My First Year in Portugal was a Nightmare

This isn't another romanticized "I moved to Portugal" video. This is the brutal, honest truth about my first year. I cover the critical tasks you're faced with when you first arrive, like finding furniture and groceries with little Portuguese. Then I share the unfiltered story of the challenges, the frustrations, and the moments I almost gave up. From navigating death, health issues and the soul-crushing realization I was completely alone, I'm covering it all.

But more importantly, I'm sharing how I got through it and why this incredibly difficult year was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. If you want the real story of what it takes to build a life in a new country, this video is for you.

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FREEBIES!!! 🥳 🥳 🥳
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🚀 Free Minimizing Workbook
🚀 Free Mini Journal of Anticipatory Regrets
🚀 Free Future Homebase Planner
🚀 Free Budget Tracker
https://tinyurl.com/3a3xzj5v

FREE Articles and a Podcast to help you move forward on your adventure!
https://expatonabudget.substack.com

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How to work or connect with me:
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🤗 One-on-one Consulting or a DIY Class to help you move abroad on a budget:
https://tinyurl.com/3yxnprfc

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Recommended Tools
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🌟 For travel hacking I use my Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card. I earn enough points by using the card regularly (with no foreign transaction fees) to get a “free” RT ticket from Europe to the US at least once a year. https://www.referyourchasecard.com/19s/ZM5JHIQ1SI

🔥 I use Wise to transfer money internationally between bank accounts and they also offer a free ATM card that can be used worldwide without fees.
https://wise.com/invite/dic/kimberlyh389

🏠 I use Kindred Home Exchange in order to secure affordable accommodations! If you’re interested and want to sign up, you will get five nights with my referral code! https://www.livekindred.com/?invite_code=kim.ann
🏠🏠 I also recommend Home Exchange, it's my cousin's favorite platform.
https://www.homeexchange.com/?sponsorkey=kimberly-ef0c3

💥 If you’re interested in learning another language before you embark (or after) on your new adventure, I highly recommend the platform Preply! https://preply.com/en/?pref=MTIwMjUwODk=&id=1737546792.194627

✈️ I use Safety Wing for my travel medical insurance abroad. You can check them out here. https://safetywing.com/?referenceID=25048871&utm_source=25048871&utm_medium=Ambassador

☎️ I use the eSim Nomad. I’ve tried several others and Nomad is the only one that’s ever worked for me. https://bit.ly/4h9JcSp

📶 If you’re traveling or moving to a new country, I highly recommend choosing Express VPN. It’s the VPN service that I use. https://go.expressvpn.com/c/6174670/1462855/16063

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My Coaches!
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🌺 My Amazing Writing (and Accountability) Coach Christopher Downing—https://www.coach.me/ChristopherDowning

🌺 My Phenomenal YouTube Coach Alexa Saarenoja— https://www.youtube.com/@AlexaSaarenoja


⏰ Thanks for watching, and please don't forget to subscribe. 🖤

If you’re interested in a longer “origin story” of Why I Chose Portugal? You can find that here! https://youtu.be/RrRTfgodAJM?si=9IB2wh0QRXQ8Br7O

Find me ⬇️ ⬇️ ⬇️
Substack—https://expatonabudget.substack.com
Instagram—@expat.onabudget
Website—https://expatonabudget.com

Original Music by: Lucian Meisler—https://lucianmeisler.com/

➡️ Some links are affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you buy—without any extra cost to you