Iwrite4Food
23 Jan 2020
Life / Are Poles flashy? [11]
@Joker
If heels on ground, Comrade found.
If heels in sky, is Western spy.
@Joker
If heels on ground, Comrade found.
If heels in sky, is Western spy.
Iwrite4Food
1 Jan 2020
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
Yes, I used to live in Boise Idaho and we had "inversions." They were obviously not as bad as the photo you showed....and that would bother me a tiny bit...but it's now 2020 and hopefully the Polish government will do something to mitigate the worst of the worst.
@cms neuf
I have an uncle who moved to Tennessee and he said "don't even think about it, you won't fit in here." I like middle America...but anywhere I go I will stick out a bit.
This is exactly what I had in mind. Screw the historical sites for the time being...I was planning on renting an Air BNB and then pretending I just moved there---meaning wake up 5am, work until 12noon, go grocery shopping for dinner, come back and market. Then on Fridays I would pretend to go out and try to meet some friends.
Joker
Yes, I used to live in Boise Idaho and we had "inversions." They were obviously not as bad as the photo you showed....and that would bother me a tiny bit...but it's now 2020 and hopefully the Polish government will do something to mitigate the worst of the worst.
@cms neuf
I have an uncle who moved to Tennessee and he said "don't even think about it, you won't fit in here." I like middle America...but anywhere I go I will stick out a bit.
Don't be a tourist, work every day, shop, cook, and try to live a normal life for two weeks.
This is exactly what I had in mind. Screw the historical sites for the time being...I was planning on renting an Air BNB and then pretending I just moved there---meaning wake up 5am, work until 12noon, go grocery shopping for dinner, come back and market. Then on Fridays I would pretend to go out and try to meet some friends.
Iwrite4Food
30 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
OP here. I'm hoping my income will be 228k PLN next year (in 2020). What concerns me is what one of you guys said regarding the fluctuation of Zloty to USD. Do you think there is a chance of the Zloty climbing in value and me losing a lot money on the exchange rate? Or does it all even out over the period of 1 year?
I would plan on billing my clients in USD, then collecting that money in my Wells Fargo bank account, then transferring those monies over to my Polish bank account (once a month and on the days when the dollar is stronger). Between that and my monthly invoices that I save...this way there is a paper trail that the Polish government can use to confirm I'm paying what I owe in taxes--that's one area I refuse to screw around--I don't want to do anything that would cause the Polish government to deport me back to America. Would rather overpay on Polish taxes out of an abundance of caution (that's "old man me" speaking).
The reason I'm not wanting to move to a cheaper part of America is because I was born in Southern California and I really don't fit in politically with the far left or the far right in America and it seems like that's all there is nowadays. I'm as middle of the road politically as they come--technically a-political if you want to get nitty gritty. I tried living in a "flyover" red state for a few years and I just didn't fit in. I'm currently living in a very diverse blue state and it's just the same. People are too extreme nowadays.
Things have changed in the U.S. and it's never going back to the way it was, so if I have to start all over, might as well do it in a country that has a decent quality of life and is semi-affordable. Ergo Poland.
I should have also mentioned my plan to move to Poland rests entirely on me making that 228k ($60k USD) in 2020.
I have a marketing plan that will hopefully get me up there in income. 2019 was a real ****** year for me income wise.
OP here. I'm hoping my income will be 228k PLN next year (in 2020). What concerns me is what one of you guys said regarding the fluctuation of Zloty to USD. Do you think there is a chance of the Zloty climbing in value and me losing a lot money on the exchange rate? Or does it all even out over the period of 1 year?
I would plan on billing my clients in USD, then collecting that money in my Wells Fargo bank account, then transferring those monies over to my Polish bank account (once a month and on the days when the dollar is stronger). Between that and my monthly invoices that I save...this way there is a paper trail that the Polish government can use to confirm I'm paying what I owe in taxes--that's one area I refuse to screw around--I don't want to do anything that would cause the Polish government to deport me back to America. Would rather overpay on Polish taxes out of an abundance of caution (that's "old man me" speaking).
The reason I'm not wanting to move to a cheaper part of America is because I was born in Southern California and I really don't fit in politically with the far left or the far right in America and it seems like that's all there is nowadays. I'm as middle of the road politically as they come--technically a-political if you want to get nitty gritty. I tried living in a "flyover" red state for a few years and I just didn't fit in. I'm currently living in a very diverse blue state and it's just the same. People are too extreme nowadays.
Things have changed in the U.S. and it's never going back to the way it was, so if I have to start all over, might as well do it in a country that has a decent quality of life and is semi-affordable. Ergo Poland.
I should have also mentioned my plan to move to Poland rests entirely on me making that 228k ($60k USD) in 2020.
I have a marketing plan that will hopefully get me up there in income. 2019 was a real ****** year for me income wise.
Iwrite4Food
28 Dec 2019
Work / Creative jobs in Poland? [10]
@Lyzko
Are most of the Polish IT companies trying to enter into the U.S. market--and if so--do you think they might have interest in hiring a native English copywriter for marketing efforts (blogs, whitepapers, case studies, website content, etc)? Or would I have to speak decent Polish to even think of applying for a job like that?
I have worked with several "non U.S." SaaS companies (as a remote worker---one-off jobs) over the years. I'm currently working with a Czech company to help bring their website (that's designed to sell their products in America) from broken English into pitch-perfect and persuasive English.
@Lyzko
Are most of the Polish IT companies trying to enter into the U.S. market--and if so--do you think they might have interest in hiring a native English copywriter for marketing efforts (blogs, whitepapers, case studies, website content, etc)? Or would I have to speak decent Polish to even think of applying for a job like that?
I have worked with several "non U.S." SaaS companies (as a remote worker---one-off jobs) over the years. I'm currently working with a Czech company to help bring their website (that's designed to sell their products in America) from broken English into pitch-perfect and persuasive English.
Iwrite4Food
28 Dec 2019
Real Estate / Home loan in Poland based on my US credit score? [15]
Technically this is exactly what I intend to do. I would come in with 20% cash (or thereabouts) of the total cost of the loan. Was hoping HSBC in Poland would be a good bank to get a loan with considering they can "see" my good U.S. credit score and coupled with a few years of bank statements (money coming from U.S. into Polish bank account)....that would make them feel more confident in giving me a loan. And yes I know it's based upon my income. I can't ask for ten million dollars or anything like that.
and if your money isn't going into a Polish bank from USA, your income is not verifiable.
Technically this is exactly what I intend to do. I would come in with 20% cash (or thereabouts) of the total cost of the loan. Was hoping HSBC in Poland would be a good bank to get a loan with considering they can "see" my good U.S. credit score and coupled with a few years of bank statements (money coming from U.S. into Polish bank account)....that would make them feel more confident in giving me a loan. And yes I know it's based upon my income. I can't ask for ten million dollars or anything like that.
Iwrite4Food
28 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
I need at least 110m2 size 2 bedroom apartment--yes I know apartments of this size (and in relatively new shape) are a unicorn in Europe, let alone Poland. But I have seen many in Krakow for rent. The 2nd bedroom is for my home office.
What exactly do you invest in Poland to get that kind of yield? I'm looking to save for retirement in 20 years from now.
twist around you can lead another 10 years in Poland quite comfortably.
I need at least 110m2 size 2 bedroom apartment--yes I know apartments of this size (and in relatively new shape) are a unicorn in Europe, let alone Poland. But I have seen many in Krakow for rent. The 2nd bedroom is for my home office.
What exactly do you invest in Poland to get that kind of yield? I'm looking to save for retirement in 20 years from now.
Iwrite4Food
28 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
Then I'm on Medicaid. I get the two confused.
Then I'm on Medicaid. I get the two confused.
Iwrite4Food
27 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
@delphiandomine
Thanks for your response. Did not take that into consideration originally. Does the Polish government allow business write-offs like they do in the U.S.?
@delphiandomine
Thanks for your response. Did not take that into consideration originally. Does the Polish government allow business write-offs like they do in the U.S.?
Iwrite4Food
27 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
I'm self employed. What I make here will afford me a very nice lifestyle in Krakow---not BMW and Mercedes rich--but enough to have a nice flat and save $$$ at the end of the month for marriage and retirement.
That's all I have ever wanted. A comfy middle class lifestyle with enough $ to raise a kid or two.
Have you ever been to Poland? If you cant make a decent living in the USA don't expect it to happen in Poland.
I'm self employed. What I make here will afford me a very nice lifestyle in Krakow---not BMW and Mercedes rich--but enough to have a nice flat and save $$$ at the end of the month for marriage and retirement.
That's all I have ever wanted. A comfy middle class lifestyle with enough $ to raise a kid or two.
Iwrite4Food
27 Dec 2019
Real Estate / Home loan in Poland based on my US credit score? [15]
This is probably a really dumb question...but are there any international banks in Poland that could potentially provide me with a home loan based on my U.S. credit score (and proof of annual income over 3 years)? I think I saw ING Direct and HSBC are located in Poland. I am self-employed and have American clients (remote work), get paid in U.S. dollars, and a great credit score.
Or perhaps I should ask: How do American expats get a loan in Poland to buy a home?
This is probably a really dumb question...but are there any international banks in Poland that could potentially provide me with a home loan based on my U.S. credit score (and proof of annual income over 3 years)? I think I saw ING Direct and HSBC are located in Poland. I am self-employed and have American clients (remote work), get paid in U.S. dollars, and a great credit score.
Or perhaps I should ask: How do American expats get a loan in Poland to buy a home?
Iwrite4Food
27 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
@Lyzko
Thanks! I have heard there are such things as "false friends" between Czech and Polish language. Once I realized I would rather go to Poland than Czech Republic--I immediately stopped studying Czech language at night time for fear I would confuse the two languages while I'm learning Polish.
That's only $108/mo. for the best plan...does that cover dental as well? Where do I get Medicare? Or are you talking about the American Medicare (for poor people? I'm on Medicaid right now...completely free healthcare here in the U.S. but I'm getting older and want access to better and cheaper healthcare than I can afford in the U.S.)
I'd rather not do a visa run....I have two cats. My fear is one day I will get the proverbial Polish border guard who's girlfriend just broke up with him the night before and he will be in a pissy mood and just not let me back into Poland. The first person told me that I can hire a Polish immigration attorney for a few thousand bucks and have them do the legwork for me.
@Lyzko
Thanks! I have heard there are such things as "false friends" between Czech and Polish language. Once I realized I would rather go to Poland than Czech Republic--I immediately stopped studying Czech language at night time for fear I would confuse the two languages while I'm learning Polish.
Yes,Medicare is one of them.There best plan is almost 5000pln a year and also covers when you are travelling overseas(USA)
That's only $108/mo. for the best plan...does that cover dental as well? Where do I get Medicare? Or are you talking about the American Medicare (for poor people? I'm on Medicaid right now...completely free healthcare here in the U.S. but I'm getting older and want access to better and cheaper healthcare than I can afford in the U.S.)
I'd rather not do a visa run....I have two cats. My fear is one day I will get the proverbial Polish border guard who's girlfriend just broke up with him the night before and he will be in a pissy mood and just not let me back into Poland. The first person told me that I can hire a Polish immigration attorney for a few thousand bucks and have them do the legwork for me.
Iwrite4Food
26 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
Hi, I'm new to these forums and am not sure how to quote individual responses....so here goes my caveman method of replying to people:
@Lyzko - I will only start to learn the Polish language if I know there is a path forward that will enable me to live there and run my business from my Polish apartment. I'm going to take the advice of the person who commented above you--it sounds like the surest path to find answers. I speak a few languages (including basic Czech)...and while learning Polish will be challenging, I have a desire to do so and integrate in Polish society as much as I can. So, that should help out.
@PolAmKrakow -- Thank you, will send a PM in a few.
Hi, I'm new to these forums and am not sure how to quote individual responses....so here goes my caveman method of replying to people:
@Lyzko - I will only start to learn the Polish language if I know there is a path forward that will enable me to live there and run my business from my Polish apartment. I'm going to take the advice of the person who commented above you--it sounds like the surest path to find answers. I speak a few languages (including basic Czech)...and while learning Polish will be challenging, I have a desire to do so and integrate in Polish society as much as I can. So, that should help out.
@PolAmKrakow -- Thank you, will send a PM in a few.
Iwrite4Food
26 Dec 2019
Work / Self-employed American living in Poland? Is it possible? [46]
Witaj,
I'm a self-employed American (with American clients) living in the U.S. As my screen name suggests, I am a freelance writer.
I'd like to move to Poland in a year from now due to two things:
1. Despite being "self-employed" (technically "freelancer"), I don't make a ton of money and really cannot afford the high cost of living in the U.S. My primary concern is the expensive healthcare out here--and I know I can get very good healthcare for less money (private healthcare) in Poland.
2. I have an interest in Polish/Slavic history and would like to one day start a (free) website that chronicles the various historical places (e.g. in Krakow). I would make sure the site adds value by interviewing local historians/etc -- in other words put a real effort into it so people who are interested in Polish history will find it interesting. I have Googled some historical places in various parts of Poland and I usually wind up walking away with more questions than the website answered. I'm one of those weirdos who wants to know all the details of what life was like in those olden days.
My question is this: Does anyone know if I will need a work permit to live in Poland (due to me being self-employed and having American clients)? I have spoken to the consulate and they told me that I can probably apply for a visa due to my historical interest in the country. I'm planning a trip out there (Krakow/Wroclaw....sorry can't make the squiggly "L" on my keyboard) in April of next year and will visit some local sites and take some pictures. If I like it, I would plan on applying for a visa and if all is well, moving in Sept of next year.
Witaj,
I'm a self-employed American (with American clients) living in the U.S. As my screen name suggests, I am a freelance writer.
I'd like to move to Poland in a year from now due to two things:
1. Despite being "self-employed" (technically "freelancer"), I don't make a ton of money and really cannot afford the high cost of living in the U.S. My primary concern is the expensive healthcare out here--and I know I can get very good healthcare for less money (private healthcare) in Poland.
2. I have an interest in Polish/Slavic history and would like to one day start a (free) website that chronicles the various historical places (e.g. in Krakow). I would make sure the site adds value by interviewing local historians/etc -- in other words put a real effort into it so people who are interested in Polish history will find it interesting. I have Googled some historical places in various parts of Poland and I usually wind up walking away with more questions than the website answered. I'm one of those weirdos who wants to know all the details of what life was like in those olden days.
My question is this: Does anyone know if I will need a work permit to live in Poland (due to me being self-employed and having American clients)? I have spoken to the consulate and they told me that I can probably apply for a visa due to my historical interest in the country. I'm planning a trip out there (Krakow/Wroclaw....sorry can't make the squiggly "L" on my keyboard) in April of next year and will visit some local sites and take some pictures. If I like it, I would plan on applying for a visa and if all is well, moving in Sept of next year.