I love hearing your stories! I’m from Bali, now living in the U.S. Been here for 10 years, and I’m a lot like you- hookup a lot and still haven’t found the love of my life. 😅

I love when you speak Indonesian. Sounds so elegant and sexy.

Where did you print all your documents? Do they have an equivalent to a Staples / OfficeMax?

I wonder if it would have been easier/ less culture shock to stay in Bali and just do summers in Portugal to slowly enter the pool instead of doing a giant administrative belly flop? tourist visas are so long these days that I really don't understand why people find it necessary to begin so much paperwork when they barely know the country. If you slowly get used to the culture and let the locals/longer term expats show you how to live there instead of trusting lawyers to show you the ropes from halfway around the world.

The shortage of affordable housing is the fault of the Portuguese government. In order to bring capital into the country, the golden visa and the NHR scheme were created. Cities in Portugal were impoverished and with foreign investors they could tackle that. Everything that comes with it also benefits the local economy. Think of shops, the handyman, restaurants and so on. The local economy has benefited considerably from it. What the government has neglected is to draw up a program that obliges a percentage of new construction or renovation of affordable housing for the local population. There are an incredible amount of empty homes in Portugal, so there is not really a shortage. The problem has been created. The expads, digital nomads and investors are the scapegoats to camouflage the failure of the Portuguese government.

The shortage of affordable housing is the fault of the Portuguese government. In order to bring capital into the country, the golden visa and the NHR scheme were created. Cities in Portugal were impoverished and with foreign investors they could tackle that. Everything that comes with it also benefits the local economy. Think of shops, the handyman, restaurants and so on. The local economy has benefited considerably from it. What the government has neglected is to draw up a program that obliges a percentage of new construction or renovation of affordable housing for the local population. There are an incredible amount of empty homes in Portugal, so there is not really a shortage. The problem has been created. The expads, digital nomads and investors are the scapegoats to camouflage the failure of the Portuguese government.

Why dont you go to the Autoridade Tributaria site and check if you own anything? Much easier then doing a video...

You have no idea how helpful these stories are. As an expat and business owner (self employed from the states) it's really valuable. Luckily I had a tax lawyer recommended to me and we have a plan but I'm damn nervous when it actually comes to filing. Also I hope I have the NHR benefit - my NISS came in Dec 2023 so there's a chance but the visa in 2024. We'll see - worse case, the new NHR schema. Best of luck with everything

Thank you so much for the follow up! Always good to hear real stories. I wonder how you can NOT miss Bali though. :) I can't fully relate to your story but also business owner and nomading around, we always end up leaving somewhere for a new adventure, only to miss it later...but kind of disregarding in our minds all the annoyances that made us want to move on in the first place. It's kind of a ongoing thing for us. For the driver's license in Portugal, providing you still hold a US license, forgive me if I'm wrong but driver licenses from OECD countries (Canada, US, etc.) do not need to exchange their license even on a residence permit. Perhaps you have a good reason to do it though (ie: indo license) or what I read is completely wrong, just thought I'd share in case it's relevant. Thanks again for sharing all the info!

First time to your channel so I don't know your back story, but I'll say this is the realest video about the growing pains of moving to Portugal that I've ever seen. I was convinced for years that I was going to make the leap and knew all the expat channels that sang the praises of Portugal on YT. I'd done tons of research, made scouting trips, researched the visa process, the pros and cons of living in different cities, and even started taking Portuguese lessons. I was all in. Then I found the flip side, the people who'd already taken the plunge and were 3, 4 or 5 years in and regretting their choice. I found out that despite the meteoric rise in US expats in PT, the number of residents has remained relatively constant at about 10,000 because there are as many people leaving as there are coming in. Many that leave found that it wasn't as cheap as they thought, or that it had been cheap in the beginning but prices were spiraling out of control, or that they had a gringo target on their head and were constantly being taken advantage of. Many couldn't adjust to the culture or the lifestyle. Many found that no matter how hard they tried, they hadn't been able to establish meaningful relationships, platonic or romantic, with the Portuguese. Even more were just fed up with the endless bureaucratic nightmares. Undoubtedly, some of that was growing pains and some was probably specific to the individual(s) involved. But it does go to show that what you're experiencing is very real and you're not the only one. Ultimately, I decided not to move there (still considering other countries but may also stay put. Everyplace has their own particular headaches, it's up to us to decide the type we prefer. And there is something to be said for being able to manage life's problems in a language you understand and with the support of friends and family that are down the street, not 10,000 miles away.) Just to be clear, I have nothing against Portugal. I think it was a lovely place, it just wasn't the right place for me. But the pro-Portugal/pro-expat propaganda is strong. Your video should be required viewing for anyone thinking of making a move there or to any other country. I hope things get better for you.

What you say you want, and can clearly articulate, is not reflected in your actions. Perhaps there isn’t a simple explanation, and the issues lie much deeper.

I hope you do more episodes of your ChatGayPT podcast.

We missed you in Bali!! no stress, no taxation, nice housing, etc. etc.

4k per month is insane. I still wonder how the heck you can spend 1/month in supermarket. I only spend 300-350/month and cook myself at home. 2k/month for rent in 80m2 apartment is also insane. 80m2 apartment is for a family of 4, not for a single man. You need to really look around and see how people live. Please don't bring Bali or Mexico to compare to Portugal. It is what it is. Each country has its own pro and con. Portugal is not an easy country to live. However, you still can reduce your monthly bill significantly. If you want big house/villa with lots of spaces and near Lisbon, look out for Montijo. It is much cheaper there! But I agree with you on the tax issue, driving license exchange issue, and other bureaucratic things in Portugal, it is a total mess.

Very candid vlog. I sense some unhappiness definitely in your expression and not surprised at your comparisons with your former life in Bali. From wot I gather you’ve tried to establish a setting for manifesting the thing you most desire in life that being to find someone to love and be loved and to share your life with. The thing is, it doesn’t always work out that way. Which is why I always found it a mystery why the people with the greatest potential to find someone quite often end up being alone. The gay community is very fickle and finding that right person is often elusive BUT not impossible. As for the issues n challenges u experienced in Portugal, u are definitely more patient than me. I would have told them to F… Off ages ago. In some respects Europe is still very backward with all that bureaucratic nonsense. I guess in both places, you had some things but not everything but on balance, if I had to pick, even though I love Europe for its culture, history, hot guys, I would choose a place like Bali every time simply because I can find peace and serenity there for a much lesser price than elsewhere and really, u can still travel anywhere in the world and connect anywhere anytime but it’s important to have a base that makes you happy it doesn’t mean that you’re stuck there. If you’re meant to meet the right guy it could even happen on an iceberg in Antarctica 😉 I really hope you find happiness wherever that is and that you find your soul mate but in the meantime find other ways to bring light and love into your life, and try to love yourself more because that’s what attracts people the most. Take care

Portugal can be a very lonely place. Unfortunately, the Portuguese are not as welcoming as they like to think they are. Portugal was kind of bait and switch. They lure people saying it's cheap and safe. It may be cheaper than the US and it's definitely safer, but there is a fair amount of crime. Good luck!

Try and release the expectations that you have and switch your mindset towards gratitude of experiencing living in a new country. (Good and bad)

Adrien please don`t worry too much about relationships you are still very young , I have absolutely no doubt that soon you will find the right woman in your life you just need to be be perseverant and above all look in the right places. Many times we never find that special person because we are not looking in the right places think about that, I wish you all the best my dear friend.

I strongly suspect that your tax debt has been annulled. The litigation section of the tax authorities takes a long time to do things, so the decision to send that letter happened before the debt was annulled, but the letter itself took time to be posted, so when the letter was received by you it referred to an already non-existent debt. Suggestion: enter the tax authorities website with your login and check if you have any debts or not.

Glad you are sharing this so openly. I have and had similar struggles except for finding my partner and I think making more money with businesses is a way to solve most of these problems. Because then you can travel more often, meet those quality people you are talking about while playing golf for example, or getting into businessmen circles and by the way talking to more strangers and keeping the right best friends around is crucial. But with more money you can also have the freedom to not cook and clean in Europe and don't worry about these tax things, it's not limited to Asia. I spend at least a few months in my home country Austria and a few months travelling and a few in Bali where I live. And I am building a house in Bali too by the way with my partner and am convinced buying property rarely makes sense in Bali (especially not those white house boxes) and not at all in most of Europe with these current prices. I texted you on IG, let's connect.

Hello Adrien , sorry to hear about tax issues, and your difficulties in obtaining your drivers license. Did you compare the date of the letters? Which letter has the newest date , if the letter saying you owe -0- tax has the newest date , that is a good indication, that you in fact don’t owe the tax. The situation is frustrating, and I hope it’s sorted out soon. As far as dating, you are attractive, and have a lot to offer. You are spending a lot of time with men , who only want sex. So unfortunately, you are not meeting the actual type of men you need/want. Have you thought about ignoring those men , and looking for men who express the same thoughts and ideas , as you do? You might want to take sex out of the equation for a while. This will enable you to weed out the men , who are not serious about a long term relationship. I sincerely hope, that you find that special someone, remember, you only need to find one guy. Maybe, he’s looking for you as well. ❤

Jesus is the way the truth and the life ! Amen 😊And Jesus is waiting to help you forgive all your sins ! 😊

Maybe as far as the dating is concerned perhaps place less emphasis on sex and more on seeking out somebody you like who doesn't just want casual sex. I realise this sounds dull and less fun but it'll give you the opportunity to eliminate those who simply want casual sex and nothing else. You're looking for much more and that's nothing to feel uncomfortable about. I'm sure you're not the only guy in Lisbon who feels this way. One or two night stands aren't necessarily as cool as many think. By the way, your daily domestic life in Lisbon sounds similar to many of us - work, chores etc, but thank goodness for the escapism of streaming channels.

the EU & the west just wants your money. RUN while you still can. Life is just better in Asia. Plain & simple.

I've lived in Bali for 7 years and my experience here has been uncannily similar to yours. (moving from Canggu to Br Semer, making clothes, furniture shopping, tokopedia obsession, daily routine as a single etc) In case you were ever thinking of coming back I can say three upsides of the rapid overdevelopment of the south has been the abundance of new villas on the market driving rental prices down again now..Buying a villa has never been easier.. and there's way more options for dating/relationships now as an expat with so many more people living here long term.

Moving from one country to another often means you just exchange one set of problems for another set. Nowhere is perfect but you know that, I’m sure. When it comes to partners the right one will come along when it’s right and almost always when you least expect it. Has done for me. You’re still very young, try not to worry too much. It’s hard I know. 😊

Hi there baby boy, living in a different culture can be challenging, don’t feel bad about not founding your special relationship, it’s difficult finding high value partners, just relax and explore your new life.

The driving licence exchange in Portugal, took me 6 weeks and that was in Coimbra. if you are in Lisbon, the delays will be longer as there are more people applying. Your experience in Bali matches my own in Thailand. A couple of hours and it was done. How you are spending $4K a month is beyond me. Your rent is too high. You would have done better to have bought rather than rented. I have been here for 3+ years and I also want to return to Asia.

any tourist who rents a self drive bike,anywhere in Asia, is crazy. Medical care in Bali is excellent.

Your a fruit ffs 😂😂😂

Congratulations

Hi Adrien. Been watching you for quite awhile. Hope all is well with you. I have finally made my move to Bali. I was wondering if you could share your tailor information with me. I’m a big American boy, and it looks like I’m going to have to have clothes custom made for me living here. Thanks in advance.

Menorca is so pretty! thanks for sharing :D

You're not an "expat". You're an immigrant

I'm a 70 y.o. oz male. Family's been here since 1796, always, and i mean ALWAYS, get pulled out of line at airports. I put it down to them all being non-white.

Am I the only knew this that thinks they look exactly the same before and after

Your teeth look great, what shape did you get? I was thinking of getting the soften or youthful style. BL2. I'm British but I do not want any fake looking chiclet teeth

Did you do it?

I always wondered what happened to the cowboy out of the Village People . “Anyway” What’s the side swipes at the British for 😂😂. I’m sorry to say your choice of veneers gives you a very distinctive vampire look . Definitely not a BRITISH look 😂😂😂. All of you British with so called rotten teeth 😂😂 enjoy your Hollywood smiles without criticism . “A very bitchy swipe at the British that is uncalled for” Love Count Dracula ❤❤❤xxxx

Very helpful. Thank you.

Investigate the "double taxation avoidance agreement", then see how to declare taxes in accordance to that agreement. All countries that have an agreement with Portugal for taxation cannot tax you again if you already paid taxes in the other country.

So so kind of you Adrien to share your experiences and information relative to Bali, barely none of which I would have guessed! Still coming to Bali but now well versed thanks to your kindness! Gd bless.

Thanks for the video.

Omg! I was thinking of going to Turkey for this, but seeing how much in pain he was in the beginning, made me feel claustrophobic! I think I'd rather stay here in the UK and get them done regardless of the price!

nice video to alert people! It happened quite exactly to me. Simulation and actual tax bill were about 20% different. However, I knew 100% that the portuguese tax authority is an @sshole. Hence I only steered my income to a extreme low level (almost to zero income). 20% difference did not make anything bad to me. But it once proved that authority in Portugal will certainly steal your money no matter what.

You are trying to do everything yourself. This is why you pay experts to handle these things. I didn’t even have to come to Porto to open a NB account. But i am used to paying for the services and happy to do so. You should consider Porto as it has a more vibrant gay community and everything is centrally located and easy to get to.

20% percent, you're lucky. I couldn't apply to the NHR schema and I payed the 45 % of my incomes to IRS + 1000 euros segurança social. I feel I paying a price for. five stars hotel but receiving a service of 2 starts

As a dual citizen who got in lots of trouble with German finanzamt taxes due to my total ignorance and being clueless, i was hear for the nitty gritty of your story! oh Teresa you on BLAST! but seriously, this would be a good business idea to connect expats/immigrants with tax expert trustworthy when they move so they get clarity from the get go. so glad you connected with the guy at the gym -- milagro

There is a lot that you’re missing and once you embark on the reality of this country you will come face to face with the absolute frustrating curved balls caused by terrible bureaucracy! Rude staff, confusion, no protection from the injustices, is unbearable. Contradiction is frightening. Lack of support i.e departments to oversee the rights of the consumer is a fairy tale! Also the past weighs heavy when the Portuguese hear anyone complain about the lack of services! They go on the defensive! I was here before then left, and many years later am back and trying everything to get out of here ! It really weighs on me the blatant lassitude of everyone! I’m half Portuguese and cringe at it! Frustrating! As for the housing situation I have lots to point out.

No gym closes here. Some shops close from 2pm to 3 pm because ppl have to eat when they work Alone. No cafés close at lunch time. No bank closes at lunch time. No Supermarket closes at lunch time.Oficial Offices close at lunch time. If it is too slow for you go back to your country or visit Orher countries such as norway that closes for two hours at lunch time!