Moving Abroad to Spain?

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oldhombre

Yeah, I did it too. Moved out temporarily and it became more ane more permanent. Few hints for you though.

Learn Spanish. Too many brits give brits a bad name by not respecting the locals.

Try and note the local customs. Spain is a Catholic country and it is easy to offend for example by what you wear into a church. Simple courtesy really.

Dont bank on finding work easily.

Beware the new Spanish law for non-Spanish EU citizens. If you stay more than 3 months you need to register with the police and get a NIE - Numero de Identificacion de Extranjeros.

Although for many things you dont need the services of a lawyer, be safe and use a recommended english speaking one to help.

Beware that there are many ex-pats who are flouting rules and regulations and the authorities are getting tough. Beware illegal house builds, illegal water wells, etc etc. Stay legal and you will be fine. The police and Guardia Civil are actually very helpful if you have not crossed them.

Make sure you know where you stand with health insurance. to begin with get a EHIC (replaces the old E-111) before you come out.

Dont roam with your UK mobile phone but pick up a cheap pay as you go Spanish mobile and keep your costs down.

Enjoy the sunshine.

Beware it can rain heavily in Spain.

Relax in the absence of the UK population density.

Explore the magic of Spain as in the high mountains, the natural parks, the beaches and the cities.

Try and keep a bolt hole open back to the UK just for peace of mind. You may never need it but its good to know its there.

Try and not drink too much cervesa, tampoco vino.
Spain has so much to offer the adventurer.

Oh, yes, use the trains and buses with confidence - cheap and very efficient.

Have a nice one.

Live the Life you Love !

I have been living in Spain (Costa Blanca) for the last 3 years from England and wouldn't change anything for the world, one of the best choices I've ever made in my life.
Just make sure you have work lined up (if you need it) it can be very hard to find work out here for first timers that don't know the lay of the land. Also make sure you learn the language a.s.a.p. And if your going to buy property over here make 100% sure it is a legal build. If you would like any other info feel free to e-mail me.

Good luck mate.

bcn_mimosa

Hi..
IВґm an American living in Barcelona, Spain.. I came to College Abroad here when i was in college 7 years ago and fell in love with the Culture and its people.. ( I went to School in Valencia for a few semesters).. And Decided just like you that after working a few years in the States, I was not as happy as I have been here in the Past Year.. I have no Regrets and Want to Wish you all the Luck in the world! Its gonna be a great Experience...

Take care..

Bcn_mimosa from Barcelona, Spain

foreignbeauty

I'm italian and moved to Spain 20 years ago, never regretted it!!

Joan el guiri

I've just done it and we are off for an ice cream in the square. Come and join us!

If you go native and learn the language (don't get sky TV!), you will never regret the move.

Nigel S

I moved here 8 years ago, I cant think of anything that would make me want to move back to the UK,The answers given before me, have said it all.
The best Advice, as some others have said, is learn Spanish.
"Go Native". Even the Effort of trying to learn is appreciated by the Spanish, And you will find Things run a lot smoother,
Mail me , If you have Specific Questions.

The Atheati Ahh Soul

There are lots of British ex-pats out here.
My wife and I have lived in the countryside ouside the City of Valencia for 4 years. It is a fantastic, fun, relaxed, enjoyable way of life.
We will never move back to the UK.
Feel free to email me if you have any specific questions.

Petra

Feel free to email I am an American living in Romania... It is hard and not a vacation. But having someone who is an expat as well that can relate to culture shock, language issues, food problems, all of the problems that us expats cry over. I would be glad to email with you and offer you advice and ideas on learning to live abroad...

LouLou

If you do move, there's nothing to say you cant come back, see how you like it, maybe you need a few months out there to see what its like.

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