Australian expat consultant Simone Collins joins the Expat Focus Podcast to talk about turning a Bali "gap year" into a life-changing two-year relocation — and helping others do the same. Founder of Our Year in Bali, Simone shares how a family experiment became a full-scale move, what daily life in Bali really looks like, and why so many people dream of making the island home.

She explains who Bali is best suited for — from families with young children to digital nomads and retirees — and breaks down practical considerations like schooling, visas, healthcare, housing, and cost of living. Simone also discusses the realities of leasehold property, transport challenges, accessibility for older expats, and how Bali's hospitality-driven culture shapes expat life on the island.

If you're considering moving to Bali — whether for a sabbatical, remote work, or retirement — this episode offers honest insights, real-world budgeting advice, and expert guidance to help you decide if Bali is the right fit.

#ExpatLife #LivingInBali #MoveToBali #BaliExpats #DigitalNomads #RetireAbroad #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

00:00 Simone Collins' Journey to Bali

01:15 Starting 'Our Year in Bali' Consultancy

03:12 Challenges and Decisions in Bali

05:55 Ideal Demographics for Moving to Bali

08:24 Visa Options for Long-Term Stay

12:31 Housing and Real Estate in Bali

16:20 Popular Areas for Long-Term Expats

20:52 Accessibility and Transport Considerations

22:36 Health Insurance Essentials for Expats

26:05 Navigating Language Barriers

27:17 Education Options for Expats' Children

30:56 Community and Cultural Integration

33:57 Cost of Living and Budgeting in Bali

37:58 How to Plan Your Move to Bali

40:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎥 Video/Transcript – https://www.expatfocus.com/indonesia/podcast/could-you-live-in-bali-heres-what-its-really-like

📝 Show Notes
Our Year in Bali – https://ouryearinbali.com/

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Financial advisor Tom Zachystal joins the Expat Focus Podcast to break down what Americans need to think about financially before moving abroad. As President of International Asset Management — and an expat himself — Tom shares practical guidance based on decades of experience helping US citizens navigate life overseas.

Tom explains why Americans can never fully "leave" the US tax system, how citizenship-based taxation, FATCA, and FBAR reporting affect expats, and why many banks now hesitate to work with Americans living abroad. He also explores common banking challenges, transferring money internationally, and misconceptions around cash limits when crossing borders.

If you're an American planning an international move — whether for work, retirement, or lifestyle — this episode offers clear, experience-backed advice to help you avoid costly mistakes and plan with confidence.

#ExpatLife #AmericanExpats #MovingAbroad #USExpats #ExpatFinance #ExpatFocus

👉 Visit Expat Focus at https://www.expatfocus.com

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:49 Tom's Background and Expertise

02:18 Financial Steps for Americans Moving Abroad

03:09 Banking Challenges for US Expats

13:33 Understanding FATCA and FBAR

16:35 Health Insurance Considerations

23:09 Currency Fluctuations and Financial Planning

25:31 Emergency Liquidity and Financial Planning Apps

28:41 The Role of Financial Advisors

33:24 Conclusion and Contact Information

🎥 Video & Transcript

https://www.expatfocus.com/podcast/financial-planning-essentials-for-americans-living-overseas

📝 Show Notes

IAM Advisors – https://iamadvisors.com/

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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

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

📝 Show Notes

Spain Revealed – https://social.spainrevealed.com/i_IP

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