Should You Move to Portugal If You Haven’t Traveled Outside the US?

If you are from the US and you're considering moving abroad or to Portugal specifically, please understand that visiting a place is completely different than living there. Moving to Portugal from the US was one of the best decisions I made. Before moving from the US I traveled extensively. During those travels I enjoyed embracing the differences, learning about different cultures, meeting new people, etc. If you haven't left the US, you will learn first hand if you like those experiences or not.

But what if you don't like the differences? You didn't enjoyed the life you had in your home country, but you never had anything to compare it to. So what do you do now? I have been getting various correspondence from people who moved/visited and having a difficult time.

Couple things I want you to consider:
1.Culture shock is a real thing
2. Your support system is not close. When you deal with the regular stresses of life, you may find it challenging when you have to deal with it alone.
3. You will miss your loved ones. When someone gets sick or passes away while you are in another country. It HURTS!
4. If you don’t speak the language you will struggle. As an immigrant you have to deal with various government agencies in which you will not be able to fully communicate. If you fall apart easily with this type of pressure, you may want to reconsider moving abroad.
5. Please have a financial plan. You will make many costly mistakes so prepare to spend a lot of money initially.

Find me online

A little about me…

Hey there! I’m Cinnamon, an entrepreneur and data-driven digital marketer. I left the US and moved to Portugal to create the life I have always dreamed of. I use my 20 years of experience to help driven and ambitious entrepreneurs and businesses grow and scale their business with technology and digital marketing strategies. I help individuals and businesses create additional profit sectors online for a global market.
My goal is to help people create a location-independent lifestyle and freedom to do what they enjoy.

Thanks for watching!

[AmbassadorofthelightChris]

I remember going to Portugal and many other European countries as a young man in the Military. Being in the states compared to being in other countries, there really isn't any comparison. I'm strongly considering moving to Portugal. My best friend and business partner is in the process of moving to Bosnia, to a good friend of ours property. The lifestyles in most European countries are much more laid back unlike what we have in the United States. I commend you for making that leap of faith and following your heart and living your best life. Happy I found this channel, yet another reason to take my own personal leap of faith and move forward. I've got residual income set up so there really isn't much reasons to stay put. Cheers!

[Cultured_Barbarian]

Great information, as always!
Direct and honest are two of the MANY reasons we all love your channel.

[rochellemckinney]

Thanks for sharing. Try before you buy👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[PI]

I lived in Bad Hersfeld Germany 4 years as a service member's wife several years ago. Lived on the "economy" because base housing was full. He was always deployed, so I was alone with our toddlers during that time. I don't recall having any real culture shock. It was just different and had to adjust. BUT, I am a loner. So, I could honestly care less about finding a "community". As long as I can find a grocery store, a yoga spot, a nice small apartment in a great area, I'd be content. That said, I would visit a few times before picking up moving. Maybe a shorter stay (3 to 4 days) first to peep. Then a longer stay ( 2 to 3 weeks), then 3 months stay etc. You should have a good feel for the area by then to decide if you want to move permanently.

[inmytravelstoday]

It always surprises me how many women in my community want to leave the U.S. and move to an entirely different country and have NEVER lived abroad, let alone travel abroad!

[sandrasgotvoice]

Hey sis! Love, love your transparency as always!! I'm getting out now, and getting closer to the border :)

[PatriciaBrooksCourageCatalyst]

Great food for thought. I could not have moved to a foreign country sight unseen, I wanted/needed to get a sense of the place I would call home to see if it felt right. Even with that, cultural differences are real. Some welcome, some challenging. And so is the feeling of loneliness or isolation that you spoke of. Thank you for sharing your experience. Very insightful!

[JosephOrganicAttraction]

Portugal is a great country, but if you're thinking about moving somewhere and you haven't even travelled out of your own country that is borderline insane. Do at least three trip first. See what kinds of places you like, then consider making the move.

[lord_eiro]

Hola tia! Hugs from Sevilla, Spain 🇪🇸. It be great out here too!! xx love to Portugal & you!

[amyellen]

Cultural fluency is an acquired skill. Thank you for addressing this and for being so candid.

[Evmahalo]

This video ended and the internal conversation got heavy..everything stated is so real KNOWING that (many of us) have yet to face the wall of reality that awaits.. real talk, thank you.. 🌷

[hellophoenix]

I’ve lived in 4 different countries and traveled extensively but I do agree with you it’s really difficult to lose your support system and especially if you’re almost 60 and have back pain that causes limited mobility.

I’ve been dreaming to move to France or Portugal for a long time but I don’t even know how to rent an apartment and ship my chair and mattress before arriving to Portugal . So when I get to Lisbon, my things are there waiting for me.

I don’t even know if they have companies that will do all of this before arriving in Portugal

[Ale-dwww]

Culture shock is really a lack of openness. You mostly hear that term from Americans because we have such a deep sense of privilege. I remember visiting Vietnam for the first time, it took a few days to adjust. I had a conversation with self. Basically. It boils down to DIFFERENCE and that can be awkward. When we are in an uncomfortable place, old emotions tend to resurface. I have learned to sit with it and just be vulnerable, Every new place is an opportunity to know your strength and widen your perception of the world. It’s a greater knowing!

[tamloves]

Thank you for sharing this and keeping it 💯. I left the east coast southern states 3 years ago and came to Northern California for work and that gave me culture shock. I know I will need to ease my way into traveling abroad and be reminded to give myself grace.
However I do think about how do you develop community before getting to your destination. Like you said were all internet strangers. 😊

[Haiyan]

My personal experience was totally different. We moved from one continent to the other and just adapted. But then again, we were teenagers, it’s definitely harder when you’re an adult. The last time I moved countries was 14 years ago.

[Tripsshetakes]

I’ve lived in so many different states. I’ve been so many different culture shocks it doesn’t really phase me anymore. My dad is from Portugal. I want to move to Portugal so bad. Maybe one day!