forget to enjoy all the many festivals Portugal has to offer!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Oh wow, we’re only moving with one pet and it’s a lot of logistics, so four must’ve been quite a feat! Agree about a Coimbra being too hot, we only drove by Obidos, but it looked very cool. Thanks for all the tips, we’ll definitely keep them in mind!

[@thepeacefulpack]

@@BecomingPortuguese Well if you ever choose to explore the Obidos area more, let me know. We have a guest house right beside the Castle. Via Verde is the name of the toll system you will want.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Oh that’s neat about the guest house! We’ll be buying a car soon and will be sure to get the toll pass, thanks!

[@antoniodasilva1230]

E-Zpass was created in Portugal the fly by at the tollway

[@BecomingPortuguese]

@@antoniodasilva1230 Wow!

[@antoniomatos8316]

At 4:14 it a pleasure to see my friend Zé singing. He is no more with us today. Just the image of him singing his fado and giving happiness to all the the ones who would share some time with him, made me tear. Thanks for this. Hope you enjoy all that our beloved country and city has to offer. "Bem vindos são os que vêm por bem"

[@BecomingPortuguese]

So happy we are able to hear from you @antonio - what amazing consciousness Zé and all his loved ones helped bring into the world. 🌍✨

[@lfsm9380]

Hey guys! Welcome to my country of birth. I hope, very sincerely, that you find what you're hoping for in Portugal. You'll undoubtedly face some glitches and barriers along the way. You certainly know about our Kafkian bureaucracy, crazy driving, the odd stray dogs in the countryside (and enclosed, noisy dogs within urban centers) and so on. If you are renovating or recuperating a ruin/old house, you should also pick your contractor very carefully. Many (mostly the older ones) will not hesitate to rip you off. I'm against prejudices but, in very broad terms, such contractors are not well-regarded by the rest of us. And, if you intend to live in the countryside, please be mindful of forest fires. All the best

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you for the kind welcome and good advice. We will keep your tips in mind for sure!

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Man you're allover the place and batting lower makes me wonder if you really ever been to Portugal

[@joaoramoscarvalho5670]

Hello again! I wish you an incredible stay in Portugal. It is a small country but we have a big heart!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Yes, we believe it! We are very happy to make Portugal our new home. 🥰

[@MotoTavira]

We just bought a house in the Algarve last year. You'll love it and glad to see embracing the culture and that its is so important to you both. Enjoy the journey!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks for the kind words! Hope you're enjoying the Algarve :)

[@serramcs]

Welcome to Portugal!! Be 8:13 happy in Covilhã, my home!!! Bem vindo a Portugal! 👍👍

[@BjornAgain76]

I first went to mainland Portugal in november 2012 (had been to Madeira in 1990 as a kid) and I emmediately fell in love with the country 😀 I have been back countless times and it has become my home away from home. A much warmer home since I am from Norway ;) Looking forward to following your journey

[@BecomingPortuguese]

That’s great, it’s an easy place to fall in love with. We definitely want to visit Madeira soon, it looks beautiful!

[@Cetadrius01]

Welcome first of all. If we're talking food, there'll be a lot of variety of ingredients depending were you settle but the main staples will always be vegetables, potatoes and rice. of these rice is probably the most unique. We eat a lot of it and make it in our own style, from a wet stock rice to the more dry variety. In the center you'll find a lot of goat and sheep, mostly stews and roasts, old farmer and shepard's recepies. Take your time, ask the locals for restaurant recomendations, (the old waiters in cafes know all the best places) we have something for eveyone, even vegans 😋

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Now we’re hungry, all of that sounds so delicious! Thank you for the tips, we’ll be sure to ask the waiters and locals. We were able to try some goat stew near Lousã and it was so good! We look forward to trying lots of shepherd’s recipes. Very exciting!

[@antonio.mineiro]

Love how you guys enjoy art, the culture and traditions here! Make more content about it please. Learned alot with the Rock&Roll video and I am Portuguese.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Many thanks, we have plans for more! 💚

[@miareal1746]

Good luck You are beautiful people and Portugal will welcome you!!!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you so much 🙏🏼😃

[@lauraamorim3179]

Welcome!!! And enjoy

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks so much Laura! 🥰

[@marcellasimerly8233]

Alex Lukachina has a farm with multiple stone homes. One building close to Habitable. Central Portugal. Very Rural.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Yes we love his channel, but I think he stopped posting…we miss the sheep friend!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Ahhh, if only we were farmers!! His vast property looks amazing. Yet we’re looking for an abandoned stone house in a city 💜💜 I hope he finds a great buyer and let us know if we can help. We love Angelica, his dad and Alex (though don’t use FB)

[@jaimeconceicao]

From what i've seen in this video, I think you'll be fine in Portugal, because you come with the right attitude., so : BENVINDOS SEJAM!. Hope you find the happiness and joy of living you're looking for. Portugal is not a perfect place, but you can live an almost perfect happy life, you can take this for granted. If you need any help, just ask. I´ll be glad to help if i can!. Be happy and stay safe.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Muito obrigada-thank you so much for your kind comments. It encourages us to be good immigrants. As you say, no place is perfect, but we do seek a happy life. Thank you for your kind offer, Jaime 💚❤️💛

[@Nulife23]

Glad to follow your journey! You are living my dream! I have to stay in USA...😢 iam married and we both have different ideas. But I so enjoy Portugal. Been there twice and afraid if I go again I might not come back!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Awww, well I’m happy you can move there vicariously through us! Who knows, maybe some day you’ll get to move there too 😊

[@jsilvamaintenance]

Praia fluvial well said. Portuguese is not so bad to learn Just involve a bit persistence !

[@BecomingPortuguese]

😃 Yes, we will persist and learn!

[@hermanosoares3860]

Welcome!Hope next video you are both speaking a bit more in Portuguese!Go to Caldas da Rainha,Foz do Arelho and Óbidos! Sejam felizes! Obrigado

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Obrigada, we would love to visit those places 😃

[@lsvmuk]

Covilhã is, as you know,a very small town, far away from the main centres. And very quite. I hope that is the type of place you are looking for.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Yes, it is not as busy or filled with tourists as Lisbon or Porto, which is what we wanted :). We’ve lived in quite large cities before but chose Covilhã for its charming artistic culture and own particular vibrancy. We’re loving living here! 🤗

[@antoniodasilva1230]

You did a good choice for picking Portugal I moved from Southampton NY three years ago

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks, we are very happy with the choice and know we have a lot to learn, but that's the adventure! Checked out your channel and look forward to following along as well, looks like you're on an adventure too :)

[@MikeS29]

Festivus pole! Airing of the greivences etc. Subscribing, looking forward to your journey. I have Italian citizenship as well as U.S., and we are definitly exploring our European options.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Haha, yes, Festivus for the rest of us! Hope you find the perfect spot and thanks for the kind words and subscribing. We'll do our best :)

[@joaoconchilha2231]

You're most welcome.

[@joaoconchilha2231]

And you must know, be portuguese it's not for everyone, it's only for the chosen ones 😊😊, just be happy.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

💜💜 Well said and thank you!

[@rosannadelatour2994]

Im so excited about this channel. I look forward to seeing your content.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you so much, we appreciate your kind words. We hope to keep you entertained! ✨

[@lucchese20]

Boa Tarde Robert and Kim- Just discovered your channel. Looks like we have much in common. We’re hoping to move to PT asap-maybe late 2023. Visited three times although we haven’t visited Covilha (yet). Best of luck on your adventures-sounds very exciting and adventurous. I hope you don’t mind me saying so but what struck me the MOST on this video was bringing your 23-year old son with you. Our son also has a disability and is a great concern for us in terms of how he’ll adapt and what kind of life he’ll have should he come with us to PT. I hope you don’t mind if I ask you dedicate some discussion to bringing a child with a disability to PT. I haven’t seen much discussion on this topic on KZbin. All the best to the three of you from this new subscriber. 👋🏻

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Boa tarde! That’s a great idea, we will definitely discuss this in videos as we get settled. There definitely will be many adjustments, beginning with the language! We’ll be sure to show the challenges and solutions as well as the fun

[@lucchese20]

@@BecomingPortuguese Thanks so much for your prompt reply. Looking forward to your experience and future video. 👍🏻

[@PTFighterBras]

Bem-vindos a Portugal

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Muito obrigada! ✨💜✨

[@romamorris7209]

Good luck guys!! ❤

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks Roma! 💚

[@andresm.negron1102]

Wonderful video. Many thanks for sharing your experience. My wife and I are considering Portugal as one possible destiny for retiring. Also as our new country. Greetings from Puerto Rico.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks for the kind words and hopefully we can help you and your wife decide if Portugal is the place for you. We are very much excited to make it our new country :)

[@trinamaia6531]

I am so excited for you and your family! So many adventures to come. You are going to love it here 💕🇵🇹💕

[@BecomingPortuguese]

We’re all very excited too. Counting down the last days before we’re there!

[@JenShea]

Hi There, Just found your channel... happy to follow along with your journey. :)

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Happy to have you along with us! 🤗

[@NilsMontanEsq]

Great video guys and I can totally relate to you. I am an American who just happened to meet and marry a lovely Brazilian lady 30 years ago and the two of us now live in her hometown in Curitiba in the South of the country. One thing I want to mention is the "language" issue. I'm pretty old and back in my day high schools and colleges actually had language requirements. I was able to struggle through them with Spanish but I never felt I really learned the language and just assumed I was not "good" at learning languages. I have been using the online and phone APP Duolingo now for nearly 500 days and my Portuguese has really improved. I'm not "bad" at learning languages, I was just not good at learning languages in an old-school way. Try it out, you may really get surprised.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks, yes, language will be one of our biggest challenges. We’ll use all the tools to help us we can find. Thanks for the recommendation 😃

[@leonordiniz]

​@@BecomingPortuguese Se aprender o português brasileiro não vai entender nada do português europeu ! 😱

[@farawayfred802]

Great video! Glad I found your channel. You guys are naturals, I look forward to your content.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks so much for the kind words! 😃 We’re excited to share all we can as we learn more about Portugal 🇵🇹

[@caradobras]

You made a good choice.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

We’re excited 😃

[@drperfect07]

Congratulations 🎉 I am so excited for both of you. I live in Florida and we should be there in about 3 months. Best wishes.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you and congrats to you too! 🇵🇹

[@pjasparagus]

Thank U so much!!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Hopefully you get some recipe recommendations 😃😃

[@cristinadias5145]

Wellcome be happy ..

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Obrigada ♥️💚💛

[@havechopstickswilltravel2990]

This is wonderful. Looking forward to your channel. We are aiming for the same direction.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks for the kind words. And that’s exciting!! 🎉

[@luisv8431]

Don't forget the Islands amazing too

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks, it’s definitely on our list to visit the islands. Let us know if you have a favorite!

[@luisv8431]

@@BecomingPortuguese Madeira and Azores are unique and beautiful mainly the nature and landscapes if you like waterfalls sunsets and sunrises. Madeira you can visite any time around the year, Azores better during the summer. They both have distint Portuguese accent.

[@helenavilhena5804]

Welcome to Portugal

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you Helena 🥰

[@atlanticcorgi7740]

just found your channel, loving it, did y'all get your NIFs and Bank account before leaving US?

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Yes, we did…planning to do a how to video on that (from our perspective in the next couple of weeks). Definitely very helpful to have once on the ground here in Portugal.

[@myitaliantherapyginafiore4414]

Hi, One thing I will be researching is who you trusted to ship your stuff. I'm taking my record collection and books as well. There are certain things I am taking. Crazy quotes and crazy information Did you find that initially too? How did you get your belongings to Portugal. Thanx Gina in Upstate NY USA moving to Portugal

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Believe it or not, even Uhaul delivers to Portugal. Sort of ‘Pods’ style too. But don’t schedule the shipment until you have a residency permit (different from a visa).

[@myitaliantherapyginafiore4414]

@@BecomingPortuguese OH that's interesting. Who did you use? Oh I am not relocating until Dec 2024 so not applying until next fall. I am coming to buy a place this winter then I will have all my questions answered and can work on things after I return in March. I am in no rush. Been coming to Europe for over 25 years in winter. Portugal just seems to be a well rounded culmination of all of my needs

[@donnacosta5633]

FOOD 🧅🧄🫑: We eat a lot of fish but not everyone is confident enough to cook it. I love cooking it but hate fussyness & smell lingering around the flat. This recipie is my own version of Caldeirada (wihout the stink), it's a one-pot fish dish so simple even I can do it. It can be scalled up or down, depending on the mood & wallet. I've even done it with cheap frozen fish from the supermarket and it was good! Any Fish, cleaned and cut into chuncks or sliced, with bones or without. Any white fish or mixed fish from the market will do, they sometimes sell a mix of several different fish for this Caldeirada. Sardines are also good, best from May to August, but if you are going to cook a Caldeirada de Sardinhas don't add any other fish. Allow 2 or 3 fresh sardines per person and ask the fishmonger to gut & descale them for you at the market, then just rinse them at home and put in pan. In a wide base pot you put: Onions peeled and cut into thick rings (about 1 or 2 onions per person) Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes chopped (about 1 or 2 tomatoes per person) 1 Green pepper, deseeded and cut into thick strips Garlic cloves peeled and sliced coarsly (1 per person) Fresh parsley, chopped Fresh coriander (add it whole so it can be taken out if someone doesn't like it) 1 bay leaf (optional) Pinch of oregano (optional) Sea salt & black pepper Cover with water, put lid on, and simmer for 5 - 8 minutes to soften veg and make a stock. Taste liquid for salt, add a bit more if necessary. Add the fish pieces to the top of the veg in a layer, add a bit more water if necessary to almost cover the fish, drizzle with olive oil and simmer covered with lid for another 5 - 8 minutes. Switch off heat and let the pot rest. All this can be done in advance or day before and reheated. Just before meal, boil enough potatoes in salted water, either peeled or with skin on, depending on your preference. I choose same size potatoes so they get cooked through at same time, with skin, and then I peel them after cooked and slice into a serving dish. Handle them with kitchen paper to avoid burning fingers. If they are new potatoes, you can leave the skins on. Finally... drizzle the potatoes with a little olive oil, ladle the fish stew, veg & liquid over the potatoes, sprinkle with parsely and call everyone to the table. Serve with fresh crusty bread to soak up the sauce... and a nice white wine of your choice. Bom apetite!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

This sounds AMAZING, thank you so much. We will definitely try it out and include Chef PJ and us cooking your recipe in a video! 👨‍🍳✨

[@Tino.1]

Hello Robert & Kim, same reasons for us too! Do you know what kind of social services are offered to a person with special needs? Best of luck in your new journey!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Hi Tino, thanks for the kind words! We're not familiar with social services yet, but looking forward to some meetups and ways for him to socialize a bit, as he's very friendly.

[@nac4710]

We are same situation. Hope see you there in covilhã😊

[@BecomingPortuguese]

It’s a beautiful place!

[@OvertheWheels]

Great reasons to move to Portugal. But reason 5 is something that I still don't understand in this movement of foreigners moving to Portugal. Don't get me wrong, a stone house can be beautiful and super cozy, but renovating one is normally a nightmare and costs the price of a brand new, modern one. But I know it's your dream and I can only say one thing. Go for it! Good luck.

[@western1010]

Did you get the opportunity to explore Northern Portugal ?

[@BecomingPortuguese]

We did a bit, but will definitely dedicate more time to exploring the north while in search of a perfect stone house to renovate. If you have any favorite villages or areas, please let us know your advice 😊

[@inb4230]

​@@BecomingPortuguese just take a look at a place called PONTE DE LIMA, oldest village in Portugal (obviously it's conserved beautifully with every modern convenience you could wish for) river cutting across the village, golf course, peaceful like you couldn't believe, next to braga who won best tourist destination in Europe countless times..,thank me later 😂

[@manzahalem8845]

Were you required to have a Portugese bank account in order to be approved for your D7 (or whichever)? Or are you able to get the bank account once in Portugal after having received the D visa? Thank you.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Yes, a Portuguese account with the equivalent to 12 months of their minimum wage deposited is required for the D7 or new Digital Nomad visa applications. We will soon be posting a video on how we did this. It’s a lot of steps to get an account, but also makes the rest of the visa paperwork a bit easier once that’s done

[@Tusiriakest]

Come and be happy;) I hope you enjoy your new life in Portugal. As for recipes, I hope you like cod=P

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thank you! And “Chef PJ” loves bacalhau, so we’re in luck!!

[@rafaelfonsecaportugal]

Hey guys! How can I get in contact with you?

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Hi Rafael, our email is on the About page here :)

[@katiablanco7937]

It’s funny how things changed. There were entire little Portuguese villages

[@BecomingPortuguese]

✨

[@swtexan6502]

I do understand guns, having served in the Marine Corps for 5 years during Desert Storm. I don't live in fear, either- however, I certainly do understand facing reality when you go certain places here in America. I believe that's it's better to have a gun and not need it, than to need a gun and not have it. We're looking at Portugal to retire as well. Looking forward to seeing where your new adventure takes you guys. Congrats.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks for your well wishes. I think all involved in this video were just using the word “understand” to be polite. Many in our family spent many years serving in the US military and while we agree with a well-regulated militia having the right to bear arms (muskets and bayonets at the time of writing), extending that to mean ALL civilians in the modern world means each US Citizen should have access to nuclear codes, military grade drones, and tanks…which doesn’t make a lot of sense. 😂 So it’s perhaps time to amend the amendment… But that’s none of our business since you’re also leaving the USA to join us in beautiful, peaceful Portugal 💛❤️💚

[@Bagorra]

We are a 900 years country

[@Bagorra]

The foundation of Portugal was at 1143 . We are at 2023

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Such amazing history! 💕✨

[@leonordiniz]

Minha nossa, eu não faria isso... a não ser que sejam ricos ! 😱 É uma portuguesa que fala! 🤣😂😂

[@BecomingPortuguese]

😂🤣😂 it would be nice to be rich, but we certainly are not rich. And we will try our best to learn Portuguese

[@leonordiniz]

@@BecomingPortuguese Bem vindos e sejam felizes no meu país! 🤗

[@lm4122]

portugal safety dropped to 6 and soon will drop to 7th (it is no longer in the top 5), with a current score of 1.301 bue many of the indicators are tied to goverment choices and issues and that alone m8 have been the reason for the rank drop, crime rate has been increasing as well.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Still much better than ranking at 128 and dropping!

[@Kiwiboy1929]

At least you will not get shot.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

True!

[@Kimllg88]

Get ready for a short, sharp shock. Too. Many. Americans. Here.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Aww, not where we’re headed! But yes, we saw lots of Americans in Lisbon, Tomar and touristy areas. There are too many Americans in the USA too 😂

[@jimcook8852]

#1 reason is this country is a 3rd world police state basically.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Can’t argue 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@monikamichaelis-iw3to]

Dont do it.

[@antoniodasilva1230]

Why

[@monikamichaelis-iw3to]

@@antoniodasilva1230 Once you are there, there is no return. USA is the best.

[@antoniodasilva1230]

@@monikamichaelis-iw3to hi it's definitely a strange feeling right

[@antoniodasilva1230]

@@monikamichaelis-iw3to explain best without the brainwashing

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Thanks for watching Monika

[@godinhogodinho5258]

You'll be disappointed! The health care system is in chaos. The education system is in chaos. The only really good thing we have in Portugal is the Summer Sun!

[@BecomingPortuguese]

Same in the USA…but with a worse culture. So we feel we’re trading up!

[@Kimllg88]

LL housing here is in a crazy bubble. Expecting a crash. We are all about 7.10 years too late.

[@BecomingPortuguese]

@@Kimllg88 yes, been visiting for 20 years and have watched that sadly happen in over saturated areas. Seems unethical to contribute to the bubble and displacing locals, so we went to an unsaturated area.