No place is perfect! U.S. retirees who move to Europe often have a few common complaints about their experience, although the specific country can affect the nature of these grievances. Although these must all be taken with a grain of salt because although these are their complaints, they still choose to stay there. Here are some countries and the typical complaints associated with them:

France:
Complex bureaucracy: The administrative procedures for everything from healthcare to utilities can be labyrinthine, which is frustrating for many.
High cost of living: Particularly in cities like Paris, the cost of living can be quite high compared to other European countries.
Language barrier: Not speaking French can be a significant handicap in rural areas or even when dealing with government paperwork.

Italy:
Inefficient bureaucracy: Governmental paperwork and processes can be slow and complicated, affecting areas like residence permits and healthcare.
Economic instability: Some retirees are concerned about economic fluctuations, which can affect pensions and investments.
Infrastructure: In some southern parts of Italy, the infrastructure may not be as robust as in the north.

Spain:
Bureaucracy: As with Italy and France, the Spanish bureaucracy can be overwhelming.
Healthcare accessibility: While healthcare is generally good, in rural areas, services can be limited.
Property buying complexities: Real estate laws and processes can be confusing and risky without proper guidance.

Portugal:
Language barrier: While many people in urban areas speak English, the Portuguese language is necessary for rural areas and many administrative tasks.
Slow pace of services: Things often take longer than expected, which can be a source of frustration for people used to more efficiency.
Cold indoor winter temperatures: Homes in Portugal are often not well insulated, leading to uncomfortable indoor temperatures in winter especially in the Northern areas.

Germany:
Language barrier: German is necessary for daily life and bureaucracy, posing a challenge for those who do not speak it.
Climate: The colder, greyer weather can be a downside for those expecting milder European climates.
Strict regulations: Germany has very stringent rules and regulations, which can be hard for some retirees to adapt to.

Greece:
Economic challenges: The economic situation can impact pensions and access to services.
Bureaucracy: As with many southern European countries, bureaucratic processes can be quite slow and cumbersome.
Language barrier: Greek is not widely spoken outside of Greece, making it a difficult language for expats to learn.

United Kingdom:
Cost of living: Particularly in London and other major cities, the cost of living can be very high.
Weather: The often damp and cold climate is a frequent complaint among those accustomed to sunnier skies.
Healthcare: While the NHS provides free healthcare, there can be long wait times for certain treatments and procedures.

Sweden:
High cost of living: Sweden is known for its high cost of living, including consumer goods and services.
Language: While many Swedes speak excellent English, all official communications and many services are in Swedish.
Short daylight hours in winter: The lack of sunlight during the winter months can be difficult for some expats.

It's important to remember that living in the U.S. also comes with complaints. These insights reflect some of the common challenges faced by U.S. retirees across Europe, balanced by the many benefits such as rich cultures, beautiful landscapes, and generally high standards of living.

One of the common complaints is about dealing with governmental bureaucracy. This is why my family and I decided to skip that and "Live Like Pirates." You can learn how to do that too in my eBook.