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The Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
I ditched the UK for Portugal – I'm still shocked at how cheap everything is from 80p coffee to bargain beach sunbeds
WHEN I decided to move to Portugal in 2020, I had been living in London - one of the most pricey cities in the world, let alone the UK - for just under a decade. However, I was amazed by how costs in my new base, Lisbon, were less than I had experienced even in many parts of the UK, making it an overall more affordable place to live. 5 5 From dining out to getting around, I have been amazed how my money has been able to go further compared to back home. Having said that, rising costs have affected Portugal, like they have in other parts of Europe in the past few years - and it's worth noting that the minimum wage here is significantly lower than the UK. There has been particular resentment among locals about soaring rents and house prices, believed to be driven by expats and tourists. However, the prices of many everyday things has remained rather affordable - as I'm reminded every time I pop back to the UK - and these are some of the impressive savings that can be made... Booze for less than a fiver Just like us Brits, the Portuguese are passionate about their beer - namely Super Bock, produced in the north, and Sagres, which comes from the south. A bottle of the lager-style duo - which is slightly smaller than a British pint - will often cost just a couple of euros each. Another alcoholic beverage prevalent in Portugal is wine, and the country has many delicious varieties that are low in price for the very reason they are home-grown. At many bars, restaurants and quiosques, you can still purchase a top-quality house white or red for just a few euros. Coffee for a quid The Portuguese love of coffee is strong, to the point where most homes will have an espresso machine in the kitchen and seeing a packet of the instant stuff is rare. However, when they are getting their caffeine fix in a traditional café, you'll usually see locals stood up at the counter quickly sipping on an espresso. Explore Algarve with The Sun's Best of Beaches It will probably have set them back between 50 and 80 cents, although that might tip over the one euro mark (around 80p) if you sit down at a table. If an espresso is not to your taste, then coffee with milk - called a 'galão' - will usually come in at under two euros. Affordable beach luxury While other European coastal destinations might charge you a small fortune to enjoy the finer aspects of beach life, in Portugal it is comparatively cheap. Many sandy spots will have traditional cafés selling competitively priced seafood - usually fresh and caught locally. 5 It is also possible to rent a sunlounger at the beach for less than a tenner, based on two people sharing a pair of beds with an umbrella for shade. Surfing your thing? Portugal has some of the best waves in Europe, and you can rent a surfboard and wetsuit in many places for less than €20 (£17) a day. Dining out for less Portugal is famed for its delicious food, which include authentic just-out-the-oven pastel de nata for a couple of euros. However, it's going to a restaurant for lunch or dinner where the savings really become apparent. 5 The typical Portuguese way to dine is to share several dishes in a group in the style of 'petiscos' - their version of tapas - which makes dining out for £10 to £20, minus drinks, a regular occurrence. When you receive the bill, it's common for there to be no 12.5 per cent service charge automatically added to the total - so it's at your discretion, and very much appreciated by staff, if you do want to tip. Cheaper to get around Many Portuguese locals choose to get from A to B in cars or on motorbikes. However, taking public transport can allow you to better enjoy the scenery - and it will save you a fortune too. A ride on a regional train service - such as from the 40 minutes from Lisbon to Caiscais - will set you back only a couple of euros. Meanwhile, the monthly 'Navegante' travel pass gives you unlimited use of public transport - including the famous trams - in the capital area for less than £30 per month.
The Sun
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
I ditched UK for sunshine state and now earn triple my salary – it's that good I even left my wife & son back in Britain
STUCK feeling like his money was going nowhere in the UK with a rising cost of living and dreary prospects - Previn Diwakar made a decision that would shock those close to him. He decided he would leave his wife Lisa, 51, and son Oscar, 15, at their home in Shrewsbury - and head abroad for a better life where he could triple his salary and live the high life. 16 16 16 16 Dr Diwakar, originally from Glasgow, choose Saudi Arabia, the trillionaire state fast attracting professionals despite being accused of living in the dark ages by the West. The British radiologist - who has worked in Canterbury, Liverpool, Manchester and Cardiff - moved to Riyadh last year after 25 years in the NHS, choosing it over its more 'relaxed' ruled neighbour the UAE. He now says he earns triple his salary with no income tax, lives in an stylish 3-bedroom apartment, which is mostly paid for by his work. He has a free gym, pool and steam room in the block - and he also drives at Tesla Model 3, with free charging ports avaliable and the car also being half paid for by his hospital. The lure of the salary boost was so great for the family - he moved while leaving his wife Lisa & son Oscar decided to stay back in the UK. Dr Diwakar explained he was tired of constantly working harder in Britain but feeling no benefits as cost of living continues to climb. And said even with the lack of alcohol - he still gets to enjoy events such as football and live music. He also defended his decision to swap to Saudi - which while opening up to the West, still continues to have a bloody human rights record. It is estimated up to 300,000 Brits visit Saudi Arabia yearly - and there are around 30,000 UK expats living in the kingdom. And Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been the driving force behind a massive campaign to open up the country and attract Westerners. Meet the 'Neom' WAGS – the Brit TikTok housewives of Saudi living it up in desert luxury while husbands build $1tn mega city From luring in top sports stars like Cristiano Ronaldo and relaxing some of the nation's traditional laws, Riyadh launched Saudi Vision 2030 back in 2016 - a £3trillion scheme to modernise the nation. Mega projects planned including ambitions of the world's tallest skyscraper, an enormous new high tech city, and 15 new stadiums ahead of the 2034 World Cup. Dr Diwakar told The Sun: 'There was a very real sense that over the previous 10 years or so I was working harder and harder but seeing no improvement in my salary or quality of living. 'With the rise in living costs in the UK and punitive tax rules I couldn't see my quality of life for me or my family improving by staying put. 'It was like I was running to stand still. While initially drawn to the UAE, having visited there many times over the years, I became drawn to Saudi after seeing the opportunities here and that it offered me the authentic cultural and social experiences I was seeking which the UAE simply doesn't.' Now he says he earns roughly three and half times more than he did in the UK, with Saudi imposing no income tax on his earnings. His wife, Lisa Diwakar, and son, Oscar, remain in the UK but he manages to see them often thanks to generous annual leave. And his wife Lisa says while she misses him, when the meet up it makes all the time together that much more special. She said the family have had to adapt to a new way of living and working. Lisa said: "Being a working mum in the UK and wife to a husband working in Saudi requires careful planning to ensure we get to get to spend quality time together as a family. "We communicate daily and the physical distance has taught us to plan ahead and look forward to quality times we spend together. "This has been an important life lesson for me, I'm more organised and I always have something to look forward to, my husband coming home, me going to visit him or our family meeting somewhere to spend a holiday together. "We don't feel the geographical distance, we simply feel the lack of presence, that never leaves you but it does mean that when we are together it's so special." A keen football fan, he regularly goes to football games including Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr FC in the Saudi Pro League. He passes time with other expats drinking coffee, visiting art galleries, malls, restaurants and watching his club Liverpool at a supporters club run by locals. Previn was a season ticket holder and went to as many games as possible when he lived in England and still attends matches when he's visiting. Last month he went to WWE Smackdown, costing him only £14, with fans decked out in wrestling outfits. 16 16 16 16 He added: 'Football was a massive eye-opener for me. I have very in-depth knowledge of what the English and European games are like, but I had no idea what the Saudi Pro League was like. 'So when I was out here I asked various colleagues and they said football's huge out here. 'I thought, well, in England it's quite difficult to get tickets, isn't it? But it's not difficult to get tickets out here. The tickets aren't expensive either. 'You're probably spending maybe £10 to £15 pounds maximum for a decent seat. I was pretty near the pitch side and I went with my family, with my wife and son." The doctor said the stadium's atmosphere was even comparable to major European games he's been to. He said: 'The stadium was pretty crowded. It wasn't as huge as the European stadiums but there was a really good atmosphere and certainly like European games there's one end of the stadium that had the so-called Ultras there, the banging the drums and creating a lot of atmosphere. 'There certainly was an atmosphere when I went to see an Al-Nassr game with Ronaldo and Sadio Mane. 'The team they were playing against was Al Riyadh, which is a comparatively less well-known team outside Saudi. 'So you would think with Ronaldo and Mane playing, this is just going to be a walkover, it's going to be one-sided. It wasn't. It was quite a competitive game, they won but only just.' Saudi is a dry country and remains adamant it will be alcohol free during the 2034 World Cup set to be held there, with booze prohibited under Islamic laws . But Diwakar says he doesn't miss it and has noticed no impact at events. He added: 'The atmosphere at WWE is incredible. There's all the chanting, there's the dancing, people wearing T-shirts and dressing up, it is as mental as anything in the UK or in Europe. 'I don't think the lack of alcohol makes any impact on the atmosphere in these events whether it's a concert, WWE or live sport. 'There were lots of people wearing WWE outfits to mimic their favourite wrestlers. They had imitation belts because John Cena was there. "They were dressed up like Cena with the crazy hats, big foam fingers they were pointing at him. 'I was shocked actually because when I go to Anfield, when you hear all the singing and everything like that, that's what it is. But you don't expect it out here. 'How you feel about living in a dry country may depend a lot upon the stage of your life you're at. 'In the UK I may go and see friends at the pub, or at football I might have a drink, but at this stage in my life I'm not a heavy drinker. 'Particularly with my job, I never drank during the week, maybe a glass of wine with my meal at the weekend but that was it. 'Since I've been out here I haven't missed it at all." Some expats are keen to share their lives in Saudi - including a raft of Brits who are sharing their lifestyles online. A dozen now- influencers - most with young children - made the move months or even years ago as their husbands landed various jobs working for Saudi projects. Another Brit expat, who asked not to be named, swapped the UK for Saudi at the age of 23 and now works as an account executive in Riyadh. There he shares an apartment with another British expat, passing time with padel, art galleries and football with other expats. He's a fan of MDLBEAST, a series of festivals held in Riyadh and has attracted artists including A$AP Rocky, Calvin Harris and Guns N' Roses. There, he says you'll see things you 'wouldn't expect to see'. The expat told The Sun: 'There were things you would not expect to see at a Saudi music festival. 'They sold non-alcoholic beer for example. It was predominantly young lads, I didn't really see many women. 'They obviously weren't gangsters, but a lot of the men were wearing balaclavas, emulating Reading festival or something. 'There was a lot of music you might think men wouldn't be interested in here. So Jason Derulo was packed, they knew his lyrics." A$AP Rocky's set was full of expletives with the crowd singing along to all the lyrics. Diwakar compared its significance to the UK's Glastonbury, although he hasn't managed to go yet. He wants to attend at some point, and has set his sights on the Jeddah GP next year. Saudi Arabia has gone on an aggressive spending spree in recent years and it seeks to modernise the nation, particularly in sport. In addition to names like Ronaldo heading to Saudi PL, the world's best golfers including John Rahm play in LIV Golf for eye-popping sums. Some have accused the nation, a dictatorship, of doing so to wash its image. And alongside these projects, there is also a raft of Saudi influencers who share their lifestyles in the kingdom. The Saudi government are keen to clean up the kingdom's image. 16 16 But Diwakar says the nation is fast evolving and change is embraced by locals. He said: 'It's very important to remember where this country has come from in an incredibly short period of time. 'It's 2025 now and eight years ago was at the start of these reforms. 'If you think of where we are now, I'm sitting in a lovely little cafe bakery here, crowded with men and women together. 'That wouldn't have been possible 10 years ago. So the social change and the infrastructure has changed a lot. 'As each year goes by, particularly as we accelerate through to 2030, some things will start changing and adapting.' He added: 'Western perception is that people don't feel comfortable talking about this country or politics and I don't think that's true. 'Everybody I've spoken to has been pretty good, they've been pretty open, no less so than in the UK. 'Of course you don't get demonstrations on the street. But I think when you speak to people, universally people have welcomed the changes that they have made. 'Like the fact that you can come to a coffee shop and you see groups of girls together, or going for non-alcoholic drinks." Saudi's most draconian laws By James Moules THE most infamous case of Saudi Arabia's draconian laws is that of Raif Badawi - a blogger who was sentenced to 1,000 lashes and 10 years in prison for "insulting Islam". The Arab Kingdom still enforces the death penalty - in 2022, 196 people were executed. And on March 12 that year, 81 people were executed in one single day. Women and girls still face discrimination in regard to the law. The male guardianship act was enshrined into law in 2022, and means that women must have a "male legal guardian". The Arab Kingdom consistently cracks down on the press, controlling domestic media and jailing journalists for a variety of "crimes". Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 by agents of the Saudi government. LGBT rights are not legally recognised in the country. They are labelled as "extremist ideas", with public displays of affection between couples outlawed. Protests and demonstrations are also illegal. Those who defy this ban face arrest, prosecution and imprisonment.
The Guardian
28-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Beautiful, isolated and expensive: US expats on life in New Zealand
Californian Larry Keim has learned a thing or two in his 20 years living in New Zealand: good dill pickles are hard to come by, understanding kiwi slang will get you far, and if you think you're going to get rich, forget it, 'that ain't gonna happen'. 'But [New Zealand] is rich in so many other things that, at the end of the day, matter more.' For Americans looking to escape political division in the US or simply wishing for a slower pace of life, New Zealand is often considered an enticing alternative. Political crises and administration changes in the US regularly ignite waves of American interest in New Zealand – visits to immigration websites skyrocket, property searches soar and online forums fill up with urgent questions about what life is like in the island nation. Billionaires have also looked to use New Zealand as a 'bolthole' far away from the threat of societal turmoil. Most recently, the relaxing of rules for New Zealand's so-called 'golden visas' to attract wealthy investors has seen a surge in applications from the US, including plenty – according to immigration consultants – driven by a desire to escape president Donald Trump's administration. So what advice would recent US migrants offer to their compatriots? Some themes emerged: relish the free healthcare, embrace the work culture and natural beauty but brace for high living costs and feelings of isolation. Sarah Parlow did not arrive on a 'golden visa' but deliberately moved to New Zealand a week before Trump's inauguration in January. 'When I saw the Republican party captured the House, the Senate and the presidency on election night, I just knew it would be disastrous for women's rights, LGBT rights, and the American people in general,' Parlow says. 'I just really wanted to be somewhere else for a while.' The Auckland-based nurse and life coach says it has been an easy landing. 'It's been a place where I feel I can recalibrate'. Stats NZ estimates 1,388 Americans migrated to New Zealand in the three months to the end of February, a jump of 1,127 on the same period a year earlier – 537 arrived in February alone, which is believed to be one of the highest monthly totals from the US on record. However, Amy Armstrong, who moved to New Zealand with her husband, Miles Nolte, and son Beck in 2022, has a warning. 'You should feel pulled to be here,' she said, 'not just pushed to get away from [the US].' 'I think it's really easy coming from a place of feeling desperate in the United States right now, to assume that if you can get to New Zealand, it's this golden parachute,' Nolte says, cautioning that not everything in New Zealand comes easy. The couple arrived in New Zealand after Armstrong was awarded an Edmund Hillary Fellowship and they have just gained residency. Their move was partly motivated by the US's political climate but mostly driven by a thirst for adventure and love of the outdoors. In this respect, the country has been generous – the wild spaces are beautiful and accessible and there is a real sense of 'community-mindedness', Armstrong says. But there have been shocks. The housing can be cold and getting a job is often about who you know, as much as what you know. 'The reality is, most people get jobs [here] based on knowing somebody,' says Nolte – an experienced writer, producer, hunter and fisher. 'I have been a little shocked at how cloistered the market … and the connections have been.' For Wellington-based video editor Sam, who wished to use only his first name, the workplace culture was a surprising discovery – one he relishes for the lengthy holiday periods and better work-life balance but which also required steep learning curves. 'In New Zealand, the relationships come first … if you're in a position of leadership, you have to develop that relationship or it won't work out,' says Sam. Sam and his wife moved to New Zealand in 2016 after falling in love with its natural beauty three years earlier. He is particularly struck by how access to free healthcare 'gives you more freedom and latitude to try new things'. 'That made me realise, as an American, how much of your life and the decisions you make are tied to your ability to get healthcare,' Sam said. Some Americans warned would-be migrants that the cost of living is high in New Zealand compared with the US, and said they had sometimes struggled to form friendships with locals. Meanwhile, the distance between New Zealand and the US can lead to loneliness. 'Sometimes it can feel very isolating [if] you're just here on your own and your family's 3,000 miles away,' says Monique, who wished to give only her first name, and who moved to New Zealand in 2006. Yet, not one regretted their choice to move, nor had any pressing desire to return to the US. 'I have a life here that I wouldn't be able to have in California – I can afford to keep myself healthy [and] don't have to pay for my prescriptions,' says Debbie, a retiree who has called New Zealand home since 2005. 'New Zealand is a beautiful country and I am proud to be part of it.'
The Guardian
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
Beautiful, isolated and expensive: US expats on life in New Zealand
Californian Larry Keim has learned a thing or two in his 20 years living in New Zealand: good dill pickles are hard to come by, understanding kiwi slang will get you far, and if you think you're going to get rich, forget it, 'that ain't gonna happen'. 'But [New Zealand] is rich in so many other things that, at the end of the day, matter more.' For Americans looking to escape political division in the US or simply wishing for a slower pace of life, New Zealand is often considered an enticing alternative. Political crises and administration changes in the US regularly ignite waves of American interest in New Zealand – visits to immigration websites skyrocket, property searches soar and online forums fill up with urgent questions about what life is like in the island nation. Billionaires have also looked to use New Zealand as a 'bolthole' far away from the threat of societal turmoil. Most recently, the relaxing of rules for New Zealand's so-called 'golden visas' to attract wealthy investors has seen a surge in applications from the US, including plenty – according to immigration consultants – driven by a desire to escape president Donald Trump's administration. So what advice would recent US migrants offer to their compatriots? Some themes emerged: relish the free healthcare, embrace the work culture and natural beauty but brace for high living costs and feelings of isolation. Sarah Parlow did not arrive on a 'golden visa' but deliberately moved to New Zealand a week before Trump's inauguration in January. 'When I saw the Republican party captured the House, the Senate and the presidency on election night, I just knew it would be disastrous for women's rights, LGBT rights, and the American people in general,' Parlow says. 'I just really wanted to be somewhere else for a while.' The Auckland-based nurse and life coach says it has been an easy landing. 'It's been a place where I feel I can recalibrate'. Stats NZ estimates 1,388 Americans migrated to New Zealand in the three months to the end of February, a jump of 1,127 on the same period a year earlier – 537 arrived in February alone, which is believed to be one of the highest monthly totals from the US on record. However, Amy Armstrong, who moved to New Zealand with her husband, Miles Nolte, and son Beck in 2022, has a warning. 'You should feel pulled to be here,' she said, 'not just pushed to get away from [the US].' 'I think it's really easy coming from a place of feeling desperate in the United States right now, to assume that if you can get to New Zealand, it's this golden parachute,' Nolte says, cautioning that not everything in New Zealand comes easy. The couple arrived in New Zealand after Armstrong was awarded an Edmund Hillary Fellowship and they have just gained residency. Their move was partly motivated by the US's political climate but mostly driven by a thirst for adventure and love of the outdoors. In this respect, the country has been generous – the wild spaces are beautiful and accessible and there is a real sense of 'community-mindedness', Armstrong says. But there have been shocks. The housing can be cold and getting a job is often about who you know, as much as what you know. 'The reality is, most people get jobs [here] based on knowing somebody,' says Nolte – an experienced writer, producer, hunter and fisher. 'I have been a little shocked at how cloistered the market … and the connections have been.' For Wellington-based video editor Sam, who wished to use only his first name, the workplace culture was a surprising discovery – one he relishes for the lengthy holiday periods and better work-life balance but which also required steep learning curves. 'In New Zealand, the relationships come first … if you're in a position of leadership, you have to develop that relationship or it won't work out,' says Sam. Sam and his wife moved to New Zealand in 2016 after falling in love with its natural beauty three years earlier. He is particularly struck by how access to free healthcare 'gives you more freedom and latitude to try new things'. 'That made me realise, as an American, how much of your life and the decisions you make are tied to your ability to get healthcare,' Sam said. Some Americans warned would-be migrants that the cost of living is high in New Zealand compared with the US, and said they had sometimes struggled to form friendships with locals. Meanwhile, the distance between New Zealand and the US can lead to loneliness. 'Sometimes it can feel very isolating [if] you're just here on your own and your family's 3,000 miles away,' says Monique, who wished to give only her first name, and who moved to New Zealand in 2006. Yet, not one regretted their choice to move, nor had any pressing desire to return to the US. 'I have a life here that I wouldn't be able to have in California – I can afford to keep myself healthy [and] don't have to pay for my prescriptions,' says Debbie, a retiree who has called New Zealand home since 2005. 'New Zealand is a beautiful country and I am proud to be part of it.'
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Yahoo
5 Countries Where You Can Easily Live Off Just $2,000 per Month
There's no denying that prices for nearly everything are higher in America than they were before the coronavirus pandemic. Inflation spiked at over 9% in the summer of 2022, and although it's fallen to more manageable levels lately, prices still remain high. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average American household spent $77,280 in 2023 — a 5.9% increase over 2022 — and that number no doubt went higher still in 2024. On a monthly basis, that amounts to $6,440. If that number is breaking your budget, one option could be to consider living overseas. Explore More: For You: Formerly the domain of wealthy retirees, a life abroad has become more accessible, more affordable, and more realistic for a wide range of Americans, particularly those looking to live within their means. In some countries, even $2,000 per month is enough to get by, although you may have to make some sacrifices along the way. Here's a look at some desirable international destinations where you can get plenty of bang for your buck. Numbeo's cost of living: 45.5% lower than the USA Thailand is blessed with an assortment of riches. While the country is well-known for its endless white sand beaches and delicious cuisine, the country is also so friendly that it's informally known as the 'Land of Smiles.' If beaches aren't your thing, check out the country's mountainous northern region, packed with hiking trails and national parks. Even a family of four could get by on just over $2,000, excluding rent, while a single person could manage on just over $600. Adding in rent isn't a problem, as it runs 68.9% below the U.S. average. Trending Now: Numbeo's cost of living: 41.1% lower than the USA If you're looking for a little Eurasian flair, taking up residence in Turkey might be more to your liking. The rich history and culture of Turkey, not to mention breathtaking vistas in Istanbul and other cities, offer something a bit different than any of the other options on this list. Numbeo pegs the cost of living for a single person at just $671.30 per month, excluding rent, while a family of four could get by on $2,430. Numbeo's cost of living: 52% lower than the USA Malaysia often gets overlooked in favor of its Southeast Asian counterparts, but the country offers an incredible standard of living for a price that's even lower than its famed neighbor to the north, Thailand. Unlike many other countries in the region, Malaysia boasts a multicultural heritage that may offer something different and appealing to American expats. Its modern infrastructure, affordable lifestyle and year-round warm climate may appeal to many. According to Numbeo, even a family of four could get by in Malaysia for less than $2,000, excluding rent — which is 78% lower than in the United States. Numbeo's cost of living: 50.1% lower than the USA Panama has generated a lot of press in recent years as being a great place for American expats, and with good reason. Panama's Pensionado program offers great discounts for retirees, while its breezy lifestyle of beaches and rainforests offers the slow pace of life many Americans are looking for, all within a short flight of the homeland. Those looking for a cheaper place to live will no doubt appreciate the fact that rent in the United States is 76.4% higher than in Panama. Numbeo's cost of living: 54.6% lower than the USA With beautiful beaches, friendly people and over 7,600 islands to explore, the Philippines is a dream vacation destination for many. But with a cost of living less than 50% of the United States, it's also an amazing place to stretch a budget. Numbeo estimates a single person could live there for as little as $566.70 per month, excluding rent, and even a family of four could manage on less than $2,000 without rent. But with rent prices a whopping 82.4% lower than the United States, even that added expense won't break many budgets. More From GOBankingRates 6 Big Shakeups Coming to Social Security in 2025 This article originally appeared on 5 Countries Where You Can Easily Live Off Just $2,000 per Month
