Tevisbuckles
French citizen
Forum posts
153
About me
French
Lives in Toulouse
Registration: 23 June 2011
Moving to Ireland solo by Cheryl
Hello everybody, Moving to Ireland is a challenge in itself, but even more when you decide to go alone. If this was your case when you arrived, we would like you to share your experience. It might help other people who are also preparing for this ...
Hello, I just read your post about moving to Dublin as a single woman. I currently live in Southern France and I am considering doing the same thing. I would be interested in hearing more about your life in Dublin. Are you of working age? I am ... Read More
Looking for a longterm rent on Il de Re by Roisinann
Hi all. Just posting to see if there migt be a heads up on renting a house on Il de Re for a couple of years. We want to find a second home to do some writing and research for chunks of the year and so are looking to renr long term. Anywhere on Re ...
Hi, you sure have good taste! This is a very desirable location. You might look at the very popular website "Le Bon Coin" for rentals. Why would someone rent to you long term at a reasonable rate when they can rent during vacations at a ... Read More
Move to France Experience by chrisl1208
Hello everyone, I am planning to move back to France from the US in the future, and would like to get some information about your experiences for the move. I am planning to ship a 10 ft container for my 1-bedroom apartment but would like to know if ...
Hi, I returned to France in 2005 and used a large 40ft container which arrived by sea and was then trucked. At the time, you rented the container. It depends on the quality of your belongings. If you have family antiques that you are really attached ... Read More
Fun retirees
Hi, you can sell furniture on Le Bon Coin, a website..... very popular and free. Don't ask too much if you want to sell, used furniture, unless valuable antiques, doesn't have much value. Cheers! Read More
Looking for green rolling wooded countryside in southern France by Scotathome
Ok i know its huge area but looking for a sizeable small town ie pop 10/20,000 located within easy reach of verdant countryside for walking etc. perhaps near an equivelant of a 'country park' Somewhere from Toulouse to Provence , not high ...
Hi, what you are asking is impossible to respond to. There are so many options. I suggest you do the work yourself, get in a car and drive around, nobody can chose for you, we all have different tastes.... have fun! Read More
Looking for a house in or very near ....
Hi, I just checked on the internet and there are over 300 campgrounds in Charente-Maritime so although I don't camp, I would assume you would have no difficulty finding one specially right now during low season. Best wishes with your house ... Read More
Moving to France with American spouse by Sarahmimosa
Hi, all I am French and my husband is American, we married in the US four years ago and we registered our marriage in France. We currently both work and live together in the US, but we are planning on moving to France at some point. What is the ...
Hi, Same thing happened to me 14 years ago so things might have changed since then. At that time, my American husband got a one year visa and a "contrat d'integration" including 400 hours of French classes. At the end of the one year, ... Read More
Opening a Cattery in the Charente-Maritime Department by Tracy Ayoul
I moved to Charente-Maritime last July with my french husband. I am thinking of opening a small cattery here, run to english standards from our home which is situated between Jonzac and Pons. I have 16 years experience working in the family ...
Hi, I live near Montendre and would love to know if you opened your business. Please let me know. I have a 5 year old cat who has a heart condition and needs 3 pills a day. If I need to go away for a few days, I can't ask a neighbor to take care ... Read More
Renewing a US driver's license by man112
Hi guys, I'm an American expat living in France. I've been here for nine months and have fifteen months left on my contract, but my US driver's license expires at the end of this year. I don't drive at all in France, but I do come ...
Hi, if you still have a US address in PA, just renew your DL during your next trip to the US like if you still lived there. I don't remember if PA is on the list of states that can be converted to a French DL.... it is really weird, some states ... Read More
Settling in Beziers by Daniel Guy
Greetings all. We arrived in Beziers a couple of months ago and are busy looking at property to buy. I'm English and my wife is Kenyan. We like the city, though it's a shame the pet owners here don't discourage their pets from using ...
Hi, good luck with your relocation. Personally I wouldn't have chosen Beziers while Robert Menard is Maire.He is a far right politician who supports bullfighting where bulls are tortured to death in front of the yelling public. The fact that the ... Read More
Notaires fees in France by Bulaj
Hello there, my siblings and I have inherited some properties in France. They each want to hold on to some of the properties and are buying the shares from the other two of us. I am not interested in keeping my shares and am happy to sell as I ...
Hi, whether it is the buyer or the seller who pays the fees is negotiable. I recently purchased a property in France and when I made my offer, I specified that the sellers were to pay for all the fees. Read More
Bordeaux or Bilbao by EzraMatthewHug
Hi, My wife, two kids (Henry 3 and Harper 5) are planning to move to France (Bordeaux, outskirts of Paris, or Pau) from Brooklyn, NY. Goal is to be close enough to a major town with an affordable bilingual French/English school but outside of ...
I'll be curious to see where you end-up :-) Enjoy the journey! Read More
Bordeaux or Bilbao by EzraMatthewHug
Hi, My wife, two kids (Henry 3 and Harper 5) are planning to move to France (Bordeaux, outskirts of Paris, or Pau) from Brooklyn, NY. Goal is to be close enough to a major town with an affordable bilingual French/English school but outside of ...
Hi, it is a great idea to move abroad! The choice between France and Spain is very personal..... I don't feel that anybody can make it for you. I am relocating to the Bordeaux area myself and wouldn't live in Spain but that is just me. The ... Read More
Best website to find housing?
Hi, there are lots of sites...... just do a search "locations region de Bordeaux"..... one of the popular sites with free adds is Le Bon Coin. Good luck! Read More
Bordeaux
Hello, I am in the process of moving to the Bordeaux area also, about 50 minutes from the city since I need land for my horses. IMO, everyone is different and has different taste and criteria. The best way for you is to spend time here and explore ... Read More
Import of househould goods to France
It depends on the value of the electrical good. I brought my Kitchen Aid, my large STABER washing machine and expensive juicer and used a converter. Read More
U.S. Citizens and Visas by cshelly12
Hi! I am very interested in living in France, either short-term or long-term. I am an experienced ESL teacher and am considering the following options: 1) Looking for a teaching job in France 2) Continuing to teach online to support myself ...
Hi, regarding the French driver's licence, if you fail the test, you do not repay 2000 euros, only 30 euros to take the written test again. If you fail the driving part, you take additional one hour lessons. If you live in one of the states not ... Read More
U.S. Citizens and Visas by cshelly12
Hi! I am very interested in living in France, either short-term or long-term. I am an experienced ESL teacher and am considering the following options: 1) Looking for a teaching job in France 2) Continuing to teach online to support myself ...
One needs to know the language of the country one lives in! Saying to this woman that she doesn't need to know French to live there is ridiculous. She will be isolated, will depend on English speakers to help her with anything she needs to do, ... Read More
Import of househould goods to France
Hello, You will get the most accurate information by asking the French Consulate. Best wishes with your move. Read More
Any Americans living in Charente-Maritime or Gironde
Hi there and thank you for your message! I will contact you privately..... Read More
COMPANIES THAT HIRE NATIVE ENGLISH SPEAKERS (PARIS OR LYON PREFERRED)
Hi, I would suggest American companies who do business in France..... check with the Consulate for starters or do internet searches. Tourist offices in large cities might be interested as summer jobs. Check also companies who hire natives to teach ... Read More
Bringing a car from US to France by GregorySegal
When I first came to Europe in 2013 I compared the price of new Nissan Juke in US with what I could buy it for in Europe I was totally shocked. 40% difference considering Euro to Dollar conversion. I ended up buying it in Europe when I was in a ...
Hi there, Here is a link on the topic of importing a car purchased outside of the EU. When I moved back to France, I looked into it and gave up.... I am very sorry I did now because my car was a 911SC and now it is worth A LOT of money!!!! ... Read More
Any Americans living in Charente-Maritime or Gironde
Hi, I just signed an offer to buy a property in Charente-Maritime, near Montguyon, .... would love to meet Americans living in that neck of the woods...... Cheers, Liz Read More
Looking for a house with at least 2 hectares in Charente Maritime
Hello and thank you very much for all your suggestions and advice, really appreciate it! Read More
Looking for a house with at least 2 hectares in Charente Maritime
Hi there, I sold my property in Southern France and I'd like to relocate to Charente Maritime with my two horses. I have been looking on the internet but would like to let you know that I am on the market for a house with 2-4 hectares of land. ... Read More
Looking for a Portuguese bank for your mortgage? AVOID THIS ONE!
Hi, good to hear you finally were able to get your loan. We found a mortgage broker, much easier, they know all the banks. The bank I cannot mention really lead us on, the manager even called our seller to reassure him..... and then said no. Read More
Looking for a Portuguese bank for your mortgage? AVOID THIS ONE!
Hi, We just went through a nightmare with a Portuguese bank that I wouldn't wish on anybody, thus my post. We might lose the house we want to buy because it took so long for this bank to give us a negative response. The name of the bank is ***. ... Read More
Expat in France , looking for French Lessons by garcia.calavera
Hey there , I moved with my job and with my girlfriend in Marseille a couple of months ago , I am interested to know if there is any place that offers free French lessons for expats? In my job I need only English , but for my girlfriend is ...
Hi, maybe in your country, landlords can "kick out" tenants easily but this is NOT the case in France as I wrote to you earlier. There are very strict laws in France protecting tenants. As a result landlords are very picky about renting ... Read More
Expat in France , looking for French Lessons by garcia.calavera
Hey there , I moved with my job and with my girlfriend in Marseille a couple of months ago , I am interested to know if there is any place that offers free French lessons for expats? In my job I need only English , but for my girlfriend is ...
I must say that it is very difficult to be a landlord in France because of the strict laws protecting tenants. I am not making excuses for them but I wouldn't be a landlord in France. If for some reason tenants don't pay their rent, it takes ... Read More
Expat in France , looking for French Lessons by garcia.calavera
Hey there , I moved with my job and with my girlfriend in Marseille a couple of months ago , I am interested to know if there is any place that offers free French lessons for expats? In my job I need only English , but for my girlfriend is ...
Hi, your attitude is sad. You can't expect to find everything for free! Look at the incredible health care system in France, one of the best in the world. Since you have a job, I assume you can afford to pay something for French lessons. Look on ... Read More
House Purchase
Hi, there has been quite a few threads on that topic.... the bottom line is that selecting a place to live is a very personal matter.... since you already have a house there, how about driving around Algarve since you want to stay "close ... Read More
Expat in France , looking for French Lessons by garcia.calavera
Hey there , I moved with my job and with my girlfriend in Marseille a couple of months ago , I am interested to know if there is any place that offers free French lessons for expats? In my job I need only English , but for my girlfriend is ...
Hi, I thought of another way to learn French, easy, effective and inexpensive although not free: Babbel online. I use it to learn a foreign language. If you look on the internet, you will find various discounts, I pay around €5/month. You must ... Read More
Applying for Carte Vitale
You can call the "Assurance Maladie" yourself if you speak French, dial 3646 and explain your situation. Good luck with that! Read More
Expat in France , looking for French Lessons by garcia.calavera
Hey there , I moved with my job and with my girlfriend in Marseille a couple of months ago , I am interested to know if there is any place that offers free French lessons for expats? In my job I need only English , but for my girlfriend is ...
Hi, check with the CCI in Marseille, "Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie". Some of them offer language classes, not sure about the costs..... Read More
Buying property and obtaining health coverage by MLabinov
Is there any way to buy property in France and obtain the health coverage ?
Hi, then I see two options for you: 1. You take a trip to your closest consulate. After all, if this project is important to you, it will take some work. 2. You do searches on the internet to get an answer to your question. Best wishes to you. Read More
Buying property and obtaining health coverage by MLabinov
Is there any way to buy property in France and obtain the health coverage ?
I understand what you are trying to do. Fact is that the French health coverage is so far superior to the US that I am surprised more people are not trying to do the same. A call to your nearest French consulate should get you an answer. Read More
Vegetarianism and veganism in France. by silvma
Hi, Is it easy to be vegetarian and/or vegan in France? I guess so. (Some vegan food brands are from France too).
Yes, that's for sure, an organic Normandy butter. Read More
Looking for a job in France
Hi Lucille, I would recommend you check with American companies which have offices in France and might be hiring. Best wishes. Read More
Vegetarianism and veganism in France. by silvma
Hi, Is it easy to be vegetarian and/or vegan in France? I guess so. (Some vegan food brands are from France too).
I don't know where you went for that end of year lunch but 99.9% of family meals include vegetables in France! The restaurant you went billed as "très français" was not a good one, sounds like fast food, as REAL French ... Read More
Vegetarianism and veganism in France. by silvma
Hi, Is it easy to be vegetarian and/or vegan in France? I guess so. (Some vegan food brands are from France too).
Hi, I have been a vegetarian for decades and it is the same in France as in other countries. You can easily buy all kinds of fruits, grains and vegetables in the various markets. When you eat out, you can request a vegetarian plate.... if you are ... Read More
Cohabitation in France by SharanyaNair
Hi , I need some urgent advice regarding moving to Lyon. I'm a Singaporean Citizen looking to get a cohabitation visa in Lyon My boyfriend is a US citizen, who works for a government organisation in France. He will be moving there in July. ...
I confirm what JulieH wrote, I have never heard of a cohabitation visa either. Read More
Looking for a job in pau
Pau is not a very large city thus the job market is limited and ever more so if you do not speak French. I would suggest contacting the schools to explore giving English lessons to students. Also jobs online such as working as an English teacher for ... Read More
can i move to france ?
Hi, I think the best way in order to get the correct information is to check with the French Consulate or Embassy. Best wishes with your plans. Read More
Looking for long term rental in Algarve - any help appreciated by Mark and Anja Jones
Hello, We're looking to move to Portugal, this year, for at least a year, maybe longer. Can anyone suggest where we can find reliable, up to date listings of long term rental properties? We're looking for a villa, 2 + bedrooms, with a ...
Do searches on google such as "long-term rentals Algarve" or other key words of interest. Read More
Looking for long term rental in Algarve - any help appreciated by Mark and Anja Jones
Hello, We're looking to move to Portugal, this year, for at least a year, maybe longer. Can anyone suggest where we can find reliable, up to date listings of long term rental properties? We're looking for a villa, 2 + bedrooms, with a ...
Hi, what you are looking for, a long-term rental 1 km from the beach might be a challenge! Owners can get a lot of money during the tourist season for such a property by renting it by the week so they don't have much of an incentive to rent it ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
I beg to disagree EXPATUSA, the French speak foreign languages more than Americans do, by far. We can continue this conversation in French si vous parlez français..... or in Spanish si habla Espanol or in Portuguese se você fala ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
EXPATUSA, France is a better place for another reason than its terrific health care system, **** Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
I'll take no 18 anyday over the US where I used to pay USD750 per month for very limited coverage! Here in France, when I had a complete anesthesia (this year) and didn't have anyone to drive me back, a taxi was covered to drive me to the ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
You got that right! Compared to the US, just about anywhere in the modern world is better but France was voted no 1 by WHO. Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
Hash not, but facts and advise given. You have to remember no 2 countries are the same after all France is not Austrailia.Unfortunately, the fact is that France is not as welcoming to immigrants as Australia! You have family in France so that will ... Read More
Adult immigrants learning French by Rod S J
Thinking of moving to Vannes in Morbihan early next year. My French - I have learnt the language 3 times and forgotten it 2 and half times! Are there adult education courses in French in any of the cities in or around Vannes?
Hi, this forum is not about adversizing for your business. Read More
looking for Indian hot green chillies in Pau
You are welcome. Try a search on google for the variety of chili you are looking for and add the words "buy online" Read More
Adult immigrants learning French by Rod S J
Thinking of moving to Vannes in Morbihan early next year. My French - I have learnt the language 3 times and forgotten it 2 and half times! Are there adult education courses in French in any of the cities in or around Vannes?
Hi, fact is that if you don't practice a foreign language almost daily, you forget it LOL. If you don't find courses locally, there is Babbel online. I find it excellent and very inexpensive. If you look online, they offer special deals to ... Read More
looking for Indian hot green chillies in Pau
Hello and best wishes for your move to Pau. There is the "piment" d'Espelette produced about 90 minutes west of Pau in the Basque region. I am sure you can find it in Pau. If you want the "real" thing, you might have to ... Read More
Buying or renting a car before buying land????
WOW, I am sorry to hear about your car rental experience, we never had such a problem....... Read More
Liking the idea of retiring in Brittany. by Doug DeWitt
My wife and I have been to Paris multiple times and always loved the people, the history, and art we found there. We both had the idea of retiring in France at the same time and are now exploring our options. We have about 8 years to go and so are ...
Hi, so you live in Oregon! I visited friends in Ashland several times while I lived in California. I returned to my roots in Southern France about 10 years ago and now, I am moving to Southern Portugal where the sun shines :-) I have a hard time ... Read More
Liking the idea of retiring in Brittany. by Doug DeWitt
My wife and I have been to Paris multiple times and always loved the people, the history, and art we found there. We both had the idea of retiring in France at the same time and are now exploring our options. We have about 8 years to go and so are ...
Hi Doug, it sure sounds like a wonderful plan! I don't know where you live in the US but keep in mind that Brittany is very rainy with lots of overcast days..... the grass is greeen though LOL but bad weather enters France through Brittany. Read More
How hard is it? Egyptian Engineer In France by Eslam.AbdElKader
Hello, I am a mechanical engineer and i have moved to france with my wife 2 months ago, upon my arrival i started applying in jobs online (engineering jobs) while i only speak english and like an elementary level french, thing is i did get calls ...
1. Learning a language takes A LOT OF work and dedication. You must work on it every day and not just speak your native language all day with your family or you will never learn. 2. Regarding your degree, I am surprised that you didn't check ... Read More
Urgent! Looking for a flat in Toulouse
Welcome to Toulouse. I also suggest you live in Blagnac which is the airport town so that you are closer to work, less time in traffic. From Blagnac, you can take public transportation to downtown Toulouse. Read More
Online shopping in France by Priscilla
Hello everyone, Shopping online can be far more convenient and offer greater choice than going into shops, be it grocery shopping or retail. Are there options for online shopping in France? Which sites or apps do you use most frequently and ...
If you have internet and if you are reading this, you do LOL, you can purchase just about anything anywhere from France. I have purchased all kinds of things online from clothes, to pet food, books, CDs, sports equipment, even a car on ebay! I have ... Read More
Buying or renting a car before buying land????
IMO it depends how long you plan to spend looking for a property to purchase. It took us 5 trips to find a place to buy and we rented a call each time. There are big price differences in car rentals so I recommend you spend time on the internet to ... Read More
Keeping in touch while living in Portugal by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What are the best ways you've found for keeping in touch with friends and family back home while living in Portugal? How frequently do you stay in touch with loved ones? Are there local equivalents to common instant messaging ...
Portugal is not a backward country, all the ways you used in any other modern country to stay in touch are available in Portugal. Read More
Struggling to accept the French life by Nikki.G
Hi all, I am a recent graduate with a masters degree obtained here in France and about to start a new job. After 2 years of living here, I am coming to the realization that France may not be for me (although I willingly came here, adapted, became ...
"The French medical system is also declining" Having experienced both the US and the French medical system, your comment made me smile! The French National Health care system was voted No 1 by the World Health Organization and for a good ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
Hi Sue, I don't agree that our comments are harsh. They are the results of our experiences living in France. If the poster has other financial support, then fine, go for it. However, if she is alone in supporting herself, we are simply warning ... Read More
Can i find a job related to tourism in Rennes ?
Hi, I just read your post. So did you find your dream job around Rennes or was Catherine right? :-) Read More
USA, Flight Attendant Moving to Paris Area.
Hi there, I just read your post and hope you have settled somewhere in France! I was surprised by the "Christian" friends request..... are they the only group worthy of your trust? just curious. Read More
Moving to Portugal once retired by ADD55
My wife and I are testing life in Lagos for 1 month and are interested to talk to some current expats to understand their experiences of living here. This will help us in our decision making towards retirement living. Appreciate any advice over a ...
We almost bought a house in Silves but it sold just before we sold our property. We like Silves a lot but keep in mind that being more inland, it is hotter in the summer. Read More
Moving to Portugal once retired by ADD55
My wife and I are testing life in Lagos for 1 month and are interested to talk to some current expats to understand their experiences of living here. This will help us in our decision making towards retirement living. Appreciate any advice over a ...
Hi there, well, we don't live there yet :) Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
"you will work in non skilled jobs, well paid anyway" Please keep in mind that it is VERY expensive to live in Paris, check out the cost of rent. Unskilled jobs are NOT what I would consider well paid unless you have no other expenses ... Read More
Long winter stay
There is a great InterMarché in downtown Lagos, part of the French chain of supermarkets. If you live right downtown, there are buses. We will be about 15 minutes from downtown so of course, we will drive to town. As far as making sauces, if ... Read More
Long winter stay
We are in the process of purchasing a house in Lagos. We found that each town has a market where local producers come and sell high quality fruits and vegetables, often of better quality than in the UK. You will find supermarkets everywhere with ... Read More
Expat move to Portugal by montefranke
My wife and I will move to the EU next year. We have traveled Southern Europe fairly extensively and considering Valencia Spain and/or Menton France to start our lives there. Recently, we have read a lot of great information about Lisbon and ...
Yeah, most people stop joking when people die and that is what compassion is about, except for orange head that never stops tweeting..... Read More
Expat move to Portugal by montefranke
My wife and I will move to the EU next year. We have traveled Southern Europe fairly extensively and considering Valencia Spain and/or Menton France to start our lives there. Recently, we have read a lot of great information about Lisbon and ...
Looks like I hit a sensitive spot LOL. I have been to Florida and I would never live there. Each person their own but I don't claim to live in the BEST city and to have lived by THE BEST BEACHES, there is no such thing as the BEST anything, ... Read More
Expat move to Portugal by montefranke
My wife and I will move to the EU next year. We have traveled Southern Europe fairly extensively and considering Valencia Spain and/or Menton France to start our lives there. Recently, we have read a lot of great information about Lisbon and ...
" There is no beach in Europe that even comes close to the beaches in FL. " LOL!!!! IMO, there are lots of beaches in Europe that compare to FL minus the hurricanes! And, you can live in Algarve without living right on the beach. Read More
Moving to Portugal?
Hi, please don't think that Algarve is all touristic. Lisbon is too..... in Algarve there are some touristic hubs and some areas are much less so. Yes, it gets hot in the summer and we will not be there during those months :-) Best wishes to you! Read More
Health insurance
Very good point Amythek about the luxury of US hospitals compared to European ones..... I have been treated in both and I find the quality of care in Europe equal to the US at a MUCH lower cost...... but no marbre floors in Europe! Read More
Expat move to Portugal by montefranke
My wife and I will move to the EU next year. We have traveled Southern Europe fairly extensively and considering Valencia Spain and/or Menton France to start our lives there. Recently, we have read a lot of great information about Lisbon and ...
Hi, I would suggest you fly down to Faro, rent a car and check out the Algarve. This is where we are moving. Read More
Health insurance
Hi, I chose Filedidad because it works France and Portugal. In France, it is Saggema, my complementary health insurance. Read More
Moving to Portugal?
Why not check out the Faro area in Algarve while you are in Portugal? we are moving there. Read More
Moving to Portugal once retired by ADD55
My wife and I are testing life in Lagos for 1 month and are interested to talk to some current expats to understand their experiences of living here. This will help us in our decision making towards retirement living. Appreciate any advice over a ...
" I would advise not to settle in west Algarve" I beg to disagree, Western Algarve goes all the way to Aljezur and is not the most touristic region of Algarve, in my opinion. We found that the Golden Triangle mentioned by the poster is ... Read More
Moving to Portugal once retired by ADD55
My wife and I are testing life in Lagos for 1 month and are interested to talk to some current expats to understand their experiences of living here. This will help us in our decision making towards retirement living. Appreciate any advice over a ...
Hi, how interesting! We are in the process of purchasing a house in Lagos! How do you like it so far? we thought it was a terrific town, not just a touristic place. Read More
Need translator desperately - medical situation in Sete
Hi there, Sorry to hear your story. I am French but lived in the US for over 20 years and worked as a translator for a pharmaceutical company for years here in France. I'd be happy to help you over the phone. I live hundreds of kilometers from ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
I am not talking politics, just about the reality of being able to converse with the people of the country you are moving to. It is YOUR job to learn their language, not their job to speak yours. When you go to the market, the doctor, etc. Unless ... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
Expatusa, you are forgetting Canada where French is widely spoken in some areas. In any case, when you move to a foreign country, the least you can do is learn their language out of respect for them and to feel integrated. Read More
Your advice needed!
Gemchanel, with this budget, your parents will be able to find a nice place betwen Tavira and Lagoa. We are moving to Lagos which is lovely but further from the airport than you want. Just in case, look it up..... what we like about it is that it is ... Read More
Algarve Rent Strategy by M4rcP
Hi all, I am considering early retirement from the U.S. and relocating to the Algarve area. (looking at Armacao de Pera, Carvoeira, Lagos areas) My intent would be to rent a T0/T1 in a town in somewhat close proximity to beaches. A long term annual ...
Silves is not very far inland and is quite busy during the tourist season. I am pretty sure you can find rentals further inland during the peak season but for one thing, the further inland you go, the hotter it gets and do you want to move every ... Read More
English speaking builder in the Algarve
We will also be looking for an English or French speaking builder, probably in the Lagos area..... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
IMO, it is pathetic to live in a country and not bother to learn the language! You stay with expats and never mix in with the locals, how very sad. Why bother to move to a different culture? PS: I am French and writing to you in English..... Read More
Working in Paris without speaking French by mkataga
I would like to hear some ideas of how it can be a possibility to work in Paris, knowing only english and greek (native language) and basic French I want to move to Paris and start working and doing intensive courses of French. How can this be ...
Learn the language and THEN look for a job. Just think about it, if you were a French company, would you hire someone who doesn't speak the language? The answer is a resounding NO unless you can offer very special skills no French speaker has. ... Read More
Your advice needed!
Hi, in what price range are you looking? Read More
Property prices in Algarve
The further East you go from Faro, towards Spain, the hotter it gets and the opposite is true as you go West, towards Aljezur, more of an oceanic climate..... Something to keep in mind if you plan to be there in the summer. Read More
Advice Please on a location suitable for a home and business by Losllanos
We would be so grateful for any advice good or bad. We are thinking of moving to the Dordogne area of France. We are looking at opening another Fitness club. Is there a requirement for this and which area should we study first. We are looking ...
"We would ideally like to renovate a couple of barns to accommodate us and our business" 20+ years ago, there were lots of barns to be had for cheap and to renovate. Most of these were purchased by Brits and I am not sure there many or ... Read More
Advice Please on a location suitable for a home and business by Losllanos
We would be so grateful for any advice good or bad. We are thinking of moving to the Dordogne area of France. We are looking at opening another Fitness club. Is there a requirement for this and which area should we study first. We are looking ...
Hi, I don't live in Dordogne but I am guessing, around Sarlat which seems to be favored by Brits. As for your special needs fitness club, be aware that the French Health Plan reimburses a lot of rehab-type services so again I suggest you really ... Read More
Retirement Research by BGordonB
Hi, my name is Ben, I live in one of the suburbs of Nashville Tennessee, USA. My wife and I are looking at retiring to Europe in 2021 and the Algarve region of Portugal is currently our top choice of destinations. We are in the process of planning ...
Vedel is here to push her business which is against the rules of this forum! She has been warned time and time again and keep it it up, shame on you! Read More
French husband need a return plane ticket?
Ask the airline since they are the ones who check if you have the round trip ticket at check-in. Read More
French husband need a return plane ticket?
It used to be that you HAD to have a round trip ticket, check with the airline. It is pretty stupid, I know, since if you want to stay, you just don't use the return ticket...... Read More
Advice Please on a location suitable for a home and business by Losllanos
We would be so grateful for any advice good or bad. We are thinking of moving to the Dordogne area of France. We are looking at opening another Fitness club. Is there a requirement for this and which area should we study first. We are looking ...
Hi, the Dordogne area has quite a few British expats, mostly retired and I am not sure they would be interested in a fitness club so you got to really study your target market. Read More
Getting a job in a new country before you get there...
Hi, I would say that France is pretty conservative.... of course, it depends what kind of job you will be looking for. The economy in France is not great right now and a lot of French people are unemployed so finding a job might be difficult..... it ... Read More
Property prices in Algarve
Hi, I recommend you check out all the property sales websites and you will see how prices vary per area. If you want cheap, go inland, further from the coast..... cheaper but hotter in the summer..... Read More
Retirement Research by BGordonB
Hi, my name is Ben, I live in one of the suburbs of Nashville Tennessee, USA. My wife and I are looking at retiring to Europe in 2021 and the Algarve region of Portugal is currently our top choice of destinations. We are in the process of planning ...
Hi Bill, I replied before reading that you had already booked your accomodations! Heck, good place to use your Hilton points...... there is a Club Med nearby also. Read More