About Countga

Status:

Expatriate  

Gender:

Male

Currently Lives:

Citizen Of:

United States

Some Forum Posts:

Portugal: Selecting a bank & transferring money:

Hello robtrev. I have been in Portugal since Dec 2015. I use Schwab Bank. I use a USA address (my daughter). I transfer money at least monthly. I watch the rates using the XE.com website. I have found Transferwise.com to be the cheapest way to transfer funds. For example, 5 minutes ago I transferred $1300 into euros. The fee was $12.87. It will be in my bank in Portugal in 7 hours. I use BPI here and they have been good to me. Friendly and helpful, at least at my local branch. I had worked in banks for many years so they aren't cheap. I suggest calling your US Bank and ask them how much it would cost to transfer $1300 to a bank in Portugal. That way you have a basis of comparison. If I had to guess there will be at least a $20+ wiring fee plus they take a cut on the exchange rate. The exchange rate is constantly moving. That is why I check xe.com. Hope this helps you. Good luck! countga

Portugal: Residency Visa:

Wrong. Trump had nothing to do with the so called "visa wars". There is no requirement starting in May. Fake news! Source: Money magazine: The vote is part of the ongoing dispute known as the "visa war," which stems from the fact that the United States still requires visas for visitors from five European Union countries—Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Poland, and Romania—while American travelers have no such requirements to visit there. The EU's resolution is threatening that the visa waiver Americans enjoy for travel all over Europe could be dropped until the U.S. gets rid of its visa requirements for all European Union members. Many observers are skeptical Europe will ever be so bold as to require visas of American travelers. There are just too many dollars (or euros, or francs) at stake: U.S. visitors accounted for 27.4 million arrivals in Europe in 2016, up 8% compared to 2015. What's more, business is expected to be on the rise. Prior to the recent controversy, forecasts from the likes of AAA called for a "significant amount of demand for travelers visiting Europe in 2017," in particular because of the strength of the U.S. dollar and more affordable transatlantic flights. If and when a visa requirement on Americans is ever instituted in Europe, there will likely be ample warning so that travelers aren't confused or put off. "Americans need not start queuing at the French embassy just yet," the Economist explained. "Implementing the parliament’s recommendation would require the agreement of all EU members, which would probably take years." Hope that better explains the "visa" situation.

Portugal: Cascais vs Lagos:

It is like comparing an apple to an orange. It depends that time of year one is visiting. Cascais can be great in the Spring/Summer. Lagos is generally pretty good year round. Cascais is probably the most expensive city in Portugal while Lagos is pretty standard in the Algarve area. There are beaches in Cascais & Lagos. There are expats in both places. Cascais gives one access via train directly to Lisbon. There are also trains & buses in the Algarve. There are quaint villages and good meals anywhere. For the Algarve read the book by Karl Bradshaw-White called Algarve Travel Guide, 54 Cities/Towns/ Villages. Hope that helps! countga

Portugal: Residence Permit Renewal:

Hello, renewal was easier than the first time. When you go to SEF website to set up an appointment for renewal there is a form for you to download and complete. It will tell you what to bring. As I recall I just had to show my monthly income. That was basically it. Cost was 151.50 euros as I recall. I am in Tavira so SEF access was good as opposed to what I have heard about Lisbon. Good luck! countga

Portugal: How does the Non-Habitual Resident Tax Scheme work?:

Hello, The following is based on a Tax Seminar presented by euroFinesco thru AFPOP on 27 January 2017. You can go to their website for information, as well. The NHR is currently a 10 year tax holiday for pensions. Those 10 years could change. For Example, Finland recently negotiated a different tax holiday term limited to 3 years. There are 2 classes of pensions. Civil for government service. Private for IRAs & Social Security. One can go online now to apply for the NHR. I did this recently and was approved in 2 days. There is a process, of course. First, one has to register on the website: portaldasfinancas.gov.pt. Once you register you will be sent, via mail, a password. Once you have a password then you can enter the website. Here is the way to get to the NHR link: Servicos Tributarios>Cidadaos>Entregar>Pedido>Inscricao Residente Nao Habitual One has to apply within 90 days after the end of the first year that they are considered a resident (183 days or more). Please go to eurofinesco.com and click on "Publications" for more details about the NHR. Hope this information helps. Countga

Portugal: Pre-existing conditions and Pt health insurance:

Hello. I have Allianz coverage through Medal. I showed them my Medicare card and that was sufficient to cover me for pre-existing conditions. I have had Medicare coverage for 5+ years. Here is exactly what I was told by Medal: "Regarding the waiting period, Allianz can cancel the 60 days waiting period, we explain how you can do it: · if you are insured with a valid Health Insurance (the insurance can be from any country) you can send us the Insurance certificate (where must be mentioned the start of the insurance and the coverages), and we will ask Allianz to accept your pre-existing conditions since the beginning of your health insurance." This is from an email received on 24 August 2016. Hope this helps. countga

Portugal: Potential places to live:

Did you try juliedawnfox.com? :-)

Portugal: Algarve:

I would say a majority of people speak English in the Algarve. It's a big tourist & retirement area for Brits and others. It is also likely they speak other languages as well. There are French, Germans & Dutch that visit or live here. I have met people from all these countries that speak English. Most likely, the younger Portuguese speak English while the older group may not. Countga

Portugal: insurance for under 70:

Hello, A correction. You have to be 70 or younger to get insurance from Medal. I was 2 months short of my 71st birthday when I obtained insurance from Medal via my AFPOP membership.

Portugal: Meet in the Algarve?:

Hello PFH I'm in Tavira. I have been here about 13 months. Have a friend coming down from Lisbon today. So, you might get 2 birds with one stone if you wish to meet. My cell # is (351) 93 777 9347. I came here from Florida, via Ecuador.

Date Joined:

8/25/2014

Total Posts:

39

Posts/Day:

0.04