Culebronchris
English expat in Spain
Forum posts
287
Contacts
1
About me
English
Speaks English pretty well and Spanish very haltingly
Registration: 10 December 2011
Gay Married Couple Looking to Relocate to Spain by markegoldstein
The question is where in Spain would a gay married couple in their 60s feel more comfortable? The choices are :Malaga/Torremolinos, Alicante, or Valencia.We like to make gay friends and have all the amenities that a decent-sized city would have ...
I don't think that being gay enters much into the equation. Without knowing I would suspect there is more of a gay scene in Madrid and Barcelona than there is in Logroño but I live in a village of 8,000 people where the town mayor is gay, the ... Read More
How to know if your NIE is still valid ? by OceaneMC
Dear all, I hope you are well. I am french and I am about to get a job in Spain near Barcelona. I've already been to Spain, in Alicante, or an internship in 2017 and got there my NIE and Número de Seguridad Social. I don't know if ...
NIEs once issued last as long as the user does. It's just an ID number. My wife worked in Spain in 1990. When we applied for NIEs, before we moved here, in about 2003, the printout for my wife's number showed her old Madrid address. Read More
Driving Test in Spain by TinaChico
Hi All, We are hoping to move permanently to Spain this year and have been trying to find out about the driving licence. Some say you can just exchange your English licence for a Spanish one and some say you have to take the driving test agin in ...
From the Gov UK website as of Friday Driving in Spain If you live in Spain and have a valid UK driving licence, this will be recognised for driving in Spain until 30 June 2021. If you wish to exchange your UK licence for a Spanish one, the process ... Read More
Police clearance certificate by Billstewartse1
Hi. I applied and received a police clearance certificate by email. It is a digitally signed, electronic stamped document. However the company asking for the certificate insists on it being stamped and signed by the ministry of justice!! I have now ...
As you say you can apply for the Spanish "police check" form with a digital signature that shows that, so far as the Spanish authorities are concerned you have no criminal record. If the Irish HR department won't accept that and you ... Read More
Moving to Spain late summer 2021, gay single in my 40s by DavidUK2021
Hello, I have visited Spain several times and I know it pretty well from a tourist point of view but I'd like to hear the point of view of expats who live or have lived there. I am a single gay man, in my 40s, currently living in London (for the ...
Well, on coastal cities places like Alicante and particularly Malaga have a thriving social and cultural life, smaller cities like Cartagena and Almeria or Cadíz have the advantages of cities (and the disadvantages from parking problems and ... Read More
Moving to Spain late summer 2021, gay single in my 40s by DavidUK2021
Hello, I have visited Spain several times and I know it pretty well from a tourist point of view but I'd like to hear the point of view of expats who live or have lived there. I am a single gay man, in my 40s, currently living in London (for the ...
If you're asking about a city then, to be honest, the choice is so personal that nobody can really help much except to point out their personal preferences. If you're really asking about being gay in Spain we live in a village (8,000 ... Read More
Tax charged on pension by maltawildcat
Tetired to Malta 13 years ago but like to relocate to southern Spain as always been popular with us. My concern is that i am informed the we will be taxed on our English Old Age Pension. As not taxed in UK as below tax allowance is it correct tax ...
In general, in Spain, if you live here, you are taxed on all your worldwide income. That means that a British state Pension is taxable in Spain. There are various allowances (I think it's about 5,500€) and the lowest rate tax, up to about, ... Read More
Tax residency vs "normal residency" by virtuosok
Hi, I'm considering a move to Spain with the family (we're non-EU citizens). My company has headquarters in Barcelona and I've been working at one of its branches in my home country for 10+ years. Now the company is willing to arrange ...
I didn't reply at first because I expected someone more knowledgeable to reply but, as you only have the one I thought I'd chip in. I agree with what Unity100; says if you live in Spain then you pay taxes in Spain. Normally living here ... Read More
Cars in Spain by TinaChico
Hello, We are hoping to move to Spain this year and we want to take our English Land Rover with us. Is there any restrictions or a maximum time that an English vehicle can stay in Spain? Does anyone know anything about British driver’s ...
From the gov.uk website Driving in Spain If you are resident in Spain and have not exchanged your UK licence for a Spanish one, your UK licence will continue to be recognised until 30 June 2021. If you were resident in Spain before 1 January 2021 ... Read More
Cars in Spain by TinaChico
Hello, We are hoping to move to Spain this year and we want to take our English Land Rover with us. Is there any restrictions or a maximum time that an English vehicle can stay in Spain? Does anyone know anything about British driver’s ...
If you are moving to Spain (that is you intend to set up home here) you basically need to start re-registering your vehicle straight away as it can take a while. Most UK car insurance has a maximum of 60 or maybe 90 days validity in Europe so you ... Read More
Medication prescription by Partaloa
As a resident in Spain now does anybody know if I am able to get Humira prescription (which I taken for many years) I am now registered with the local health centre
If it's a prescription drug you will only be able to get it with a prescription which means you need to see a doctor. Lots of the doctors are doing video or telephone consults. Read More
How bad has corona affected Toursm and house prices? by MummyNeedsAholiday
We are planning to move to Tenerife in the next 2 years but are worried about starting a new business in Tenerife if covid has badly affected the tourist market. Also we will be looking to buy property how has this affected the market? What about ...
As you may expect tourism is a total disaster. Even if you want to go somewhere you can't and if you get to an airport you may be turned back for any number of reasons. Things change from day to day though. What the situation will be like in two ... Read More
Cost of Living in Spain in 2021 by Cheryl
Hello everybody, We would like to take stock of the changing cost of living in Spain, particularly in your city or region. The aim is to measure the impact that the health crisis may have had on your expenses. This will help other expatriates on ...
I'm with everyone else. No great changes in general. Petrol and diesel simply follow market trends so it was really cheap when the quarantine was most stringent. Electric, in the controlled market, has reached its highest price ever but that ... Read More
Electricity bills by oldjake
Trying to get my head round electricity bills in Spain. My story is in the intro thread but, briefly, we bought a house in late December last year, got everything set up and now can't visit. That's fine but it means I'm doing a lot of ...
There is quite a lot of elasticity in the "potencia". We have the 3.4kw too and it seems to be able to cope with at least double before it pops any of the circuit breakers. Read More
Issues with foreign marriage certificate by erbachm
I'm interested to see if anyone else has found themselves in this situation. My wife and I have just moved to Spain as I have been offered a job here. As my wife is a UK national she is in the process of applying for her TIE card and number. ...
This would be something I'd expect Johncar to pick up on. When you say a TIE number isn't that just the NIE? The number they put on the TIE is your NIE - and "anyone" can get an NIE so that they can carry out transactions in ... Read More
Social security by Simichou71
Hello, I am in Madrid and look for a job. I have to subscribe to the social security. I am a swiss woman. Recently, I had a call from a french firm for an interview but the woman asked me to come with my social security and spanish bank ...
I just saw a post elsewhere that says you can get a social security number online. The form you need is apparently a TA1. Here's a link. If Expat remove the link search for Procedimiento de Obtención del Número de Seguridad Social on ... Read More
Social security by Simichou71
Hello, I am in Madrid and look for a job. I have to subscribe to the social security. I am a swiss woman. Recently, I had a call from a french firm for an interview but the woman asked me to come with my social security and spanish bank ...
It's a long time since I got a Social Security number but I don't remember it as being difficult. I think you will have to get an appointment. You can do that online by searching cita previa - seguridad social. You may not need an ... Read More
Brits expats being told uk bank closing by Andyviola
This is causing me concern. We have UK tsb bank account. Any advice or just wait and see if bank wants to close account and hope they give us a couple of month's ...
The UK Government website says that some credit cards are being closed at the moment (Barclaycard is the main one - unless you have a UK residential address) but that it will depend on the local agreement of each bank in each country. The ones that ... Read More
Getting fingerprints in Spain for an Australian National Police Check by lozzie2020
Hello, I am an Australian on a British passport living in Valencia Spain. I need to find a police station to take fingerprints for a National Police Check for Australia as I will be an auxiliar working with children from November. My company told me ...
The fingerprints that the police take here are digital prints that they then code in to the chip on you the TIE or DNI card. My guess is that getting them to give you a copy would be outside their remit, something they wouldn't be willing to ... Read More
First impressions after moving to Spain by Diksha
Hello everyone, You probably have vivid memories of your first weeks as an expat in Spain. Indeed, moving to a new country is a milestone in someone’s life. Today, we invite you to share with the community how you experienced your first ...
It's strange, I arrived nearly 16 years ago and I remember very little of the first few days except that it was a nice warm evening as I got out of the car when I first arrived at our rented flat. I do remember the effort I put in to finding ... Read More
Online learning apps by Culebronchris
Someone recommended an online learning application to me for learning Spanish. I installed the app on my phone, booked up a trial session and then had the first lesson (and subsequent sessions) via Skype. I had to say I was sceptical but I've ...
Fair enough. Intercambios - the exchange of language - are a great idea but intercambios are not, usually, lessons in a structured way. Read More
Online learning apps
Someone recommended an online learning application to me for learning Spanish. I installed the app on my phone, booked up a trial session and then had the first lesson (and subsequent sessions) via Skype. I had to say I was sceptical but I've ... Read More
Internet connection speeds in Northern Spain by doomhouse
Hello, I am trying to find out information on what to expect with regards to reliable, fast internet. My wife and I are planning to move to Europe, while working from home, and a very reliable internet is critical to this. Can anyone give me ...
Internet is fine in Spain. There are big national providers (Jazztel, Movistar etc.) and lots of local stuff too. We live in a village of 8,000 people and the speed from a local provider is supposed to be 500mb and it usually nearly is. We're in ... Read More
Masks. Costa del sol by JIMMY BOND
Is face mask compulsory in bars and spas.
I think that the masks have a secondary but important effect. It's very easy to forget that the situation isn't normal and the masks are a reminder. Read More
Accessing Humira in Spain by CKPhotography
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone knew how I might be able to access medication I am prescribed in the UK, and that's vital to my quality of life, in case it gets damaged in transit (it needs to be kept at 2-8C) or I run out? This would be ...
Oh, and I suspect, though I don't know, that a letter written in English would be dismissed out of hand. Read More
Accessing Humira in Spain by CKPhotography
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone knew how I might be able to access medication I am prescribed in the UK, and that's vital to my quality of life, in case it gets damaged in transit (it needs to be kept at 2-8C) or I run out? This would be ...
I have absolutely no idea. If I were a doctor I'd probably listen to what you said and make my own decision about what you needed or didn't need. The only way you'll know for sure is to go to a doctor. Read More
Accessing Humira in Spain by CKPhotography
Hi there, I was wondering if anyone knew how I might be able to access medication I am prescribed in the UK, and that's vital to my quality of life, in case it gets damaged in transit (it needs to be kept at 2-8C) or I run out? This would be ...
As John says you need to get a doctor to write the scrip and you may get to a doctor through the local health centre, through the urgencias department of a hospital or by finding a private doctor. I expect that you will have to pay full price. Read More
We made it! - relocated from the UK to Tarragona by Ellesweets
Me, my fella and our 2 dogs just relocated from the UK to Tarragona. We've only been here for 3 days but we absolutely love it already! Anyone who's been thinking about it during this lockdown craziness, now is the time, while you can still ...
Good luck, relocating was a decision I've not regretted so far. I hope it's the same for you. And, as of Monday the process is for the new TIE so good luck with that too! Read More
driving license
A pal exchanged his about this time last year without any sort of extra documentation but the need for something extra could be one of the Brexit changes I suppose. The only people that could give you such a certificate would be DVLA but I think ... Read More
Traveling out of my province (COVID-19 Advice) by stevo1313
Hi, I don't know if anybody can help, but i'm trying to find out if its possible to get permission to leave my province (Malaga). My situation is a little unusual. My main habitual residence is my house in the Malaga area but at the start ...
I agree with everyone above - contact the Guardia or CNP to find the process. If you have trouble with Spanish the Guardia Civil near Torrevieja have a Facebook page called N332 and they work in English. You may be able to find the process through a ... Read More
chinese trying to open a spanish bank account by elreysimom
any banks recommendation which is friendly to chinese?
I've no experience of them but I would think that banks like ING direct or Triodos which work online have standardised routines which may be easier to follow. Read More
Pellet heating by oso_rojo
Hello, We're looking to get some idea on costs for adding pellet heating to a detached house surrounded by land, it's a bit like a farm house but not so much garden/land. Has anyone had any experience buying and could offer an idea on ...
I'm pretty sure there is no geothermal option near Santiago. There are some hot springs around where we live, in nearby Murcia, but they are not exploited for anything other than spa type activities. Read More
Pellet heating by oso_rojo
Hello, We're looking to get some idea on costs for adding pellet heating to a detached house surrounded by land, it's a bit like a farm house but not so much garden/land. Has anyone had any experience buying and could offer an idea on ...
Lots of people don't like them, they complain about the moisture, but we've always found the portable gas heaters to be really useful for warming smaller spaces, for giving you instant heat in a small area for instance whilst the pellet ... Read More
Pellet heating by oso_rojo
Hello, We're looking to get some idea on costs for adding pellet heating to a detached house surrounded by land, it's a bit like a farm house but not so much garden/land. Has anyone had any experience buying and could offer an idea on ...
We bought a cheap burner with about 10.5kw output for about 700€ from a German company on eBay. A local builder installed it easily enough. It bangs out the heat and it has made our country house much more cosy. It can be a bit uncontrollable ... Read More
Timekeeping by Andyviola
Anyone notice that Spanish sense of time keeping is loose to say the least? Planning a social meet a few days out we are finding is a waste of time as often they tend to feel different on the day itself. Naturally we have to adapt as we are the ...
I always like the Courtesy time, the time that the people who arrive on time have too wait for the people who turn up late. But it's useful that you're not late for a restaurant reservation until you're more than 20 minutes late. I ... Read More
Sense of humour in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Should we set out to explore Spanishs culture through its sense of humour? Indeed, if one is planning to settle in the country, it is best to understand the cultural codes governing humour in order to avoid any faux-pas. What ...
I have a lot of difficulty with my idea of humour when translated into Spanish. As always I can't think of a good example but imagine that they say "How are you?" and I reply "Fatter and poorer" then I find people suggest ... Read More
requirements for teaching English by HassF
Hello Are there any requirements for teaching English in Costa Blanca? Do you have any experience in that area? Thanks.
Obviously a qualification is good and experience is better but the truth is that in lots of the small private schools all you need to be is to be breathing and able to speak English. There aren't enough "native" speakers to go around ... Read More
Becoming an estate agent by HassF
Hello I want to know how one can become an estate agent in Spain? Beside knowing the housing market and Spanish language, what else is needed? I appreciate your comments. Thanks. Regards Hass
Check the API website. I have no idea. Read More
Becoming an estate agent by HassF
Hello I want to know how one can become an estate agent in Spain? Beside knowing the housing market and Spanish language, what else is needed? I appreciate your comments. Thanks. Regards Hass
I may be wrong but, apart from going through the process of opening a legal business, I don't think you need any particular qualifications. During the boom years there were estate agents all over the place, operating legally, but with absolutely ... Read More
Transfer your funds by aloha3891
Hi folks, I am from USA and currently retired in Spain. My question to expats from USA particularly. I need to know how do you transfer your money to Spain, for what cost and do you do bank to bank? Thanks.
Like ReneC25 I've used Transferwise a lot and I'm based in Spain Read More
Folktales and legends in Spain by Diksha
Hello everyone, Time to spark your imagination! Below is a list of questions to pique your interest in folktales and legends associated with Spain. 1. Name 3 popular legends that have been passed down from generation to generation in ...
Not exactly what you asked for but, I think, in the same spirit. I live in a small village called Culebrón. The village name is derived from one of the Spanish words for snake, culebra. At times words can be "made bigger" with the ... Read More
Expat interest in politics in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, As an expat, your day-to-day life in Spain is impacted by decision-making at the political level in your host country as well as in your country of origin. We would like to know how involved you think expats should be in the ...
When I first moved to Spain from the UK I thought I would soon be able to speak Spanish and one of my personal goals was that I'd have a go at getting into local politics within five years. About a year after I got here I went to a local branch ... Read More
Expat Nightmare Living in Barcelona by Mini Me
We have lived in Catalunya for about 10 years now. Recently with the Brexit situation, we have been targeted by numerous government bodies, purely because we are foreigners. I find this extremely frustrating, as we are Scottish and did not want ...
Sounds horrid. We've had some terrible treatment at the hands of Catalans on short stays. Things generally go reasonably straightforwardly in Spain but when they go wrong they can be hard to fix - especially with faceless organisations like ... Read More
Spanish toilets (may contain offensive observations) by Guest578976556
* If easily offended please do not read the following * This has been an issue for my 10 years in Spain. I must say to begin-with that I love Spain but there persist some inexplicable practices. I am a man of 90 kilograms. Since the start of my ...
I think it's to do with the design of the waste pipe at the back of the toilet. The U bend doesn't have the same design as, for instance, UK toilets, so it's a less effective seal. Also, as I understand it, the waste is channelled into ... Read More
Anyone understand the "Cuota" on water Bills? by Guest578976556
Hi All, I live in Granada, Andalucía where our water supplier is Emasagra (not sure if there is any other choice). On the bi-monthly water bill there is an item "Cuota de Servicio" which, for the last 3 years [u]always [/u]exceeds our ...
Oh, I've only just seen your response to Mark. You may think you have to have water and electric but a large part of the world doesn't get it as easily as we do. And you do have a choice. You can choose to disconnect from the mains and buy ... Read More
Anyone understand the "Cuota" on water Bills? by Guest578976556
Hi All, I live in Granada, Andalucía where our water supplier is Emasagra (not sure if there is any other choice). On the bi-monthly water bill there is an item "Cuota de Servicio" which, for the last 3 years [u]always [/u]exceeds our ...
Obviously I don't know anything about your situation but the system is very similar to the electric bills. There are some fixed charges which you can't do much about and some variable charges based on the usage which you can affect a ... Read More
Reading habits in Spain by Bhavna
Hello everyone, Books can be your greatest companions whether you have already settled in Spain or are now planning your move. Are you an avid or occasional reader? We would like to know more about your reading habits. What type of reading do ...
Nowadays, when everything is available online, I hardly ever buy a book as a paper artefact and I can't remember the last time I turned the pages of a newspaper. I do still buy books where the illustrations or photos are a key part but for ... Read More
Finding a new home for my cat
We've just had a cat turn up in our garden and have three kittens so we can't help. If there is a Facebook page, Buying and Selling, that would be an excellent way to appeal to other Britons. Read More
manana attitude by lisar329
How prevalent is this attitude? Does it take long to get goods and services?
My wife tends to be a bit more mañana than me so if you asked how prevalent mañana was in our house it would be a tricky question to answer. I think the same is true for Spain in general. It depends who you're dealing with and about ... Read More
Need help with basic banking by markpgh
I see there is much discussion on banking and sorry if this is a repeat topic. We are moving to Spain in early 2020 and I understand I need and NIE# to open a bank account but how do I transfer funds from my us account to a bank in Spain to be able ...
You might see if some of the currency transfer sites, like Transferwise, work out of the US. I think they do. Read More
Obtaining Padron and residency by digger79
Hi, Moved over in Jan and am in a short term let until I get everything sorted. I have opened a bank account and obtained my NIE. Next step is the Padron which is causing a bit of a problem. I know what is needed but what I don't have is a ...
Be that as it may go to Yecla, or Murcia, without a padrón and you won't get what you went for. Read More
Obtaining Padron and residency by digger79
Hi, Moved over in Jan and am in a short term let until I get everything sorted. I have opened a bank account and obtained my NIE. Next step is the Padron which is causing a bit of a problem. I know what is needed but what I don't have is a ...
You'd better have a word with your old police chums at Yecla then John because they ask for one. Oh, and in Murcia City too. And they are very specific about how, for instance, you show your wealth as distinct from your income. Read More
Obtaining Padron and residency by digger79
Hi, Moved over in Jan and am in a short term let until I get everything sorted. I have opened a bank account and obtained my NIE. Next step is the Padron which is causing a bit of a problem. I know what is needed but what I don't have is a ...
For the residence certificate, in Murcia, just go to Yecla Police Station (once you have your padrón) no need for an appointment. Read More
Holiday food in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, End of year holidays around the world are such an exciting time of the year, with holiday food playing a big part of the traditions and celebrations. What are some traditions surrounding holiday meals in Spain? Tell us about a few of ...
There are all sorts of Christmas foods in Spain but most of them are cakes and sweets - things like mantecados, polvorones and turrón. What I find quite interesting, not really that interesting, is that there isn't anything particularly ... Read More
Hello
Hello to you too. Jerez - can't be bad - some lovely countryside and nice beaches on your doorstep and access to stacks of sherry and brandy too. All the best. Read More
How do I block unknown numbers on my landline? by LegalEagle
Hello I am in Spain, have caller ID and getting nuisance landline calls. I suppose we all get them. I think I could buy a handset with a blocking facility on known numbers but what about unknown callers (NO ID) like Mary this morning from India who ...
Hi: Quite right about the link. Try https://www.listarobinson.es/ instead. What you do is, you register with them. They send you an email and then you tell them what numbers, fixed and mobile, you want blocking, which, if any email addresses ... Read More
Sending and receiving packages in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, As an expat, there are inevitably certain items you might want or need from back home, and around the holiday period, many people like to send gift packages. How easy is it to send and receive packages in Spain? Is the public postal ...
Correos, the state post office generally works fine as do the majority of the carriers. At times there are problems with the private carriers because the drivers are overworked/lazy/stupid and they can't be bothered to find your address so they ... Read More
How do I block unknown numbers on my landline? by LegalEagle
Hello I am in Spain, have caller ID and getting nuisance landline calls. I suppose we all get them. I think I could buy a handset with a blocking facility on known numbers but what about unknown callers (NO ID) like Mary this morning from India who ...
There is a service called Lista Robinson which is a spam blocking telephone and email list. I don't suppose the administrators will allow the link but here it is https://www.listarobinson.es/register-consumer. Read More
Fingerprint Appointment for NIE renewal by brabync
Hello, i have my fingerprint appointment tomorrow and my coordinator say i only need my passport and proof that my NIE renewal was approved. Online it says i need to bring everything i brought to the first appoint ment again plus pay the tasa ...
I always take every piece of official paper I have to any appointment. Por si acaso Read More
Danger at work by kristinemholth
I work in a shop that requires my colleagues and I to use two different ladders many times per day. One is taller than the other, both are too shaky to be suitable for the how we use them in relation to how far up we must climb, the things we have ...
When I worked in a shop for a while some people used to come around and check that my work situation was as it should be. When I worked teaching English to the management of a shopping centre for a while one of them was telling me about the safety ... Read More
Blocked Bank Account by GuestPoster256
Hi all, I hope everyone is well. This is my first time posting on a forum for help with these matters. I'm normally pretty stubborn about these things - trying to do things myself, trying to do things properly and legally, etc - however, ...
I have no useful advice to offer. This is another of those examples where, when something goes wrong it seems almost impossible to get around it. In my experience, generally things work as they should but, when they don't - heaven help ... Read More
Working conditions and labour laws in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Working conditions differ across the world, and as a working expat, it is important to know your rights as an employee. Are working conditions standard in Spain? For instance, are working hours, paid time off, and sick leave different ...
I think that labour law in Spain is generally pretty similar to the UK in that there are health and safety laws, workers have rights, there is maternity and paternity leave, there are arrangements between unions and employers about pay rates, ... Read More
Language barriers in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Learning a new language is a part of the expat process. Let's find out how crucial it is to know the language in Spain. What is the official language in Spain, and what are the other popular spoken languages? Is it possible to live ...
I'm sure we've answered this general sort of question before but, hey ho. Castillian, the language that is generally thought of as Spanish is spoken all over Spain. In Galicia, the País Vasco, Catalonia, the Valencian Community and the ... Read More
Finally arrived in Valencia
I hope it all goes to plan then. Personally I think Spain is a great place to live and Valencia is a really interesting city. Good luck with the adventure. Read More
The nightlife scene in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Having access to a good nightlife scene can be a determining factor for many expats upon choosing their next destination. Tell us more about the nightlife in Spain. In Spain, what is the nighlife culture like: is it common for people to ...
Not quite the same, not about "los barrios" or the places with "mucha marcha" but there is lots and lots of free or really cheap live music to be had too. I think the comment about drinking cubatas, mixed drinks, is true. ... Read More
Bus services by Candypops
Hi folks I'm coming out in December for week to join my sister who is staying at Marjal Costa Blanca Resort on outskirts of Catral. There are no coach transfers from Alicante airport to this area only very expensive taxis, can anyone tell me if ...
Oh, and lots of Brits operate illegal taxi services - airport pickups - doesn't your sister know anyone? Read More
Bus services by Candypops
Hi folks I'm coming out in December for week to join my sister who is staying at Marjal Costa Blanca Resort on outskirts of Catral. There are no coach transfers from Alicante airport to this area only very expensive taxis, can anyone tell me if ...
I think the only way to do it on a bus, by public transport, is to get he airport bus into Alicante, the ALSA bus or train from Alicante to Murcia (I think there are trains) and then the ALSA bus out to San Fulgencio from Murcia that goes to Catral. ... Read More
Opening a bank account in Spain by Newlife18
Dear Forum Members A general question to anyone in Spain and then specific question for those around Denia in Marina Alta area: 1. General - What do I need to open a Spanish bank account please? I’m not living there yet, I need to have s ...
With regard to the bank accounts I'd have a look at the online ones. In some sort of survey Triodos came out as one of the most ethical and with the fewest hidden charges. I understand, though I haven't checked, that several of the online ... Read More
Pros and cons of renewing the green "residencia"
I suspect this is one for Johncar but any insights would be helpful. In one of its Facebook postings, on its Brits in Spain page, the British Embassy wrote "If you have an A4 size green residency certificate, you have already registered as a ... Read More
discrepancy between nota simple and cadastro by kaust2015
Hello, we are very interested in buying a flat in Alicante - playa san juan. Newly renovated, close to everything one needs (building is from 1985: a bit old, but seems well taken care of). However the cadastro records show 159 m2 vivienda when the ...
It's probably sortable. Well, in fact it is sortable. All you have to do is to spend some money to have it put right. Maybe pay an architect to draw plans, maybe pay some unpaid taxes. But why buy something that's at all dodgy? There are ... Read More
Life as a female expat in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, While moving to a new country and discovering new cultures is definitely an exciting adventure, everybody experiences it differently. It can be particularly different for women, in both positive and negative ways. What are some positive ...
Obviously enough, from the photo, you can see that I'm the wrong gender to answer this question but Spain is a safe, secure country with a whole host of anti discrimination laws and protections in place for identifiable groups of people - women ... Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Spain? How ...
I do not think either of these assertions are true Read More
Dealing with loneliness in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Expatriation can be a fun and exciting adventure, but it can also be a bit lonely at times. Please share with us some tips for dealing with loneliness. What are some potential factors that lead to loneliness when moving to Spain? How ...
I'm sure there are lonely people in Spain but I'm equally sure that there are lonely people everywhere. The only extra reason that I can think of that may add to someone feeling isolated is that they lack language to speak to someone ... Read More
Health care in spain will be free by Johncar
It appears there will be free health care in Spain [url]https://www.thinkspain.com/news-articles#p:/news-spain/30639/government-to-make-healthcare-free-and-universal-again-within-six-weeks[/url]
I'm always a bit confused by news items like this one and by what was being said on the news yesterday. Britons for instance are generally legal if they are in Spain yet, in the 14 years that I've been here, a Briton who was not of ... Read More
How to discover the cultural scene in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Moving to a new place and learning about the culture goes beyond adapting to customs and traditions. The art scene (music, art, literature, and cinematography) is also a big part of discovering a new country. What are the best ways to ...
Accessing culture isn't at all hard in Spain. At least not in the way that the question is phrased. Despite all the budget cuts since the "crisis" hit in 2008 local government still supports artistic ventures and entrance fees for ... Read More
Cooking like a local in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Spain. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are easy to ...
RibeiraSacra you are right. I write a blog and I said something more or less the same on the blog. Lots of Spaniards didn't seem to agree with me though. They seem to think that they can make tea but, as you say, they can't or at least ... Read More
What is the situation with the healtcare in catalunia for uk citizens?
... Read More
Cooking like a local in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Spain. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are easy to ...
My cooking is terrible but a Spaniard said to me that one of the biggest tips as to how to cook good Spanish food is to shop carefully. Read More
Social Contributions in Spain (Tarifa Plana) by xxNickixx
Hello everyone, My name is Nicki and I am new to the group :-) I am very much interested in moving to Spain and am reading up a lot about the country and its laws. I recently read the following about social contributions: [i]"Those newly ...
I don't want to spend hours on this but I had a quick look and this info, which I got from, infoautonomos dot eleconomista dot es seems to be up to date and to tie in with the government site at seg hyphen social dot es which is where the info ... Read More
Social Contributions in Spain (Tarifa Plana) by xxNickixx
Hello everyone, My name is Nicki and I am new to the group :-) I am very much interested in moving to Spain and am reading up a lot about the country and its laws. I recently read the following about social contributions: [i]"Those newly ...
I'm not sure of the current detsils but there is definitely a deal on reduced social security payments for newly self employed people. The full discount used to only apply for the first six months with six monthly increases until the payments ... Read More
Study Spanish in Spain
Thr comments above seem very sensible to me but what about a different approach? Do a Spanish course in Spain and your fellow students will be Germans, Britons, Chinese and so on. You can get much the same experience by going to your local adult ... Read More
Is work hard to find in Spain by GuestPoster61
I have heard unemployment is high in Spain but I can never seem to get anyone interested or willing to do any work at my villa in Alicante.
Hiya. I know a chap who does palm trees. He's called Javier and he shins up trees using a version of the traditional harness. He's a really nice bloke too. He lives in the Sax/Elda area and he's told me stories about working in ... Read More
Looking to move to Almeria
Crime rates are low in Spain, in general. That doesn't mean that you won't be a victim of crime. Some houses are easier targets than others, some areas are more risky than others in exactly the same way as they are in Sussex, Ohio or ... Read More
Clubs/Groups by talandjean
We want to move to move to Northern Costa Blanca when we retire. Unsure of best place yet. We will be looking to rent first to check out if it's for us. We would like to go somewhere there is lively groups or social clubs to join, or U3A ...
I've looked at this post a couple of times without being able to give a useful answer but, as nobody seems to be giving you a useless answer either, well, here I go. I think British type groups are very much a matter of chance. I'm in ... Read More
Bed and Breakfast by Andrew M P Byrne
My partner and I are seriously contemplating a permanent move to Catalunia. To give us something to do, and to earn some extra cash, we want to offer bed and breakfast. We only intend to offer two rooms in our home and only operate from May to ...
But it is a business and, quite rightly, there are all sorts of controls to make sure that your guests are safe which is why you need licences and accountants and everything else. Read More
All things communications by DelhiPat
We have recently relocated to the Chiva Area, Valencia. Is there any one "Communications" organization that looks after all (Mobile, Landline, Internet, Spanish, Uk and English "Cable TV) in a "1 - Stop Shop". Or do you ...
Any of the providers from the big ones like Movistar and Jazztel to the one that only deals with your town will be very happy to sell you landline, ADSL, mobile with the options to link into some (Spanish) TV package. As RibeiraSacra says this is ... Read More
Buying a car in Spain. Petrol or Diesel by DelhiPat
Hiya, Just moved to Chicago area and looking to purchase a small/medium car - Peugeot 3008 comes to mind or a Hyundai i30 or similar. Do not intend to do much mileage and thus range not an issue. Question. Petrol or Diesel. Is the price ...
Diesel fuel is much cheaper than petrol in Spain. When I bought a car I didn't hesitate to buy diesel especially as diesel cars are so much more popular amongst Spaniards. I thought that it would not only decrease the running costs but it would ... Read More
Buying a car in uk
Cars are a lot cheaper to start with in the UK but there are lots of costs in getting them re-registered in Spain. It used to be true that if you had owned the car for fewer than six months in the UK then the costs were even higher. Given that the ... Read More
Temporary insurance on a Spanish car by sophiehes
Hi, My name is Sophie. I’m travelling to Almeria for a week to visit my grandparents who live out there. I don’t want to hire a car, as I’m not quite 25 yet it’ll be far too expensive. My grandparents have an English car out ...
It's usually the car that is covered by the insurance rather than the driver but I vaguely remember that one of the standard declarations is that all the drivers will be over 26. So, as Cynic says, the best route is almost certainly through the ... Read More
Village/small towns to retire in north of Alicante. by mikebrealey
Hi, I am looking to move/retire to Spain, and would like to find a village, small town north of Alicante, with a local/expat community. I am visiting the area in April, and wonder if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks
Lots around here, inland Alicante. We're in Pinoso, stacks of Brits in Sax, Hondon de los Frailes and Hondon de las Nieves. Read More
Moving my dog to Spain by jl.andersoncleaver
Hello all My name is Jess and I am a cancer patient. Knowing that cannabis is legal in Spain, my family and I are looking at relocating to Spain perminantly. This is so I can grow my plants and treat my cancer in the long term. There is only 1 ...
It looks as though you got two excellent responses there. Good stuff you two. Read More
The best apps for expats in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share information regarding some of the apps that have helped to facilitate your move abroad in Spain. This will help expats-to-be who are making the move as well. Which apps did you use while preparing your move to ...
Oh, while I'm doing this I suppose everyone already has the WordReference dictionary and language forum app? An app that I never use but I leave on my phone every time I purge the unused apps is Arbolapp. It's produced by the Spanish ... Read More
The best apps for expats in Spain by Priscilla
Hello, We invite you to share information regarding some of the apps that have helped to facilitate your move abroad in Spain. This will help expats-to-be who are making the move as well. Which apps did you use while preparing your move to ...
I use podcast addict to download some Spanish language podcasts to help me with my Spanish learning. I listen to a couple of "learning" podcasts - Notes in Spanish and Spanishpocast but also a couple of radio programmes from RNE like ... Read More
Train travel
My wife says seat61 is cracking. I've never tried it myself. Read More
Cost of living 2018 in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, As per our annual tradition, we invite you to share your experiences and tell us more about the average prices of products and services in your town/city/area, so that we have updated information regarding cost of living and ...
I can't answer most of the questions but this is what I know for inland Alicante We looked at a repossessed four bed, three storey town house "sold as seen" for 69,000€. We looked at a scruffy, three bed second floor 1950s flat ... Read More
Olive Tree pickers
I don't know and I don't know if the site handlers will allow this but if you look at the Facebook groups Sax, Villena, Castalla buying and selling and/or Pinoso - Buying Selling Helping there have been discussions about this Read More
Heater for inside by Kim1966
Hi Im about to buy a flat in Torrevieja Spain and going there in February to do signature and notary etc. Im thinking to stay a few days in my "new" flat, my question is that since this place has no heating at all and no aircon, what is ...
Any ironmonger/hardware store will sell the gas heaters - you can buy them online from places like Amazon too. Lots of the places that sell them can do a contract for the gas bottles at the same time because they do the bottles too. The petrol ... Read More
Heater for inside by Kim1966
Hi Im about to buy a flat in Torrevieja Spain and going there in February to do signature and notary etc. Im thinking to stay a few days in my "new" flat, my question is that since this place has no heating at all and no aircon, what is ...
The butane gas heaters are great in my opinion. They produce instant heat, strong heat, localised heat to start so that, when you come in freezing, you can crouch next to it as it slowly but surely warms the room. They are also relatively cheap to ... Read More