Please stop promoting Portugal internationally as an ideal place to buy homes🇵🇹 as it is negatively affecting my people. There is a direct link with the Airbnb, Golden Visas and Digital Nomads and the prices of homes all over Portugal. Proof of it is the fact that even the Portuguese government pretended to fix it with a new bill that they passed last July called “home for all” which still favours Golden Visas and Digital Nomads holders over their native Portuguese. Portuguese are now starting to see rich foreigners who are buying our homes on the international house market as the source of the rising houses and rental prices. How can we compete with rich foreign who are buying our homes with our minimum salaries of €760 a month?!!!! The sad reality that Golden visa holders know that they benefit of free movement all over Europe when they buy a Portuguese home above a certain price, so the house prices were forcefully inflated to accommodate the value that guarantee them the status of Golden visa. Furthermore, as they all automatically get a Portuguese passport after 5years , which grants them free access to many countries without any commitment, really. They only have to stay 7days in the country a year to apply for a Golden visa, but they are allowed to affect the house market, our life style and our power of acquisition permanently. We live in a country with portuguese salaries, but our houses are on an international market, that is problem. In addition to this, our elderly people were forced out of their rental properties in the historic centres of cities such us Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Faro, Coimbra , Braga, Funchal, Ponta Delgada,Setubal, etc. This has killed our heritage, culture and social fabric to accommodate a superficial postcard tourism that has nothing to do with us Portuguese.
I am planning a trip next year. My mom was born on Maderia in 1936. She came to the states in 1945 with my grandmother. She was 9 when my grandfather returned from WW2 from the pacific. From what I under stand I can qualify for dual citizenship. We still have family living there. I can wait to visit
Olá! We are truly happy you are planning on coming. Many Portuguese immigrated all around the world and now generations later their kids and grandchildren are coming back. Immigration is a big part of life here. It is wonderful you will love it!
I ran into your channel today and honestly speaking the quality of your videos and the narratives are simply awesome, subscribed to your channel. The monthly cost of living you have shared is very much affordable for those from North America. We live in Canada, still working full time and plan to visit Azores, Algarve and Lisbon later this month and very much looking forward to our trip. Thank you for the tips.
Alan, I’ve just found your channel few hours ago and I can’t stop watching 😂 it’s very helpful, inspiring and relaxing also. Am an Egyptian screenwriter and am planning to move to Portugal with my wife and daughter. We’re heading to Lisbon, but you made Madeira a highly recommended option for us ❤
Olá Mark, Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. We dodged the bad weather; we are in Porto til Tuesday night. We will have that glass of wine soon. Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Great Videos! As I watch them, I also have now realized that Madeira seems to get cold, I thought since it was near Morocco, it would be warm, but have seen quite a few videos where you have on warm jackets, lol
I just found your channel and have to say it’s very enticing! I’m close to retiring and have been looking for countries repatriate. Madeira and the Azores seem great but need to visit them. I love Portugal as well but this seems closer to get back to the east coast of the US if need be. Keep up the good work!
I have been looking at several videos of Portugal and most are on the main land which is nice too but the Island is gorgeous. I definitely want to take a trip there to see both the Island and the main land.
Hi Alan, your voice is so soothing that it puts any and all of our anxiety we may have in making a move to Madeira lessen. Also, the absolutely great information you have given us all continues to give us such a relief and to says yes, this is very possible to do! Obrigado!
Hi there. I love watching your videos! So much information. I have a question. I am guessing I know the answer, but want to ask anyway. Are there horses in Madeira? I see that it is a-lot of steep roads, mountainous… I am guessing it is hard to find a horse property there… or stables. We have two horses, so wherever we move, we will be spending the high cost of flying our two horses to our destination.
Ola! We are glad you are here and invite you to join us on Patreon www.patreon.com/itllbefun where you will have access to our full vendor listing. In the mean time here is our International mover please let them know that Leslie and Alan from It'll Be Fun sent you. Laser International Shipping (USA based) When you need to move internationally with a comprehensive package that includes vehicles and household items, we recommend Laser International Shipping. For personalized assistance, contact Adam Knizer: Email: adam@lasermoving.com Phone (US): 1-630-200-6963 Have a wonderful day Alan
Olá Scott, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. There are other visa options. You will have to determine the best option for you. Unfortunately, none like the golden visa. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hi …..connected with your very nice channel via Expats Everywhere…….leaving for Portugal to stay with expat friends. I am coming to Madiera with you in mind to pick your brain. Love your videos.
Olá. Mary, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Enjoy your journey to Madeira, and when you arrive, let us know. Obrigado Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I am really enjoying your videos and the relaxed style of your presentation. I am looking to retire and move to Portugal, but I am now concerned with the recent tax changes coming from the Portuguese government for Ex-Pats.
Ola Spiratustreviso Yes, it is scary but we recommend that you contact a Portuguese tax attorney and have them look at your situation. Some people it effects and others not so much. Our tax attorney is listed in the NHR videos and is also available on our vendor list just go to www.patreon.com/itllbefun Thanks for your support and have a wonderful day!
Boa tarde . Thank you for sharing this very useful information , with us. When importing the car, you were advised by someone, a lawyer or a person who we could use too ?
Ola Mircea, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Yes, we used an international moving company out of Chicago. As well as Acp which is the Automotive club of Portugal like AAA is the USA. They help with the legalization of the car once it got here. Thanks Alan
An interesting budget. Of course everyone has their own priorities and peculiarities, that will differ. Because of assorted food aversions, the last time we ate in anything approaching a restaurant was in 2021. For alcoholic drinks, I would have to go back to the early 1970s. What your budget appears to lack is hobby expenses. While my wife can spend a lot of money buying wool yarn, I can spend even more on electronic components and gadgets. Part of my fun is buying and working on antiquated computers typically from 2011 - 2015, as long as it has Asus or Acer (particularly Revo) on the label. So far in 2023, I have spent about $/€ 200 on four such machines, destined to become controllers of some sort.
Olá Brock, Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. Interesting take on hobbies. We do enjoy our hobbies, which are outdoor related. As we are both avid outdoor people, we enjoy the many gardens, natural areas and of course, the levadas. Alan and Leslie
I have been following you for awhile and enjoy your videos, I am 100% portuguese and my Dad was born in Madeira . I have never been there but my wife spent a couple months there back in the 70's. I am a VW fan and was wondering if you picked up the car there or you transported it from Canada. Your car looks pristine , Is that a 72 ?, Do you have any problems getting part's . I currently own 3 VW's. Looks to be a beautiful place . Enjoy life and soak it all in.
Ola Johnny, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. I have owned the 1970 Bug for 30 years and I am only the second owner. I brought it from the USA when we came here. I have bought parts from online companies, from Germany and Spain. Alan
Hi, Alan. If I heard correctly, you quoted a Social Security income of "...between $2,700 and $3,300" a month or thereabouts. That amount is based on TWO Social Security incomes? Or is that a one-person, high-income benefit from SS? Also, could you share what bank you used to set up your banking, if a minimum was required to fund the account ( I believe a minimum of $12,000 Euros is required, no problem) and how that process went - any major difficulties? Thank you so much. I hope to meet you and your family one day soon on Madeira!
Olá Joe, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. That amount is the current average of 1 s.s benefit and a spousal benefit combined. We use Millennium bank, and for large transfers, we use Spartan FX in London. If you use Spartan FX, tell them we sent you. Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I’ve been enjoying your channel for sometime now! My biggest fear of moving to Portugal is, what happens when the US dollar isn’t as good as it is now? Thanks, Monica😊
Ola Monica, Exchange rates do need to be taken into account when you are planning your move. In can move larger amounts of money over when the rates are in your favor in order to preplan. Companies like Sparten FX and Wise are helpful. We use Sparten FX for large sums and Wise for smaller amounts. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan
Olá John, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. I dropped B, as I did not want to pay the premium for something I could not use. Obrigado Alan
Ol Ken, You can look at Idealista but not everything you see is available or real. So if you want information on one because you are seriously thinking if renting then find what you like and send it to our real estate agent Claudia Claudia Ribeiro . She will check it out and let you know. Also watch thus video it is an unlisted one.
@@ItllBeFun Thanks so much! We were in Madeira a couple weeks ago when the rain was so intense. Trip kind of got rained out but we still loved it. Always flirting with the idea of moving somewhere like that. I thought to contact you but I figured it was too late. Sorry, I didn't see the unlisted video you shared.
Hi Alan, in Canada house prices are dropping every day due to increased mortgage rates and other government regulations for foreigners investors. Is harder and harder to make a decent living everywhere in the world due to the globalization effects!
Nice video and overview. I am searching for the place to move to. Been several times to Portugal, Azores and Madeira. Personally, I dont like mainland Portugal at all. An if you are not into learning a new language, mainland Portugal is not a thing because the knowledge of English is very poor compared to many other countries in Europe. The Azores and Madeira seem to have a population where more people know English. Now the Azores is beautiful but finding and buying the stuff one need could be found difficult and many things are more expensive. Madeira is more available. Depending of where you are from, should you want to go back an a ticket on the charter planes. I find rent and properties very very expensive in Madeira compared to what I would get for the same money in Sweden, but not only that, comparing to the locals income it is really expensive. I honestly dont know how they do it. I do love Madeira and dont want to sound negative, just bringing it up. Prescriptions in Sweden are about the same if one is a heavy user of prescribed medication. 2500 SEK or about 240 Euro-dollar a year is the cap. On the other hand, you pay a lot of taxes to have that. When it comes to keeping your phone from your old country there are some really cheap/free options. Google voice is such a thing, just requires you do have a mobile phone with data or a computer with an internet connection and you can stop having your US or whatever plan. When it comes to Viaplay, Netflix, HBO and many other streaming accounts.... Many of them can have a certain amount of users. Make a deal with some friends. You pay HBO, Share your HBO with friend A, B and C. Friend A pays for Netflix and share with you and friend B and C. Friendy B pays for another one and so on. It cut your costs to 1/4. Madeira is till on my list together with Cook Islands and Ecuador. As a Swede, there are some benefits for me as a EU citizen to move to Madeira compared to if, lets say an American moves there. As an American, I would seriously consider Ecuador. It has a very much lower cost of living than Portugal, is fairly easy to get to the states, has a connected banking system with America, beautiful nature and beaches, low crime, very good and affordable healthcare.
Olá Magnus, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Just wanted to say that Portugal comes in at #6 on the Global peace index, while Ecuador is at #79. Obrigado Alan
@@ItllBeFun You are right, it does. However the "global peace index" is measuring on a number of different things while leaving out other things. Look at countries like New Zealand #2 and Canada #12, both countries with recent unrests and overreach by their governments, they are scoring very high. Look at Unites states #129, really? There is also a number of countries which, if listed should have scored very high, but they are not on the list. Like Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Aaland Islands, Kiribati.... They seem to have forgotten about a lot of Oceania nations. Ecuador have had some recent unrest, mainly demonstrations, there are petty crimes going on, mostly pick-pocketing and small scams like "gringo pricing", but that I have seen in Portugal also, never in Madeira, but on the mainland. If we compare Denver, CO to Cuenca, Ecuador and Lisbon (about 500K) , Denver has some 700K people, Cuenca has 450K, yes, a bit smaller, statisticly you are 20 times more likely to be a victim of homocide in Denver or Lissabon than in Cuenca. And then, Lissabon and Denver is considered to have very low homocide rate. All of Ecuador homocide is at 25.5 per 100 000 people in 2021. In 2021 Lisbon was at just under 200 while in all of Portugal around 340 homocides per 100K inhabitants in 2021. It peaked over 500 / 100K in 2006. Now, Cook Islands, although not listed on the peace index has a homocide rate per 100K inhabitants that varies between 0 and 5.5. I guess the other countries dont want countries like this listed because they will go down the rankings. Now Ecuador has different regions, just like Portugal, and being in the South East corner near Peru or where the drug trafficing is going on with Columbia is not as a safe place to be as Manta, or any of the small coastal towns. Liked your channel and subscribed.
Ola Magnus B, Thanks for your research and thoughts. They help others to keep an open mind as they are determining places to review and scout for their next adventure in life. The US has some fantastic areas and some very bad ones, but because it is one very large country it is taken as a whole vs. smaller countries like Sweden or Portugal. You can just look a ranking for the entire USA or you can easily look up the rankings by state so you can see it more evenly. Have a wonderful day Leslie and Alan
And just like Peru lacks stable government but cheap yes but to each their own I moved from the Hamptons on long island N.Y and I'm just fine living in central Portugal I really don't see any facts on those so called crime you stated from what I've researched crime in Ecuador is a serious problem and if you just do a simple research you'll see the true facts
Ola Pete, Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Take a look at this video we introduce you to one of our trusted vendors. th-cam.com/video/MWbJWj9RQuA/w-d-xo.htmlsi=M1cba2PhETKM5kb_ We also invite you to come join our patreon www.patreon.com/itllbefun There is a free 7 day. You can download the full vendor list and send us a private note. Have a wonderful day.
Ola Pete, We would love to meet up. Please come join us on Patreon www.patreon.com/itllbefun Or send us an email it is listed in the description of the videos. Have a wonderful day Alan
😎Bom dia! Join our Patreon community! Click HERE www.patreon.com/itllbefun
Please stop promoting Portugal internationally as an ideal place to buy homes🇵🇹 as it is negatively affecting my people. There is a direct link with the Airbnb, Golden Visas and Digital Nomads and the prices of homes all over Portugal. Proof of it is the fact that even the Portuguese government pretended to fix it with a new bill that they passed last July called “home for all” which still favours Golden Visas and Digital Nomads holders over their native Portuguese. Portuguese are now starting to see rich foreigners who are buying our homes on the international house market as the source of the rising houses and rental prices. How can we compete with rich foreign who are buying our homes with our minimum salaries of €760 a month?!!!! The sad reality that Golden visa holders know that they benefit of free movement all over Europe when they buy a Portuguese home above a certain price, so the house prices were forcefully inflated to accommodate the value that guarantee them the status of Golden visa. Furthermore, as they all automatically get a Portuguese passport after 5years , which grants them free access to many countries without any commitment, really. They only have to stay 7days in the country a year to apply for a Golden visa, but they are allowed to affect the house market, our life style and our power of acquisition permanently. We live in a country with portuguese salaries, but our houses are on an international market, that is problem. In addition to this, our elderly people were forced out of their rental properties in the historic centres of cities such us Lisbon, Sintra, Porto, Faro, Coimbra , Braga, Funchal, Ponta Delgada,Setubal, etc. This has killed our heritage, culture and social fabric to accommodate a superficial postcard tourism that has nothing to do with us Portuguese.
Thank you Alan! You are an inspiration! You change lives. We have taken your ‘life is short’ advice and plan a move to Madeira in 2024.❤
Ola Tina,
Wonderful! We are very happy for you. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Ate logo!
Alan and Leslie
I am planning a trip next year. My mom was born on Maderia in 1936. She came to the states in 1945 with my grandmother. She was 9 when my grandfather returned from WW2 from the pacific. From what I under stand I can qualify for dual citizenship. We still have family living there. I can wait to visit
Olá! We are truly happy you are planning on coming. Many Portuguese immigrated all around the world and now generations later their kids and grandchildren are coming back. Immigration is a big part of life here. It is wonderful you will love it!
I ran into your channel today and honestly speaking the quality of your videos and the narratives are simply awesome, subscribed to your channel. The monthly cost of living you have shared is very much affordable for those from North America.
We live in Canada, still working full time and plan to visit Azores, Algarve and Lisbon later this month and very much looking forward to our trip. Thank you for the tips.
Olá SN,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. And for the kind words.
Enjoy your journey.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Another fascinating installment - great to watch 😊
Muito obrigado! Thanks for watching and sharing. Come join our online meetup group. Www.itllbefunretirement.com
Music was nice, very appropriate for island life content
Muito obrigado
Alan, I’ve just found your channel few hours ago and I can’t stop watching 😂 it’s very helpful, inspiring and relaxing also. Am an Egyptian screenwriter and am planning to move to Portugal with my wife and daughter. We’re heading to Lisbon, but you made Madeira a highly recommended option for us ❤
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. We are glad that you like it.
Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado,
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Great 'Cost of Living' update! An average U.S.retirement income level can make for a very pleasant lifestyle in Madeira.
Olá Chris,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. You are absolutely right.
We are living proof.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Very good. The area looks great!
Thank you very much!
Thanks for showing us Jardim do Mar. Last time I was there was about 20 years ago. Looks different now, for the better.
Olá Rui,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. It is a small but lovely place, and we will have to return.
Obrigado
Alan
Hi Alan, Leslie, and Wolf- hope you are surviving the rain! Can’t wait to join you for a glass of wine! 🍷🤗
Olá Mark,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. We dodged the bad weather; we are in Porto til Tuesday night.
We will have that glass of wine soon.
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thanks Alan your a great antidote to any of our worries/concerns? Another great, helpful & factual video keep it up😁
Ola David,
Glad you are watching. Thanks for your support.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
Awesome video! 🧡
Obrigado
I love your vids. They are so soothing even though I’m not moving to Madeira anytime soon. It is now on my bucket list. Keep up the good work.❤❤❤
Olá sk QQ,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. And thanks for the kind words.
Obrigado
Alan
Great Videos! As I watch them, I also have now realized that Madeira seems to get cold, I thought since it was near Morocco, it would be warm, but have seen quite a few videos where you have on warm jackets, lol
Olá Sohail,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. The images of us with jackets were in Porto, Portugal. Not Madeira.
Obrigado
Alan
It is a journey!
Thanks again for watching 👀
Hi Alan. Great video!
Olá Andres,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
My new favorite!
Yes it is amazing.
Beautiful love it maybe one of this days ❤
Olá Silvana,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Portugal is that special place on earth not perfect but better than most
Well said.
We love it here.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I just found your channel and have to say it’s very enticing! I’m close to retiring and have been looking for countries repatriate. Madeira and the Azores seem great but need to visit them. I love Portugal as well but this seems closer to get back to the east coast of the US if need be. Keep up the good work!
Olá Dan,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Awesome video share here friends
See you again stay healthy and safe 🥰👍🏼👍🏼
Olá Travel Hungry for Life,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I have been looking at several videos of Portugal and most are on the main land which is nice too but the Island is gorgeous. I definitely want to take a trip there to see both the Island and the main land.
Olá Valerie,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Perhaps you should. It's a nice place.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you for the cost update! Considering everything Madeira and Portugal have to offer, I'm constantly surprised at how inexpensive it is :)
Olá Andrew,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. It is awesome here.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
thank you - i am working on visa. right now
Good luck on your journey.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Not bad.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀.
Hi Alan, your voice is so soothing that it puts any and all of our anxiety we may have in making a move to Madeira lessen. Also, the absolutely great information you have given us all continues to give us such a relief and to says yes, this is very possible to do! Obrigado!
Ola Al,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. And for the kind words.
Obrigado
Alan,Leslie and Wolf
It looks like a peaceful place to retire. Thanks for the information.
Ola Regi,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. It is.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hi there. I love watching your videos! So much information. I have a question. I am guessing I know the answer, but want to ask anyway. Are there horses in Madeira? I see that it is a-lot of steep roads, mountainous… I am guessing it is hard to find a horse property there… or stables. We have two horses, so wherever we move, we will be spending the high cost of flying our two horses to our destination.
There is a stable but I don't know if they board horses.
Good day, I love watching your videos, you offer very useful information. I'm wondering if you can offer advice on moving carriers.
Ola! We are glad you are here and invite you to join us on Patreon www.patreon.com/itllbefun where you will have access to our full vendor listing.
In the mean time here is our International mover please let them know that Leslie and Alan from It'll Be Fun sent you.
Laser International Shipping (USA based) When you need to move internationally with a comprehensive package that includes vehicles and household items, we recommend Laser International Shipping. For personalized assistance, contact Adam Knizer:
Email: adam@lasermoving.com
Phone (US): 1-630-200-6963
Have a wonderful day
Alan
change the music
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
That’s where I want to live for the surfing!
Olá shawn,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Saw some there.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Thank you. Does your insurance cover preexisting conditions?
Olá Ming Gao,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Yes, it does. We researched it before buying insurance.
Obrigado
Alan
Thanks for the info. But what about learning the difficult language to get by.?
It isn't easy. So you do have to make that commitment to yourself.
I understand the Golden Visa has just been revoked in Portugal. What are the alternatives, if any?
Olá Scott,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. There are other visa options. You will have to determine the best option for you. Unfortunately, none like the golden visa.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I have 7 years left to work. I need to move there now and work remote while still drawing a US salary and "hack" my way into an earlier retirement
Olá Sir,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel
😀. Good luck on your journey.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
Hi …..connected with your very nice channel via Expats Everywhere…….leaving for Portugal to stay with expat friends. I am coming to Madiera with you in mind to pick your brain. Love your videos.
Olá. Mary,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Enjoy your journey to Madeira, and when you arrive, let us know.
Obrigado
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I am really enjoying your videos and the relaxed style of your presentation. I am looking to retire and move to Portugal, but I am now concerned with the recent tax changes coming from the Portuguese government for Ex-Pats.
Ola Spiratustreviso
Yes, it is scary but we recommend that you contact a Portuguese tax attorney and have them look at your situation. Some people it effects and others not so much. Our tax attorney is listed in the NHR videos and is also available on our vendor list just go to www.patreon.com/itllbefun
Thanks for your support and have a wonderful day!
Can I come for a visit
Even if I double your cost I’m still good. Thanks for the info
Thanks for the continued support of our channel, Michael.
Alan
Boa tarde . Thank you for sharing this very useful information , with us.
When importing the car, you were advised by someone, a lawyer or a person who we could use too ?
Ola Mircea,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Yes, we used an international moving company out of Chicago. As well as Acp which is the Automotive club of Portugal like AAA is the USA. They help with the legalization of the car once it got here.
Thanks Alan
An interesting budget. Of course everyone has their own priorities and peculiarities, that will differ. Because of assorted food aversions, the last time we ate in anything approaching a restaurant was in 2021. For alcoholic drinks, I would have to go back to the early 1970s. What your budget appears to lack is hobby expenses. While my wife can spend a lot of money buying wool yarn, I can spend even more on electronic components and gadgets. Part of my fun is buying and working on antiquated computers typically from 2011 - 2015, as long as it has Asus or Acer (particularly Revo) on the label. So far in 2023, I have spent about $/€ 200 on four such machines, destined to become controllers of some sort.
Olá Brock,
Thanks for the continued support of our channel 😀. Interesting take on hobbies. We do enjoy our hobbies, which are outdoor related. As we are both avid outdoor people, we enjoy the many gardens, natural areas and of course, the levadas.
Alan and Leslie
Nice video. Thank you very much. What is the population of Madeira?
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Jeff, the population of Madeira is about 250k people.
Obrigado
Alan
Take a look you may find that it is possible to live overseas part time.
PT socialists want you permanently in order to tax you 40% (after 10 years) on all your US income including Roth and social security
I have been following you for awhile and enjoy your videos, I am 100% portuguese and my Dad was born in Madeira . I have never been there but my wife spent a couple months there back in the 70's. I am a VW fan and was wondering if you picked up the car there or you transported it from Canada. Your car looks pristine , Is that a 72 ?, Do you have any problems getting part's . I currently own 3 VW's. Looks to be a beautiful place . Enjoy life and soak it all in.
Ola Johnny,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. I have owned the 1970 Bug for 30 years and I am only the second owner. I brought it from the USA when we came here. I have bought parts from online companies, from Germany and Spain.
Alan
Hi, Alan. If I heard correctly, you quoted a Social Security income of "...between $2,700 and $3,300" a month or thereabouts. That amount is based on TWO Social Security incomes? Or is that a one-person, high-income benefit from SS? Also, could you share what bank you used to set up your banking, if a minimum was required to fund the account ( I believe a minimum of $12,000 Euros is required, no problem) and how that process went - any major difficulties? Thank you so much. I hope to meet you and your family one day soon on Madeira!
Olá Joe,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. That amount is the current average of 1 s.s benefit and a spousal benefit combined. We use Millennium bank, and for large transfers, we use Spartan FX in London. If you use Spartan FX, tell them we sent you.
Alan, Leslie and Wolf
I’ve been enjoying your channel for sometime now! My biggest fear of moving to Portugal is, what happens when the US dollar isn’t as good as it is now? Thanks, Monica😊
Ola Monica,
Exchange rates do need to be taken into account when you are planning your move. In can move larger amounts of money over when the rates are in your favor in order to preplan. Companies like Sparten FX and Wise are helpful. We use Sparten FX for large sums and Wise for smaller amounts.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
@@ItllBeFun thank you to the both of you !
You didn’t mention your Medicare. Did you keep paying for any portion of it, part B, supplement ect?
Olá John,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
I dropped B, as I did not want to pay the premium for something I could not use.
Obrigado
Alan
What is a good/legitimate place online to browse apartments for rent in Madeira?
Ol Ken,
You can look at Idealista but not everything you see is available or real. So if you want information on one because you are seriously thinking if renting then find what you like and send it to our real estate agent Claudia Claudia Ribeiro .
She will check it out and let you know.
Also watch thus video it is an unlisted one.
@@ItllBeFun Thanks so much! We were in Madeira a couple weeks ago when the rain was so intense. Trip kind of got rained out but we still loved it. Always flirting with the idea of moving somewhere like that. I thought to contact you but I figured it was too late. Sorry, I didn't see the unlisted video you shared.
Here you are.
th-cam.com/video/uApNgmCCxbQ/w-d-xo.html
Although its a big cost of living 2500 e per month but devided for 3 persons -its logical.
Ola Mapia
Nice to hear from you. Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. You are correct.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
My rent in California is $2,500 a month alone! Moving to Porto on 3/31/2023. Can’t wait!!
Two-bedroom apartments in Brooklyn range between $1,738 and $4,186. $2500 for rent, groceries, utilities, medical, entertainment is really cheap.
@@c0r8d877 It is all in the eye of the beholder!!! But we think you can have a very nice life here for a cost effective price.
Alan, do you play golf? JP
Used to, J P
Nice courses here.
So, 3000 EUR per month should be sufficient for one person to retire there?
Yes. Rents have gone up since this video so add another couple hundred euros for rent.
Alan says 'He looks fabulous!'. What do you think?
Absolutely!!!!
Hi Alan, in Canada house prices are dropping every day due to increased mortgage rates and other government regulations for foreigners investors. Is harder and harder to make a decent living everywhere in the world due to the globalization effects!
Olá Dorina,
Thanks for watching 👀
Alan
Nice video and overview. I am searching for the place to move to. Been several times to Portugal, Azores and Madeira. Personally, I dont like mainland Portugal at all. An if you are not into learning a new language, mainland Portugal is not a thing because the knowledge of English is very poor compared to many other countries in Europe. The Azores and Madeira seem to have a population where more people know English. Now the Azores is beautiful but finding and buying the stuff one need could be found difficult and many things are more expensive. Madeira is more available. Depending of where you are from, should you want to go back an a ticket on the charter planes. I find rent and properties very very expensive in Madeira compared to what I would get for the same money in Sweden, but not only that, comparing to the locals income it is really expensive. I honestly dont know how they do it. I do love Madeira and dont want to sound negative, just bringing it up.
Prescriptions in Sweden are about the same if one is a heavy user of prescribed medication. 2500 SEK or about 240 Euro-dollar a year is the cap. On the other hand, you pay a lot of taxes to have that.
When it comes to keeping your phone from your old country there are some really cheap/free options. Google voice is such a thing, just requires you do have a mobile phone with data or a computer with an internet connection and you can stop having your US or whatever plan.
When it comes to Viaplay, Netflix, HBO and many other streaming accounts.... Many of them can have a certain amount of users. Make a deal with some friends. You pay HBO, Share your HBO with friend A, B and C. Friend A pays for Netflix and share with you and friend B and C. Friendy B pays for another one and so on. It cut your costs to 1/4.
Madeira is till on my list together with Cook Islands and Ecuador. As a Swede, there are some benefits for me as a EU citizen to move to Madeira compared to if, lets say an American moves there. As an American, I would seriously consider Ecuador. It has a very much lower cost of living than Portugal, is fairly easy to get to the states, has a connected banking system with America, beautiful nature and beaches, low crime, very good and affordable healthcare.
Olá Magnus,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀. Just wanted to say that Portugal comes in at #6 on the Global peace index, while Ecuador is at #79.
Obrigado
Alan
@@ItllBeFun You are right, it does. However the "global peace index" is measuring on a number of different things while leaving out other things.
Look at countries like New Zealand #2 and Canada #12, both countries with recent unrests and overreach by their governments, they are scoring very high. Look at Unites states #129, really?
There is also a number of countries which, if listed should have scored very high, but they are not on the list. Like Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Tonga, Aaland Islands, Kiribati.... They seem to have forgotten about a lot of Oceania nations.
Ecuador have had some recent unrest, mainly demonstrations, there are petty crimes going on, mostly pick-pocketing and small scams like "gringo pricing", but that I have seen in Portugal also, never in Madeira, but on the mainland.
If we compare Denver, CO to Cuenca, Ecuador and Lisbon (about 500K) , Denver has some 700K people, Cuenca has 450K, yes, a bit smaller, statisticly you are 20 times more likely to be a victim of homocide in Denver or Lissabon than in Cuenca. And then, Lissabon and Denver is considered to have very low homocide rate.
All of Ecuador homocide is at 25.5 per 100 000 people in 2021. In 2021 Lisbon was at just under 200 while in all of Portugal around 340 homocides per 100K inhabitants in 2021. It peaked over 500 / 100K in 2006. Now, Cook Islands, although not listed on the peace index has a homocide rate per 100K inhabitants that varies between 0 and 5.5. I guess the other countries dont want countries like this listed because they will go down the rankings.
Now Ecuador has different regions, just like Portugal, and being in the South East corner near Peru or where the drug trafficing is going on with Columbia is not as a safe place to be as Manta, or any of the small coastal towns.
Liked your channel and subscribed.
Ola Magnus B,
Thanks for your research and thoughts. They help others to keep an open mind as they are determining places to review and scout for their next adventure in life. The US has some fantastic areas and some very bad ones, but because it is one very large country it is taken as a whole vs. smaller countries like Sweden or Portugal. You can just look a ranking for the entire USA or you can easily look up the rankings by state so you can see it more evenly.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
And just like Peru lacks stable government but cheap yes but to each their own I moved from the Hamptons on long island N.Y and I'm just fine living in central Portugal I really don't see any facts on those so called crime you stated from what I've researched crime in Ecuador is a serious problem and if you just do a simple research you'll see the true facts
@@antoniodasilva1230 Thank you
Hi! Does your son work remotely in Madeira? If so, what’s his job title? Thank you! :)
Ola Cameron Lee,
Yes and goes to school. He is an investor and the director of his own company.
Have a wonderful day
Leslie and Alan
Wow car insurance that cheap!
Olá Fred007,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel 😀.
6:18 hello there my friend,pete is the name,we want to buy a house in madeira,is it posseble that you can help us,
Lots of greeting pete
Ola Pete,
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel. Take a look at this video we introduce you to one of our trusted vendors.
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There is a free 7 day. You can download the full vendor list and send us a private note.
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Ola Pete,
We would love to meet up. Please come join us on Patreon www.patreon.com/itllbefun
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Have a wonderful day
Alan