Not Your Average Globetrotter

In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter I wanted to share my personal experience as an expat in Portugal and discuss common mistakes that people often make when living and working abroad. Whether you're an American or from anywhere else in the world, moving to a new country can be daunting. That's why it's important to be aware of the potential pitfalls to avoid.

00:00 - Opening Thoughts & Intro

When thinking about moving abroad, it is undoubtedly quite important to think ahead, make a plan and do all of the research that you can before making the big move. Living in a foreign country can be challenging, especially when it comes to language barriers and cultural differences but having some knowledge on your side ahead of time can make things that much easier. That's why I always recommend trying to learn more than just basic phrases as well as local customs before you arrive at your destination. It can help you to feel more comfortable and confident in your new surroundings.

If you're considering moving to Portugal or just visiting, you may be interested in the differences between Lisbon and Braga. I recently shared a post on Instagram with a few photos from my trip last weekend to Lisbon.  While I was there, I couldn't help but contrast Lisbon and Braga. In conversation with locals, I realized that the conversation style can differ significantly from the north of the country to the south. One major difference is how directly individuals may converse with one another, and socialize... another is in profanity usage which actually changes significantly from region to region.  Aside from social contrasts, the size of the cities can really impact life and how you get around. The distance from one location to another can certainly impact your day-to-day life.  Getting around Portugal can be quite easy and it's nice to have various options.  The last time I went to Lisbon, I took the train but this time I flew from Porto to Lisbon to get a better idea of the experience. In this expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, I'll share some of my observations regarding the differences between Braga and Lisbon Portugal, getting around these cities and traveling between them as well.

Portugal is a beautiful country with numerous attractions and CAN offer affordable living for individuals who choose to move to Portugal from abroad. However, to have a successful move to Portugal, I personally believe that expats should have a balanced view of both the positives and negatives of what it is like to live in Portugal. In this living abroad expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, I'll share some of the things that might be challenging for expats to adjust to with when living in Portugal. Firstly, the cost of living in desirable areas of Portugal, such as Lisbon and Porto, can be expensive, especially for those on a fixed income. Rent for a two-bedroom apartment in some places such as Cascais can be as high as €2000-€3000, a far cry from the low prices that are often praised in the media. Traffic in some parts of the country can be challenging. However, public transportation in the cities can be relatively good but many locals will complain about it and rural areas can be difficult to access with public transportation. The Portuguese population is growing and many people are choosing to relocate to Portugal, which means issues such as traffic and the cost of living might not get better as time goes on...

The Portuguese government recently unveiled POSSIBLE new measures to combat the country's housing crisis and high cost of living. The changes include ending the controversial golden visa program, which some argue has driven up housing prices. The government is also considering a ban on short-term rentals such as AirBNBs, which have further contributed to the housing shortage. To incentivize landlords to rent to locals, the government is offering tax breaks to those who convert their properties into long-term rentals.  While not everyone may support these measures, they could be interesting and potentially crucial steps toward addressing Portugal's housing crisis and making affordable housing more accessible to locals. By discontinuing the golden visa program, the government hopes to reduce housing prices and improve the quality of life for Portuguese residents. The proposed ban on short-term rentals aims to boost the supply of available housing, potentially leading to lower prices. The tax incentives that could come for landlords who convert their properties from short-term to long-term rentals could make it more appealing to rent to locals in need of affordable housing.  For current and prospective expats, these changes could significantly impact decisions regarding living in Portugal. As the country works to address the housing crisis. Finding affordable housing in Portugal may become easier. However, some have criticized the tax incentives, arguing that they may benefit landlords who have already profited from the housing market. It is essential to monitor developments to make informed decisions about living in Portugal.  Overall, the Portuguese government's new measures might prove to be a step in the right direction toward addressing the housing crisis. While it remains to be seen how effective they will be, the government seems to be taking the issue seriously by looking at implementing measures to tackle it. If you're an American or expat in Portugal, or if you're considering moving abroad, keeping up with these developments could help you make informed decisions about your future in the country.

In this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of working remotely from Portugal. The stunning coastline, historic cities, and laid-back lifestyle have made Portugal a popular destination for both expats and digital nomads alike. Whether you're thinking of making a move to this picturesque country or simply curious about what it's like to work remotely from Portugal as a digital nomad temporarily, this episode will share my "boots on the ground perspective" of the realities you may encounter.  We'll delve into subjects like the cost of living, bureaucracy, and other important factors to consider when living in Portugal. You'll learn about the perks of being an expat in Portugal, such as the friendly locals, the relaxed pace of life, and the numerous positive aspects of living in Portugal. However, it's important to also consider the potential drawbacks, such as the language barrier and the slightly more complex red tape you might have to navigate as a digital nomad or expat living in Portugal.  While a work-life balance is one of the reasons that many people are drawn to Portugal, this episode is meant to function as part 1 of an overview of what it's like to live and work as a remote professional in Portugal. Portugal, like any other location, has its own unique set of positives and negatives that you'll need to weigh and determine if it's the right fit for you. With everything weighed out, I do have to say I find Portugal to be a beautiful country with much to offer those who are seeking a new place to call home.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting Amir Ghannad and found familiarity in his incredible story of moving abroad alone at just 16 years old from Iran to the US. Through his challenges and triumphs, he's built a life as a successful expat and digital nomad, exploring the world and sharing his unique experiences of living as a student, expat, family man, career man and entrepreneur in the USA, Thailand, Germany and now Portugal. This living abroad/expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter provides an inside look into the ups and downs of expat life, as Amir shares his journey and what he's been through as expat/immigrant. The determination and resilience he's had to use in his challenges is an inspiring mindset for anyone wanting to leave their country and become digital nomad or expat. Whether you're considering a move abroad, starting a new life in a foreign country, or simply interested in the expat/digital nomad experience, this episode contains some valuable lessons and tips to help you successfully transition into a fulfilling life abroad.

Living in Europe as an Italian dual-citizen expat has been quite an interesting experience. Based on what I've seen so far, I wanted to explore the topics around the cultural aspect of what it means to be "Italian" or considered to be Italian... Over the years there has been an evolution of how my perception of what ‘being Italian’ means due to my experiences in Italy and elsewhere. I also wanted to touch on how connecting with Italy has been both heartwarming and eye-opening for me... In this living abroad expat podcast episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, my aim is to share my perspective and some of my experiences as an Italian dual citizen living in Europe for those who may be thinking about the same ‘journey’.

Let’s explore the thought process along with some of the pros and cons of moving abroad to start a new life. I will share my own personal journey and experiences living in different countries and cities, including my current experience as an expat in Portugal. We will also discuss the remote possibilities of other countries to live in, in other parts of the world such as South America or Asia. We’ll also get into the considerations of safety, culture, and lifestyle as I think it's important to weigh the decision of where to make your permanent (or even temporary) home. Join me for this episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter as we discuss the pros and cons of living in major cities, the convenience of proximity to other European destinations, and other topics such as the importance of being close to family. Hopefully, some of my thought processes may help those who are thinking about moving abroad, or moving abroad again even if you find yourself attracted to different details related to a location or different locations than what I might consider.

Living abroad can be a rewarding and enriching experience, but it also requires patience and the ability to slow down. One major cultural difference between the USA and other countries is the fast-paced American culture versus the slower pace of life abroad. The pressure to perform and achieve financial success can also be more intense in the USA compared to other countries. Living in a foreign country can be challenging at times, but it also allows for personal growth and development. By learning to be patient and embracing a slower pace of life, expats can fully immerse themselves in their new culture and make the most of their time abroad. In this expat podcast living abroad episode of Not Your Average Globetrotter, we discuss the importance of learning to adapt to different cultural norms and the benefits of taking a more laid-back approach to life.