Living in Spain

A Brief History of Spain
From ancient times to the present day

Spain has a rich and varied history: 780,000 year old human remains; invasion by Rome, Visigoths, Moors and Napoleon; voyages of discovery and empire; arts, literature and science; civil war, despotism and democracy

Learn more about the history of Spain

Dangerous Caterpillars
A seasonal danger to children and pets

The Wildlife of Spain is most varied and fascinating but there are nasties that you and your children should be aware of. Bears, boars, snakes, wolves and in particular the processional caterpillar (January to April) which can be fatal to dogs.

Read the full details

Banking in Spain
Spanish Bank Charges

The fees charged by Spanish banks for their services have always been a cause for concern. However in a major breakthrough, one bank is now offering no bank charges to receive your transferred property purchase money together with other benefits.

Learn more about this low cost Spanish bank offering

Money Exchange & Currency Transfer
How to get more Euros for your Pound or Dollar

Foreign exchange service companies can offer a better rate of exchange and faster transfer than high street banks.
Whether you are moving to Spain or buying property in any other foreign country the savings can be significant.

Learn more about Money Transfer

The NHS in Spain
How to get the new European Health Insurance Card

Overseas health cover for visitors and those considering moving to Spain is available under the UK/Spain reciprocal health agreement. To be covered you must obtain your European EHIC Card before you leave the UK
(Note - this does not replace personal travel insurance.)

Find out about this and other Spanish health matters

NIE & NIF
Registering in Spain or abroad

An NIE is required to purchase property, arrange insurance or start a job in Spain.
What is it?
How do I apply?
Can I get an English translation?

Find out more about Spanish NIE & NIF

Telefonica Message Service
How to set up for English language

A step by step guide to setting up and using your Telefonica Domo handset to access voice mail.

Read about this and other Spanish telephone services and issues

Property Purchase
Placing a deposit? Use Caution

In Spain, placing a deposit on a property is a commitment to buy. This secures both buyer and seller against the risk of wasted expenses, but does have its hazards.

Find out about this and other Spanish property purchase issues

Spain - A Land of Opportunity?
Working in Spain

Spain suffers from the high unemployment common to much of Europe. If you intend to relocate to work, either as an employee or starting your own business, careful planning must be given to ensure you can sustain your family until sufficient income is secured. Certainly there are opportunities, but more fail than succeed.

Find out about working in Spain

Valencian Land Grab - LRAU
Property Purchase Pitfalls

This iniquitous law, condemned by the European Parliament, can catch both expat and native Spaniard alike, resulting in loss of part or all of your property and a considerable financial burden.

Find out more about the LRAU

Christmas/New Year in Tenerife
Property to Let

Two weeks in the sun from 22nd December 2006, the ideal honeymoon.
A holiday apartment situated at the prestigious Palm Beach Club on the seafront in the centre of Tenerife's Playa de Las Americas resort with swimming in pool and sea, entertainment and restaurants.

Read about this holiday apartment in Tenerife

The information on this site is offered with the best of intent.
Readers must appreciate however, that I am neither a legal nor a financial expert; my knowledge comes from having travelled the dusty road from England to Spain, absorbing the Spanish culture from Gibraltar to Barcelona and finally settling in what my wife and I feel is the finest town of all. Gandia.

This guide was initially intended as a helping hand to expats contemplating moving to Gandia but the many emails I receive from such far away places as Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, USA and all parts of Europe saying how much the information has assisted them in securing their Spanish home in other provinces of Spain confirms its wider interest. I will therefore continue to widen the scope and subjects of the site as far as I am able.

My aim is to be helpful but in all things legal or where money is involved, I can accept no responsibility and strongly advise you to obtain professional advice.

[Practical Hints
to Living in
Spain - Gandia - Valencia]

General Information
Emergency services, natural hazards & daily life
Language & Education
The languages of Spain and the education system
Health Care
Registration, english speaking doctors, A&E, hospital etc
Property Matters
Property purchase & residency, pitfalls and property for sale
Currency Transfer
Better rates from foreign exchange service companies
Utilities
Telecomm, water, gas & electricity service & supply issues
Useful Contacts
Recreational, consular, medical, travel & service contacts
Sports & Leisure
Sports, leisure & tourist information and contacts
Cars & Driving
Motor vehicle use age and ownership in Spain
Working in Spain
For those wishing to work or run a small business in Spain
Spanish Taxation
Introduction to Spanish taxes and where to get help
Hospice Appeal
Please help the Franciscan Brothers