Portugal Junkies Podcast

Are you getting closer + closer to really leaving the USA + moving to Portugal?Given what we are seeing, many people are + we get it. We moved in December 2023 from Charlotte, NC to Portugal and now live in the Algarve.In this episode, we share our top 5 “must see” resources if you are considering a move abroad to Portugal in 2025 or 2026.At the very least, these are the resources that will help you research visa info + plan cost of living impacts/budgets + understand the overall landscape of a move abroad - before you go jumping on a plane or do the Donald Dash.Links we promised from this podcast ⬇️⬇️⬇️Benagil Caves Kayak TourBenagil Caves Speed Boat Tourwww.stan.store/portugaljunkies - find links to our immigration attorney and our CPA here!Numbeo WebsiteFive Easy Steps To Pinpoint Your Perfect Place In Portugal (24:45)We Tap Out Podcast (our friends!) To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

We are approaching 18 months in Portugal and there are still a few things that are not quite routine for us… yet.We chat about it in this week's podcast episode:➡️Later nights + later morning routines➡️Portuguese time➡️Metric system + sizing + nutrition labels➡️Where exactly do I go to get _________?➡️Why do we still have trouble relaxing sometimes?If you or someone you know is interested in traveling in Portugal, hit us up! We build customized itineraries for Portugal travelers.

Can't stop, won't stop talking about what still blows our mind in Portugal after living here for the past 16 months.We talk about the things that still shock us (in a good way) and how those same things keep us feeling so grateful to be immigrants in Portugal.Key Travel + Move Abroad Resources: www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

Can't stop, won't stop talking about what still blow sour mind in Portugal after living here for the past 16 months.We talk about the things that still shock us (in a good way) and how those same things keep us feeling so grateful to be immigrants in Portugal.So good that we have a Part 2 coming next week!Key Travel + Move Abroad Resources: www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

This week's podcast episode had us discussing things we thought we would miss when we moved abroad but surprisingly we don't miss much at all!When you are making a choice to leave the home you've known, it can feel daunting to think about these kinds of comforts that you fear missing- a home you and your partner built, your favorite bourbon or even the car-centric lifestyle you've always been used to…But honestly, we've realized that a simple, peaceful life here makes those things seem so insignificant after our move abroad to Portugal 16 months ago now.So lean in - and know that some things are worth missing and sometimes are the very thing you give up for a better life abroad.Key Travel + Moving Abroad Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesCheers, y'all!Meredith + Mark To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

After 40 episodes (yay!) of this podcast documenting our move from the US to Portugal in late 2023, we get one question the most often.How do I know WHERE in Portugal is the best place to move for me and my family?We spend this episode walking through five easy steps to help you narrow down your list of potential locations.* Consider climate. This will help you weed out the areas that are too hot, too cold or too wet for you.* Coastal or inland? Is your heart set on beach life or are you open to other options?* What size of a place do you envision for yourself? Big city, small town, tiny fishing village?* Will you have a car or no? How much will public transportation be a part of your daily life? This will weed out any areas where public transportation is not readily available or close by. If you will have a car, this one doesn't matter!* Let us build your customized scouting trip itinerary for you (starting at just $149)! ➡️https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/lets-start-planning-your-portugal-adventure To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

Moving abroad from the US to Portugal has taught us a LOT about ourselves but one thing we are both struggling with after taking a mini break from traditional work is this feeling on some days that our worth is tied up in our work.And when that traditional work is no longer a part of everyday life, that worthiness issue can rear it's ugly head. On this episode of the podcast, we talk about corporate indoctrination, how we can battle any feelings that we are being unproductive without traditional work and analyze what's really going on… because neither of us have plans right now to return to those golden handcuffs of corporate life.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

How much did we save to move abroad? How much does it actually cost to move to Portugal? What if your situation doesn't look like ours?We finally talk about the financial side of our move - after lots of hesitation! But with more and more people truly considering leaving the USA and moving abroad, we thought it was important to be transparent so that you can create the right financial plan for yourself.Ultimate takeaways here:1 - Approach your move abroad with a positive outlook - no matter what your financial situation currently is.2 - Surround yourself with the right advisors to help you.Some of our best partners can be found here:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

If you're trying to decide if moving to Portugal's Algarve region is the right place for you, tune in to our most recent podcast episode! We talk through the pros + cons of living in the Algarve as we hit our 6th month here in Tavira and 16th month in Portugal after moving from Charlotte, NC in 2023.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesHighlights - Too Long, Didn't WatchPros - slow pace of beach life is good for the central nervous system, weather/climate + no immediate need to be fluent in Portuguese can give you a soft landing (although not a pass to NOT learn the language)Cons - less frequent public transportation, proximity to the nearest emergency hospital + not as “cultural + authentic” as other areas of Portugal[Tavira, Portugal - April 2025] To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

How are Americans perceived now in Europe? We talk about this through some specific experiences we've had meeting people from all over the world while living here in Portugal - their questions, our conversations + feeling this need to make sure they know really quickly that we aren't THOSE KIND of Americans.Truth hurts. Our American brand is blemished bigly.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

Mark + I have a “healthy” conversation about:* Parents and medical emergencies* Establishing medical care here in Portugal + our experiences so far in the Algarve* Recent Portuguese Festivals + Events we attended* Our new upcoming content: Portugal Junkies Day Trip Diaries* Customized Itineraries + 1:1 CallsKey Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

Mark + I continue our conversation and download of the big culture shocks we experienced over the break in the USA and what life looks like 15 months after moving abroad to Portugal.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkies To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

Mark + I talk through the big culture shocks we experienced over the break in the USA and what life looks like 15 months after moving abroad to Portugal.Key Resources:www.stan.store/portugaljunkiesPortugal Junkies Substack brings you content about moving to + traveling in Portugal from peeps who actually did it! Subscribe for free to receive new posts, blogs + podcast alerts! To hear more, visit portugaljunkies.substack.com

In our last episode of 2024, we celebrate some big milestones with the podcast + leave listeners with key resources to tune into during the holidays to usher you into a 2025 that may include a move abroad! Hint: Half of the battle is just believing that your dream of leaving the USA + moving abroad can actually be accomplished. Key Resources: https://stan.store/portugaljunkies

We are heading to the UK + USA for the holidays in a few short days and are both feeling a lot of feelings. We talk through our emotions around this, our anxiety about traveling to the USA post-election + the realities of things we sacrifice around the holidays since we moved abroad. Key Resources: https://stan.store/portugaljunkies

You all had so many questions over the past couple of weeks, so this episode is dedicated to answering a few of them! Here's a few we talk about in this episode: - Did your relationship change when you moved abroad? - How do you manage and continue to grow your relationships at home? - Do you have any regrets one year later? Find more key (and some FREE!) resources on our website at https://www.portugaljunkies.com + on our Stan Store at https://stan.store/portugaljunkies Give us a review + comment if you are enjoying the pod and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

So how much does it really cost to live in Portugal, you ask? We share everything here! We walk through our current budget line by line to give a realistic look at our financial impacts since moving abroad to Portugal. Something we forgot to mention here. Once we realized that our United Explorer Credit Card did not have international fees, we compared the conversion costs on the credit card versus when we move money over using Wise. They were almost identical - so we decided to operate like we did in the USA. All expenses that can go on a credit card do, and then we pay it off in dollars every month. Rent + health insurance in Portugal has to be paid from our Portuguese bank account so those are the only expenses that we can't put on our credit card + must convert to euros each month. United Explorer Card Referral Link (gets you 10K miles!): https://www.referyourchasecard.com/215n/VDV6J0M8K8 Key Resources + Help At Our Stan Store: https://stan.store/portugaljunkies

Did that "pipe dream" idea of moving abroad + leaving the USA get a lot more serious in the past week, post-election? We get it. We talk through the first five steps we recommend to get you on the path to moving abroad in the next 12 months. Research your top potential locations for affordability, safety + climate Choose your path: residency visas, 90/90/90/90 in and out of Schengen countries, or citizenship through heritage Work with a CPA + immigration attorney to review finances + prepare Make work decisions - if you aren't with a company that supports remote work or can not retire yet, consider making a move to a company that does. Research local real estate listings, not only for price ranges, but for the cultural differences in living in certain areas abroad Recommended Resources: Compare cost of living from city to city with Numbeo https://numbeo.com Search Portugal rentals and properties for sale: https://idealista.pt Schengen Zone Calculator Website https://schengencalculator.net/ Schengen Zone Calculator App: https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/180-days-schengen-calculator/id1663779128 Work With Us - 1:1 Calls (Ask Us Anything) https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/book-a-11-call-with-us-o146p Work With Us - Algarve Relocation Services https://stan.store/portugaljunkies/p/get-our-free-pdf-of-relocation-services-packages Work With Our Immigration Attorney, Joao Pinto https://portugaljunkies.com/partners Work With Our Tax Advisor + CPA, Rui Borges https://portugaljunkies.com/partners

Like many people around the world this week, we are grieving the results of the 2024 election. This is a quick message from us in lieu of a full episode as we process like many of you are as well. If the results of this election are making you ask yourself what your next action steps are - and if those steps may include a move abroad or to Portugal, we have some great resources for you on our Stan Store. https://stan.store/portugaljunkies Take care of yourselves and we will be back next week.

Our local tax advisor, Rui Borges, joins us again on the podcast this week to provide updates on the latest and greatest about Portugal's NHR (Non Habitual Residence) tax benefit. The program has changed a lot recently with the implementation of a new government + Rui provides us with details about what's happening right now with NHR and what is on the horizon for those who may move from the US to Portugal in 2025. Rui has graciously offered our listeners a FREE consultation call AND a 20% discount - so if you are looking for a trusted CPA to help you with your move to Portugal before, during or after, we highly recommend Rui. Download Rui's list of services for FREE + schedule your FREE call + get 20% off: https://stan.store/portugaljunkies For more information on NHR updates, check out Rui's blog: https://goalseek.pt/blog

Meet our friends Taylor + Mike, who moved to Portugal from the US on the D8 Digital Nomad Visa this past year. We chat with them about why they chose Portugal, their immigration experience, their biggest struggles so far + what kind of advice they have for others around successful assimilation into the Portuguese culture. Find them here: Roam Away From Home Website Live Music Threads

Episode Transcript We've been so social here in Tavira compared to our time in Porto. We talk about why that may be + what it takes to make meaningful friendships in mid life and also as immigrants to another country.

Episode Transcript In this episode, we do some fielding of listener questions about our recent move to Tavira, including how we like our new apartment in the Algarve, if Tavira could be our "final stop," + more reflections on the devastation at home from Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To donate to Hurricane Helene relief, please visit: ⁠www.helenehelp.org

Episode Transcription We bring you our first episode from our new home in the Algarve in Tavira, Portugal - home of some of the most beautiful beaches in the world! This starts another new journey for us in our Portugal adventure and we're excited to share with you about our move + some cool things we've learned already about our new city. To donate to Hurricane Helene relief, please visit: www.helenehelp.org

In our last podcast from Porto before we move to Tavira, Mark + I talk about the most important lessons that Porto has taught us and what we will take with us on our next stop of our Portuguese adventure.

As our final days in Porto arrive before we move to Tavira in the Algarve, Mark + I take the time to reflect on the highs and lows (or peaks and pits) of our 10 months here in Porto, Portugal.

In our last couple of weeks in Porto before we move to Tavira, Mark + I reflect on the ways we have adapted in the 10 months we've been in Portugal. If you're worried about change, don't be. YOU WILL ADAPT TO THINGS YOU NEVER IMAGINED YOU WOULD. We talk about some of these situations that seemed so hard to overcome in the beginning that now are like second nature to us.

In this episode, we address the following listener questions...⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️ How do grocery items differ?  Are there non-dairy alternatives?  Are there any items there but not in the USA? Best everyday place to eat in Porto?  Is there a language barrier?  How are you dealing with learning it?  (or are you not learning Portuguese?) How much should a couple have to be able to retire and have a similar lifestyle as you? Helpful Links Local Grocery Store Continente: https://www.continente.pt/ Restaurant Recommendations Gazela: https://www.cervejariagazela.pt/ Bolhao Market: https://mercadobolhao.pt/ Oficina dos Rissois: http://oficinadosrissois.com/ Amelia: http://oficinadosrissois.com/ Guindalense: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/693659575/guindalense-futebol-clube/?hl=en Callajero: https://www.callejero-tacos.com/ Online Portuguese Language Course: https://www.portuguesewithanita.com/ Search Property Listings: https://idealista.pt Monthly Travel Pass: https://en.metrodoporto.pt/pages/397

Want to move to Portugal but hesitant to leave your adult children in the USA? In this episode, we chat with our friend Heather about her move to Portugal from Florida - and how she and her husband navigated this huge life change with adult children in college back in the US. You can find her on Tiktok as @mindfulmigrant - follow for more about her journey to Portugal!

Mark + I talk through why we are leaving Porto and moving to Tavira in a few short weeks, hoping that others who have aspirations of living in or moving to Portugal will get insight about Porto as a city in comparison to the small fishing village of Tavira in the Algarve. Join the waitlist for Portugal Junkies Community: https://www.portugaljunkiescommunity.com Need help building an itinerary for Portugal travel or a scouting trip? https://www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Learn More About Tavira: https://algarve-south-portugal.com/tavira-portugal-algarve.html

In Part 2 of this big topic for all of us who are parents to furbabies, Mark + I talk more about the LOGISTICS of getting your pet to Portugal. We outline some of the top options for you to begin to explore based on your situation with your pets, like: On a plane, in the cabin with you On a plane, in the cargo Pet transportation services Private jets for animal transport Transatlantic cruise (yes, this is actually an option!) Key Links: USDA Website Pet Carrier We Used With United Airlines Free Download of Portugal Junkies Pet Timeline K9 Jets Website Cunard Website Pet Transportation Companies Starwood Pet Pet Travel

In this first episode of a two-part series, we dive into the three main requirements in order to get your dog or cat to Portugal - microchip, rabies vaccination + USDA certified health exam. Key Resources: USDA Website Find a USDA Certified Vet Portugal Junkies FREE Pet Timeline

There's a Portuguese word I adore… SAUDADE.
There's not a true + equal translation in English but the closest is what we call LONGING.
A state of longing for something that is missing.
So are you SAUDADE?
Have you been considering moving abroad but just keep going back and forth, excited but scared to do it, wanting to jump + live out this dream but worried about details that you can't even comprehend yet, desperately wanting a change but so overwhelmed with all the steps it would take to actually make it happen?
Yep, we were you.
We remember very clearly all of those emotions and now that we are here and so, so happy with our decision, we've decided to create a solution for people just like you.
We are happy to announce Portugal Junkies Community - launching in September 2024.
Our goal in the community is simple - help you decide if moving abroad is really for you + if so, if PORTUGAL is the right place for you.
We're going to do this with weekly live meetups, with key topics driven by Mark + me, and then always opening it up for Q+A from you. You'll be able to network within the private community and gain access to key experts and contacts that we will connect you with along the way.
If you're saying HELL YES as I'm describing this, go to www.portugaljunkiescommunity.com to hop on the waitlist to be notified when we are ready to go!
Cheers, y'all!
Website

Our personal tax advisor, Rui Borges, joins us for the first in a series of podcasts we will dedicate to the exciting topic of...TAXES. Rui is a Portuguese CPA with 20 years of experience, and the CEO and founder of GoalSeek, a young and dynamic tax firm. He has a background in Economics and holds a master's degree in Business Administration. GoalSeek conducted approximately 250 consulting sessions and filed taxes for over 320 clients last year! As our guest, Rui answers the following listener questions: - Will I pay taxes in Portugal if I already pay them in the USA? - I've heard they've discontinued the NHR tax benefit recently. How will that affect me if I decide to retire in Portugal? Is this even worth exploring anymore now that it is eliminated? - Can you provide a high level example (in real numbers!) for a retiree getting social security in the US and then moves to Portugal that shows the tax implications? - On a D8 visa, if I am doing contract remote work for a US company, what are the tax liabilities in Portugal? - How does social security tax (if it exists) work in Portugal? If you pay social security to both countries, can you get social security benefits from both when retired? - What is the process for filing tax returns as a US citizen who has moved to Portugal? Online self file? Recommend a tax accountant? What are the deadlines? Can your visa be affected if you don't stay current on taxes? Check out more about Rui + what his team at Goal Seek can do for your tax planning for Portugal here: www.goalseek.pt

Mark + I field questions from YOU ⬇️ ✔️Are there work opportunities there in Portugal and what do those look like? ✔️What has been your experience with healthcare + health insurance so far? ✔️ Are the locals really welcoming to you? Key Resources: Find out what visa is most appropriate for your situation by starting at VFS Global https://www.vfsglobal.com/en/individuals/index.html

After the recent events at Trump's rally in Pennsylvania, Mark + I discuss the impact of the American political turmoil on us after we have moved abroad to Portugal.

So you think you may want to move to or retire in Portugal? The next question is likely.... BUT WHERE?! In this episode, Mark + I walk through our top criteria to consider when researching where is best for you to land in Portugal. Cost of living based on your goals Transportation + accessibility to airports Climate (north vs central vs south) Lifestyle + cultural desires Schools for the kiddos Emotional connection to a place Helpful Resources: Cost of Living Comparisons, city to city: NUMBEO www.numbeo.com Research current apartment listings: Idealista www.idealista.pt

It's becoming our mission to help our Portugal Junkies community figure out two things.... Are you ready to move abroad? And if so, is Portugal the right place for you? We talk through our top reasons we were ready to move from the USA to Portugal - and also the top reasons why moving abroad may not be your thing.

We experience our first loss while abroad and needed a great therapy session via this episode. The truth is, moving abroad comes with certain sacrifices, like not being near your family or friends when you (or they) experience loss. Loss is inevitable, but ironically, the very reason WHY we decided to quit our jobs, move to Portugal + focus on living for RIGHT NOW. Because y'all, we aren't guaranteed tomorrow.

If you're looking to move to Portugal + need to know more about how to get here on the D7 retirement (or passive income) visa, look no further. As a follow up to our last episode overview, Mark + I go in depth on the actual application requirements one-by-one and give you some big picture perspective about WHY they are asking you for this stuff + how to best position yourself for an approval on your visa application. Key Resources: ⁠⁠Portugal Junkies Resources⁠⁠ (1:1 Calls, Free Templates, Referrals for NIF, Bank Account + Lease Reviews) ⁠⁠VFS Global Website⁠⁠ D7 Documentation Checklist D7 Application ⁠⁠AmericansandFriends PT Facebook Group⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Idealista Website⁠ ⁠FREE D7 Personal Statement Template

If you're looking to move to Portugal + need to know more about how to get here on the D7 retirement (or passive income) visa, look no further. As a follow up to our last episode overview, Mark + I go in depth on the actual application requirements one-by-one and give you some big picture perspective about WHY they are asking you for this stuff + how to best position yourself for an approval on your visa application. Key Resources: ⁠Portugal Junkies Resources⁠ (1:1 Calls, Free Templates, Referrals for NIF, Bank Account + Lease Reviews) ⁠VFS Global Website⁠ ⁠AmericansandFriends PT Facebook Group⁠ ⁠Idealista Website FREE D7 Personal Statement Template

If you're looking to move to Portugal + need to know more about how to get here on the D7 retirement (or passive income) visa, look no further. Mark + I give a high level overview of the process, timelines and how to prepare to put your best self forward in your application. Stay tuned for the next two episodes where we go in depth on the actual application requirements one-by-one and give you some big picture perspective about WHY they are asking you for this stuff! Key Resources: Portugal Junkies Resources (1:1 Calls, Free Templates, Referrals for NIF, Bank Account + Lease Reviews) VFS Global Website AmericansandFriends PT Facebook Group Idealista Website

We humbly share our biggest financial mistake since we moved abroad from Charlotte to Porto, Portugal. Hint: we are in our second apartment in less than 6 months. Don't be like us - learn from our mistake and understand more about how to make good choices about where to live in Portugal when you get here!

It's our first Q+A episode - where we answer questions crowd-sourced from our listeners! In this episode we touch on our biggest highs and lows, the biggest cultural differences we've experienced so far + how remote work and income opportunities are playing out for us as expats who left great jobs and businesses to build something for ourselves.

It took us almost an entire year to REALLY decide to move abroad from Charlotte, NC to Porto, Portugal. In this episode, we talk through what that year really looked like, the emotional ups + downs of trying to decide if we could really do it, and what factors we considered when choosing to move to Portugal.

In Portugal Junkies Podcast's inaugural episode, Mark + Meredith have a candid conversation about their move from Charlotte, NC to Porto, Portugal in late 2024 and how they are adjusting today. As relatively new expats from the USA, they look back and talk about all the things - good, bad and ugly - and talk about their goals for starting Portugal Junkies to help others experience life abroad and hopefully learn from their mistakes! Book a 1:1 Consultation with Portugal Junkies about your potential move to Portugal: www.stan.store/portugaljunkies Follow Portugal Junkies on Instagram, YouTube + Tiktok @portugaljunkies

Hi! We are Meredith + Mark and we just said goodbye to the traditional “American dream” in Charlotte, NC to instead experience a life of adventure RIGHT NOW in Porto, Portugal. We rented our house, packed up some suitcases and our furbaby Charlotte - and created a new life for ourselves. It's been a wild and glorious ride - full of ups + downs + change + discomfort - but man are we glad we did it and are excited to share ALL of it right here. If you've ever considered moving abroad, we hope hearing about our journey will help you too. And if you're considering moving or retiring in Portugal, well - we KNOW you're in the right place. Listen up future expats - for more content about our move, the visa process, Portuguese culture + destinations, and tons of support resources for your own decisions and potential move abroad. Welcome to Portugal Junkies Podcast. Adventure is a verb, y'all!!