Why Most Americans Living in Portugal End Up Leaving

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Hello I'm some guy named Dave in Portugal.

In this video I will discuss the brutal honest reality of living in Portugal and why most Americans end up leaving.

If you're interested in more videos about Portugal, subscribe to this channel and follow my journey!

-Dave

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[littlfingr]

long and gloomy winters in Portugal? mate I've been living in the UK for 14 years, you have no idea what long and gloomy looks like 😂

[joaomatias]

the problem is not americans, canadians or any other nationality moving here. The problem is investment funds wanting to invest in real-estate in Portugal. They buy at already absurd prices, leave the houses empty for a while and then put them on the market for an even more ridiculous price. There are thousands of empty houses in Lisboa and Porto, that could be used for anyone to live in, regardless of their nationality.

[ianworley]

As an Englishman living in Alentejo since 2002, I've seen so many foreigners come and go. Quite a few, like me have stayed and lived happily, but quite a few more just couldnt adapt or embrace Portuguese (or nearby Spanish) life. Better that, than staying if they're unhappy. All I can say is my life only truly began when we arrived here. I will never live anywhere else. I have had nothing but wonderful experiences from the first day to now.

[micheledesoer]

I’m very confused. As an American in Portugal all the “negatives” are positives (except the graffiti, but the street art is fantastic). The whole point of moving out of the US is for differences. Not replicating the US lifestyle somewhere else. 😊

[hydrotricine]

We don't hate Americans, we don't hate anybody, we just hate being poor but that is not your fault. The impact of you coming to live here is still negligible but like everything, its just a matter of numbers, it will eventually impact our property prices and general prices just because of the huge pay gap, you really earn way more money than we do and that is the reality. I lived in California for a while and its a no brainer to move to Portugal if i was American, its safer, quieter, better value for money and overall a much better life quality. Just don't be a asshole and call your self an expat, you are an emigrant, learn the language, pay your due taxes and quit the americanism of being entitled. Another thing we don't need is racism and coffee to go, just sit down and forget your lattes and enjoy the conversation on the neighborhood café, its cheaper and you will make friends.

[lifesapeach]

People with too many choices are never satisfied

[Dr-Curious]

I'm in Spain. Haven't watched TV since I left the UK a decade+ ago. I have no idea who any celebrity is, except from good films and comedians. It's one of the best aspects of my new life. No more talking drool about things that don't matter and people who have no brains and can't handle being famous.

[djbongojsouthtexasusamixma]

I am 100% Portuguese but born and raised on the Texas-Mexico southern border. I plan on retiring to Portugal being both of my parents were Portuguese citizens. I am going to open an authentic Mexican food & Fruit/Treats joints in Lisbon

[antoniomachado]

Portuguese don't have lunch for 2-3 hours. It's 1 hour lunch on work days. On weekends and holidays sure it can be longer, assuming you are lunching with friends or family.

[JohnH-momb]

Note: he did not mention murder, robbery, carjackings, home invasions, squatting, drug addicted folks in tent cities on the streets, as is found commonly in major cities of the most exceptional nation on earth.

[jesselivermore]

im Portuguese, i like America and americans, just like other europeans, just keep in mind we never advertised the "Portuguese dream" because it doesn't exist.

[abigailgerlach]

I like many things about Portugal, but I'm not sure it would be my first choice for a new home. Although prices are lower than the US, amenities in most homes outside cities are very basic. Services outside cities are also hit or miss. You can't expect a small town to have a licensed plumber, for instance, but you'll often find that Uncle Josef can help you out with that after he brings in his olives. He also fixes cars, can rewire your home, and he occasionally can score some really good seafood from his sister's brother-in-law's second cousin.

[Maria-jsou]

Regarding taxes - DON'T say that the rate is 48% for those who earn more than 80, 000 euros a year! This amount is paid ABOVE 80, 000, that is, if you earn 85, 000 you pay 48% on 5, 000 (the difference between 85, 000 and 80, 000). Tax rates are applied by intervals. Ask your accountant to explain this to you, so you don't continue to give wrong information! Other than that, I like your channel

[edSabio]

I came to Portugal 3 and a half years ago to experience and to travel throughout Europe. I can only say that the Portuguese people I have met are the kind that we need most in this world.
Love Portugal ❤😊!

[coffeenorth]

Why is pretty much every American who moves to Europe expecting authentic Mexican food over here? You have it in the U.S. because they're your neighbors, obviously, and make up a large immigrant group. The 10 Mexicans that made to this continent are most likely in Spain. 😊 I just don't understand the recurring expectation...

[voice.of.reason]

If you move to a country and worry about whats on TV you need to get out more

[dickielarue]

Greetings from beautiful and sunny Estoril today...originally from Texas...Been a legal resident and supporter of the economy of Portugal since 2016...Traveled all over this beautiful country and met folks from all walks of life...Been blessed to live and work in 42 different countries around the world...All with pro's and cons...One thing I have never done is blame other's for my own countries problems.. No matter where you go on this planet, things will not be perfect...Never expect another place to do thing's like you are used to no matter where you come from...Do you have realistic expectations on the country you are living in or are you running away from something? If one is not secure in themselves, it matters not where you move any where on this planet...Are you moving for the right reasons...Are you an asset to place you are moving and I'm not just talking financially...Have you studied the countries history, customs and language...My Portuguese is mixto...Most folks understand me, however I'm not forcing anyone to speak my native tongue either, which is Cowboy...From Bragança to Tavira, Marvão to Ponta Delgada and everywhere in-between I have taken the roads less traveled and for me the reward has been Blessed and Rich...Portugal for me is bênçãos e energia positiva...🇵🇹😉👌🤠

[ArabianShark]

"Sometimes you have to know a guy who knows a guy in order to get things done": this is, unfortunately, quite true, I'm afraid. In our (poor) defence, things aren't so dissimilar elsewhere; when I moved to London, I couldn't open a bank account without an address, and I couldn't rent a flat without a bank account. In the end, I met a guy who knew a guy (see?) who knew a woman with a flat to let, and she was kind enough to dismiss the bureaucracy of bank accounts and such.

[deaddevil]

As a portuguese living in Jersey and working in NYC, i can guarantee you that the pace and community comments are right on point.

[shinyshinythings]

First time I’ve seen your channel. Nice video! Re: the taxes, it’s really important to emphasize that the 48% tax rate is not for “people who make over 80K€ a year” but for “that portion of your income that falls above 80K€ per year”. The proper term is not a “sliding scale”, but a “graduated taxation system”. (AKA “tax brackets” — just like the US.) In Portugal it’s a 9-tiered system, and the lowest rate is 13.25% for incomes below 7.8K€ a year. Having that many tiers actually makes Portugal’s tax system a bit easier to manage than, say, Spain’s, with only 5 tax brackets and the top rates of 45% starting at only 60K€ a year. Just wanted to throw that out there, as many Americans tend to just write off the idea of moving to Europe because they think they’ll lose 50% of their income right off the top.