To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

MAPS OF SPAIN

A good detailed Spanish map will help you choose where you would like to spend your holiday in Spain. A map of Spain is important when you are planning a vacation. It can show you the layout of the country. If you plan to visit a number of cities, this is going to assist you when you plan your trip.

Areas of Spain

In Spain’s northern country, there are coastal resorts and old-fashioned fishing villages. Finding some of these without a good map of Spain can be very difficult. These lend a taste of genuine rustic Spanish life in a small village. Some areas, like La Rioja are renowned for wine production. You’ll get to understand the civilisation better than you will in a cosmopolitan centre with all its tourist sites.

Having a up to date map of Spain gives you the opportunity to see first hand history when you visit the ruins of monasteries and in another area witness some cave paintings. Here you’ll have the opportunity to meet nature. The Pyrenees Mountains form a natural border along the northernmost section of Spain that borders France. A hiking tour unveils some stunning vistas worth capturing by camera.

Although a large cosmopolitan centre, Madrid is renowned for its vibrant life and historic past. This is the capital of Spain and nobody’s timetable is empty here. Here in the central part of Spain, a Spanish map shows you numerous older small towns with historic landmarks.

The Mediterranean coastline is located on the east coast of Spain. On a good Spnish map, you will find the Catalona, Valencia and Murcia regions. Here the resort cities hold sway and there names are familiar; including Alicante, Torrevieja and Barcelona. This region is known as the Costa Blanca.

Checking a map in the south of Spain, you’ll locate three major cities such as Malaga. This area of the country is known the Costa del Sol and is quickly becoming a major vacation destination. The seaside is the main draw here and holidaymakers love the region. Golf resorts are becoming a popular in this area also.

A Detailed Map of Spain will be useful if you are planning a tour of Spain. You may be given one if you’re touring with a group. There are many tours that provide their clients with these detailed maps including wine and food tours, walking and cycling tours and more on Spanish culture.

If you are on tour with a group, try to stay with the group. A Spanish map may be handy just in case you get lost. If you have spare time away from the group, make certain you know where you’ll be meeting at the end of the day. Be certain that you will be able to find this spot on your map.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

WEATHER IN SPAIN

Weather in Spain conjures up images of brilliant sunshine and temperatures that are perfect for glorious days on the beach. While this may be true, the weather in Spain is also a little more complex than that. Summers are definitely hot and sunny right across Spain, but other seasons also make their presence felt. However, like everything else in Spain, the changes in the weather in Spain are mild and never harsh. If your main reason for going to Spain is to soak up the sun, then the best time to visit for good weather in Spain is between June and September.

Summer weather in Spain (June to September)

Summers in Spain are more intense in the internal cities where the temperatures could reach up to 45 degrees centigrade (113 degrees Fahrenheit) in August. The Spaniards however, do not sit at home and grumble about the stifling heat. They just close down their shops and houses and head off towards the coast when the weather in Spain gets unbearable. The temperatures along the coast stay moderate throughout the year.

If you are traveling to Spain in summer, it is best to do as the Spanish do and stay along the coast. Except for a few touristy places including museums and art galleries, most shops, pubs and cafes in the interior cities will be closed for a major part of the summer. Though several shops are closed for their afternoon siesta, if you see a sign saying ‘Cerrado por vacaciones’ hung outside any shop don’t wait for it to open. It signifies that the owner has shut down for the summer.

Autumn weather in Spain (September to November)

The weather in Spain is mild and cool in autumn with daytime temperatures averaging 28 degrees centigrade during the day and at night temperatures around 18 degrees centrigrade. The beaches are still an exciting option, albeit for those who can stand the cooler waters.

Winter weather in Spain (November to mid-March)

High-altitude cities including Madrid, Salamanca and Toledo are cold in winter with temperatures ranging from 13 degrees centigrade during the day to 4 degrees centigrade at night. Winters in Tenerife are milder and range between 21 degrees centigrade and 16 degrees centigrade. Madrid offers its residents and tourists a respite from the cold weather with occasional mini heat waves right in the middle of winter. The possibility of experiencing snow like weather in Spain depends largely on which part of the country you are in; with the most likely areas being the mountainous regions. Along the north coast, winters bring in the rain rather than the snow.

Spring weather in Spain (Mid-March to May)

Spring is the best time to visit Spain for the weather. The heat is not so scorching and temperatures on the beach are warm enough for swimming and tanning but not so hot as to burn you. Temperatures vary according to the region but average temperatures across Spain stay between 20 degrees centigrade to 26 degrees centigrade. However, the weather in Spain is not guaranteed in spring. Intermittent showers intermingled with warm dry spells, wash away plans of spending your entire holiday sunning it up at the beach.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain
Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

ENGLISH IN SPAIN

The increase in residential tourism as well as English holiday tourism in Spain in recent years has seen a rapid increase in the desire of the Spanish to learn to speak English in Spain. This has resulted in the mushrooming of English language schools, a steady demand for well trained teachers and many opportunities for teaching English in Spain.

This has meant more and better opportunities for teaching English in Spain and of course worldwide. At the same time it has also meant greater attention to standards in language teaching, and the need for more formal processes for ensuring quality on behalf of students.The result of this has been increased popularity in qualifying for a TEFL certificate plus an increase in the standard of the course and its recognition in the world of foreign language tuition.

It is now virtually impossible to get a job teaching English in Spain or anywhere else in the world without the TEFL certificate.

English in Spain

The course aims to develop students knowledge of the workings of the English language and equips them with the skills to impart this knowledge in turn to their students. It is generally a one month intensive course with great emphasis placed on practical experience along with close tutor support.The course will give you all the skills and confidence you will need to walk into a foreign classroom with complete assurance.

Teaching English in Spain as a foreign language is a great way to see Spain and get paid. You experience the country you work in at first hand rather than as a tourist as you become totally immersed in the culture of the country in a way that no tourist ever can be.

If you are interested in teaching English in Spain then you can take the TEFL course in either Barcelona, Madrid or Sevilla. The course costs approximately1,233 euros in Barclona, 1,155 euros in Madrid and 1,310 euros in Sevilla. All prices include tuition fees and course materials, The higher cost in Sevilla is because it includes accommodation. In the other two locations accommodation is not provided but the course organisers will help you to arrange it.

There are many opportunities for teaching English in Spain.

So go on give it a try!

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

SPANISH SCHOOLS

If you are thinking of moving to Spain and you have children, you will need to start thinking about their Spanish schooling as soon as possible. If you plan to move to one of the big cities or in an expat area, such as the Costa Blanca or the Costa del Sol, then your biggest choice you will be between sending them to a Spanish school or to a bilingual or international school. If you plan to move to an inland area of Spain then you may not get such a choice. Spanish International Schools

There are private international schools in most major resort towns, where your child can receive lessons in English. Some of these schools also teach UK exam courses (GCSEs and A Levels) but most use the International Baccalaureate or the Spanish bachilllerato syllabuses. Price (and quality) varies, but overall private education in Spain is cheaper than in the UK. The National Association of British Schools in Spain is a good place to start looking for international schools.

Spanish Bilingual Schools

Bilingual schools exist in many Spanish cities and teach the Spanish curriculum, with additional lessons taught by native English speakers. Most of the students in such schools are Spanish and therefore the language will still be an issue you need to think about.

Spanish Schools

Attending a Spanish school, whether state or private, is probably the best way for your children to integrate into Spanish society. State schools have improved tremendously in recent decades and in general, are of a comparable quality with those in other EU countries, although the teaching methods used may differ. School in Spain is not compulsory until the age of 6, but children generally start school in the autumn of the year in which they turn 3. The legal maximum class size in primary schools is 25, with one teacher and a “floating” classroom assistant who helps out with several classes. There is special provision for children over the age of 6 who don’t speak Spanish as a first language. Enrollment procedures vary from region to region and also from school to school. However for most schools, you will only be guaranteed a place if you enroll in the Spring – usually March or April.

Spanish Schools: Learning the Language

In theory, children up to the age of 9 will pick up Spanish within a year or so simply by mixing with Spanish children (the exact age varies). Even so it is suggested giving any child over the age of 4 some sort of beginner lessons in Spanish either before you go or soon after you get there because it will help them to make friends and to get on with other schoolwork. Even younger children will benefit from as much exposure to Spanish as you can give them – whether that’s from a Spanish speaking friend, from the TV or from yourself. Older children will usually need more help. Private tuition is one solution: the going rate in Spain is 6-12 Euros an hour.  Also since older children generally find it harder to settle in to a new school, it is highly recommended that they receive some tuition in Spanish for as long as possible before you leave. If you are thinking of moving to Catalonia, the Balearics or the Basque region, remember to find out what language the schools teach in. Many schools in those areas teach most lessons in the local language (Catalan, Basque, etc) and only teach Spanish as a foreign language. While this is not necessarily a bad thing it is certainly worth considering. You will also need to bear in mind that proof of immunisation is necessary for enrolment into any Spanish state school, although some schools may neglect to ask for it.

Good Schools Guide International

A guide for Western families moving abroad. It’s completely independent, written by parents for parents, and tells users about the top British, American, and international schools worldwide that cater to English-speaking expatriates.

spain schools-spanish schools in southern spain-spanish school in spain

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

LIVING IN SPAIN

Spain is one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations; furthermore the attraction of Spain’s climate, culture, beauty, cost and standard of living attracts record numbers of expatriates who decide to up sticks and start  living in Spain The country already has an estimated 1.5 million foreign residents in situ.

But there’s a darker side to living in Spain or to moving abroad that few people ever consider – did you know that last year 191,000 people relocated overseas from the UK and 105,000 Britons also returned to the UK last year having failed to establish their new life overseas?

Some people simply fail to survive a move overseas and it certainly isn’t a case of “no going back” for the thousands of disillusioned people who flock ‘home’ to their mother country year after year…therefore if you’re thinking of moving to Spain/ living in Spain you need to understand the main reasons people cite when they return. By understanding these reasons you will avoid the pitfalls and pain and succeed where others may fail thereby fulfilling your dreams of a new life in

Spain.

The Practicality of Your Location

You need to make sure that you choose the very best location in Spain to fulfil your practical needs on a day to day basis.

Consider the accessibility of a location for family and friends to visit you and for you to reach a doctor, the supermarket, a school or even a hairdresser. Find your perfect location, location, location by visiting the areas you’re interested in and considering them thoroughly from the point of view of how easy and practical your day to day life there will be.

Accessibility & Homesickness

Wherever you choose to live in Spain, consider the accessibility of the location with your old home country in mind. Sure, you may be sick of the sight of certain people right now but you never know what tomorrow will bring and how are you going to feel if you can’t get back to visit, or if the important people in your life can’t afford to visit you?

Spain is very well serviced by airports and cheap airlines, it has one of the cheapest rail networks in the whole of Europe and the Spanish government spends millions each year on the travel and transport infrastructure so wherever you choose to locate you should never be so far away from decent transportation. But do bear this point in mind as ‘homesickness’ and ‘inaccessibility’ are some of the main reasons people cite when they give up on their dream of a new life abroad.

Being Accepted

The first two years in any new country are by far the hardest…it takes this amount of time to build up enough knowledge of the local areas, customs, people and language to make your new house feel like ‘home’.

It also takes a significant investment and effort on your part to find true acceptance and getting to the stage where you really feel you ‘belong’ in your Spanish community will take time, effort and above all perseverance.

Expectation versus Reality

Living in Spain / moving abroad won’t necessarily ‘fix’ your life – if you do move abroad you won’t escape your history, you won’t escape who you are, you won’t escape all of the day to day grind and you may not always improve your quality of life! So make sure you have realistic expectations of your new life in Spain before you go and know that living in Spain will be very different to holidaying in Spain.

YES your new life abroad can offer you so much more …but just make sure your expectations can match the reality and remember the saying – life isn’t necessarily a beach just because you live beside one!

Health & Wellbeing

One of the saddest reasons people cite when giving up their dream of a new life abroad is health and wellbeing. The trap is the price, availability and quality of health care in their ‘new’ country. Please look at the local Spanish health care facilities, think about long term and respite care, consider health insurance for all your family and basically don’t bury your head in the sand! If you consider the worst case scenario and protect yourself against it, chances are you will be prepared for everything and will financially survive.

Last But Not Least – Money

THE most common reasons for people returning ‘home’ with their dreams shattered is that they simply run out of money.

If you’re moving to Spain and hoping to find work you need to know that unemployment in the country is way above the EU average. If you don’t speak Spanish you’ll struggle and some of your qualifications may not be recognised in Spain. If you’re considering downsizing when you move to Spain it can be more than just a shock to the system to leave a well paying job to become a pool cleaner. If you’ve sold up and released equity to live on have you honestly thought about how long you can practically live on this amount? What about affording your retirement years, trips back to your home country, health care, transportation and the unexpected costs that spring up when we least expect them?

There are ways to afford to live on less and there are ways to make what you have go far further. The bottom line is – to survive in

Spain you simply MUST consider your financial position before you make ANY move.

Good luck in realising and securing your dream.

move to spain-living in spain-living in spain

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

JOBS IN SPAIN

Finding jobs in Spain is not easy, especially jobs in Spanish cities where unemployment can sometimes be quite high. If you are a member of an EC country then you have an automatic right to live and work in Spain but if not then you may find obtaining your residence card time-consuming and frustrating. It is also necessary for non-Europeans to have their employment approved by the Spanish Ministry of Labour (Ministerio de Trabajo) and obtain a visa before entering the country.

Seasonal jobs

There are normally quite a lot of  jobs in Spain which are seasonal. Sometimes jobs  can be found in Spanish major tourist resorts from the beginning of May until the end of September.Naturally enough this mostly consists of work in the hotel and catering industry with plenty of casual bar work normally available in English run bars. This type of work is notoriously poorly paid, although you can improve your wages with tips, but has the advantage that it is quite easy to get and it is not always a requirement that you speak Spanish. So if you are looking for a job in Spain  for the summer then this type of work may suit you best.

Couriers and Tour Reps

If you speak Spanish then you may be able to get a seasonal job in Spanish  cities as a courier,tour guide or sports instructors, approach some of the larger holiday companies such at Thompson Holidays to see what they have on offer. Competition for jobs is fierce and Spanish fluency is usually necessary, even for employment with foreign tour operators. Most companies also have age requirements, the minimum being 21, although many companies prefer employees to be older. To find out which companies operate in the part of Spain you are interested in, check the brochures in your local travel agency or search online but be sure to send in your application well before the season starts.

Semi and Permanent Jobs – Teaching English

English schools are mushrooming all over Spain and offer very good work opportunities for native English speakers. However it is normally required that you have some formal qualifications, the most widely accepted being The TEFL certificate, (teaching English as a Foreign language.) For a fairly small investment of around 1,000 euros you can obtain this certificate by attending a one month intensive course and you will then be qualified to not only work in Spain but also at many other destinations world wide. Foreign language schools in Spain are generally well run and the wages are reasonable, they often provide accommodation for their teachers too so it can be a good way to live and work in Spain. Details of foreign language schools can be obtained by contacting. Centros de Enseñanzza de Idiomas, Calle Sagasta, 27, 28004 Madrid.

Private Tuition

There is a high demand for private English teachers and many teachers employed at local language academies supplement their income by giving private lessons. You can advertise in local schools, universities and retail outlets and, once you’re established, additional students can usually be found through word of mouth, particularly for children who have failed their end of year English examinations!

Au Pairs

Both men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 are eligible for a job as an au pair. The au pair system provides young people with a great opportunity to travel, improve their Spanish and generally broaden their education by living and working in Spain. However, the main aim of the au pair system is to give young people the opportunity to learn a foreign language in a typical family environment . Au pairs are usually contracted to work for a minimum of six months and a maximum of a year. Most families require an au pair for at least the whole school year, from September to June. The best time to look for an au pair position therefore is before the beginning of the school year in September. Au pair agencies in Britain are listed in the Au Pair and Nanny’s Guide to Working Abroad by Susan Griffith.

Construction Industry

Many parts of Spain have seen a building boom in recent years although this is coming to an end now, the construction industry  still employs many foreign nationals. However as most of the building sites are Spanish run it will be necessary for you to have a basic understanding of the language in order to be able to get and hold down a job.

Self-Employment

Many people turn to running their own business in Spain as the best way to make a living in Spain. However for the unprepared this road can be a minefield of headaches and problems.The best advice is to do your homework and remember the old adage,”by failing to prepare, you prepare to fail.” Get good advice from a reputable professional about the legal requirements for your particular business, opening licences, tax declarations etc. It is a good idea to talk to other people who have started their own business and thereby learn by their mistakes. Rightly or wrongly there are a lot of foreigners resident in Spain who prefer to employ English speaking people so there are plenty of opportunities for builders, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, cleaners, hairdressers, beauticians etc. and anyone determined enough to work through the red tape and get established should end up with a good business. For any sort of work in Spain you will need to obtain your N.I.E. (numero de identificacion de extranjero) which you can do through the Oficina de Extranjeros, ( foreigners office) at your local police station.

Illegal Employment

Illegal employment thrives in Spain where it has been estimated that as much as 25% of the official GNP is due to the black economy with real unemployment being at least 10% below the official government figure. Many unscrupulous employers use illegal labour as a means to avoid the paying the high social security contributions and to be able to pay low wages for long hours and poor working conditions. Heavy fines are often imposed when offenders, which includes both the employee as well as the employer, are prosecuted so be warned!

These sites are for English-speaking expats looking for jobs in Spain

1.  wemploy specialise in the Costa del Sol region of Spain. Lots of IT and sales jobs, often requiring fluency in Spanish.

2.  recruitSpain’s site has recently been redeveloped and, it looks very good. No frills, but no frills are necessary in the job hunt and they say they’re the premier recruitment agency for Spain and Gibraltar.

3.  Jobtoasterspain.com seems to focus on jobs in Malaga and Madrid. mostly IT and sales.

4.  Job pilot is registered as a ‘.es’ company but actually redirects you to a European job portal site, jobpilot.net, which is owned by monster.com.

5. topjobs lots of great info on jobs check it out!

6. Ambient Jobs – One of the better expat recruitment sites in Spain. They had quite a few available positions (350+), as usual most jobs are Admin, Accounting, Real Estate and IT related.

7. Brass Ring is now Kenexa, who sound like a pretty hardcore recruiter. If you’re into the headhunting thing, check them out.

8. exposure-eu.com has a very nice site and a hundred or more jobs in Spain, Gibraltar and Portugal.

Safe, Simple, Expat Shopping.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

Driving In Spain

YOUR CAR IN SPAIN

If you wish to see as much as possible of Spain,  then having your own car in Spain is certainly the best method of transport, even if it may take you a couple of days to feel confident about driving on the opposite side of the road. As an EU citizen and a tourist, to drive a foreign registered car in Spain you must have with you, and you can be fined for not obeying the following: – 1. Your passport, current until after your return home 2. Current driving licence, preferably the EU type with the ring of stars 3. Two EU approved, red warning triangles 4. Approved reflective jackets that must be worn by all outside the car at anytime, day or night, outside the vehicle at the side of any highway not in an urban (street lights) area. The jackets must be kept inside the car so they can be put on before getting out and also must be visible from outside the car. The pocket in the back of the front seat is a good place. The jackets are inexpensive and can be bought at most supermarkets if you do not have them already 5. A set of spare lamps/bulbs for your car and the tool/s to change them 6. If you wear corrective glasses for driving, a spare pair 7. Your number plate should be an EU one with the ring of stars containing your country code, or a small plate/sticker with your country code (GB, etc) should secured to the rear of the car 8. Valid insurance If you are from outside the EU, you will need an International Driving Licence to drive your car in Spain issued by the correct authority in your home country. It must have one page of information in Spanish.

Insurance

Remember that your “tourist status” in a foreign country usually applies for only three months as far as insurance is concerned, so for any longer periods, do not forget to discuss this with your broker.

The roads

These vary from very poor to very good, the latter especially since Spain joined the EU and has benefited from the funding from other countries over the last 20 years. The main connecting roads are generally excellent. Roads are classified thus, and they can be easily clarified on a road map. Autopista (motorway) – A or E – prefix to road number: these can be toll roads (peajes). Maximum speed 120 kph (73 mph). Autovia – dual carriageway, not necessarily with a central reservation. Speed limits vary from 80 to 110 kph. Carretera Nacional – N or CN – prefix to road number, main roads. 100 to 60 kph Carretera Local – highway. Speeds are as signed, but usually not more than 100 kph Please note that the speeds are somewhat less for various classes of vehicles including towed trailers/caravans Spain has over 2,000 km of toll roads and more are planned. They are of excellent standard and all have service stations with cafes of an acceptable standard every 40km or so. The tolls are expensive, especially in summer when the rates are doubled and are usually calculated per km. Some toll roads, for long distance travelling allow you to collect a ticket at the start and then pay the total when you exit the road. They do however mean that you can drive relaxed and safer over long distances as the locals usually avoid them.

A few hints for driving in Spain

The traffic-lights (semaforas) in Spain are more often than not, situated only at your stop line for the junction and so you can see when they change when you are in the front of the queue, there is a set of smaller lights on the support post.

The Law for pedestrian crossings until recently is not as strict as in, for example, the UK where a driver is always at fault if the vehicle hits a pedestrian on the crossing. You must step onto the crossing, remembering to look LEFT, and show the palm of your hand to any approaching vehicles. Previously, they still did not have to stop, but a new Law involving penalty points means that the drivers can be penalised now for not stopping. Many tourists are injured, some killed each year, for only looking right when crossing the road. You may NOT overtake on the right (inside lanes) on the highways unless there is a slip road or another road indicated and you are taking it.

A few basic rules

Give way to traffic from the left unless otherwise signed, especially on roundabouts. Do not pull into the middle of the road to turn left if there is a solid line in the road. There are often special lanes for this, signposted cambio de sentido (change of direction), especially on the autovias. All people in the car must wear seatbelts if fitted, and children must be in specially approved (EU) seats situated only in the rear due to possible injury by front airbags in the event of a crash. Do not drink and drive – the limits are about half those in the UK and the penalties very high including losing your licence on the spot, boosted by the new “rapid justice” Courts, as are heavy on-the-spot fines for traffic offences. You will not be allowed to leave the area until you have paid any fine or appeared in Court, including spending time in the cells if you cannot pay in cash.

Parking

As a general rule  when driving your car in Spain you may not park where the pavement curb is painted yellow or where a no parking sign is displayed. In major cities and now even the pueblos, non-metered on-street parking is difficult to find but in some areas, there are parking spaces marked in blue for which you should purchase a ticket from a nearby machine on the pavement usually topped with a blue and white “P” sign, or from an attendant. These spaces are usually for about two hours maximum. Penalties for parking infringements vary from town to town and can be heavy. If you park illegally, especially in a foreign car, you will almost certainly become a victim of the ‘grua’ – the local tow truck, and if you suffer this, there should be a sticker left on the curb with the phone number/address of your car’s new location. Getting your car back will be a hassle and will cost you dearly in fines and fees, not to mention the possible problem of your not speaking Spanish. Where possible, look for underground parking with security attendance. its worth paying that little bit more. You will note however, despite all this advice, the Spanish will park wherever their car happens to come to a halt, even on crossings, pavements and roundabouts, but the new 2005 Laws now mean that penalty points can be given to parking transgressors.

Fines

New fine rates have recently been published, and over set limits in each location (autopista, town, etc.) you can be arrested on the spot. You are not allowed to have a radar speed detector in your vehicle, let alone use one. Speed traps are becoming quite frequent but not as bad as in the UK with cameras (yet; the salesmen are moving in). Fines for other offences are calculated on the severity of the offence and there is a table for the guidance of the police and Courts. If you are a tourist without assets in Spain, all fines are payable in cash “on the spot”. The legal drink-drive limit is currently 0,5 grammes per litre of air using a breathalyzer. The very high death rates in Spain (in the top 3 in the “old” EU) means that if caught with excess alcohol or drugs in your body, you can expect to lose your licence (in a special Court, possibly that same day) or, if a resident, have to attend a special school.

Seatbelts

It is compulsory for all in the car to wear seatbelts, both front and rear where fitted. The driver is responsible for any fines where passengers are not wearing an approved belt. Children under 12 years of age are not allowed in the front seats (unless they are over 150 cm or 4 ft. 9 ins, then they can unofficially get away with it. It is apparently to do with being secure in the safety belt). Also, if seated in the back, the belt must fit correctly, or a special “raising seat” must be fitted. Animals must be restrained when in the passenger section and not allowed to jump around.

Road tax and vehicle inspections

If you are using your foreign registered car in Spain for a few months (no more than six months in any calendar year is allowed) then it must be legal as far as roadworthy, insurance and road taxes are concerned. You cannot get your car MOT-ed in Spain, or even in Gibraltar, and if the certificate runs out, not only will you be illegal in Europe, but also as soon as you arrive back in the UK. Spanish vehicles have to conform to inspections also, depending on the type and use of the vehicle.

Driving Regulations and Laws

Mobile telephones The use of a mobile telephone, other than a true hands-free, whilst driving is now banned in Spain, even at the side of the road. You have to pull off the road completely away from any traffic. You may also not have any device in your ears to listen to music or your mobile phone etc., only allowed is something for enhancing your hearing, i.e. a deaf-aid. Sadly, you still see erratic driving where a mobile is in use, but penalty points can now be awarded. Navigation aids and DVDs etc. This is a grey area of the law. Some say these aids are illegal yet they are now commonplace. The driver must not use any screen based aid to navigation (or entertainment) while on the road. You must pull completely off away from traffic. (It makes sense really; after all, you are not allowed to drive down the road with a map on the steering wheel). DVD players and screen based devices other than those directly needed to operate the car must be positioned so the driver cannot see them. Losing your licence If you are stopped by the police or interviewed at the scene of an accident and you are showing signs of being incapable of driving the vehicle for any reason, the police are empowered to immediately take away your driving licence and you could lose it if found in breach of the Law. There are laws affecting penalty points that are different (more restrictive) for new drivers. The Spanish government is determined to reduce the high accident rates on the roads. NEW LAWS dictate that if you are caught driving without a licence it is classed as a criminal offence and not a driving offence and you will face an immediate 6 months in jail. EU driving licences in Spain – Medicals New laws have been recently introduced and these state that if you hold an EU driving licence, you need to hold a medical certificate, the same as a Spanish national. For drivers aged between 18-45, your medical examination is every 10 years. From 45-70 years, every 5 years and for 70 years of age upwards, every two years. If you are caught for ANY driving offence and your medical examination is not current, you will be deemed to NOT HAVE a driving licence. The medical examination is a very simple procedure and most private medical centres carry them out. Costs vary but an average cost would be 30-40 euros. Motor Cyclists Moto’s, as motorcycles are called in Spain, are subject to the same Laws as other road users, including the reflective jacket rule, which has to be worn by law if you dismount the bike and stand on the highway. However, wearing a hi-vis jacket could make you more visible to other motorists and reduce the chance of a collision. The headlight must be on dipped setting during the day, and an approved crash helmet must be worn, properly fitted and secured, at all times while riding. Penalty points can be awarded for transgressors. Otherwise, the Laws are similar to other EU countries. Spanish plates We get lots of emails from people wishing to put Spanish number plates on to imported cars. The general advice is, for right hand-drive cars, unless the car is a classic or is special to you for sentimental reasons, DO NOT BOTHER. It is better to sell it in the country of origin, or arrange to swap it with someone returning there. If it is a motor-home or a medium to large right-hand drive commercial vehicle, you will not be allowed to anyway for safety reasons. If you are coming from a right-hand drive EU country, then it is not so difficult, but unless you speak Spanish, use the services of a gestor or registered business advisor. It will save you a lot of sweat and heart-ache.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

PROPERTY IN SPAIN

Interested in property in Spain?Maybe you are looking for apartments in Spain

In Spain, as in any other country, it is usually a good idea to rent an apartment in Spain for a few months before you  buy a property so that you can get to know the area. This is particularly wise in Spain as property in Spain transfer taxes mean that you may well end up losing a lot of money if you sell your house too soon after you bought it.

Property in Spain: the Spanish boom and bust

The boom In Spanish property prices had spread inland too, but in general inland property prices are cheaper and havent risen  as fast as they did on the coasts  where they are now down by an estimated 30%. For anyone considering buying a home,  or apartment in Spain, the single most important piece of advice is to find a good solicitor. Do not simply rely on the estate agent’s “recommended” lawyer. Most of the horror stories about people buying houses that don’t exist or that have an enormous mortgage attached to them involve people who did not follow this simple advice. It is also a good idea to ask a surveyor to carry out a survey on any property you intend to buy, although this is not a requirement for a Spanish mortgage.

Spanish Mortgages

If you live in Spain then you’ll be able to get a mortgage from a Spanish bank. Interest rates on Spanish mortgages are much lower than in the UK, but most banks will only lend up to 80% of the value of the property. Alternatively, if you own a home in Britain, then you should be able to get a British mortgage for a Spanish property – ask at your bank.

Buying Property in Spain: the Procedure

Buying property in Spain is not really that complicated. Firstly you should make sure your solicitor checks the property registry, which will show immediately if the seller owns the property and whether there is an outstanding mortgage (mortgages can be sold on with the property in Spain). Then, unless you are paying in full and in cash immediately, a private contract is drawn up containing all the details (description of the property, purchase price, date of completion etc.)and you will be expected to pay a deposit. The amount of the deposit can vary, but is usually around 5-15%. Finally when you have paid in full, you will get a public deed of conveyance (escritura) which will be issued in front of a Notary Public and will then be passed to the tax office (see below) and on to the property registry. Be aware that you will also have to pay tax when you buy a apartment in Spain. The amount you pay will vary depending on the type of property and the nature of the seller. If the seller is a property developer you will pay 7.5% in VAT and stamp duty unless the property is a piece of land or commercial property, in which case you’ll pay 16.5%. If the seller is not a property developer on the other hand, you should pay 6% in property transfer tax. On top of the tax you will also have to pay the Notary (usually between E400 and E800) and the property registry inscription fees (65% of the notary fee). You may also be asked to pay the “plus valia” (or “value added”) tax, which is a tax on the increase in value of the land – even though this is supposedly the seller’s responsibility. If you are asked to pay this tax, make sure you establish exactly how much it will be as it can vary substantially.

Spanish Property: Taxes

When you own an  apartment in Spain you have to pay an annual “property tax” (patrimonio). Patrimonio tax is currently 0.2% of the declared value of the property, although there is a fairly generous allowance if you actually live in the property. You will also have to pay local Community Charge, although rates are very low. When you sell a apartment in Spain, Capital Gains tax is also payable – currently 35% of the profit on the sale of your property. If you are a non-resident when you sell the property, then 5% of the sale value will automatically go to the Spanish tax office (hacienda) as a deposit against capital gains.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain

Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

SPANISH BANKING

Spanish banks are open Monday – Friday, 9.00-14.00 and Saturday, 9.00 – 13.00. In summer they may close slightly earlier. Most Spanish banks have English speaking staff and all can cope with International transactions. Commissions may be charged on foreign transactions and passports will be required for most.  Most banks have a list of telephone numbers for stolen/lost credit cards although you are advised before arrival to ensure you have the relevant numbers with you. See our list of important numbers. Within major tourist areas there are endless shops and offices offering money exchange for all currencies. Most charge commission or offer lower exchange rates than banks.

Credit cards

Most major credit cards are accepted all over Spain although some establishments may put a limit on the amounts you can withdraw or spend and sometimes there may be a surcharge. Most places now have ATM’s for withdrawing cash, at which most cards will work. Most machines have the instructions in several languages and even the smallest of towns are now getting the machines. They can be a godsend at evenings and weekends and on holidays when banks can often close for several days at a time. Make sure you keep a separate record of your credit card numbers.

Purchase tax

The internal sales tax in Spain is known as IVA and varies between 7% and 33% depending on the item bought. Food, wine and basic requirements are taxed at 7%, most goods and services are charged at 16% and luxury items such as jewellery and cigarettes attract 33% tax. Hotels have a special 7% rate.

Transferring money worldwide

When you buy a property in Spain, you will know the price of the property in Euros but you will not know the actual cost until you buy all of the currency to pay for it. This means that the property could either cost you more than you had planned (if the Euro strengthens) or the property could become cheaper (if Sterling strengthens). Recently Sterling has fluctuated more than 10% against the Euro within a matter of months, so this does deserve careful consideration.

On the basis that you are buying a property and not speculating on the currency markets, it is worth fixing the exchange rate for all of your future stage payments to the agent / developer. How to fix the exchange rate:

1/ Buy all of the currency now on a “spot contract”. Hold the currency on deposit and send payments when they are due from your Euro account. To do this you need to have full funds available. 2/ Buy as much currency as you can afford now (e.g. for the first 2 payments) and reserve an exchange rate for the remaining payments. To reserve an exchange rate you need to buy a ‘forward currency contract’. In effect you are buying currency now but paying at a later date when you have the funds available. The exchange rate that you achieve on a “forward contract” is not quite as good as that for a “spot contract” but it does guarantee that you know the cost of the property. You will be required to pay 10% of the value immediately and the balance by the date that you have reserved the currency for.

Currency Factors

Many people are unaware or neglect the importance that exchange rates have on the cost of their overseas property and the currency risk that is associated with an overseas purchase. The majority of individuals still use their bank to exchange their currency and transfer their funds abroad even though they know that their bank do not necessary provide them with the best rates, or facilitate against currency risk. The reason being they are afraid or unsure of the alternatives. Recommendations from friends and property agencies can usually help to find a reputable foreign exchange specialist. There are also several checks you can make to ensure that you are getting the most from your currency specialist. Firstly, insist on having a personally assigned dealer (preferably the same dealer that was recommended by your friend or property agency). Make sure the dealer keeps you informed on all issues affecting your situation. If there is a rate that you desire, inform your dealer and he/she can contact you or book that rate automatically when it is achieved. The dealer’s ability to access up-to-the-second exchange rates means that they should be able to significantly undercut banks and other financial institutions that quote daily rates, however, it is always a good idea to get quotes from your bank to ensure that your dealer is giving you the best rates. The currency market can fluctuate dramatically and the actual cost of foreign currency depends on the timing of your currency purchase, this is known as currency risk. For example, during Jan 03 and Mar 03 the Sterling to Euro exchange rate dropped from 1.56 to 1.46. In real terms, a property priced at €200,000 would increase from £128,205 to £136,986 over that time period, a difference of £8,781. The ability to fix the exchange rate when the market is favorable for some time in the future removes currency risk. This can be done using a forward contract, but there are other mechanisms that may suit your particular circumstances. In summary, use a recommended currency specialist that is able to offer a personal service and strategies that can alleviate currency risk. These simple guidelines could save you not just money, but time and effort.

Safe, Simple, Expat Shopping.

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To buy products from all your favourite UK shops, or for more information, go to our main  website   UK Shopping in Spain
Or visit our sister site, The Expat Market Place, which is the largest expat shopping site in Europe.

THE SPANISH LANGUAGE

Q: What connects 24 countries, 500 million people and is the second most spoken language in the world? A: Spanish! Spanish is one of the fastest growing languages today. The combined GDP of all Spanish speaking countries is the third highest in the world! Even in a non-Hispanic country like the United States, being bilingual is a great enhancement to your professional and personal life. So here’s how to learn this beautiful and immensely useful language and keep it for life!

1. Get Used To Hearing Spanish

The first step to learning any language is to familiarise yourself to its sounds and speech patterns. Audio lessons teach you how to understand spoken Spanish and most importantly, help you develop the correct accent. Audio lessons that use “standardised” pronunciation and accent, such as the Castilian or Mexican one, which are clearer and easier for beginners are recommended.

2. Don’t Ignore Grammar

Audio lessons make a great stepping-stone into the language but you need to supplement them with grammar if you want to make any progress. Spanish is a lot like English in some ways but very different in others. A good grammar guide that’s simple but in-depth will go a long way in helping you speak naturally and building up your vocabulary.

3. Brush Up On Your English Grammar

Sounds weird in an article on Spanish right?  Grammar books will often use terms like “infinitive”, “transitive verb” or “conjunction”. All of us probably know what they mean but aren’t familiar with the technical use of the terms. Knowing your English grammar terms helps, especially since Spanish grammar terms sound a lot like English ones.

4. Get The Human Touch

Learning Spanish on your own instead of in a class or with a tutor means that you don’t get as many chances of using the language in a real life setting. But don’t worry, there are still plenty of ways you can practice using your Spanish. i) If you have a Spanish speaking friend, don’t hesitate to ask their help. ii) You could also use your Spanish when you deal with Hispanic people in places such as restaurants or shops. Spanish speakers are usually very friendly and will encourage and help you out (just don’t massacre their language too much!!) iii) If you don’t know any Spanish speakers or don’t live in an area with a significant Hispanic population, then the Internet is your savior. There are plenty of language exchange sites out there. You could talk with a native speaker using instant messengers or clients such as Skype. You’ll improve your Spanish AND make a friend!

5. Important: HAVE FUN

If learning Spanish feels like a chore to you, then you’ll never get anywhere. There are plenty of ways you can have fun whilst learning. i) Language Games: There are lots of interactive games that help you brush up on your Spanish. Rocket Spanish has a great set of games that help you improve your vocabulary, grammar and speech. ii) Movies: These are a fun way to get familiar with another language. You can start off by watching Spanish movies with English subtitles and later, switch to Spanish subtitles. There are some great Spanish directors – Pedro Almodovar, Alfonso Cuarón, Guillermo del Toro and many more. You could also watch Hollywood movies dubbed into Spanish. iii) Music: Choose the kind of music you like – pop, rock, metal, folk or whatever – and find a Spanish band in that genre. Singing along to songs is a good way to learn without boring your brains out. iv) Podcasts: Podcasts are a great way to learn while commuting or working out. There are podcasts for all types of learners, from beginners to advanced learners to those who just want to pick up a few survival phrases. Download them onto your mp3 player and you’re good to go. The best part? They’re usually free! And as they say in Español, ¡Buena Suerte! — Good Luck!

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