Americans -- did you know that Albania wants us? (Another Plan B alternative to Thailand)

[Jingthing]

Prescott is rather expensive. Anyway this is about Albania not Arizona.

Edited June 6 by Jingthing

[GypsyT]

Sorry.... didn't pay attention.

[FritsSikkink]

On 3/30/2024 at 6:09 PM, Jingthing said:

I've been aware of Albania before, but have recently learned some things about it that appear to make it much more attractive to Americans specifically, as a possible Plan B alternative to Thailand.

 

 

Such as --

One year visa free entry specifically for Americans! WOW.

Reported love of Americans by the people there

English widely spoken especially by younger people, especially in Tirana

Unlike Latin America and similar to Thailand, there isn't much expectation that foreigners will speak Albanian.

A number of very accessible sounding paths towards 5 year permanent residence

Low cost of living comparable to Thailand

Lovely beaches and mountains

Central to travel to popular European destinations

OK private healthcare available at reasonable prices even without insurance

Decent weather (neighboring Greece across from Sicily Italy)

 

This is one video. I've seen others that don't really contradict it. I am hearing different info on visa options, additional ones to those mentioned in the video, and a general impression that it's a moving target but always that it's reasonably easy and accessible for most Americans.

 

 

Downsides? There always are some.

Citizenship path possible after 5 years but you need to learn Albanian and Albanian is VERY VERY DIFFICULT. My impression is harder than Thai.

Albania plans to eventually enter the EU. That would be good news for EU people but bad news for Americans who haven't become Alabanian citizens (dual passports allowed).

Unknown how many years before that happens

The food. Related somewhat to Italian and Greek but quite different as well.

As shown in the video and seen elsewhere garbage pickup is not first world

Although pensions/social security aren't taxed, I think there is a minimum tax requirement which might be about 90 dollars a month (I consider that tolerable)

My impression is that I wouldn't like to be stuck with Albanian food and the only place in the country that offers a decent variety of international restaurants in the capitol Tirana (not at the beach)

Some Asian food but not very much

Not to be Islamophobic but it's a heavily Muslim country and dangerous for gay people but better in Tirana.

I think if I moved there I would only want to live in Tirana.

 

Have you been to Albania in recent years?

How was it? Would you consider living there?

Has this topic piqued your interest in Albania?

 

 

You forget one thing: ruled by local mafia, who don't take prisoners.

[Jingthing]

25 minutes ago, FritsSikkink said:

You forget one thing: ruled by local mafia, who don't take prisoners.

Not sure that non working retired experts would necessarily be impacted by that. When things are cheaper there are always downsides.

Edited June 7 by Jingthing

[taxout]

I've been to Tirana and around the countryside. Nothing bad to say really but I couldn't possibly see living there. Boring and still a heavy socialist air.

 

The other Balkan states, along with Georgia, are much better places to be.