What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it's the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas.

James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common misconceptions about Spanish life, popular visa options (including updates to the Digital Nomad Visa), and practical tips on choosing where to live, budgeting, and building community.

Whether you're planning to retire early, work remotely, or simply embrace a slower lifestyle, this episode offers the clarity you need to move to Spain with confidence. 

#MoveToSpain #LivingInSpain #SpainRevealed #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Guest Introduction: James Blick

01:09 James' Journey to Spain

02:24 Founding Spain Revealed and Devour Tours

03:21 The Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to Relocation

04:31 Top Nationalities Moving to Spain

06:12 Misunderstandings About Life in Spain

10:08 Choosing the Right Location in Spain

16:00 Key Considerations for Moving to Spain

19:57 Digital Nomad Visa Updates

27:21 Navigating Spanish Bureaucracy

27:45 Healthcare Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa

29:23 Common Pitfalls in Moving to Spain

32:12 Cultural Adjustments and Expectations

36:46 Finding Your Rhythm in Spain

41:56 Building Community and Seeking Advice

45:12 The Importance of Learning Spanish

48:30 Resources for Moving to Spain

🎥 Video/Transcript –  https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/what-is-life-in-spain-really-like-for-expats

📝 Show Notes

Spain Revealed – https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP

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Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities.

In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts "dream destinations," and how personal values and cultural fit factor into his analysis. He also shares why some clients end up staying put after all, and how to avoid falling into an "abusive relationship" with your new country.

If you're planning an international move — or questioning if your adopted country is truly right for you — this conversation offers a fascinating, evidence-based perspective on finding your best fit abroad.

#ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatFocus #DigitalNomads #LivingOverseas

👉 Visit Expat Focus: https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:42 Vasily's Relocation Journey

02:26 Choosing Between the UK and Amsterdam

03:47 Challenges with UK Visa and Final Decision

07:18 The Five-Month Road Trip

08:51 Importance of Data in Relocation Decisions

18:26 Client Profiles and Data-Driven Approach

20:08 Common Misconceptions About Moving to Italy

20:24 Surprising Results from Data-Driven Analysis

21:12 Practical Tips for Testing Your Top Destinations

21:56 Deciding Not to Move After All

24:06 The Role of Personal Values in Choosing a Country

32:15 The Importance of a Fresh Perspective

35:44 The Limitations and Pitfalls of Data

38:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-choose-the-best-country-for-your-move-abroad

📝 Show Notes Greener Relocation – https://greener.im

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Relocation concierge Ashley Sourci joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to France — and tackling the country's infamous bureaucracy. Originally from California, Ashley shares how she fell in love with French life, the challenges she faced setting up on her own, and why she now helps others navigate the endless paperwork and catch-22s of settling in.

She explains what a relocation concierge does, the difference between standard relocation services and her high-touch "handholding" approach, and why even locals struggle with French administration.

Ashley also breaks down typical costs, the realities of official translations, and how to avoid common pitfalls like stalled bank accounts and driver's license delays.

If you're considering a move to France — or already drowning in French paperwork — this episode offers practical insights, real-life experiences, and advice to make your transition smoother.

#ExpatLife #LivingInFrance #MoveToFrance #FrenchBureaucracy #FranceExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:56 Ashley's Journey to France

04:40 Challenges of Relocating to France

07:24 Role of a Relocation Concierge

14:52 Pricing and Client Involvement

19:56 Documentation and Language Barriers

25:29 Finding the Right Relocation Service

27:48 Ashley's Personal Reflections and Contact Information

30:33 Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/france/podcast/untangling-french-bureaucracy-how-a-relocation-concierge-can-help

📝 Show Notes

Ashley's Website – https://chezmoialsace.com

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American blogger Kirsten Raccuia returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to share her experiences with healthcare in Mexico. After relocating from Malaysia with her husband, Kirsten has navigated everything from pharmacy visits to surgery — and she opens up about the realities of medical care as a foreign resident.

She explains why Mexico is a hub for medical tourism, how costs compare with the USA, and what expats should know about insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Kirsten also highlights cultural differences in patient care, the role of word-of-mouth in finding trusted doctors, and the surprising accessibility of treatments.

If you're considering a move to Mexico — or curious about how healthcare abroad stacks up — this episode offers candid insights and practical advice.

#ExpatLife #HealthcareMexico #LivingInMexico #MedicalTourism #MexicoExpats #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/mexico/podcast/why-expats-trust-mexico-for-affordable-modern-healthcare

📝 Show Notes Kirsten's Blog – https://sandinmycurls.com

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Jordan Giberson joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share her journey from Austin, Texas to London, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From turning down a safe job offer at home to pursuing her dream of living in the UK, Jordan talks about navigating visas, surviving lockdown as a new arrival, and adapting to British culture.

She opens up about the challenges of residency rules, what Americans should know about healthcare in the UK, and how her perspective has shifted after nearly six years abroad. Jordan also reflects on cultural quirks, why she feels more at home in London now, and what she loves most about her expat life.

If you're an American considering a move to the UK — or simply curious about life on the other side of the pond — this episode is packed with insights and inspiration.

#ExpatLife #MovingToTheUK #AmericansAbroad #BritishCulture #UKVisas #HealthcareUK

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Jordan's Journey to the UK

03:38 Settling in During the Pandemic

07:16 Visa Challenges and Advice

14:28 Cultural Differences and Adaptation

20:15 Returning to Texas During COVID

21:31 Healthcare Differences: USA vs UK

24:33 Visa and Residency in the UK

28:44 Considering Other European Countries

31:36 Adapting to British Culture

36:24 Benefits of Living Abroad

38:14 Where to Find More Information

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/italy/podcast/living-in-london-how-one-american-made-it-work

📝 Show Notes Jordan's Website - https://jordangiberson.com

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Barbara Boyle joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss her move from a high-flying advertising career in the US to a tranquil life in Monforte d'Alba, a small town in Italy's Piedmont region. Barbara shares what it was like to renovate a 300-year-old stone barn with zero Italian, embrace the local slow food culture, and become part of a tight-knit rural community.

She also opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis and why she returned to the US for treatment, and reflects on the joys and challenges of expat life. Her new memoir, 'Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse', captures the essence of her Italian adventure. If you've ever dreamed of moving to Italy, this one's for you.

📘 Order Barbara's memoir: https://www.barbaraboyleauthor.com/

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🌍 Explore more at https://www.expatfocus.com

#ExpatLife #Italy #SlowLiving #PinchMe #FarmhouseRenovation #MovingToItaly

00:00 Introducing Barbara Boyle

00:51 Barbara's Writing Journey

03:26 Barbara's Advertising Career

06:25 Falling in Love with Montfort

09:06 The Slow Food Movement

11:39 Renovating the Barn

14:26 Challenges and Community Support

17:35 Learning Italian and Cultural Integration

20:56 Adjusting to a Slower Pace of Life

21:17 Nostalgia and Simplicity of Life in Silicon Valley

21:53 Adjusting to a Slower Pace in Italy

22:26 Balancing Busyness and Retirement

23:38 Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Journey

28:52 Comparing Healthcare Systems: Italy vs. USA

 32:07 Building Community and Friendships in Italy

34:42 Joining Local Activities and Clubs

38:54 Advice for Aspiring Expats

40:41 The Perfect Italian Dish

41:36 Final Thoughts

Sigga Hansen joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share honest insights about learning Danish as an expat. As founder of Lingua Danica and one of Denmark's most experienced Danish teachers, she reveals why Danish is trickier than expected - and why it's essential for truly experiencing Danish life. Key Insights:

• Why Germans learn Danish faster than Swedes (surprising but true!)
• The pronunciation challenges that trip up most learners
• Why Copenhageners immediately switch to English
• The "hidden Denmark" you'll miss if you only speak English
• Real language learning strategies that work beyond apps

Sigga brings unique perspective from teaching thousands of international students and living abroad herself. Whether you're moving to Denmark for work or love, this episode helps set realistic expectations while finding motivation to push through the challenging early stages.

#LearnDanish #Denmark #ExpatLife #LanguageLearning #DanishLanguage #MovingToDenmark

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Meet Sigga Hansen: Danish Language Teacher

00:54 Sigga's Journey to Teaching Danish

02:40 Challenges and Rewards of Learning Danish

03:34 Typical Students and Their Motivations

04:18 The Role of English in Denmark

05:29 Language Similarities and Learning Advantages

07:04 High-Profile Danish Speakers

09:38 Danish Pronunciation and Patience

12:00 Teaching Danish: Joys and Methods

14:31 The Importance of Learning Danish in Denmark

17:18 Staying Motivated and Measuring Progress

18:26 Where to Find Sigga Hansen

18:59 Conclusion and Additional Resources

Find Sigga Hansen on Instagram: @LinguaDanica

More Denmark episodes:

🎧 Expat Careers In Denmark

🎧 How The Danish Healthcare System Works

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📧 Newsletter: expatfocus.com/newsletter

Ever wondered what it's like to be pregnant in a foreign country? In this episode, Carlie chats with Sarah, an American living near Paris who recently welcomed her baby daughter Laura into the world.

Sarah takes us through her entire French pregnancy journey - from those first nervous blood tests to her unexpected emergency C-section. She shares the real differences between French and American maternity care, including the shocking perks (priority cards that let you skip lines!), excellent healthcare coverage, and those amazing 16 weeks of paid maternity leave.

You'll hear about the French approach to prenatal appointments, midwife care, and what really happens in French hospitals (spoiler: they actually encouraged her to eat a burger before delivery!).

Whether you're planning a move abroad, expecting a baby, or just curious about healthcare differences around the world, Sarah's story offers both practical advice and emotional insights into one of life's biggest adventures... in a foreign language!

#expatlife #moveabroad #france

00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback

00:20 Meet Sarah: An American in Paris

01:38 Sarah's Journey to France

04:06 Discovering Pregnancy in France

07:33 Navigating Prenatal Care

11:54 Childbirth Classes and Preparation

15:49 Hospital Choices and Birth Plans

18:57 Sarah's Birth Experience

29:04 Quick Birth Experience

30:59 Hospital Stay and Recovery

32:46 Newborn Care and Challenges

34:26 Support from Nursing Staff

38:04 Navigating French Healthcare

42:56 Unique Aspects of French Pregnancy

52:11 Maternity Leave and Benefits

54:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

Sarah's blog - https://abuckeyeinparis.com

Sarah's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abuckeyeinparis

David Andrews, Director of Visa Visa Limited, returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to explain New Zealand's new approach to digital nomads. In this episode, we uncover the truth behind what's been called a "digital nomad visa" (but isn't actually a new visa at all!), exploring how visitors can now legally work remotely while enjoying everything New Zealand has to offer.

David shares valuable insights about:

• How the visitor visa rules have changed to accommodate digital nomads
• Tax implications for remote workers from countries with tax treaties
• The current job market and in-demand skills in New Zealand
• Investment visa changes making NZ more attractive for high-net-worth individuals
• An increase in American professionals (especially doctors) looking to relocate
• Practical advice on qualification transfers and finding employment
• The best locations for digital nomads, from Auckland to Christchurch
• Internet connectivity solutions for remote workers

Whether you're considering a short working holiday or testing the waters for a permanent move, this episode provides essential information for anyone interested in experiencing life in New Zealand while maintaining their remote career.

#expatlife #digitalnomad #newzealand #moveabroad

00:00 Introduction and Exciting News for Digital Nomads

01:17 Understanding New Zealand's Digital Nomad Visa

01:59 Visa Conditions and Practical Implications

03:57 Extended Stays and Tax Implications

11:18 Job Market and Employment Opportunities

12:42 Investment and Residency Options

19:09 Practical Tips for Digital Nomads in New Zealand

23:03 Conclusion and Contact Information

Devra Jacobs joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how to achieve a "happy move" when relocating. Drawing from her experience of 29 moves, including living abroad in Korea, Devra shares practical tips on making the moving process as stress-free as possible. She discusses the importance of pre-move preparation, including what to keep and what to leave behind, how to pack efficiently, and how to handle pets and children during transitions.

As the co-author of "A Happy Move," Devra provides insights on working with professional movers vs. DIY moves, the best times to relocate, and crucial post-move considerations that people often overlook. She shares valuable lessons learned from her extensive moving experience, including how to avoid common pitfalls like moving during peak seasons or holidays, and practical advice on documenting your belongings for insurance purposes. Whether you're moving across the country or internationally, this episode offers essential guidance on making your next move a successful one. Learn more about Devra's book at ahappymove.com.

#ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatTips #MovingTips #ExpatPodcast #InternationalMove

00:00 Introduction and Listener Feedback Request

00:35 Guest Introduction: Devra Jacobs

01:26 Devra's Moving Experiences

03:14 Achieving a Happy Move

05:35 Practical Moving Tips

10:36 Packing and Professional Movers

19:57 Managing Pets and Kids During a Move

25:01 Timing Your Move

31:35 Post-Move Considerations

34:41 Conclusion and Contact Information