American Living in Spain Shares Why (SO RELATABLE)

Kalie from ExpatsEverywhere sits down with Paul, an American who recently bought an apartment in Valencia, Spain and is in the process of moving. He talks about the crazy rollercoaster he went on with trying to purchase a home, how affordable the city is, how he enjoys life in Valencia because of the pace of life, how much you need to live on, the cafe culture, who the city is not built for, and more.
00:00 Intro
00:23 What was life like before moving to Valencia?
02:47 Do you need to know Spanish if you move to Valencia?
03:24 How did you prepare to move to Valencia?
06:37 What do you recommend people do to get set up and settled?
08:55 What is the process of traveling with your pets like?
09:46 How should people prepare to adapt easily?
11:00 Did you find any sources particularly helpful?
11:21 How affordable is Valencia and what is the cost of living like?
13:13 What is Valencia like?
14:32 What were some difficulties you had in the beginning?
15:49 Did you learn anything new about yourself?
17:08 What are some key differences between living in the US vs Spain?
17:34 What is your daily life in Valencia like?
18:53 What kind of person is Valencia not for?
20:10 How has living abroad transformed your life?
* ABOUT US *
Josh and Kalie left the US for a life abroad in 2009 and haven't looked back. They have lived in Spain, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and are currently in Portugal. Yes, they realize they only moved to countries starting with the letter "S" until they spoiled that streak with their move to Portugal. Follow ExpatsEverywhere as we aim to get information to you through expat interviews, city breakdowns, expat life, travel, vlogs, and more.
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Пікірлер: 113

  • @joseyomismo4880
    @joseyomismo4880 Жыл бұрын

    Sometimes it gives the impression that you want the whole world to adapt to you, without taking into account that you are the outsiders. Nobody is going to bite you for not knowing Spanish, but at least try to learn it and mix with the people there where you are. A hug from Valencia.

  • @Garcwyn
    @Garcwyn2 жыл бұрын

    “It helps to know Spanish in Spain”. Not short of a divine revelation

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    "It's helps to know Portuguese in Portugal". Tell that to the Spanish that come to Portugal. 😉 The general point is understood but also there are places where one can go and get by perfectly just knowing English and not the local language. - Josh & Kalie

  • @Garcwyn

    @Garcwyn

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere I’d say that regardless if English is widely spoken in a particular country, it’s obvious that knowing the local language will not only help but it’s probably better to get by

  • @hannahwalmer1124

    @hannahwalmer1124

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@Garcwyn Completely agree. Don't give people ideas of just moving to another country just to speak English with everyone and everywhere. If you are moving to Spain, learn Spanish. Done.

  • @cominus

    @cominus

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere That's not remotely the same. The Portuguese are genetically related to the Spanish, let alone on paper the languages are 85% identical, which is more than I can say for the rest of Europe. Also, if this is aimed towards an AMERICAN audience, you clearly know nothing about politics and should stick to chilling in your own country.

  • @MikeS29

    @MikeS29

    Жыл бұрын

    @@cominus "genetically related" 😅 has nothing to do with anything...

  • @mariareid4908
    @mariareid49082 жыл бұрын

    What an awesome interview with Paul … Thank you 😊

  • @DjBrunoFiasco
    @DjBrunoFiasco2 жыл бұрын

    This such a great video. Very relatable to my situation. One more spot to put on my list. Thank you Kelly.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Nice! Thank you, Bruno. How long is the list? - Josh & Kalie

  • @DjBrunoFiasco

    @DjBrunoFiasco

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere 😂😂😅 Right now it’s not that long. Lisboa, Porto, Madrid, and now Valencia. I think once I make the move the work opportunities will dictate unless I can find remote work. And for a period of time I probably will travel a bit Portugal and Spain until I find a place to settle down. We will see. I have time. As always, thank you both for your content.

  • @pavel0900
    @pavel09002 жыл бұрын

    Great interview. You’re asking very good meaningful questions 👍🏻

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the compliment. 😊 - Josh & Kalie

  • @terrisokolow7796
    @terrisokolow77962 жыл бұрын

    Great interview with Paul. I can tell he really fits well with Valencia. Good job, Kalie!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you very much, Terri. Paul was great. - Josh & Kalie

  • @Stopit77
    @Stopit772 жыл бұрын

    Live this interview, thanks guys!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Awesome. You're welcome. Thanks for watching. - Josh & Kalie

  • @GDoggProductions
    @GDoggProductions2 жыл бұрын

    Great interview 👏👏👏 Paul is very well-spoken 💪 great lil video 📽

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Much appreciated! High praise coming from you, brother. The over Kalie's shoulder shot was learned from YOU. 😉 - Josh

  • @seamusp5991
    @seamusp59912 жыл бұрын

    Great interview (as always)!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it! 🙏 Massive thanks, Seamus. - Josh & Kalie

  • @prajjwal1010
    @prajjwal10102 жыл бұрын

    This was so great! He has a very gentle voice💛🥂

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you. Paul does have a great voice. 😊 - Josh & Kalie

  • @nicoleenesse
    @nicoleenesse2 жыл бұрын

    This is amazing. Thank you!!!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Glad you like it! You're very welcome. - Josh & Kalie

  • @dailydose2737
    @dailydose27372 жыл бұрын

    Great interview , , thank you 🙏😊

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for watching. We appreciate it. - Josh & Kalie

  • @Yasin_Affandi
    @Yasin_Affandi2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for this wonderful video.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Thank you! - Josh & Kalie

  • @Yasin_Affandi

    @Yasin_Affandi

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere 😀

  • @birdlover7776
    @birdlover77762 жыл бұрын

    Great video thank you 🌸!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    You're welcome. Thank you for watching. - Josh & Kalie

  • @karadizon4299
    @karadizon42992 жыл бұрын

    Spain is affordable with food. We just returned from Barcelona and didn’t know how inexpensive food was. Hope to visit Valencia and Seville someday

  • @nfvjgrofgjvoldlkgvlo

    @nfvjgrofgjvoldlkgvlo

    Жыл бұрын

    no its not cheap at all what r u smoking?!

  • @condorflies-recitationsbyc1904
    @condorflies-recitationsbyc19042 жыл бұрын

    Nice interview. Looks like Paul is a non-resident of Spain (less than 183 days/year) so he’s not taxed on his US income in Spain. If he has any income generated in Spain he’d taxed on it in Spain and US. Navigating the tax issues and understanding the double taxation nuances can be quite tricky.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Chad, we didn't discuss Paul's tax situation in Spain so we're not sure. - Josh & Kalie

  • @condorflies-recitationsbyc1904

    @condorflies-recitationsbyc1904

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere, I wish you would do a show with people who have been living in Portugal for more than 10 years (passed the 10 year NHR limit). It’s not practical for seniors to move every 10 years to a new country. I know Spain doesn’t have an NHR program but it would be great to learn how people are dealing with double taxation issues especially if the have retired to Portugal. Not a subject that is very much dealt with on the “ move to Portugal or Spain” KZread bloggers. Thanks.

  • @jennybento

    @jennybento

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere I would love interviews with people or a professional who talks about these tax situations!

  • @Retireonmybudgetcommunity
    @Retireonmybudgetcommunity Жыл бұрын

    good information

  • @analuisapm
    @analuisapm2 жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @analuisapm

    @analuisapm

    2 жыл бұрын

    My husband and I (Mexicans living in Miami for the past 16 years) are looking forward to moving to Europe (Lisbon or Valencia) next year. Your channel has been very helpful, thanks!

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Ana, thank you very much for the support! 💪 You're looking at two very good places to settle in. If it were simply about cities and not countries, we would choose Valencia. 😊 Keep us posted if you need any additional help. - Josh & Kalie

  • @analuisapm

    @analuisapm

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere sure thing!! Keep up the great work.

  • @gerar10s
    @gerar10s Жыл бұрын

    Great interview! I’m curious. Do you know which neighborhood Paul bought his property?

  • @pedrocgrn
    @pedrocgrn Жыл бұрын

    Great interview. Looking to potentially live in either Spain or Portugal for a year or two. I speak both languages. I want to give my family a different cultural experience.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    Жыл бұрын

    Thank you! Enjoy either one, Pedro. - Josh & Kalie

  • @Eric-Marsh
    @Eric-Marsh8 ай бұрын

    Valencia is a great city and might be a choice for us if we were looking for city life. We ended up living in the mountains near Gandia, an hour south of Valencia because we love the area but don't want to be city dwellers. Yes, speaking Spanish helps but many here speak Valeciano.

  • @julian-gen
    @julian-gen Жыл бұрын

    Does anybody know if the US social security benefits letter that one submits with the application to the consulate to obtain the non-lugrative visa has to be legalized or apostilled and where to do it? Does the social security office do it, and that enough? Thank you...

  • @hellophoenix
    @hellophoenix2 жыл бұрын

    I love the house and the big backyard

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    That house is really nice. 😁It's our friend in Porto's place. - Josh & Kalie

  • @hellophoenix

    @hellophoenix

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere would you mind asking your friend for permission to do a video of his house ?

  • @debraaltizer1328
    @debraaltizer13282 жыл бұрын

    Hi you guys In an episode several months ago, you mentioned the company you chose for your travel insurance. I would like to know the name of that company but I’m not able to locate the specific video. Would you please share that with me? Thanks so much

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Hi Debra, here are two of the companies we've worked with for international medical insurance. They both have travel related products too. We're currently insured though a local plan here in Portugal - Josh & Kalie Insured Nomads: www.insurednomads.com/?ref=expatseverywhere William Russell: refer.william-russell.com/l/ExpatsEvery/

  • @markdonaldson7934
    @markdonaldson7934 Жыл бұрын

    I am going to retire to Portugal or Spain. I spent a month in Spain, and a month in Portugal many years ago. Both were incredible. I did find Spain more relaxing in a way though. Barcelona might be to expensive for me. I am targeting a town between Valencia, or just outside, & Barcelona. Everything the interviewee said about Spain in general is dead on...I swear my pulse was 20% lower when I left.

  • @tootz1950
    @tootz19502 жыл бұрын

    There is a misuse of the phase 'instant gratification, especially from Americans. If I want an ice cream and I want it now that's instant gratification. What is hard for immigrants is the length of time that paperwork and the government take to have things completed. Expecting things to take less than 3-6 months is not expecting 'instant gratification'.

  • @senoritasofiavalencia
    @senoritasofiavalencia Жыл бұрын

    Actually... Valencia used to be one of the biggest spot in Spain for clubbing with the "Ruta de Bacalao", and has many amazing and huge clubs in and just outside of Valencia. And... Ibiza is very close... That's why lots of Erasmus students enjoy the place, as well as digital nomads and older expats.

  • @markgoldstein4663
    @markgoldstein46632 жыл бұрын

    I would love to have a conversation with Paul on being an Expat in Valencia. I live in Phoenix, AZ originally from NYC. Would love to know more about living there.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Email me at contact@expatseverywhere.com and we'll see if Paul is okay with me introducing you two. - Josh

  • @bj-th7ul
    @bj-th7ul2 жыл бұрын

    Kalie, what's the commission for buying / selling real estate in Portugal / Spain? (just curious). thanks for sharing, gracias

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    We're not 100% about Spain but Portugal it's 5% for the selling agent, which is why the agents want to bring both sides together. It gets sticky. - Josh

  • @joaoramoscarvalho5670
    @joaoramoscarvalho56702 жыл бұрын

    What are the cons of living in Valencia?

  • @JenShea
    @JenShea Жыл бұрын

    This popped into my recommendations. Great interview! Didn’t you name your Valencia after the city? Or did her name come from an orange?

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Jen, thanks for watching this one. 😁 Definitely the city. We were in Valencia when I told Kalie that I loved her for the first time. ❤️ We were dating when we moved at the same time to Spain. She lived with a family as an au pair and I was living with 2 Spanish roommates. - Josh & Kalie

  • @bklyntraveler9705
    @bklyntraveler97052 жыл бұрын

    If the tax situation was different I’d be honing in on Valencia.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    Fair enough. Great city though. Thanks for watching! - Josh & Kalie

  • @nyc10010

    @nyc10010

    2 жыл бұрын

    What is the difference in taxes for an expat in Spain vs Portugal?

  • @pauladosch7062

    @pauladosch7062

    2 жыл бұрын

    I have lived in Spain early career. Portugal has the NHR regime (10% for ten years generally) and Spain has higher rates and a wealth tax above $700,000.

  • @dannyhe4175
    @dannyhe4175 Жыл бұрын

    Hi there, really enjopy your channel, can you do some videos regarding Family relocating to Spain / portugal with some emphsis on school options. I have a 6 yrs old daughter, we are planning to retire in 3 yrs to portugal / spain, so school is on top of consideration. Thanks in Advance

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Danny, thanks for watching. We're sad to say that, that's a really niche video and we'd struggle to make it to be honest. It's probably something that a couple of blogs could help with though. - Josh & Kalie

  • @hellophoenix
    @hellophoenix2 жыл бұрын

    I would’ve loved seeing his partner’s perspective ! Spain is a great country and their medical services is better than Portugal. But it’s faster to get Portuguese citizenship than the Spanish.

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    We didn't get to meet his partner. Paul was solo in Porto for this interview. - Josh & Kalie

  • @notoriousthanoshiphopworld6228

    @notoriousthanoshiphopworld6228

    2 жыл бұрын

    Expats in Spain Guide kzread.info/dash/bejne/inqivMqed9e8mbQ.html

  • @joaoramoscarvalho5670

    @joaoramoscarvalho5670

    2 жыл бұрын

    Why don't you stay in your country. Fight for the improvement of your country.

  • @prettydamsel9237

    @prettydamsel9237

    2 жыл бұрын

    @@joaoramoscarvalho5670 lol you think its that easy....

  • @DeanRamser
    @DeanRamser4 ай бұрын

    Excellent video. Thank you. We are 66YO retired educators visiting Poland and Estonia after helping a new school open in Lviv. We are seriously thinking of selling our Portland condo and moving to Europe. Is renting a better option than owning a home for expats in Spain? We always wanted to own, but now it seems that putting the cash in CDs is wiser than purchasing a home. Plus the healthcare is better in Spain than in the US. Your thoughts? Dean & Cindy

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    4 ай бұрын

    Hi Dean & Cindy. Please shoot this message to Kalie at info@expatseverywhere.com Just copy and paste what you've commented here and she'll get back to you. Thanks for the message and subscribing. - Josh

  • @DeanRamser

    @DeanRamser

    4 ай бұрын

    @@ExpatsEverywhere Thanks, Josh!!

  • @LB-ms4lr
    @LB-ms4lr Жыл бұрын

    It's the spanish people the ones who have to be patient because you don't speak spanish, not the other way around

  • @eduardomg4066
    @eduardomg40662 жыл бұрын

    E o senhor fala português ou só tem a nacionalidade? Oh meu Deus…

  • @jonayz8655
    @jonayz86557 ай бұрын

    Creo que este señor no es precisamente la farola que más alumbra de su calle... Durmió tres semanas en el suelo porque no le traían la cama y el colchón. Tan sencillo como ir a un centro comercial traerlos tú mismo si tienes coche y si no, te lo llevan ellos a casa el día siguiente, y yo uso una cama doble de 2m de larga.... en fin. Luego en todos estos vídeos los extranjeros hablan como si en España no se trabajara y la gente no tuviese nada que hacer.... Este señor no sé si me aguantaría una jornada de 9 horas en la obra o de 8h en la finca.

  • @Lacteagalaxia
    @Lacteagalaxia Жыл бұрын

    En España se habla español o lenguas autonómicas no inglés .

  • @AmiraNohelani
    @AmiraNohelani2 жыл бұрын

    Where in the US that someone like him would live takes 30 minutes to get to a grocery store? I’ve lived in NYC and SD being less than 8 minutes from a grocery store even on foot. LOL

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    It could be because you lived in NYC and San Diego that you didn't find this to be an issue, but in more rural places, it's possible.

  • @tobyo99

    @tobyo99

    2 жыл бұрын

    I took it to mean the markets with fresh produce etc. Here in the twin cities we call them farmers markets. but maybe that's not what he meant.

  • @zesario2671
    @zesario26712 жыл бұрын

    Siempre que veo videos de angloparlantes que vienen a vivir a España tengo la sensación de que les molesta que los españoles no hablen inglés, como si fuera nuestra obligacion (me extraña porque estamos en nuestro país pero bueno) cuando la mayoría de nosotros, al menos, intentamos aprenderlo, aun sabiendo que la mayoría de ellos no se toman ni la molestia de aprender, ni hablar bien, nuestro idioma

  • @ExpatsEverywhere

    @ExpatsEverywhere

    2 жыл бұрын

    We don't think it's that as much as it's English is the common language of Europe and many places around the world for that matter so if a German or Dutch person goes to Spain and doesn't know Spanish, they're being informed that a space has good or not so good levels of English. It's a blessing and a curse to be a native English speaker.

  • @Lacteagalaxia

    @Lacteagalaxia

    Жыл бұрын

    Es que se creen los elegidos de Dios😂😂

  • @jonayz8655

    @jonayz8655

    7 ай бұрын

    @@NicolasBHenry Estamos en nuestro país y hablamos la segunda lengua más hablada de este planeta, son los que nos visitan los que deben aprender. Si yo voy a tu país no se me ocurriría criticar a la gente porque no hablen español e intentaría aprender el idioma local. Me parece de sentido común.

  • @user-bk9ls2se7f
    @user-bk9ls2se7f2 жыл бұрын

    It seems like if many north Americans wanted to live in Europe, doesn't it? Why?

  • @sandrachao72

    @sandrachao72

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yo pienso que es por el chef José Andrés que cuenta las bondades de España

  • @felicetanka
    @felicetanka2 жыл бұрын

    Aka immigrants.

  • @tafareactions2823
    @tafareactions28238 ай бұрын

    There is something that I don't quite understand, US citizens come to live in my country attracted, above all, by our relaxed, chil and leyback way of life, however, in almost all the videos I have seen on this topic, they spend their lives Moaning and complaining because things are not done right away, business hours, etc. They want everything to be at their disposal 24/7 and at the moment. My conclusion is that they want our way of life but only for themselves, and we Spaniards have to adopt their way of life to serve them 24/7. Furthermore, the increase in US expats in Valencia is starting to be a problem for locals, especially due to the increase in housing and rental prices, since their purchasing power is higher than that of Spain and everything seems very cheap to them, so Therefore, this causes an increase in prices and is unaffordable for the local population. In fact, Andorra prohibits foreigners from buying houses due to this problem.

  • @tafareactions2823
    @tafareactions28238 ай бұрын

    Spaniards are not obliged to communicate in English, even if they know how to speak the language. The immigrants who live here are the ones who have to learn the language of the country where they live. I know how to speak English fluently, but when “guiri” speaks to me in English without making the slightest effort to speak in Spanish, I answer him in Valencian.

  • @natalias1212

    @natalias1212

    6 ай бұрын

    Sure, but they might meet a nicer person who won't patronize them.

  • @tafareactions2823

    @tafareactions2823

    6 ай бұрын

    @@natalias1212 I don't have to be nice to a narcissistic person who despises everything else but his own.

  • @natalias1212

    @natalias1212

    6 ай бұрын

    @@tafareactions2823 You just simply can't. You still very American in your heart or what ever country you came from taking that weirdness with you. Situations can be different in life. People can get spontaneous trips.

  • @MrJudge51
    @MrJudge512 жыл бұрын

    Expats?? yar all immigrants. No more, no less.

  • @eduardomg4066
    @eduardomg40662 жыл бұрын

    Too much uptalk for a professional I think…