Expat Focus

What does moving to Spain really look like for non-EU nationals? And how can you tell if it's the right move for you? In this episode of the Expat Focus Podcast, James Blick, founder of Spain Revealed, joins host Carlie Bonavia to share what life in Spain is actually like — beyond the beaches and tapas. James explains why your vision for life in Spain matters more than the visa paperwork at the start, and how getting clear on your desired rhythm — your day-to-day pace and priorities — can make or break your relocation. He discusses lifestyle differences across regions, common misconceptions about Spanish life, popular visa options (including updates to the Digital Nomad Visa), and practical tips on choosing where to live, budgeting, and building community. Whether you're planning to retire early, work remotely, or simply embrace a slower lifestyle, this episode offers the clarity you need to move to Spain with confidence. #MoveToSpain #LivingInSpain #SpainRevealed #DigitalNomadVisa #ExpatLife #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] 00:00 Guest Introduction: James Blick 01:09 James' Journey to Spain 02:24 Founding Spain Revealed and Devour Tours 03:21 The Impact of the Pandemic and Pivot to Relocation 04:31 Top Nationalities Moving to Spain 06:12 Misunderstandings About Life in Spain 10:08 Choosing the Right Location in Spain 16:00 Key Considerations for Moving to Spain 19:57 Digital Nomad Visa Updates 27:21 Navigating Spanish Bureaucracy 27:45 Healthcare Requirements for Non-Lucrative Visa 29:23 Common Pitfalls in Moving to Spain 32:12 Cultural Adjustments and Expectations 36:46 Finding Your Rhythm in Spain 41:56 Building Community and Seeking Advice 45:12 The Importance of Learning Spanish 48:30 Resources for Moving to Spain 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/what-is-life-in-spain-really-like-for-expats [https://www.expatfocus.com/spain/podcast/what-is-life-in-spain-really-like] 📝 Show Notes Spain Revealed – https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP [https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

Data-driven relocation consultant Vasily Yurenkov joins the Expat Focus Podcast to discuss how numbers — not just gut instinct — can guide your move abroad. When political turmoil forced him to leave Russia, Vasily and his wife used his analytical model to decide where to rebuild their lives. Now based in Amsterdam, he helps others choose their ideal destination by comparing 600+ data points across countries and cities. In this episode, Vasily explains why most expats make relocation decisions emotionally rather than logically, what happens when data contradicts "dream destinations," and how personal values and cultural fit factor into his analysis. He also shares why some clients end up staying put after all, and how to avoid falling into an "abusive relationship" with your new country. If you're planning an international move — or questioning if your adopted country is truly right for you — this conversation offers a fascinating, evidence-based perspective on finding your best fit abroad. #ExpatLife #MovingAbroad #Relocation #ExpatFocus #DigitalNomads #LivingOverseas 👉 Visit Expat Focus: https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 00:42 Vasily's Relocation Journey 02:26 Choosing Between the UK and Amsterdam 03:47 Challenges with UK Visa and Final Decision 07:18 The Five-Month Road Trip 08:51 Importance of Data in Relocation Decisions 18:26 Client Profiles and Data-Driven Approach 20:08 Common Misconceptions About Moving to Italy 20:24 Surprising Results from Data-Driven Analysis 21:12 Practical Tips for Testing Your Top Destinations 21:56 Deciding Not to Move After All 24:06 The Role of Personal Values in Choosing a Country 32:15 The Importance of a Fresh Perspective 35:44 The Limitations and Pitfalls of Data 38:35 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-choose-the-best-country-for-your-move-abroad [https://www.expatfocus.com/international/podcast/how-to-choose-the-best-country-for-your-move-abroad] 📝 Show Notes Greener Relocation – https://greener.im [https://greener.im] 👉 Follow Expat Focus: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

Relocation concierge Ashley Sourci joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about moving to France — and tackling the country's infamous bureaucracy. Originally from California, Ashley shares how she fell in love with French life, the challenges she faced setting up on her own, and why she now helps others navigate the endless paperwork and catch-22s of settling in. She explains what a relocation concierge does, the difference between standard relocation services and her high-touch "handholding" approach, and why even locals struggle with French administration. Ashley also breaks down typical costs, the realities of official translations, and how to avoid common pitfalls like stalled bank accounts and driver's license delays. If you're considering a move to France — or already drowning in French paperwork — this episode offers practical insights, real-life experiences, and advice to make your transition smoother. #ExpatLife #LivingInFrance #MoveToFrance #FrenchBureaucracy #FranceExpats #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:56 Ashley's Journey to France 04:40 Challenges of Relocating to France 07:24 Role of a Relocation Concierge 14:52 Pricing and Client Involvement 19:56 Documentation and Language Barriers 25:29 Finding the Right Relocation Service 27:48 Ashley's Personal Reflections and Contact Information 30:33 Final Thoughts 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/france/podcast/untangling-french-bureaucracy-how-a-relocation-concierge-can-help [https://www.expatfocus.com/france/podcast/untangling-french-bureaucracy-how-a-relocation-concierge-can-help] 📝 Show Notes Ashley's Website – https://chezmoialsace.com [https://chezmoialsace.com] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

American blogger Kirsten Raccuia returns to the Expat Focus Podcast to share her experiences with healthcare in Mexico. After relocating from Malaysia with her husband, Kirsten has navigated everything from pharmacy visits to surgery — and she opens up about the realities of medical care as a foreign resident. She explains why Mexico is a hub for medical tourism, how costs compare with the USA, and what expats should know about insurance and out-of-pocket expenses. Kirsten also highlights cultural differences in patient care, the role of word-of-mouth in finding trusted doctors, and the surprising accessibility of treatments. If you're considering a move to Mexico — or curious about how healthcare abroad stacks up — this episode offers candid insights and practical advice. #ExpatLife #HealthcareMexico #LivingInMexico #MedicalTourism #MexicoExpats #ExpatFocus 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/mexico/podcast/why-expats-trust-mexico-for-affordable-modern-healthcare [https://www.expatfocus.com/mexico/podcast/why-expats-trust-mexico-for-affordable-modern-healthcare] 📝 Show Notes Kirsten's Blog – https://sandinmycurls.com [https://sandinmycurls.com] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]

Jordan Giberson joins the Expat Focus Podcast to share her journey from Austin, Texas to London, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From turning down a safe job offer at home to pursuing her dream of living in the UK, Jordan talks about navigating visas, surviving lockdown as a new arrival, and adapting to British culture. She opens up about the challenges of residency rules, what Americans should know about healthcare in the UK, and how her perspective has shifted after nearly six years abroad. Jordan also reflects on cultural quirks, why she feels more at home in London now, and what she loves most about her expat life. If you're an American considering a move to the UK — or simply curious about life on the other side of the pond — this episode is packed with insights and inspiration. #ExpatLife #MovingToTheUK #AmericansAbroad #BritishCulture #UKVisas #HealthcareUK 👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com] 00:00 Introduction 00:30 Jordan's Journey to the UK 03:38 Settling in During the Pandemic 07:16 Visa Challenges and Advice 14:28 Cultural Differences and Adaptation 20:15 Returning to Texas During COVID 21:31 Healthcare Differences: USA vs UK 24:33 Visa and Residency in the UK 28:44 Considering Other European Countries 31:36 Adapting to British Culture 36:24 Benefits of Living Abroad 38:14 Where to Find More Information 🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/italy/podcast/living-in-london-how-one-american-made-it-work [https://www.expatfocus.com/italy/podcast/living-in-london-how-one-american-made-it-work] 📝 Show Notes Jordan's Website - https://jordangiberson.com [https://jordangiberson.com] 👉 Follow Expat Focus here: RSS | https://www.expatfocus.com/feed [https://www.expatfocus.com/feed] YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus [https://www.youtube.com/@ExpatFocus] Podcast | https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast [https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast] LinkedIn Page | https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus [https://www.linkedin.com/company/expatfocus] LinkedIn Group | https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267 [https://www.linkedin.com/groups/673267] X | https://x.com/expatfocus [https://x.com/expatfocus] Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus [https://www.facebook.com/expatfocus] Bluesky | https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social [https://bsky.app/profile/expatfocus.bsky.social] Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus [https://www.instagram.com/expatfocus] TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus [https://www.tiktok.com/@expatfocus] Mastodon | https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus [https://mastodon.social/@expatfocus] Website | https://www.expatfocus.com [https://www.expatfocus.com]