This is a wonderful article! Thank you for sharing. I am a dual Italian citizen and live in Italy half the year and I agree with much of what you have to say! I hope you’ll follow me and my exploits at Wisdom She Wrote.
Hi Francine! Thank you so much for your comment, I followed you! I love that you have dual citizenship. Do you find it difficult/challenging to go back and forth?
Kimberly, thank you so much! There is definitely an adjustment period, especially coming back to the US, but I love both of my worlds. I look forward to reading more of your writing and hope you will do the same.
"Avoid driving up rents by choosing accommodations within local price ranges." Will go away little deeper on this with maybe a local example? I can't wrap my head around this, how would I research? What would be say my first three steps in doing so?
Great article, so detailed and gave me so much to think about. Thank you!!
Hi Patti. I'm glad the article helped! re: strategies to make sure you're not driving up rental costs: you'd have to do your research on rents in whatever area you want to live in by using online rental platforms. There are many and different ones for each country but for example, you may look at Idealista for a few months to see what the rents are.
While I wish I had the time to answer in more detail, I have 4 other jobs besides this one and have to use my time wisely. I always answer everyone's comments but I can't always go into depth due to my time constraints. If I'm able to create a more in-depth note about this topic in the future, I'll let you know! I hope you understand!!
Well, I might have a better idea. :) First, thank you for taking the time to answer in depth as you did. How about I schedule a consultation with you on the art of researching places to live. I'm early in the process. And I'd like to narrow it down before committing to the relocation process (obviously) so this would be a wonderful addition to helping me do so.
Hi again, Patti I was thinking about your question and I should probably clarify in my article that this in particular speaks to expats or people moving that have a lot of money. Anyone on a budget is not going to pay an exorbitant amount for rent.
But I know of one person who buys and sells million dollar houses in the Algarve and that is the kind of thing that drives up housing prices and rent.
Oh, nope! I'm definitely on a budget and looking for marketable housing. I want to blend in and contribute to my new community, not be a taker. Thanks for the clarification!
No worries. My husband will be likely leaving Tuesday. As soon as I have confirmation (which can change at any given time so difficult to make plans 🙃) I'll be checking gnin for our chat aka making an appt. 😀
Great advice! I love that there’s vegan clubs, as my husband and I eat whole food plant based. I was in Portugal for the first time in August and September of 2024 and cat sat for a friend. My husband and I had planned on slow traveling internationally before starting the process of moving there…but we’ve decided that now is the time to get out of the US.
Hi Pam, I still think slow travel is a great option, to decide where you may want to settle. I would have done that if it weren't for having a very sick dog at the time. But if you already know you want to move here then you have to get your visa while you're still in the US.
Yes it's absolutely time to leave in my opinion as well. And yes, there are so many vegan (plant based) groups, I was really surprised! There's a huge on in the Algarve too!
I spent a lot of time in England many years ago, and didn’t know that, but luckily I don’t use that sign 😅 but yes, it’s very important for people to know 😬
This is a great article. My husband and I moved to Belize 8 years ago and so much of this rings true. There are so many expats here buying up all the Belizean land and driving up prices. They open businesses, set up resorts. Sure, they're employing Belizeans but at what is usually Belize minimum wage of $2.50 US an hour. Also, because most expats here are White, some areas are starting to look like the White "bossman" is in charge and all the BIPOC Belizeans (95% of the population) are just the workers. I try to go to only Belizean-owned businesses, a lot of which popped up during COVID when there were not tourists here.
On the rentals, one interesting thing here is that if you're here on a tourist visa (which you can renew over and over until getting Permanant Residency which takes about 3 years(, by statute you're supposed to rent only Belize Tourism Board licensed rentals, which are pricier than local-owned rentals. One thing that happens is that expats find those much cheaper rentals and live in them illegally and it also means they're taking a really cheap rental from a Belizean family. Anyway, thanks for this thoughtful article. When we moved to Belize, we lived in an all local neighborhood and now work with locals in the Maya village where we live on a ton of projects!
Oh-- another thing-- we have a corollary issue in Belize -- White missionaries and "Voluncationers" and White Saviors bossing people around. Rachel
Hi Rachel, WOW! This is heartbreaking to hear but super important to know too!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information.
I wish there were required courses for expats and immigrants much like I wish there were required courses for parents! Alas... it's up to us to help educate and up to each individual to educate themselves!
I love hearing what you're doing to give back to the community and how you lived in an all-local neighborhood.
I think setting a good example will help a lot of other expats "do the right thing."
Amazing...this takes the words right out of my mouth!!! I live in a small town in Panama....I bought my house 10 years ago for $17K.....down the block from me a gringo is selling a smaller half ass reno for $150K....this does not help the local community!!!!
Great article, Kimberly! We love our local Portuguese restaurants and stores and I’m so thankful we live in a smaller community where I can walk everywhere. Our kids are in the public school and we are trying so hard to become part of our community and not just seek out other expats. It hasn’t been the easiest but we keep trying.
Hi Lani! Thank you so much for saying this, it's great to hear that you have found a community that's smaller but still welcoming and walkable! Where are you located?
It's awesome that you're keeping it local as much as possible and that your kids are in public school so they will learn Portuguese! So many people speak English here (including many Portuguese) so I definitely need to make an effort!!
I really liked this, Kimberly Anne! I think you set a good example by trying to live responsibly as an expat/immigrant—which is what we should all do, especially those of us here on Substack. I also like the discussion of colonization, and would emphasize the ways in which we DO NOT want our presence in other countries to remind people of the colonial experience.
Thank you so much Gregory! There's just so much to say on the topic and while we are still contributing to the problem, I believe looking for solutions is the best way to move forward.
Having spent considerable time in the Middle East in the past, during my Navy years, being overseas is a joy, and immersing yourself in a new culture can be so much fun. We always went to places where weren't "allowed" to go because we spent so much time in Arabic-speaking countries and new how to behave and interact and appreciate everything around us. Learning the local language is a great way to get started because it's fun and new and it shows locals that you're trying to be part of the community.
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!! So many people are scared of Arabic speaking countries and I'm so glad to hear that you feel comfortable there and know how to behave and interact, which is paramount. My best friend also travels a lot in Arabic countries though she is from Argentina and she loves the Arabic culture! 🥰
These are definitely issues that come more and more to the forefront for me as I travel through developing countries. I haven't figured out all the answers by any stretch of the imagination but I am trying and REALLY appreciate that you presented some possible solutions rather than just bemoaning the problems. Thank you as always dear friend for a very thoughtful post!
That’s because I bemoan for hours to you over WhatsApp Instead! LMAO!!!
I think that these issues are so different for you because of the countries you travel through and then add being female and traveling solo to that and 🤯
As I mentioned earlier in my VM, I did not even know about the head shaking thing until I wrote the article!!
What a deeply thought out article! I love that you mentioned that expats usually have a different intention when moving into other communities.
One thing I find challenging to balance as a mom of a 2 & 5 year old is weighing the feeling of safety staying in a community with more expats (an expat bubble?) versus exploring more often. We are new in our exploration of the world and for some reason, my slightly over-nervous mom brain wants to find a bit of familiar while we travel. Living this life with young kids is a whole new world haha. Perhaps it's a skill I'll grow into or will find as they get older.
Thank you so much Tanessa, it was inspired by our lovely and thoughtful conversation so thank YOU!
Oh, yes your kids are young! I LOVE that you're giving them these amazing, wonderful, meaningful experiences at those ages. But putting their safety first is a huge, top priority and I hadn't even thought about that.
I'm sure everything will change and morph and then change again. You'll gain insights and I bet you'll find some places that just feel (or ARE) safer for them.
You're the best mom ever, in my book! I wish my parents had done what you're doing. I wish all parents did!
Oh wow! There's so much I don't even think about, like that! I do know of several families to travel through Europe with three kids in a van but yours may not be old enough for that type of adventure yet. 😬
No, they're far too young but they will! I first visited Europe when I was 9 years old and it positively shaped my entire life!!! I LOVE historical buildings because of it!
Wow such a breath of fresh air, this! Hold on a second, you’re vegan too? I had no idea! This is so awesome!!
Anyway, the peson who said moving abroad is like colonization is out of their mind, sorry 😅 you’ve explained it in full detail (I think it’s worth being an article in itself btw) but I’ve never heard such thing except from far right people (who simply hate foreigners but not expats, for obvious reasons).
Lovely piece that I could’ve written myself! So good
wow, I didn't know you're vegans as well!!! We probably could have figured that out though... similar (not 100%) values!
Thank you so much re: the colonization schtuff, I've had so many people accuse me of it, more than I can count--but not in awhile so maybe they went the way of Severance.
Hi, there are a lot of vegans in the U.S.! But then again, it's a huge country; but I also know quite a few vegans here too, including a few Portuguese people!
I'm glad you, your wife and I are all on the same page!!!
This is a wonderful article! Thank you for sharing. I am a dual Italian citizen and live in Italy half the year and I agree with much of what you have to say! I hope you’ll follow me and my exploits at Wisdom She Wrote.
Hi Francine! Thank you so much for your comment, I followed you! I love that you have dual citizenship. Do you find it difficult/challenging to go back and forth?
Kimberly, thank you so much! There is definitely an adjustment period, especially coming back to the US, but I love both of my worlds. I look forward to reading more of your writing and hope you will do the same.
I understand the adjustment (Stateside), it’s much more so than the returning to Europe side! I’m happy to hear you love both worlds :)
And yes, I look forward to reading your articles as well!
Thank you!!
"Avoid driving up rents by choosing accommodations within local price ranges." Will go away little deeper on this with maybe a local example? I can't wrap my head around this, how would I research? What would be say my first three steps in doing so?
Great article, so detailed and gave me so much to think about. Thank you!!
Hi Patti. I'm glad the article helped! re: strategies to make sure you're not driving up rental costs: you'd have to do your research on rents in whatever area you want to live in by using online rental platforms. There are many and different ones for each country but for example, you may look at Idealista for a few months to see what the rents are.
While I wish I had the time to answer in more detail, I have 4 other jobs besides this one and have to use my time wisely. I always answer everyone's comments but I can't always go into depth due to my time constraints. If I'm able to create a more in-depth note about this topic in the future, I'll let you know! I hope you understand!!
Well, I might have a better idea. :) First, thank you for taking the time to answer in depth as you did. How about I schedule a consultation with you on the art of researching places to live. I'm early in the process. And I'd like to narrow it down before committing to the relocation process (obviously) so this would be a wonderful addition to helping me do so.
Hi Patti, that would be great!!
Here are my offerings, but no pressure! https://expatonabudget.com/coachingopt/
Hi again, Patti I was thinking about your question and I should probably clarify in my article that this in particular speaks to expats or people moving that have a lot of money. Anyone on a budget is not going to pay an exorbitant amount for rent.
But I know of one person who buys and sells million dollar houses in the Algarve and that is the kind of thing that drives up housing prices and rent.
Oh, nope! I'm definitely on a budget and looking for marketable housing. I want to blend in and contribute to my new community, not be a taker. Thanks for the clarification!
Hi Patti, yes sorry, I realized that after I sent you the first response! 😬
No worries. My husband will be likely leaving Tuesday. As soon as I have confirmation (which can change at any given time so difficult to make plans 🙃) I'll be checking gnin for our chat aka making an appt. 😀
Hi Patti, no hurry! When the time is right...!!!
Thank you!!
Great advice! I love that there’s vegan clubs, as my husband and I eat whole food plant based. I was in Portugal for the first time in August and September of 2024 and cat sat for a friend. My husband and I had planned on slow traveling internationally before starting the process of moving there…but we’ve decided that now is the time to get out of the US.
Hi Pam, I still think slow travel is a great option, to decide where you may want to settle. I would have done that if it weren't for having a very sick dog at the time. But if you already know you want to move here then you have to get your visa while you're still in the US.
Yes it's absolutely time to leave in my opinion as well. And yes, there are so many vegan (plant based) groups, I was really surprised! There's a huge on in the Algarve too!
It's my duty as a Brit to let you know that a V sign with the palm facing inwards means the same as giving someone the middle finger.
Yes! Thank you!!!
I spent a lot of time in England many years ago, and didn’t know that, but luckily I don’t use that sign 😅 but yes, it’s very important for people to know 😬
This is a great article. My husband and I moved to Belize 8 years ago and so much of this rings true. There are so many expats here buying up all the Belizean land and driving up prices. They open businesses, set up resorts. Sure, they're employing Belizeans but at what is usually Belize minimum wage of $2.50 US an hour. Also, because most expats here are White, some areas are starting to look like the White "bossman" is in charge and all the BIPOC Belizeans (95% of the population) are just the workers. I try to go to only Belizean-owned businesses, a lot of which popped up during COVID when there were not tourists here.
On the rentals, one interesting thing here is that if you're here on a tourist visa (which you can renew over and over until getting Permanant Residency which takes about 3 years(, by statute you're supposed to rent only Belize Tourism Board licensed rentals, which are pricier than local-owned rentals. One thing that happens is that expats find those much cheaper rentals and live in them illegally and it also means they're taking a really cheap rental from a Belizean family. Anyway, thanks for this thoughtful article. When we moved to Belize, we lived in an all local neighborhood and now work with locals in the Maya village where we live on a ton of projects!
Oh-- another thing-- we have a corollary issue in Belize -- White missionaries and "Voluncationers" and White Saviors bossing people around. Rachel
Hi Rachel, WOW! This is heartbreaking to hear but super important to know too!! Thank you so much for sharing all of this information.
I wish there were required courses for expats and immigrants much like I wish there were required courses for parents! Alas... it's up to us to help educate and up to each individual to educate themselves!
I love hearing what you're doing to give back to the community and how you lived in an all-local neighborhood.
I think setting a good example will help a lot of other expats "do the right thing."
Great article!!!
Thank you so much!
Amazing...this takes the words right out of my mouth!!! I live in a small town in Panama....I bought my house 10 years ago for $17K.....down the block from me a gringo is selling a smaller half ass reno for $150K....this does not help the local community!!!!
Wow, just WOW! No, that does NOT help the local community :(
This was great! So much to think about. I had the same question as Patti, so your explanation was helpful.
Thank you so much Ororo!!! I super appreciate your comments and am glad the explanation was helpful :)
Great article, Kimberly! We love our local Portuguese restaurants and stores and I’m so thankful we live in a smaller community where I can walk everywhere. Our kids are in the public school and we are trying so hard to become part of our community and not just seek out other expats. It hasn’t been the easiest but we keep trying.
Hi Lani! Thank you so much for saying this, it's great to hear that you have found a community that's smaller but still welcoming and walkable! Where are you located?
It's awesome that you're keeping it local as much as possible and that your kids are in public school so they will learn Portuguese! So many people speak English here (including many Portuguese) so I definitely need to make an effort!!
No, it's not easy but so rewarding!!
I really liked this, Kimberly Anne! I think you set a good example by trying to live responsibly as an expat/immigrant—which is what we should all do, especially those of us here on Substack. I also like the discussion of colonization, and would emphasize the ways in which we DO NOT want our presence in other countries to remind people of the colonial experience.
Thank you so much Gregory! There's just so much to say on the topic and while we are still contributing to the problem, I believe looking for solutions is the best way to move forward.
Having spent considerable time in the Middle East in the past, during my Navy years, being overseas is a joy, and immersing yourself in a new culture can be so much fun. We always went to places where weren't "allowed" to go because we spent so much time in Arabic-speaking countries and new how to behave and interact and appreciate everything around us. Learning the local language is a great way to get started because it's fun and new and it shows locals that you're trying to be part of the community.
This is amazing! Thank you so much for sharing!! So many people are scared of Arabic speaking countries and I'm so glad to hear that you feel comfortable there and know how to behave and interact, which is paramount. My best friend also travels a lot in Arabic countries though she is from Argentina and she loves the Arabic culture! 🥰
These are definitely issues that come more and more to the forefront for me as I travel through developing countries. I haven't figured out all the answers by any stretch of the imagination but I am trying and REALLY appreciate that you presented some possible solutions rather than just bemoaning the problems. Thank you as always dear friend for a very thoughtful post!
AWwww thank you so much!!!
That’s because I bemoan for hours to you over WhatsApp Instead! LMAO!!!
I think that these issues are so different for you because of the countries you travel through and then add being female and traveling solo to that and 🤯
As I mentioned earlier in my VM, I did not even know about the head shaking thing until I wrote the article!!
Love you!!!!!!!!
Another valuable piece! I forwarded the link to some friends who are in search-mode 👍
Thanks for sharing 💕
Thank you SO MUCH Reenie!! I really appreciate that!!
What a deeply thought out article! I love that you mentioned that expats usually have a different intention when moving into other communities.
One thing I find challenging to balance as a mom of a 2 & 5 year old is weighing the feeling of safety staying in a community with more expats (an expat bubble?) versus exploring more often. We are new in our exploration of the world and for some reason, my slightly over-nervous mom brain wants to find a bit of familiar while we travel. Living this life with young kids is a whole new world haha. Perhaps it's a skill I'll grow into or will find as they get older.
Thanks for the mention. It was a lovely post.
Thank you so much Tanessa, it was inspired by our lovely and thoughtful conversation so thank YOU!
Oh, yes your kids are young! I LOVE that you're giving them these amazing, wonderful, meaningful experiences at those ages. But putting their safety first is a huge, top priority and I hadn't even thought about that.
I'm sure everything will change and morph and then change again. You'll gain insights and I bet you'll find some places that just feel (or ARE) safer for them.
You're the best mom ever, in my book! I wish my parents had done what you're doing. I wish all parents did!
You're too kind, thanks Kimberly.
And yes! Even just simple things like hopping on the local bus is such a different experience with littles haha
Learning in progress!
Oh wow! There's so much I don't even think about, like that! I do know of several families to travel through Europe with three kids in a van but yours may not be old enough for that type of adventure yet. 😬
LOL agreed. I don’t think they care for cafes, old buildings and historical tours YET!
No, they're far too young but they will! I first visited Europe when I was 9 years old and it positively shaped my entire life!!! I LOVE historical buildings because of it!
Wow such a breath of fresh air, this! Hold on a second, you’re vegan too? I had no idea! This is so awesome!!
Anyway, the peson who said moving abroad is like colonization is out of their mind, sorry 😅 you’ve explained it in full detail (I think it’s worth being an article in itself btw) but I’ve never heard such thing except from far right people (who simply hate foreigners but not expats, for obvious reasons).
Lovely piece that I could’ve written myself! So good
Awww thank you!!!!
wow, I didn't know you're vegans as well!!! We probably could have figured that out though... similar (not 100%) values!
Thank you so much re: the colonization schtuff, I've had so many people accuse me of it, more than I can count--but not in awhile so maybe they went the way of Severance.
Thank you again for your kind words!!!
Haha agreed! I’m always surprised to find out other people are vegan tbh, we aren’t that many, unfortunately :/
Wow sorry to hear that!
Hi, there are a lot of vegans in the U.S.! But then again, it's a huge country; but I also know quite a few vegans here too, including a few Portuguese people!
I'm glad you, your wife and I are all on the same page!!!
Another great read! Excellent points to remember and take to heart before you go and once you get there. 😄
Thank you so much Rose!!!