The Best Places in the World to Retire in 2025 Workshop
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Southern Portugal wins this one.
I live there, and I can't even find anyone to practice my Portuguese! Glenda -
My doctor here in the Algarve on the Southern coast of Portugal is South African. Her English is better than mine! I also have many health issues and I am on many meds. The costs would be staggering in the US, very affordable here. The quality of care is also excellent! And I live 8 minutes from the beach.
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Portugal offers very affordable health insurance. I am 66, I pay $207 for private health insurance. You can rent a lovely two bedroom apartment in a number of places in Portugal for less than $1,000 a month. To scout, I always recommend getting a home base and stayingin a neighborhood. I have used Air BnB and VRBO and had great luck here in an number of areas. And a great tip for the cheapest car rentals here: carjet.com.
Good luck! Glenda
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While in the US, you need to apply for your residency visa on line if you plan to stay more than 90 days in Portugal. You go through a website: vfsglobal.com. I did it all myself, a lot of pieces, but not difficult. Give yourself 90 days to get it all together before you get on the plane.
As far as real estate, you must have an attorney in Portugal to do the contract. I would just look for a local Portuguese attorney in the area you decide to settle. To do some fun exploring on line for homes to rent or buy, try idealista.pt. I have spent many fun hours on that site. I found my home there.
Good luck! Glenda
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Where I live, in the Algarve on the southern coast of Portugal, there is always live music to be found. There's a local jazz place at the marina that has live music year round. There are musical events listed in the weekly expat paper of all genres and in all areas here. Of course, the major cities have live music as well. My boyfriend is a musician and he loves living here.
Glenda
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I dumped almost everything, and I am shocked that I really haven't missed my "stuff". I had a LOT of it. Here in Portugal, it's so cheap (and fun!) to replace everything, it's not an issue. My Amazon Prime works here with Amazon Spain, I order something pretty much every week (three boxes today) and get free shipping. Wonderful! No Walmart or QVC that i am aware of, but lots of malls and small stores. I am a shopaholic and I love it in Portugal!
Glenda
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Portugal, particularly on the warm southern coast, is English. Also in the major cities. In the countryside, Goodle Translate will work well.
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On the southern coast of Portugal, there is a weekly newspaper for expats that publishes all the musical events coming up for the week. You can check it out on line: portugalresident.com
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Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world. Almost no violent crime, I am a single woman and feel very safe here.
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For Portugal, I did it myself on vfsglobal.com. Just be sure to apply while you are in the US.
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Hi, I live on the Algarve and do exactly what you describe, I rent my villa in July and August while I explore the world. I know a very nice lady who volunteered with me at a charity event here. She's is English, a real estate agent here, but I have not used her services. I can tell you she gave her time for a hospice charity, so she is a good person and seems quite professional. Her name is Karen Sneider Shears. She can be reached on What's App or by phone at +351 915 962 156. Please tell her that Glenda Cole referred you. Good luck, it's a BEAUTIFUL life!!
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Absolutely. I live in Portugal and get it every month! Glenda
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Sure. If you are talking about Europe, keep an eye on the 90 day limit with the Schengen Zone.
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For Portugal, you need to spend 5 years on a residency visa. Then you can either choose to apply for a citizenship, or a permanent Visa.
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For Portugal, much easier to buy here. There are huge import takes added to cars in most European countries. I bought a little used car and I love it. Glenda
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In Portugal, I can see my doctor the same day if I am ill. Or I can wait a day or two for an appoitnment with her. And she is fabulous! Glenda
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In Portugal, you can get a Portuguese drivers license. Your American license will also work just fine. I kept my American license and use it when I go back to the States. Glenda
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Hi, Eric. Yes, getting local health insurance is good and cheap. In Portugal, I pay $207 a month. I am 66 years old. Care is excellent. And my doctor speaks perfect English. Glenda