Useful Information

 

We have included lots of additional information which we had to find out for ourselves when we arrived on the Costa Blanca. We hope it will answer most of our questions, but if you have more questions we are quite happy to answer them. Please feel free to contact us via the enquiry page.

 

N.I.E. NUMBERS

Every person living in Spain requires an N.I.E. Number. This is equivalent to our National Insurance Number. This number is asked for regularly, for example when purchasing a vehicle, purchasing a mobile telephone on Contract, Utility Bills, legal paperwork etc. Anyone purchasing property, be it Residential or Commercial, Lease or Freehold needs the NIE Number prior to a Contract being signed.

We can arrange these numbers to be obtained when you visit on an Inspection Trip. Some Companies can take up to 4 weeks by sending the paperwork to the Commissioners, we arrange for you to go to Alicante to collect them in person on the same day.

 

REGISTERING FOR THE PADRON

All persons who normally reside in a municipality have the obligation to Register in the Census (The Padron), in that area. The Padron is of great importance, since depending on the number of inhabitants of a municipality, such will be economic contribution of the Central and Regional Administration to cover the following service: Municipal Services: Local Police, Refuse, Water Sewage, Street Lighting, Roads.. State Services: National Police, Doctors, Hospitals, Colleges, Civil Guard, Highways, Courts..

To apply for the Padron you register at your local Town Hall. If renting a property you take the original and a copy of the following items: Rental Contract, copy of all family members' passports, NIE Numbers. For a property you have purchased: Original and a copy of the Escritura (Deeds), copy of all family members' passports and NIE Numbers.

 

EXCHANGING YOUR MONEY INTO EUROS

We know personally this can be quite challenging, knowing how to go about exchanging, where to go, the differences in exchange rates on the high street. We advise our Clients to use the same system as we used to exchange money from the UK. The Company is part of a Worldwide Bank, and they always find the best exchange rate for you, always being a few cents higher than the high street and your own personal bank. Remember: A few cents can mean a few thousand when exchanging a large amount.

 

HEALTH SYSTEM IN SPAIN

The Health System in Spain is exceptionally good. Waiting times are nothing compared to the UK. We have all heard the stories of people flying out to foreign lands for operations, this is one of the reasons it is done. If you are paying into the Spanish Social Security System you and your family are covered for free Health Care. The only exception being Dental Care, where even the Spanish have to pay.

If you are paying into the System it entitles you to a pension. Another advantage is more and more English speaking Doctors & Nurses are available in the Health Centre. If you choose to live in a Spanish Community a Translator may have to be present. These are available locally throughout Spain.

We are based in a very English Community near one of the largest Towns on the Costa Blanca. Torrevieja has opened a brand new multi million euros Hospital. All reports have been very good. Fortunately we have not had to visit it personally.

Another Option is to pay for Private Health Insurance. Torrevieja has one of the best private hositals - San J'aime. There are also specialist private hospitals in Alicante. The advantage of Private Hospitals is that the Doctors speak English, and you can choose you Doctor and choose your Hospital as we found out when our baby was delivered out here.

 

DRIVING IN SPAIN / CAR HIRE

As Spain is part of the EEC the new Photo Card License is acceptable. It is a requirement in Spain to carry copies of all vehicle documents, including your license. We advise everyone to make copies of all documents, they are much easier to replace if they are lost. You can bring your own vehicle over. Within 6 months of being here you will have to pay Import Taxes, Change of License Plates, and Change of Lights. Light Stickers are ok temporarily, but they will need changing before a MOT Test. Some of our clients have opted to drive their vehicle over, taking a few days to leisurely see some of Europe. Others have opted for our Transport Package, along with their removals. Should this not be an option for you we can arrange Car Hire for you until you find a suitable vehicle once you are here.

Buying a vehicle in Spain works the same way as the UK. We advise our clients to use reputable garages to purchase a vehicle, otherwise there are more costs involved in changing the Name of Owner etc, especially if your Spanish is non-existent. Most garages include this in their price. Secondhand Vehicle prices are higher than the UK, but they do hold their price when it comes to sell. New vehicles are similarly priced to the UK. M.O.T.'s, known as I.T.V. Test are carried out at special ITV Stations (they do not allow your backstreet garage to complete one).

Vehicles up to 10 Years old require the ITV Test every two years, after 10 years old annually. Petrol & Diesel Prices are at least 3rd cheaper than the UK. Whilst you are paying one pound a litre, we are paying one Euro a litre (70p).

 

REMOVALS

Some people will want to bring everything, whilst others will want to bring a suitcase and a few personal possessions. Either way we can advise on each situation. Bearing in mind the majority of Rental Properties and Property purchased come fully furnished.

A question we have been asked on numerous occasions - will my 'white goods' work out here, will my television/video/dvd work ? The answer being YES they will, you just need a European 2 pin adaptor. We brought electrical goods like the TV, DVD, Video, Vacuum Cleaner, Microwave out with us and they all work. Whilst out on an Inspection visit it is worth checking out the prices of these items in the large electrical stores. For example, the price of the new flat plasma screens have dropped in the last year, compared to the UK. These stores offer very good re-location packages.

Our Removal Company will give you a very competitive price. They come to your home for an initial quotation. Once the date has been agreed they come to your home, pack for you if necessary, load your items straight into the packing crates ready to be sent abroad. Their delivery times can be as little as 10 days from the day they collect your furniture. Once they reach Alicante the furniture is delivered by their English speaking delivery men into your home. If necessary they can arrange storage at their depot.

Remember: When considering what items to bring it is worth remembering that Spanish room sizes are generally smaller than UK houses. Some large furniture will not fit.

 

SCHOOLS

There are 2 types of Schools in Spain, Spanish School and International School. You have the choice where to send your children. Public Spanish Schools is well favored with a lot of British Parents, with some even on the Role of Governors. These schools are ideal for younger children who will pick up the language easier and quicker. For older children it is more sensible to send your child to an International School where they follow the English Cirrumiculm with Spanish Language lessons. Schools allow you to visit and inspect the facilities. If your child knows that he/she will be able to understand his schools and lessons he will be more than happy with the situation.

There are 3 Grading in the School System:

• Grade School: Is from 6 to 12 Year Olds, and is in three periods: 6-8 Year Olds, 8-10 Year Olds and 10-12 Year Olds.
• Junior High School: Is for 12-16 Year Olds and is in two periods: 12-16 Year Olds and 14-16 Year Olds.
• High School: There are a number of different choices so check with the School in your Community.

Please check our Links Page for more Schooling Details.

Remember : moving to a foreign country is one of the biggest decisions you will make, children need to be involved in this decision. There will be lots of doubts and we are here to help. We have been in your situation, we have the hands on experience, and not just sat at a desk in the UK.

 

SOMETHING FOR THE LADIES

SHOPPING :

We all know even the best of us cannot go long without a shopping spree. With 3 new much needed major Shopping Malls opened in Murcia region we now have a shoppers paradise. Shops range from Chic Boutiques down to your favourites H & M, C & A, and Primark. There are plenty of Home of Living Shops, Baby Goods, Toys Shops. The only thing that has not reached us yet is Debenhams, Marks & Spencers, Next and Argos, but don't despair there are plenty of ways to aquire these by Internet Shopping, Catalogue Shops etc.

Another option for a little weekend getaway is a drive to Gibraltar, where all the high street shops are available and Duty Free.

SUPERMARKETS:

As with the British population increasing each year, the Spanish supermarkets are stocking more and more English foods. In time you will try the Spanish equivalent and will not tell the difference. Most popular with the Brits out here are the Carrefour Hypermarkets. Massive superstores that sell anything you need to live in spain. At home an average weekly food shop used to cost 80-100 pounds a week. We now spend the same amount in Euros (50-70 pounds).

SOCIAL SCENE:

All you ladies out there who enjoy your local Mecca or Gala, bingo is just around the corner. Most pubs have a bingo night once a week, a good way to meet your locals and your neighbours. For others there are Line Dancing Clubs, Social Clubs, Flower Clubs, Crafts & Hobbies. There are so many to choose from. Pick up a local free newspaper whilst you are on a viewing trip for full listings.

BABIES & CHILDREN:

There are lots of activities for children to choose from. Schools have after-school clubs. There are free swimming lessons in some areas for younger children. There are Aquaparks, Zoos, activity centres, Go Kart Tracks etc. Pre-School Children have a wide range of Mother & Toddler Groups, activity centres with ball-pits to keep them amused.

 

SOMETHING FOR THE MEN

FISHING:

This is very popular with the Spanish. You often see them fishing off the rocks on one of Torrevieja's many beaches. The following information has been passed on to us, and for guidance only. No responsibility can be accepted for inaccurances.

A person may fish in the sea, from the shore without licence with a maximum of two rods. If you fish from a boat or rather freshwater fish in lakes & rivers in the Valencian Region you need a Valencian Licence, known as "Licencia de Pesca Fluvial". Contact us for further information.

To fish from a small boat you need a Licence, known as "Licencia de Pesca .- Martima Recreo".

To fish Murcian Region Waters you must have a separate licence.

We can also arrange fishing holidays for when your fellow fisherman come to visit.

FOOTBALL:

All English games are shown via Sky Sports. Some bars also show Setana Sports. Lots of Pubs have their own Supporters Club Meetings. There are local Spanish football teams, which the brits are most welcome. The most famous being the Torry Army Supporters (Torrevieja F.C.).

GOLF:

At one of the many clubs surrounding the Costa Blanca and Murcia. Murcia is in the middle of building at least 7 new championship courses.

BOWLS:

This is another very popular sport, with clubs in the major district.

DARTS, POOL:

Many English bars have their own darts & pool teams. These nights are very good income for the bar owners as the whole family are most welcome to cheer on their team.

OTHERS:

We have branches of Royal British Legion, Royal Naval & Marine Societies, Singing & Dancing Clubs. The choices are endless.

 

Disclaimer

 

This information is only a rough guide as local rules & regulations are always changing as Spain catches up with new European Guidelines. However, you will find a more relaxed lifestyle, which you may find a bit frustrating at times at first as the Red Tape usually takes a little bit longer here, but it is completed in the end.