Welcome to An Englishman in the Balkans, the podcast where I,share my experiences of life in Bosnia and Herzegovina as a British expat.
Join me as I explore the culture, history, food, and everyday life in this fascinating country. From hidden travel gems and local traditions to expat life insights, each episode offers a first-hand perspective on what it’s like to live, travel, and immerse yourself in the Balkans.
Whether you’re curious about Bosnia, planning a visit, or considering moving abroad, this podcast is your guide to discovering the authentic side of the region, through engaging stories, interviews, and personal reflections.
What’s it Like to Move “Abroad”, to Somewhere “New”?
Hello from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Today I want to share a topic that I’ve been asked about time and time again. How I ended up living abroad, and more specifically, how I made Bosnia and Herzegovina my home. Yes, the easy answer is that I married a local. But anyone who’s taken the leap of moving to another country knows it’s rarely that simple. There’s paperwork. There are cultural hiccups. And there are more than a few unexpected adventures along the way.
This theme got a fresh jolt of inspiration recently when I connected with Kimberly Anne, the brilliant mind behind Expat on a Budget. Through her Substack and Podcast, Kimberly offers a refreshingly honest take on what it really means to relocate.
Her move from the U.S. to Portugal is packed with insight, and I couldn’t think of a better person to help unpack the realities of starting over in a new land.
Kimberly Anne’s Story: A Life Reimagined
When I asked Kimberly to share her journey, she started by taking me back to her roots in California. That’s where she lived until, just over two years ago, she made the bold decision to relocate to Portugal using the D7 passive income visa. But Portugal wasn’t just a random choice. Her love for Europe started early, sparked by a childhood trip to France that never quite left her.
For Kimberly, Portugal ticked all the right boxes. Affordability, safety, solid healthcare, and a pace of life she found appealing. But like most of us who’ve moved abroad, she faced an immediate challenge. Language. She threw herself into learning Portuguese before moving, dedicating an hour a day to study. And even though it was still tough when she landed, her determination never wavered.
Weekly tutoring and day-to-day practice have helped her find her footing.
The Deeper Dive - Culture Beyond the Language
What I appreciated most about our conversation was Kimberly’s genuine respect for the culture she adopted. She didn’t just move to Portugal, she committed to becoming part of it. One story stood out.
Shortly after arriving, a friend made a flippant remark about Portugal not having a “strong identity.” That moment stuck with her and became a reminder of how easy it is to misunderstand a place when viewing it through a foreign lens.
Kimberly made a conscious decision then and there, to immerse herself as deeply as possible, to learn with humility, and to avoid the trap of oversimplifying a country’s story.
It’s something I resonate with deeply, having experienced similar moments here in Bosnia.
Budgeting Abroad - Walking the Line
One part of Kimberly’s approach that really struck a chord with me is how she handles the financial side of being an expat. Branding herself as Expat on a Budget, she’s careful not to romanticise her move.
She’s open about how the money she lives on might be considered modest in the U.S., but stretches further in Portugal. That difference creates a delicate balance. How to enjoy that privilege without flaunting it or disengaging from the local economy.
It’s a thoughtful reminder that moving abroad doesn’t make you rich or poor—it just shifts the framework you live within.
Labels Matter: Expat or Immigrant?
We also talked about the language we use to define ourselves. Kimberly admits there’s a bit of a tug-of-war between calling herself an expat or an immigrant.
The word “expat” often suggests a sense of transience, while “immigrant” carries a weightier sense of permanence. In her case, the name Expat on a Budget felt right for her story and her audience. But she’s well aware of the nuances and doesn’t take the label lightly.
What’s Next for Kimberly?
As for what lies ahead, Kimberly is settled in Portugal but hasn’t lost her wanderlust. Spain might be on the cards as a winter escape, and the Balkans are definitely on her radar.
Hearing her talk about it reminded me how many stories are still waiting out there. For all of us.
Whether we stay put or keep moving, the journey never really stops
Staying Connected
If you’re curious to hear more from Kimberly, she’s incredibly generous with her knowledge. Her Substack is packed with personal stories, relocation tips, and honest reflections. She also offers a podcast and an online course for anyone seriously considering the leap abroad.
And Finally
Chatting with Kimberly left me feeling both inspired and reflective.
Moving abroad is never a one-size-fits-all experience. But listening to others who’ve taken that leap, who’ve navigated the hard parts and embraced the beauty of change, reminds me how powerful and rewarding the journey can be.
Whether you’re saying “Até mais” in Lisbon or saying “Vidimo se” in Banja Luka, there’s a kind of magic in building a life somewhere new.
Thank you for tuning in to An Englishman in the Balkans.
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Until next time, take care, and as always, Hvala for listening.
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