Expat Survival Guide Spain

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SPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDEWWW.EXPATICA.COM 1

Welcome!

If you’ve just moved to Spain, you

might be feeling a bit overwhelmed.

Besides coping with a new culture and

language, you have to sort out lots of

practical things — a place to live,

finances, permits and papers are just

the beginning.

Let the Expat Survival Guide be your

starting point: it’s got the basic infor-

mation you need, plus loads of helpful

phone numbers.

This guide is published by Expatica —

news and information for expatriates

and the leading voice of expatriate

Europe. Our website

(www.expatica.com) has a world of

information and services to make life

in Spain easier and more fun.

We hope you find this guide and our

other products useful — and we wish

you a fantastic stay in Spain!

Research: Zoe Dare Hall

Additional research: Graham Keeley

Editor: Ciaran Murphy

Sales: David Concheso, David McGowan,

Mike de Haan, David Davis, Mike Mazurkiewicz.

To advertise in next year's Expat Survival

Guide, email [email protected] or call

+31 (0)20 888 4263.

Published December 2004

©Expatica Communications BV

Kruislaan 400, 1098 SM Amsterdam, Netherlands

[email protected] www.expatica.com

Cover pictures: Stephen Bond/Alamy, Ken

Welsh/Alamy and Expatica

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be

reproduced, or transmitted, in any form by any means,

electronically or mechanically, including photocopying,

recording or any information storage or retrieval sys-

tem without prior written permission from the publish-

er. Requests for permission should be addressed to

Expatica Communications, Kruislaan 400, 1098 SM,

Amsterdam, Netherlands. Expatica makes great effort

to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this

guide. However, we will not be responsible for errors

or omissions or any damages, howsoever caused,

which result from its use, and make no warranty of

claims as to the quality or competence of businesses or

professionals mentioned. Company names highlighted

in red have paid for advertising in the guide.

Users are advised to take care when selecting profes-

sional services, and to use common sense in adjusting

to life in a new country.

INTRODUCTION PAGE 2

What makes Spain tick and where is it heading?

RELOCATION PAGE 5

Your first few days; Residence Permits; Relocation

Services; Social Security

HOUSING PAGE 11

Renting a Home; Buying a Home, City Essentials -

Madrid and Barcelona

MONEY PAGE 19

Banking; Taxation; Insurance

EDUCATION PAGE 27

Education System; How to Choose a School;

International Schools; Language Schools

JOBS PAGE 38

Work Permits; Job Searching

HEALTH PAGE 40

The Healthcare System

TRANSPORT PAGE 44

Planes, Trains and Automobiles

SETTLING IN PAGE 50

Utilities; Telephone, Internet; Television, Video, DVD;

English-language Bookstores; Food from Home

LISTINGS AND INDEX PAGE 59

Embassies; Groups and Clubs; Phone Book Decoder;

Weights and Measures; Emergency Numbers

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SPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE WWW.EXPATICA.COM2

Introduction

What makes Spain tick? What are the concerns of its people? Where is it

heading and why? Here is a brief introduction to the country as it enters 2005.

Anyone coming to live in Spain now will

find themselves in one of the most dynam-

ic and fast-moving societies in Europe.

Much of what you might call the 'Old

Spain' is being swept aside and a New

Spain is rapidly emerging.

Indeed, this is a country which, far from

lagging behind many of its north

European neighbours, appears to be show-

ing them the lead. A broad range of social

reforms mean that what Spain is doing

today, the rest of Europe may do tomor-

row.

IMMIGRATION

But perhaps immigration offers the clear-

est indicator of where Spain is going now -

Spain has the fastest rising rate of immi-

gration in Europe.

The relentless stream of new arrivals is led

by people from South America; then

Africa; followed by northern and eastern

European countries, like Britain, Germany

and the former Soviet bloc states.

A key question for Spaniards, and for

those who have chosen to make Spain

their new home, is how is Spanish society

adapting to this change? There is no

phrase in Spanish for 'bloody foreigner' -

simply guiri, a gentler and more welcom-

ing tone.

Beyond linguistics, how these new expats

are received is important as many are

drawn to Spain by the traditionally wel-

coming Spanish people. But, some are ask-

ing, as Spain begins to adapt to all the

social problems associated with mass

immigration, will this still be the case?

Recently, racist chanting at football match-

es has been taken by some to indicate that

Spanish society is not used to the presence

of black or Asian people en masse.In fact,

tit is rather a somewhat predictable back-

lash against rising immigration which

happened in other countries, like Britain,

in the 1960s and 1970s.

TERRORISM

Another major question facing Spanish

society now is how it comes to terms with

the terrorist bombings in Madrid in March

of last year. On 11 March 2004, 191 people

were killed and more than 1,500 injured

when four commuter trains were blown-

up by Islamic extremists linked to Al-

Qaeda. For Spain it was a rude-awakening

to a new age.

It had been used to its own domestic ter-

Spain has all the

bustle you could want

in cities like Madrid

and Barcelona, but it

also has the perfect

escape in Mallorca

and its other islands.

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Introduction

rorist problem, after more than 30 years

and 830 deaths at the hands of the Basque

separatist movement ETA, but the bomb

attacks in the capital were on an altogether

different scale. And Spanish society is still

trying to come to terms with the trauma.

One obvious effect of the bombings was

the way they influenced the general elec-

tion result three days later, when the

Socialists won a shock victory.

YOUNG DEMOCRACY

But why did this happen and what does it

say about Spain? There have been various

interpretations of why the former conser-

vative government of Jose Maria Aznar

lost. Within Spain, it appeared Aznar had

lost the confidence of the people by

repeatedly claiming ETA carried out the

attacks despite mounting evidence to the

contrary; it seemed like he was lying to his

own people in order not to take the blame

for making Spain a terrorist target because

of its involvement in the Iraq invasion.

Many in the outside world, however, saw

things rather differently, viewing the

Socialist election victory as a capitulation

to the terrorists. Whatever the view, this

was an important test of a relatively young

democracy and the government which

those attacks ushered in has had a dramat-

ic effect on Spain in less than a year.

Led by Prime Minister Jose Luis

Rodriguez Zapatero, the new government

has introduced a number of measures

which have gone some way to banishing

an older era in Spain.

TRADITION CHALLENGED

Many may think of Spain as a conserva-

tive, Catholic country, still recovering from

the hangover of the Franco era. That is

how the cliché goes. Now, 30 years after

the death of the dictator Francisco Franco

in 1975, Spain finally seems to be shrug-

ging off some of the trappings of that time.

New laws will make gay marriage legal,

make divorce both much easier and faster,

separate the Roman Catholic Church from

involvement in state education, and crack

down on domestic violence in what has

traditionally been thought of as a macho

culture.

Barcelona has banned bullfighting, Spain's

most controversial 'sport', starting a trend

which could follow throughout the coun-

try. Also, for the first time since Franco's

death a commission will try to establish

what happened to those who were mur-

dered or jailed illegally under his regime.

Though Spain is littered with reminders of

the Civil War, be they exhibitions, street

names or simply memories, not much has

actually been done in concrete terms to

put right some of the still raw wounds.

The commission is a start.

ECONOMY

Beyond politics, for anyone coming to

make a new life in Spain, its growing

economy is, perhaps, a cause for celebra-

tion. Two factors are key to this continued

growth; the seemingly relentless housing

boom and a still-healthy tourist sector,

which was unaffected by last year's terror-

ist attacks. The property explosion in

Spain provides knock-on effects for the

rest of the economy. And tourism is anoth-

er vital motor for the Spanish economy -

Spain is now only second to France in

terms of its popularity as a world tourist

destination.

But the structure of the Spanish economy

continued on page 4

To keep up to date with the latest news and current

affairs - in English - visit www.expatica.com/spain

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is changing; no longer is it so attractive to

multinationals because of the low cost of

its labour. Indeed many multi-nationals

have left Spain, to take advantage of lower

labour costs in eastern Europe or Asia.

Spain knows it must change or be left

behind; it cannot provide the cheap labour

of less-developed countries, but it does not

have the same advanced economy of

France, Germany or Britain. Investing in

research and development, something it

has lacked in any real measure, seems to

be the way to a future where Spain is able

to compete with the other major European

economic players.

Though expats have traditionally found

work in Spain as managers for multina-

tionals, language teachers or selling prop-

erty, there is a new breed of foreign entre-

preneur in Spain which is starting up com-

panies, mostly through the internet.

Indeed a recent report by the Spanish

daily El Pais said Britons, Germans and

Chinese expats were starting up compa-

nies at a faster rate than the Spanish them-

selves. But these people do not just come

to Spain to work themselves into an early

grave; they want to enjoy what Spanish

society has to offer.

LIFESTYLE

Apart from the traditional attractions of

the climate, the Mediterranean diet and

embracing the Spanish way of life, most

want to enjoy the trappings of a more

civilised quality of life. Most expats define

this as a less-hassled life, perhaps more

centred around the family and with most

of the amenities they might have enjoyed

in their own countries in a more accessible

and affordable form.

But beyond the glitter, what are the real

Spaniards like? According to social sur-

veys, this is increasingly a country of non-

practising Catholics, who live together

without marrying and have their children

later in life. The majority don't want the

Church to be involved in education or to

take their taxes.

SPONTANEOUS

Women have been working more and

more, though still getting paid 37 percent

less than men. The higher rate of female

employment has pushed the birth-rate

down, so some leave it too late to have

their own children and adopt from other

countries, principally Russia and China.

Most don't leave home until they are in

their late-twenties or even thirties, because

they cannot afford the soaring house

prices and don't want to rent; a Spaniard's

home is his castilla.

Socially, they appear more spontaneous

and seem to loath being locked into plans.

The cliché comes alive here.They smoke

more than in most countries; indeed, if

northern Europe has a drinking culture,

Spain has the smoking equivalent.

There is no culture of complaining if you

are wronged by bureaucracy. There is a

widespread belief that if you do com-

plain, nothing will change very much any-

way. This may be a hangover from the

Franco dictatorship or just that metaphori-

cal Latin shrug of the shoulders: 'What can

you do?'

One thing remains central to life in Spain,

however; there is a genuine energy here, a

sense of a society on the move.

continued from page 3

Introduction

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Your First Few DaysWhen you first arrive, it’s tempting to just go out and explore. Do that, but

don’t forget there’s a whole pile of paperwork to do too. Here’s a guide.

DECIDE WHERE TO LIVE

Deciding where to live is one of the most

important decisions you will make, so

check out our detailed city guides.

See Page 11

REGISTER WITH THE AUTHORITIES

One of your first tasks will be to register

yourself. Although engaging with Spanish

bureaucracy isn’t the most enticing of

prospects, the law requires that you go

through the process if you are staying in

the country.

See Page 6

CONTACT THE UTILITIES

When you are ready to move into your

permanent home, you will need to contact

the relevant utility companies to either

connect you or to change the billing to

your name.

See Page 50

OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT

One of the first things you will need to

organise when you arrive in Spain is a

bank account. This is a fairly straightfor-

ward procedure which requires your reg-

istration card and passport.

See Page 19

FIND OUT ABOUT MEDICAL CARE

Spain’s healthcare system has undergone a

radical shake-up recently and has shed its

dodgy image. It’s a good idea to look into

what the changes will mean for you and

your family.

See Page 40

FIND A SCHOOL

It is likely you will have thought about

schools long before arriving. If not, you

will need to make appointments to visit

schools to decide which is the best option.

The same applies for nurseries and child-

care facilities.

See Page 27

FIND A JOB

If you are not here on an expat assign-

ment, it’s likely you are going to need to

find yourself a job. And if you are from

outside the EU it is possible you will need

a work permit.

See Page 38

LEARN THE LANGUAGE

Buy yourself a good phrase book if you're

not too confident with the language or

enrol on one of the many courses avail-

able.

See Page 27

GET MOVING

Probably sooner rather and later you will

encounter the public transport system or

venture onto the roads. But before you do,

find out the rules and regulations.

See Page 44

MEET PEOPLE

Discover the shops, bars and restaurants

in your neighbourhood or join one of the

hundreds of expatriate groups and clubs

in all major centres. Then you can start to

enjoy your new life in Spain.

See Page 61

Confused? For the latest news on your permit and

visa requirements, visit www.expatica.com/spain

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Residence Cards

WHAT IS A RESIDENCE CARD?

(tarjeta de residencia)

It is a credit card-sized ID card showing

your photo, personal details and a finger-

print. In Spain it is mandatory to carry it (or

another form of photo ID) with you at all

times.

EU NATIONALS

Since 14 February 2003, EU or Swiss citi-

zens, whether employed, self-employed or

student, do not need a residence card to

live or work in Spain.

However, it can be very useful. It means

you do not have to carry your passport

around with you all the time. When you

buy things with a credit card, you must

show a form of photo ID such as your resi-

dence card.

If you are retiring to Spain you do need to

apply for a residence card. You will need

proof of a private health insurance scheme

that is valid in Spain or of the right to

Spanish public medical treatment.

You will also need a residence card if you

are of independent means or if you are a

non-EU national dependent of an EU

(including Spanish) national. Although EU

nationals (of non-retirement age) do not

need a residence card, they do need a NIE -

a tax ID number - if they intend to register

for work, or buy a property or a car in

Spain. See below for details.

NON EU NATIONALS

Non-EU nationals need a residence card to

live in Spain for more than 90 days,

depending on their visa. The visa can be

renewed for a further 90 days, allowing the

person to stay in Spain for six months in

any year.

US employees who pay tax and social secu-

rity at home can work for a limited period

(ie. the length of their visa) in Spain with-

out a residence card. Before you come to

Spain, contact your local Spanish consulate

or embassy to check what visas or docu-

ments are required. US nationals should

bring their Green Card.

GETTING A NIE

You can live in Spain without a residence

card but you won't get far without a NIE. It

should be the first thing you apply for

when you arrive in Spain. First, get the rele-

vant form from your local Comisaria or

Oficina de Extranjeros (see list below) or

from a gestor.

Fill out the form, then take the original and

a photocopy, with two passport photos and

a letter proving why you need residency

(eg. a letter from an employer, a copy of

your rental contract or mortgage agree-

ment) to the Oficina de Extranjeros. They

will give you a return date to pick up your

NIE.

Making sure you have the paperwork to stay in Spain will likely result in

your first contact with the nation’s bureaucracy. Here’s how to be legal.

FOREIGNERS’ OFFICES:

(Oficinas de Extranjeros)

•Madrid: C/ General Pardiñas, 90, tel. 91

322 6839/40/41 •Barcelona: C/ Marqués de

la Argentera 4, tel. 93 482 0544 •Malaga: Pl.

de Manuel Azaña, 3, tel. 95 204 6200

•Estepona: C/ Veracruz, 2, tel. 95 280 3600

•Fuengirola: Av. Conde San Isidro, s/n. tel.

95 219 8368 •Marbella: Av. Arias de

Velasco, s/n. tel. 95 276 2647 •Torremolinos:

C/ Skal, s/n. tel. 95 237 8437 •Alicante: C/

San Fernando, 18, tel. 96 514 2613

•Benidorm: C/ Apolo XI, 36, tel. 96 585

5308 •Denia: C/ Castell d'Olimbroi, 5, tel.

96 642 0555

•Murcia: Avda. Ciudad de Almería, 33, tel.

96 822 3166

Open 9am-2pm unless otherwise stated

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Residence Cards

GETTING A RESIDENCE CARD

If you apply yourself, rather than employ

the services of a gestor who will charge

!150-250 to deal with all the residence card

bureaucracy for you, make sure you know

exactly what documentation is required at

every stage.

Otherwise, you could find yourself queuing

for hours when you simply needed to make

an appointment for a later date or realise

too late that you do not have the relevant

documents on you.

First of all, go along to the Oficina de

Extranjero to make an appointment. This

will be set for about 2-3 months later.

When you return for your appointment,

take with you:

•three passport size photographs

•original and photocopy of passport

•NIE document

At this point, they will start processing

your application and give you various

forms (including one with which to pay

your !6.31 fee at any bank - keep the

receipt). They will also give you a date to

return to have your thumbprint taken and

hand in completed forms.

Also take the remainder of your three pass-

port photos. You will also need a certificado

de empadronamiento, obtained from your

local town hall.

For that, you will need to show your rental

contract and passport.

You will be asked to return about five

weeks later to collect your residence card.

The rules regarding residence cards are con-

stantly changing. Currently the Spanish

authorities are legalising as many people as pos-

sible before clamping down some time in 2005.

For the latest information contact the Ministry

of the Interior (Secretaria de Estado de

Inmigracion y Emigracion), tel: 900 150 000,

www.dgei.mir.es.

NON-EU NATIONALS DOCUMENTATION:

•a passport valid for at least six months,

relevant visas and photocopies of each.

•official papers showing your marital sta-

tus with a Spanish translation.

•form 120 for employed persons and form

140 for non-employed persons.

•passport-size photographs (one for each

application form);

•proof of residence (e.g. your property

contract, rental contract or receipts for

rent).

•fees, which must be paid via a bank (you

will be given a paying-in slip).

•medical certificate obtainable from any

Spanish doctor.

•official certificate of criminal record

declaring that you don't have a criminal

record in your home country, requested

through your local police authorities.

•certificate of registration confirming that

you are resident in Spain, available from

your country's local consulate in Spain.

•Job contract, offer of employment or evi-

dence that you meet the requirements to

perform a particular profession in Spain, if

self-employed



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Social SecuritySpain's comprehensive social security benefits cover health, sickness,

maternity, work injuries, housing, unemployment, retirement and death.

Most of Spain's social security spending

goes on benefits for the elderly, disabled,

widowed and for housing, all dealt with by

the Instituto Nacional de Seguridad Social

(INSS).

Unemployment benefit is distributed by the

Instituto Nacional de Empleo (INEM) and

the remaining 30 percent or so of revenue is

spent by the Instituto Nacional de Salud

(INSALUD) on health services and by the

Instituto de Servicios Sociales (INSERSO)

on social services.

For more information, contact your local

social security office (see under Seguridad

Social in the Yellow Pages) or the Instituto

Nacional de la Seguridad Social, www.seg-

social.es, tel. 900 616 200 (free information

line).

WHO CONTRIBUTES?

Any foreign employee (cuenta ajena) work-

ing for a Spanish company or anyone who

is self-employed (cuenta propia) should con-

tribute to Spanish social security.

You do not need to pay social security con-

tributions in your home country if you are

an employee in Spain, though agreements

between Spain and 40 countries including

Australia, Canada and the US mean that

expats can remain members of their coun-

try's social security system for a certain

period.

EU nationals who are either self-employed

or posted to Spain by their company can

continue to pay social security in their

home country for one year. After working

in Spain for two years, EU nationals must

pay contributions to the Spanish social

security system.

You must have lived in Spain for a limited

period and contributed a minimum amount

before you are entitled to benefits.

Pensioners in Spain who receive a state

pension from another EU country are auto-

matically entitled to health benefits in

Spain, providing your have an E121 form

with you from your country's social securi-

ty system.

British expats can receive further informa-

tion from the Department of Social Security,

www.dwp.gov.uk, tel. 0044 191 218 7777.

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE?

Your employer will usually deal with the

paperwork. If not, or if you are self-

employed or retired with an EU state pen-

sion, you need to register at your local

social security office.

Pensioners should take copies of their E121

form, passport, birth certificate, marriage

certificate if applicable and proof of resi-

dence (rental contract or deed of sale -

escritura).

Once you receive your registration card

(tarjeta sanitaria) a few weeks' later, your

spouse and dependants are also covered.

HOW MUCH ARE CONTRIBUTIONS? (cuotas)

Contributions are calculated according to

your taxable income. You start paying as

you as you start working in Spain, whether

resident yet or not.

The minimum monthly salary on which

you must pay contributions is around !450,

depending on the type of contract and

work sector: 37.2 per cent of that wage is

paid in social security, only about 6.4 per-

cent of that by the employee and the rest by

the employer.

The self-employed - even part-time workers

- pay a minimum of !220 a month in social

security contributions, which can be a size-

able chunk of a monthly wage in Spain.

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RELOCATIONS ESPAÑA

Relocations España is an organisation

committed to providing a high-quali-

ty, personalised, yet completely pro-

fessional relocation and cross-cultural

services for international expatriates

moving to Spain.

http://www.relocationspain.com

Madrid Office

Arturo Soria, 263 B

28033 Madrid (Spain)

tel. +34 913843 900

[email protected]

Barcelona Office

Duran i Bas, 1

Alella Park

08328 Alella

Barcelona (Spain)

tel. +34 902 190 317

[email protected]

Barcelona Relocation

Services

C/. Ganduxer No. 14

Entrl. 4 & 5Calle Ganduxer

No. 14 Entl. 4 & 5

08021 Barcelona

tel. + 34 93 203 4935

www.barcelona-

relocation.com

Crossing Cultures S.L.

Josep Carner 5

08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona)

tel. + 34 935 808 729

[email protected]

www.crossing-cultures.com

Crown Relocations

Ctra. de Mejorada 1,

Planta 1, of. 1

San Fernando de Henares

Madrid 28830.

tel. + 34 91 485 0600

[email protected]

www.crownrelo.com

Etudios y Logistica ELFOS,

S.L.

C/Manel Farres 89 Local 2a

08190 Sant Cugat de Vallés

Barcelona

tel. + 34 93 589 1344

[email protected]

www.elfosbarcelona.com

Executive Relocations

España

Avenida Mistral 10, entio, 9

Despacho 9, 08015

Barcelona

tel. + 34 93 426 3288

[email protected]

www.exerelospn.com

Gil Stauffer Relocation

Services

C/Mar Mediterraneo 20

Poligono Industrial

28830 San Fernando

De Henares (Madrid)

tel. + 34 91 678 49 98

international@gil-

stauffer.com

Olympic Advisors S.L

Calle Platon 6, Atico 1

08021 Barcelona

tel. + 34 93 414 4000

[email protected]/www.oasl.net

Relocation Agencies



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Where To Live: Madrid

Finding that little piece of heaven is never easy. Here’s a neighbourhood guide

to the suburbs of Madrid, from the Real and posh to the real and authentic.

LAVAPIES

The former Jewish quarter south of the

central Sol square is the most ethnically

mixed of the city's neighbourhoods with

local European, North African, Chinese,

Pakistani and Turkish communities pro-

viding a bohemian ambience. Properties

tend to be small studios and one bedroom

flat conversions - and secured for relative-

ly cheap rents - favoured by single expats

in low-paid jobs.

Within walking distance of the centre,

Lavapies also has good metro and bus

services to every corner of the city. Similar

in mood and facilities are Malasaña and

Chueca on the northern side of the Gran

Vía, though both tend to be noisier at

night. Chueca is the heart of Madrid's gay

culture.

CHAMARTÍN

Located around one of Madrid's two main

stations - this one dispatching trains to

northern Europe - Chamartin is a spacious

and residential area with a well-estab-

lished expat community, favoured by cou-

ples or families who want comfortable

accommodation within easy reach of the

centre.

Bus and metro communications are excel-

lent and the latter's 1 and 9 lines are the

most modern and comfortable in Madrid,

taking you to the Castellana Avenue and

AZCA financial business zones of the city

in 15 minutes.

Behind the wide avenues are pricey apart-

ment complexes and sought-after residen-

tial 'colonies' whose villas have private

gardens.

Tucked away behind Chamartín's wide

avenues are medium to costly modern two

to four-bedroomed apartment complexes,

as well as a couple of secluded and

sought-after residential "colonies" El Viso

and Rosales.

The local two-storey covered market is the

most chic in Madrid and there are endless

options for stylish cafes and restaurants.

Socially this is a busy area too with plenty

of international clubs, societies, churches

and schools and the suburb's top sports

facilities include Madrid's only Olympic-

sized indoor swimming pool.

POZUELO DE ALARCÓN, MAJADAHONDA

AND LAS ROZAS

Half an hour outside the city to the north

west is this close-knit trio of new towns

which have been transformed from neg-

lected post Civil War hamlets into large

ultra-modern urbanisations of spacious,

upmarket apartments, semi-detached

houses and villas with tastefully planned

green zones.

Their original centres have been over-

hauled to provide banks, shops and

restaurants (often with a north African

rather than European influence). There are

several international schools in the area

and plenty of organised sports and social

facilities.

Properties are expensive and the zone is a

favourite among executives with families

seeking home comforts in a peaceful set-

ting that's within easy commuting distance

of work. Cercanías (suburban) train and

For detailed information on managing your finances

as an expat, visit www.expatica.com/spain

continued on page 12

es-housing.qxd 09/02/2005 12:27 Page 11


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bus services both into the capital and up

into the mountains are excellent and for

car owners access via the main Carretera

de Coruña highway - best avoiding rush

hours of 7.30am to 9am and 7pm to 9pm -

is first rate. Rail routes in and out of the

city are unexpectedly attractive as they

pass through the southerly fringe of the

pinewooded El Pardo national park.

LA MORALEJA

Top of the scale comes the rarefied-air

development of La Moraleja in the north

east of the city just below the "satellite"

town of Alcobendas. Rental and purchase

prices in La Moraleja are extremely high

and its residents include the international-

ly rich and famous, including David and

Victoria Beckham.

Like Mirasierra to the west and Piovera to

the south, this Madrileño version of

Beverly Hills is a tranquil and spacious

oasis of luxury villas with private gardens.

Most of Madrid's best private schools and

sports clubs can be found her, and the few

eating spots are select and costly.

Buses and trains run regularly from near-

by Alcobendas to Madrid centre half an

hour away but a private car is essential

both for shopping in nearby commercial

centres and for going into the city inde-

pendently via the busy Carretera de

Burgos N1 highway.

Where To Live: Madridcontinued from page 11

To keep up-to-date with the latest news from Spain -

in English - visit www.expatica.com/spain

The Palacio de Com in the

Plaza Cildes in Madrid is

indicative of the granduer

of much of the architecture.



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Where To Live: Barcelona

CIUTAT VELLA

The oldest, liveliest and most touristy

neighbourhood which runs south of Placa

Catalunya down to the sea oozes history,

character and tourists. It may not be the

most practical place for long-term living or

for families as buildings tend to be tall,

narrow and without lifts and the streets

old, dark and impossible to get a car

through (let alone park). But the area is

full of atmosphere and great for young

couples and single professionals.

El Born is a particularly sought-after place

to live at present, with its narrow streets of

bars, restaurants and boutiques converging

on the beautiful Santa Maria del Mar basil-

ica.

On the other side of the Ramblas is the

Raval, a former no-go neighbourhood

known for crime and prostitution, now

being lapped up by artists, designers and

musicians. Chic bars and restaurants are

springing up on every corner and property

is still relatively cheap. Be prepared for

some extensive DIY though to bring these

buildings up to scratch.

L'EIXAMPLE

In stark contrast to the maze of backstreets

in the old town, Eixample boasts an immac-

ulate grid of avenues, designed in 1859 to

extend the city beyond the overcrowded

centre. The area is conspicuously upmarket,

with designer boutiques, tree-lined boule-

vards and wonderful Modernist buildings

by famous Catalan architects Antoni Gaudí,

Josep Puig i Cadafalch and Lluís Doménech

i Montaner.

The Eixample is divided into the left side,

L'Eixample Esquerra and the right side,

L'Eixample Dreta. Both have a mixture of

high-end and more modest housing, with

shops and restaurants galore, schools and

other services filling the first and second

floors of early 20th-century buildings dedi-

cated to housing or office space.

GRÀCIA

Long the haunt of artists and free-thinkers,

Gracia was once an independent village of

narrow streets and small plazas until

Barcelona swallowed it up in 1897. It

retains that villagey feel in its shady

squares and pretty streets of cafes, tapas

restaurants, low-key nightspots, alternative

theatres and quirky shops.

Housing ranges from large, sunny flats to

cramped spaces that have been carved out

of one-time private homes, but in general

renting or buying here is more affordable

For information and contacts for all the expat groups

and clubs in your area, visit www.expatica.com/spain


Barcelona has the rare privilege of being a vibrant city by the sea, which is

why so many foreigners move there. Here’s the city, suburb-by-suburb.



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SARRIÀ AND THE ZONA ALTA

Barcelona's most privileged address, Sarrià,

and the larger area Zona Alta are home to

mansions, elegant apartment blocks and the

most expensive international schools. You'll

need your own transport to get around

comfortably, but the neighbourhood has a

tranquil, residential feel impossible to find

in other parts of the city. All housing here is

expensive, but it's also newer and generally

in better condition than many of the apart-

ments on offer in more historic parts of

Barcelona. For many people, a big plus of

the Zona Alta is that it's close to the Ronda,

the belt-like highway that circles Barcelona.

SAN CUGAT

An ideal place for families, the suburb of

San Cugat is well connected to the city cen-

tre by the ferrocarril (regional train). The

pace here is slower than in central

Barcelona and while property prices are

still high, it's possible to find a larger town-

house or even a small one-family home,

something which is difficult in Barcelona.

Forests of the Collserola mountain ridge

make for great strolling, and the large park

on the grounds of a Romanesque

monastery is a good place for children to

play. San Cugat's concentrated centre has

all the services you need, including an

international school.

Where To Live: Barcelona

Looking for the lowdown on life in Spain? Visit the

forum to talk to old hands: www.expatica.com/spain

La Sagrada Familia, Antonio Guadi’s

unfinished masterpiece in Barcelona.




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Buying A HomeWhen you are ready to take the plunge and enter the Spanish property market,

where do you start? Town or country, there are plenty of property options.

With average property prices in Madrid

and Barcelona at !3,100 per square metre,

you will be lucky to stumble across a bar-

gain anymore (properties in provincial cap-

itals and small towns are about half this fig-

ure). Such is the demand among foreigners

for central apartments in these cities that

Spanish families are increasingly selling up

and moving into something far bigger out

of town for the same price.

Prices are predicted to continue to rise by

about 10 percent in 2004, though venture

slightly inland from the coast or just out-

side of big cities and there are far more

affordable properties to be found offering

greater value for money.

The appeal of buying on the coast is obvi-

ous. Coastal properties, as well as apart-

ments in cities, also profit from a strong

buy-to-let market.

In Barcelona, buying a central two-bed

apartment to rent out for !150 a night dur-

ing the summer months will cover your

mortgage payments nicely.

Compared with the UK, the house-buying

process in Spain is quick and the entire

transaction is often complete within a

month or two.

CHECKING OUT THE PROPERTY

If you are interested in a new-build proper-

ty, which by Spanish law must come with a

10-year guarantee, make sure you check

plans for future developments in the area.

Buying new-build off-plan is popular in

Spain, especially on the Costa del Sol and

Costa Blanca, though if you are intending

to rent it out, do not instantly take the

agent's claims of guaranteed year-round

income at face value. Also consider that

when complete, the property may not be

worth as much as originally anticipated.

With resales, you must ensure that you col-

lect and check all the relevant documents

from the seller before you pay your deposit.

Also check that the sale and purchase con-

tract are carefully drafted as in Spain per-

sonal debts, tax bills, court judgements and

mortgages are charged against the property

rather than the individual.

Check on the escritura publica that the sell-

er's name corresponds with the person you

are dealing with, that the description of the

property matches what you think you are

buying and that the property is free from

charges, restrictions and court orders for

seizure.

If the seller has a mortgage, make sure the

payments are up to date. Otherwise the

bank could seize the property.

The Property Registry (www.reg-

istradores.org/principal/indexx.jsp, tel. 902

201 200) can provide you with details of the

owner and any charges on any property in

Spain. You can pay by credit card to receive

this information online, usually within 24

hours.

The website also lists details of local

branches (search under 'Localice su registro').

See below for the main branch in major

cities.

Make sure the house is not rented out as

you will struggle to get rid of tenants.

Ask the building's president or whoever is

in charge of the community of property

owners about monthly community fees,

whether the current owner owes anything,

and whether any major works on the build-

ing are due.

Check that the owner has paid all munici-

pal real estate tax (IBI- Impuesto sobre Bienes

Inmuebles) owed, otherwise you will foot

the bill and penalties.



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Buying A HomeTHE BUYING PROCESS

The are four principle stages when buying

a house in Spain:

1. HOLDING DEPOSIT: Once the buyer has

established the property is free from any

debts, he puts down a non-refundable

deposit which takes the property off the

market and avoids gazumping. Make sure

you get a receipt if the deposit is paid

directly to the developer rather than held

in a solicitor's account. If you pull out of

the purchase, you lose your money.

2. SALE AND PURCHASE CONTRACT: This

contract is drawn up a few weeks after

you have paid the holding deposit and

should outline:

•name, identity number and address of

seller. If the seller is a company then the

company details and the particulars of its

representative must be disclosed.

•details of the property being sold with

reference to its registration in the land reg-

istry.

•description of what the property consists

of (eg. garage, storeroom, furniture, com-

munal pool, garden etc.)

•price, terms and method of payment.

•completion date

•details of guarantees associated with any

deposits or stage payments on the proper-

ty (legally required if demanded by the

buyer).

•implications regarding non payments of

stage payments or late completion.

•legal jurisdiction.

The remainder of the deposit, typically 10

percent of the value of the property, is nor-

mally payable at this point.

3. ESCRITURA PUBLICA: The official docu-

ment of title deeds and transfer of owner-

ship. It must be signed in front of a

notario, an official government representa-

tive, who confirms the identities of the

signing parties and that the contents of the

document and the statements made in the

Escritura by each of the contracting par-

ties.

Bear in mind that the notario does not

guarantee that the contents are true. It is

up to you to check the validity of the facts.

On signing the Escritura, you must pay the

remainder of the cost of the property. If

the property has charges or debts attached

to it then you should make out bankers’

drafts to each of your sellers creditors

with the balance payable to him.

Remember the debts stay with the proper-

ty so don't rely on your seller paying off

his obligations out of the proceeds; you

should do it directly.

4. REGISTRATION OF DOCUMENTS: Once

signed, the buyer must ensure all this doc-

umentation is correctly registered in the

land registry. Otherwise you could come

up against all sorts of problems later on

when you come to sell. It is usually best to

ask a local gestor to take care of this for

you.

GETTING A MORTGAGE:

The bank requires the following documents:

•passport or NIE

•work contract

•last three payslips

•latest income tax return

•pre-agreement with the seller

•proof that the property tax (IBI) on the

house is paid up

•details of other mortgages or loans that

you may have

•all property titles, both in Spain and

overseas

•certificate from work authorities (vida

laboral), showing your past work history

•records of your assets (bank/mutual fund

statements, etc.)

•prenuptial agreements, if applicable

•certificate of non-residency if applicable

(form available from the bank)

•details of tax paid in the past year, if self-

employed



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Renting A HomeThere is little more stressful than arriving and wondering where on earth you

are going to live. Here’s how to make the hunt for a place to rent less painful.

Before you look at anything, establish the

basics: whether you want to rent a room in

a shared apartment or live alone; the max-

imum amount you are prepared to pay

and in which area you want to live and

how long you want to rent for. You can

rent properties on a short-term basis, by

the week or month, but this will cost con-

siderably more. Otherwise, rental con-

tracts are usually for a minimum of one

year.

Like any European cities, finding a prop-

erty to rent in Madrid or Barcelona

depends as much on striking lucky by

being recommended somewhere through

a contact as pounding the pavements for

days on end before you find something

you like.

WHERE TO LOOK

Make the most of anyone you know in the

city – friends, family, distant acquaintanc-

es, work links – who can advise you on

where to start and what to avoid. Check

advertisements for apartments to rent (se

alquila) in shop windows, on noticeboards

in supermarkets, universities and colleges,

expat clubs, newsletters, and bars.

You will also see many apartments adver-

tised or on lampposts. Don’t be fooled

though by the apparent scrappiness of the

advert. The property may still be dealt

with by an agency, in which case you will

have to pay their commission, which is

usually one month’s rent for long-term

rentals.

The advantage of going through an

agency is that you have a proper rental

contract and they act as a useful go-

between between you and the owner if

anything goes wrong in the apartment.

The local and regional press is a useful

source of accommodation adverts, usually

on Friday and Saturday. Phone as soon as

you spot something you are interested in

as, particularly in Madrid or Barcelona,

any remotely desirable property will have

a queue of people waiting to view it. As

with lamppost advertising, you will usual-

ly find there is an agent involved in news-

paper adverts.

If you do not speak Spanish, look at expat

publications and websites (including

Expatica). In Barcelona the main source of

rental accommodation is Metropolitan

magazine with its Catalunya Classified

accommodation supplement, distributed

in expat bars.

Visit estate agents (agentes de propriedad

inmobiliaria) in the area you are interested

in. Most will also deal with properties to

rent or be able to recommend letting

agents locally.

RENTAL COSTS

Cities, of course, cost far more than small

towns and villages. Then within that you

have to consider the neighbourhood, the

age of the building (in cities with a signifi-

cant old town such as Barcelona, be pre-

pared for endless flights of stairs and no

lift), the size of the flat – always measured

in square metres - and the amenities. If the

building has a lift, the higher the apart-

ment, the higher the rent generally, as you

have more light, security and less noise. In

a building without a lift, the higher the

apartment, the lower the rent. It is no easy

matter trudging up six storeys several

times a day.

In Madrid and Barcelona there is far

greater demand than supply for rental

accommodation so rents are high. For a

two-bed unfurnished apartment of a

decent size (eg.75m2) in a good central

area, expect to pay around !1,200 a

month.



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Renting A HomeIn smaller towns, rural areas and on less

expensive coastal resorts it will be half the

price. High rise developments (urbaniza-

ciones) on the outskirts of major cities,

where many Spanish families live, offer

cheaper accommodation, though less aes-

thetic and practical than living centrally.

Rents are lowest in small towns and rural

areas, although good rented accommoda-

tion is often difficult to find. Check out

public transport and other facilities before

you are lured by a more remote rental.

EXTRA COSTS

Gas and electricity are unlikely to be

included in your long-term contract,

though community fees, property taxes

(IBI) and water rates are usually paid by

the owner. If you want a telephone, you

will most likely have to install it yourself

as few Spanish properties have a landline.

CONTRACTS

Rental contracts dated from January 1

1995 must adhere to the new Law of

Urban Lettings (Ley de Arrendamientos

Urbanos) of 1994. A short-term contract

(contrato de arrendimiento de temporada)

applies to holiday lettings or anything up

to one year. Long-term contracts are for a

minimum of one year and usually up to

five years. After that time the owner can

terminate the contract, provided he gives

the tenant 30 days' notice. Otherwise the

contract will be automatically renewed for

three years.

DEPOSIT

When you sign a rental contract, you must

pay the landlord a desposit (fianza) equal

to one month’s rent. This will be returned

to you when you move out, providing you

leave the property in the same state as it

was in when you moved in. Make sure

you check the inventory otherwise you

may find chunks of your deposit moved

for items not there in the first place.

Many landlords, especially in big cities,

demand additional guarantees that you

can pay your rent. They may wish to see a

payslip (nomima) or they may require an

aval bancario, a letter of credit from a

Spanish bank which guarantees that if you

default on your payments, the bank will

pay whatever is owed for the remainder of

the contract.

REPAIRS

It is the landlord’s responsibility to keep

the property in a fit and habitable condi-

tion but not to repair any damage the ten-

ant causes through daily use. If you need

to make any urgent repairs, inform the

landlord first so that s/he can reimburse

you of the costs.

If repairs are required which affect health,

hygiene and comfort in the property, the

landlord must give you three months’

notice, in which time you may decide to

end your rental agreement (by giving one

month’s notice) or negotiate a reduced

rental while the apartment is in a state of

repair.

RESCINDING THE CONTRACT

The landlord can terminate the rental con-

tract if the tenant does not pay their rent

or deposit, sublets the property without

the landlord’s permission, deliberately

causes damage to the property or under-

takes repairs without the landlord’s con-

sent.

Equally, the tenant may pull out of the

rental contract if the landlord fails to make

the necessary repairs to keep the property

in a fit and habitable condition or disturbs

the tenant while they are living there.

PROBLEMS WITH YOUR LANDLORD

Go to a Spanish lawyer to make a formal

complaint. Then, if necessary, your lawyer

will take the case to court (procedimiento

civil ordinario).



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BankingThe currency in Spain is the euro, but the old pesetas have not been totally

forgotten. Here’s how to open an account and pay for goods and services.

Spain may now be a land of the euro

(and prices bear little resemblance to

those in the days of the peseta) but you

will still hear many people quoting fig-

ures in their old currency.

CURRENCY

As in most EU countries, the currency in

Spain is the euro, with 100 centimos to the

euro, !1 and !2 coins and notes of !5, !10,

!20, !50, !100 and higher. But it’s best not

to flash those last ones around and certain-

ly don't expect many places to be able to

change them for anything smaller.

OPENING AN ACCOUNT

Once you've acquired your big wads of

high-denomination euros, it's time to

open a bank account. You have the choice

of a regular bank or a savings bank (a

Caja de Ahorros, which doesn't have

shareholders and invests profits in social,

educational and cultural projects).

Internet-only accounts like ING Direct

(www.ingdirect.es, tel. 901 020 901),

Patagon (www.patagon.es, tel. 902 157

213) and Uno-e (www.uno-e.es, tel. 901

111 113) offer higher interest current

accounts and fast access to your money.

Opening a savings account (cuenta de

ahorro) or current account (cuenta

corriente) in any Spanish bank is a

straightforward process. You simply

need your passport or residency/ID card

and an address in Spain and then let the

bank manager fill in the forms for you.

Once you make a minimum deposit of

!20, you receive a paying book - which

states whether you have a resident or

non-resident account (the rates differ

slightly). Non-residents can open a non-

resident euro account (cuenta de euros de

no residente) or a foreign currency

account only. You will be sent an ATM

card within a couple of weeks.

You will need a bank account if you wish

to pay bills such as water, electricity and

telephone by direct debit. Once you give

the company your bank's name and sort

code you will be directly debited for

these services.

If you wish to stop a direct debit, visit

your branch to ask them to cancel it and

write to the company concerned. You

must also write to your branch if you

change address.

You have the

choice of a

regular bank or

a savings bank

(a Caja de

Ahorros, which

doesn't have

shareholders

and invests

profits in social,

educational

and cultural

projects).


!"#$%&!'()*+,,-./-0/0--1,,23456,,789!,2:

BANK BRANCHES

Bank staff and managers are strangely

friendly in Spain. They smile and recog-

nise you on subsequent visits. They may

even know your name.

The major national banks can be found in

all cities and towns, but each region also

has its own banks such as Banco de

Andalucia, Caixa Catalunya and Banco

de Alicante.

Opening hours are usually 8am/9am-

2pm on Monday-Friday and 9am-1pm on

Saturday. You may find designated hours

and days for paying bills (usually first

thing in the morning).

PAYMENT METHODS

Cheques are rarely used. Most Spaniards

use debit/cash cards (tarjeta de débito) or,

even better, cash for those crucial tax fid-

dles. You should receive your debit/cash

card and chequebook at the same time

and your PIN number will probably be

given to you in a sealed envelope at the

bank rather than posted.

Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted

in Spain and issued by most banks for a

fee of between !10-25 a year or up to !60

for a gold card.

You can withdraw around !300 a day

from ATMs - the major networks are

Telebanco 4B and Servired - and obtain

balances and mini-statements, pay bills

and top up your mobile phone with cred-

it. Although you can use your card in

any ATM, you will be charged at any

banks other than your own.

You can also use non-Spanish credit or

debit cards in cash machines, but if you

wish to purchase goods in Spanish shops

with a credit card you must show your

passport or residence card.

BANK CARD CANCELLATION NUMBERS

If your Visa or Mastercard is stolen, tel.

4B 902 114 400 or Servi Red 902 192 100.

To cancel an American Express, tel. 902

375 637.


MAIN SPANISH BANKS

La Caixa

tel. 902 200 202

www.laCaixa.es

BBVA

tel. 917 416 904

www.grupobbva.com

Grupo Banco Popular

tel. 915 207 900

www.bancopopular.es

Santander Central Hispano

tel. 902 242 424

www.gruposantander.com

Solbank

tel. 2 343 999

www.solbank.com

Banking

Spain may now be in euro-land and prices

bear little resemblance to those in the days

of the peseta — but you will still hear

people quoting figures in their old currency.

20 WWW.EXPATICA.COMSPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

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Taxation

Taxes are inevitable and inevitably confusing, especially in a foreign country.

Here is a potted guide to how to cope with Spain's fiscal system.

The tax regime has changed dramatically

in Spain in the past decade. It is far hard-

er now to avoid paying tax and the

penalties are high. Income tax in particu-

lar has risen considerably, although it

remains lower than the EU average.

But it is still very difficult to get consis-

tent advice on what you should and

shouldn't be paying. The rules keep

changing, the system is complicated and

you are likely to receive different advice

from every tax adviser you consult.

Foreign residents would be wise to find

yourself an English-speaking adviser to

explain the intricacies of your tax situa-

tion as it will depend upon numerous

complicating factors such as where you

live in Spain, whether you are resident or

non-resident, the source of your income

and your assets.

The Spanish tax year runs from 1

January to 31 December and taxes are

levied by governments at three levels:

centrally, regional and locally. There are

assessment and tax collection centres in

all provincial capital towns whose infor-

mation section (oficina de informacion al

contribuyente) will offer free advice and

help you fill in your tax declaration,

though they won't do it for you.

WHO PAYS

There is a difference between being a

Spanish resident for civil purposes (ie. by

having a residence card) and being a res-

ident for tax purposes. If you live in

Spain for more than 182 days per year,

you are automatically considered a

Spanish resident for tax purposes.

This means you will be liable to pay

income tax (Impuestos sobre la renta de las

personal físicas, IRPF) on your worldwide

income when you complete a declaration

(Declaración de la Renta) during May or

June the following year.

Personal Income Tax starts at 17 percent

and rises to 48 percent. It is a direct tax

levied on the income of individuals,

minus the expenses deductible according

to Spanish law. At present if you earn

less than !21,035 you do not have to fill

in an income tax return.

Non-residents Income Tax (IRNR) is cal-

culated according to any income derived

in Spain, including a money deposit with

a Spanish bank, a property in Spain or

income made from any business in

Spain. The United States, however, is the

only country that taxes its non-resident

citizens on income earned abroad.

Residents are taxed on their worldwide

income. But you may deduct income tax

paid in your home country to avoid dou-

ble taxation.

MAIN TAX OFFICES

•C/ Guzmán el Bueno, 139, 28003 Madrid,

tel. 91 582 67 67

•Pza. Doctor Letamendi, 13-.23, 08007

Barcelona, tel. 93 291 11 00

•Ctra Malaga 174, 04700 El Ejido, Malaga,

tel. 95 048 3311

•Pz. de la Montañeta, 8, 03001 Alicante,

tel. 96 514 97 00

•C/ Cecilio Metelo, 9, 07003 Palma de

Mallorca, tel. 971 44 88 00

•Moll de Ponent, 1, 07701 Mahón,

tel. 971 35 23 87

Contact the Agencia Tributaria (tel. 901

335 533, www.aeat.es) for details of all

local tax offices in each region.

For information about income tax and

VAT refunds, tel. 901 121 224.


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Taxation

THE VARIOUS TYPES OF TAXES

INCOME TAX - IRPF (see page 22) —

employees' income tax is deducated at

source by employers; self-employed

workers pay the tax quarterly (pago frac-

cionado).

Non-residents who earn money from a

Spanish source, and non-residents who

own property should file an income tax

declaration.

Residents and non-residents with income

in Spain (other than that made from

property letting) must make their annual

income tax declaration between May 1

and June 20.

WEALTH TAX (Impuesto sobre el patrimo-

nio) — payable by residents and non-res-

idents on high-value capital assets,

including property, cash in bank

accounts, vehicles, boats, life insurance,

jewellery, stocks and shares in Spain.

Residents are entitled to an allowance of

!258,435 against wealth tax.

There is no allowance for non-residents

who must pay tax on all their assets in

Spain.

PROPERTY/REAL ESTATE TAX OR RATES

(impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles

urbano, IBI)— paid by all property own-

ers, resident or non-resident, to go

towards street cleaning, education, coun-

cil administration, local sports amenities

etc.

IBI is calculated according to the fiscal or

rateable value of your property.

Ask at your town hall when to pay as

they may not send out a bill.

WASTE COLLECTION/MAINS DRAINAGE TAX

(basura y alcantarillado) — annual tax

payable by all property owners.

CAPITAL GAINS TAX (impuesto sobre

incremento de patrimonio de la venta de

una bien inmeuble) — residents pay 15

percent, non-residents 35 percent of the

profits made on the sale of property and

other assets such as a business, antiques

or stocks and shares in Spain.

INHERITANCE AND GIFT TAX (impuesto

sobre sucesiones y donaciones) —

payable by beneficiaries within six

months of a death if the person died in

Spain.

BUSINESS TAX (impuesto sobre activi-

dades economicas/IAE) — paid by all

businesses with annual turnover exceed-

ing !1 million.

COMPANY/CORPORATION TAX (impuesto

sobre sociedades) — 35 percent on prof-

its made by partnerships and registered

companies such as Sociedad Anonima

(SA) or Sociedad Limitada (SL).

OFFSHORE COMPANY TAX (impuesto espe-

cial) — annual tax on offshore companies

that do not declare the individual owner

of property in Spain or the source of

investment.

MOTOR VEHICLE TAX (impuesto de circu-

lacion) — paid by anyone who owns a

Spanish-registered vehicle.

The amount is based on the age and the

power of the vehicle and the region you

live in.

The larger the city is, the higher the tax.

For an average car, it costs about !60 a

year.

For detailed information on managing your finances

as an expat, check out www.expatica.com/spain

!"#$%&!'()*+,,-./-0/0--1,,21314,,567!,08


MO

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Insurance

The Spanish take out fewer policies than Northern Europeans, but the insurance

market in Spain has still grown considerably over the last ten years.

Some types of insurance are obligatory in

Spain: third-party car insurance, third-

party property liability insurance for ten-

ants and home owners and mortgage life

insurance for anyone who has a mort-

gage.

Voluntary insurance includes private

pensions, health, household, travel, car

breakdown and life insurance.

If you need to make an insurance claim,

you may need to report the incident to

the police within 24 hours. Spanish law

is likely to differ from that of other coun-

tries so obtain legal advice if you need to

make anything more than a minor claim.

There are many foreign insurance com-

panies, direct telephone insurers, insur-

ance agents and brokers (corredor de

seguros) who deal specifically with expa-

triates. Look in the Yellow Pages under

Seguros for local details.

In Spanish resorts you will find many

independent British and foreign brokers.

Shop around for quotes and ask friends

and colleagues for recommendations to

avoid using a disreputable company.

Since 1994, Spanish residents can insure

their car, home or life with any insurance

company in the EU, with the insurer

needing to be registered in Spain.

Using a foreign insurance company

means the policy and any claims will be

written in your language. They may

charge more than a Spanish company,

however, and the policy may still need to

be written under Spanish law.

If the policy is written in Spain, get a

legal adviser to check it before you sign

anything.

If you wish to cancel a policy, most com-

panies request that you write to them

with two or three months notice, other-

wise they will automatically extend your

policy for a further year.

Even if your

possessions are

simple, home

and contents

insurance

is a sound

investment.

There are many

foreign

insurance

companies,

telephone

insurers, agents

and brokers

(corredor de

seguros) who

deal specifically

with the needs

of expatriates.

es-money.qxd 09/02/2005 15:07 Page 25

Insurance

HOMEOWNER'S INSURANCE

Although homeowner's insurance (seguro

del hogar) is not compulsory, it is advis-

able to take out cover for building dam-

age (storm damage can be common in

some parts of Spain), theft, vandalism,

etc. Your mortgage lender may also insist

you take out fire insurance until the loan

is repaid.

The price of the policy will depend on

the value of your home, the value of the

contents and the risks you wish to be

covered. If you are renting a property,

the landlord only can take out insurance

but you, as the tenant, can insure its con-

tents.

LIFE INSURANCE

A life insurance (seguro de vida) policy

pays the beneficiary an agreed sum upon

the death of the person whose life has

been insured.

If the beneficiary is named, they do not

have to wait for the estate of the

deceased to be distributed before they

can receive their money.

HEALTH INSURANCE

Most people in Spain are covered for

health treatment under social security,

but more than six million Spanish resi-

dents take our private health insurance

to avoid waiting lists and gain access to a

wider range of hospitals and specialists if

they need to.

Always check what is included and

excluded with any policy. Spanish com-

panies have the right to cancel a policy at

the end of the insurance period if you

have an ongoing serious illness with high

expenses.

Many expats find that Spanish policies

offer more limited cover than schemes in

their own countries.

CAR INSURANCE

There are two types of automobile insur-

ance in Spain. Third party liability insur-

ance (seguro de terceros o de responsabilidad

civil obligatoria) is the minimum manda-

tory insurance required to drive a car. It

covers personal injury and damage to a

third party's property (passengers and

car).

Then there is fully-comprehensive insur-

ance (seguro a todo riesgo), which covers

injury and damage not covered by third-

party liability insurance. It also covers

theft of the vehicle and damage of its

contents.

For daily news and analysis — in English — of current

events in Spain, read www.expatica.com/spain

Always check what is included and

excluded with any policy. Spanish

companies have the right to cancel a

policy at the end of the insurance

period if you have an ongoing serious

illness with high expenses.


MO

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es-money.qxd 09/02/2005 18:31 Page 26


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When you reach the grand old age of five

in Spain, it's time to go to school. But

should your parents want to hand you

over earlier, you will find nursery schools

for children from as young as nine

months.

Parents usually need to register their chil-

dren for the September intake in May,

either directly at the school or via the local

town hall.

NURSERY EDUCATION (3-6 YEARS)

(Educación Infantil, EI)

Children usually receive three years of

nursery education to develop their physi-

cal and mental skills. From the age of four

they learn to read and write and by the

time they complete their EI they will

know the alphabet. Emphasis is placed on

learning about various aspects of different

cultures, the environment and road aware-

ness skills

PRIMARY EDUCATION (6-12 YEARS)

(Educación Primaria, EP)

The six years of primary education are

split into three two-year periods. If the

child has not reached the required stan-

dard by the end of any period they may

have to repeat the second year of that

stage.

Pupils learn Spanish language, maths,

Conocimiento del Medio (which includes

history, geography and biology), Physical

Education, Art and a second language,

usually English. Religion is also taught at

this stage in most schools, focusing on

Catholicism.

There is no streaming in Spain; classes are

all mixed ability, and parents can see

teachers once a week to discuss their

child's progress and problems. Children

are introduced to exams from around the

third year of primary school, but there are

no national level testing exams as is the

case in the UK.

Parents need to buy all textbooks and

materials, but they save on uniform as few

state schools have one. Homework may be

given from the first year onwards.

School hours vary depending on the

school and are usually from 9am to 4pm

with an hour's break for lunch.

Some schools, however, prefer to work

through to 1.30pm or 2pm without a break

and then the children finish for the day.

If your child's school day continues into

the afternoon and you are unable to get

home for lunchtime, school dinners are

available.

Prepare your child for the fact that they

will be sizeable lunches, as it is the main

meal of the day for Spaniards, and that

they will be encouraged to eat it, along

with all the Spanish children. This may be

traumatic at first for your child, being

made to eat strange food with names they

don't understand.

SECONDARY EDUCATION (12-16/18 YEARS)

(Educacion Secundaria)

The secondary school system in Spain has

seen major changes in the past decade. It

has moved away from the traditional rote-

learning model and is now more akin to

the British comprehensive system.

Pupils attend secondary school (instituto)

aged 12 to begin their four years of com-

pulsory education. At the end, they

receive a certificate and can either leave or

go on to study for the 'bachillerato'.

Education SystemSpain’s education system can offer a lot to the expat family, but do your

research and find the school that is best suited to the needs of your children.


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If a pupil does not reach the required level

of maths or Spanish at the end of each

year they can be made to repeat the year,

which can cause discipline problems when

an older child is placed in a class of

younger children. Subjects include the

usual range and the ethos is now far more

geared towards project work and continu-

ous assessment than the old-style endless

fact-learning.

Spanish schools have a relaxed atmos-

phere with less discipline than British

schools, for example, and the family is

expected to help the child with their stud-

ies.

Pupils who stay on after 16 can study for

the two-year 'Bachillerato' academic

course (either Arts, Humanities, Sciences

or Technology), or enrol on practical train-

ing courses called 'modulos'.

Those who have passed the Bachillerato

with good marks and who want to go on

to university take an entrance exam in

June.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

For information about British English-lan-

guage schools in Spain, contact the British

Council, Paseo Martínez Campos, 31,

28010 Madrid. tel. 91 337 3500,

www.britishcouncil.es, or consult ECIS

(00 44 1730 268244 or www.ecis.org).

For information about American schools

in Spain, write to the Instituto de

Cooperación Ibero-americana, Avenida de

los Reyes Católicos 4, 28041 Madrid (91

583 8526). Information is also available

from embassies in Spain.

ENROLLING YOUR CHILD

Foreign parents should prepare for a long

process of enrolling their child in a

Spanish state school.

Go to your local town hall in the area you

are moving to in order to ask their

requirements as the process and paper-

work vary quite substantially from region

to region.

Generally, enrolment takes place in May

and you will need to take the child's birth

certificate or passport with an official

translation of the parent's passport. You

will also need proof of the child's immuni-

sation, proof of residence and two pass-

port photographs.

To enrol your child in a Spanish state sec-

ondary school, you need proof of convali-

dation - the official record of your child's

education. It is best to do this before you

move to Spain, having obtained the appro-

priate forms from the Department of

Education at the following address:

Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia

C/Alcala,34

28014 Madrid

tel. 91 701 8000

Send the completed form together with

your child's school record book and/or

examination qualifications, plus his birth

certificate.

A child will not be accepted at school until

the official papers have been received and

stamped by the Department of Education.

Expect the process to take between 3 and 6

months although a receipt from the

Ministry for the convalidation documents

for your child should be acceptable.

INTEGRATION

Some primary schools in areas with large

expat populations such as the Costa del

Sol and Costa Blanca provide extra

Spanish classes to bring foreign pupils up

to speed and to minimise disruption in

classes for the Spanish children. They may

also encourage a pairing scheme between

Spanish and foreign children to help new

pupils settle in.

Education Systemcontinued from page 27

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The main choice to make is whether you

want your child to go to a Spanish school

or an international school.

Current figures show that 80 percent of

expats send their children to state schools

in Spain, an experience that allows the

child to integrate fully in local life and

(depending on how young they are when

they start) be speaking the language flu-

ently within a year. But immersing the

child in a foreign language from day one

may put pressure on them, beyond all the

ordinary strains associated with starting a

new school.

An international school will enable your

child to ease their way into school in a for-

eign country yet in familiar surroundings,

with smaller classes taught in their lan-

guage. But their level of Spanish may not

be any better than if they had studied it as

a second language back home.

PUBLIC (STATE) SCHOOLS

Spain's public or state schools are non-fee

paying, though parents must pay for

school books, school supplies and extra

curricular activities such as sport, music

and art. Foreign pupils can attend

Spanish state schools, but you need a

document known as the 'empadronamien-

to'. For this, you will need to register at

the local town hall. Take originals and

photocopies of your passport, proof of

address and details of your Spanish bank

account.

The bureaucracy and paperwork required

for enrolling your child in a Spanish

school is lengthy and only manageable if

you speak at least some Spanish.

Spain's public schools have improved con-

siderably in recent years and the qualifica-

tions gained are valid if your child wants

to study at a university elsewhere, such as

the UK.

However, in areas with large expat com-

munities such as the Costa del Sol, there is

a growing problem of foreign pupils

flooding schools (in Andalucia, the num-

ber of foreign pupils in Spanish schools

quadrupled between 1997 and 2001). The

result is disrupted classes, inadequate

teaching and worse exam results as teach-

ers are unable to deal with so many non-

Spanish speaking pupils.

Bear in mind, too, that if you send your

child to a public school in Barcelona, most

teaching will be in Catalan, and in the

Alicante area a proportion of classes will

be in Valencian.

SPANISH PRIVATE SCHOOLS

There are many varieties of Spanish pri-

vate schools, some which teach entirely in

Spanish and are subsidised by the State

providing they have at least 25 percent

Spanish students. Others are bilingual

schools which place a strong emphasis on

English.

Most are day Catholic schools and co-edu-

cational with classes from Monday to

Friday. Fees vary greatly, though they are

generally lower than private schools in the

UK and US. Schools in Madrid and

Barcelona are naturally the most expen-

sive. A subsidised Spanish school costs

about !600 a year.

Choosing A SchoolFinding the right school for you children will make your time in Spain a much

more rewarding experience. Here’s a guide to what to look out for.

Get some useful hints on navigating the bureaucratic

jungle of Spain at www.expatica.com/spain


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FOREIGN SCHOOLS

This umbrella term includes schools solely

for expats and schools which encourage a

mix of Spanish and foreign children.

Classes are smaller and the atmosphere

more relaxed than in Spanish schools.

There is also a wider choice of academic

subjects on offer and examination pass

rates are high - as is the number of pupils

going on to university.

If you prioritise an easy transition for your

child over integration, it is worth consid-

ering a foreign school. Also if you are only

staying in Spain on a short-term contract,

you may feel it is not worth putting your

child through the strain of having to learn

another language - although the immer-

sion will stand them in good stead in

future years.

International schools vary hugely, howev-

er, and they are not necessarily ghettoes

for foreign pupils. Spain has the largest

number of 'foreign' schools of any

European country, meaning schools where

the majority of pupils are from the host

nation, and many Spanish seek the pres-

tige of sending their child to an English-

speaking school.

So although lessons may be in English,

Spanish may rule in the playground. Fees

vary from around !1,500-6,000 a year,

with some schools in Barcelona and

Madrid considerably more.

American schools follow the American

system and prepare pupils for SATs and

college admission in the US. British

schools study the British curriculum and

learn Spanish as a foreign language.

International schools take pupils from sev-

eral different countries, including Spain,

and prepare them for the internationally-

recognised bachillerato for

university entrance.

Choosing A School

Spain's public schools have improved

considerably in recent years and the

qualifications gained are valid if

your child wants to study at a university

elsewhere, such as the UK. Figures show

that 80 percent of expats send their

children to state schools in Spain.


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School HolidaysIt’s great news for the kids, but maybe not so exciting for parents — Spain

has among the longest school holidays of anywhere in Europe. Be prepared.

HOLIDAY DATES 2004-2005

MADRID

Christmas: 23//12/04-7/1/05

Easter: 21/3/05-27/3/05

Festivals: 11/10/04, 12/10/04, 1/11/04,

6/12/04, 7/12/04, 8/12/04, 31/1/05, 18/3/05,

28/3/05, 16/3/05

CATALUNYA

Christmas: 23/12/04-9/1/05

Easter: 19/3/05-28/3/05

Festivals: 12/10/04, 1/11/04, 6/12/04, 8/12/04

(2005 dates yet to be confirmed. Also two

further festival days of school's choosing.)

VALENCIA

Christmas: 23/12/04-6/1/05

Easter: 24/3/05-4/4/05

Festivals: 11/10/04, 12/10/04, 1/11/04,

6/12/04, 7/12/04,8/12/04, 7/1/05

MURCIA

Christmas: 23/12/04-7/1/05

Easter: 21/3/05-28/3/05

Festivals: 12/10/04, 1/11/04, 6/12/04,

7/12/04, 8/12/04, 19/3/05, 2/5/05, 9/6/05

(plus local Saint's day and other local festi-

val days, and three days determined by

regional school advisory board.

ANDALUCIA

Christmas: 24/12/04-7/1/05

Easter: 21/3/05-28/3/05

Festivals: 12/10/04, 1/11/04, 6/12/04, 7/12/04

BALEARICS

Christmas: 24/12/04-7/1/05

Easter: 24/3/05-1/4/05

Festivals: 12/10/04, 1/11/04, 6/12/04,

7/12/04,8/12/04, 28/2/05, 1/3/05 (plus two

local fiestas and one extra day to be

decided)

SCHOOL YEAR 2004-2005

Infants Primary Secondary

MADRID 13/9/04-24/6/05 13/9/04-24/6/05 15/9/04-24/6/05

CATALUNYA 15/9/04-22/6/05 15/9/04-22/6/05 15/9/04-22/6/05

VALENCIA 9/9/04-24/6/05 9/9/04-22/6/05 17/9/04-24/6/05

MURCIA 8/9/04-24/6/05 8/9/04-24/6/05 15/9/04-30/6/05

ANDALUCIA 9/9/04-21/6/05 9/9/04-21/6/05 13/9/04-21/6/05

BALEARICS 13/9/04-22/6/05 13/9/04-22/6/05 15/9/04-22/6/05

The long summer break is a particularly

tough test of any parent's mettle as to

whether they can keep their child enter-

tained during the hottest months with no

school between the end of June and mid-

September.

Children moving up from primary to sec-

ondary school get an extra two weeks

summer holiday, which usually includes

an end-of-school trip abroad.

The other two main holidays are at

Christmas, when schools breaks up for

about two weeks, and Easter, with about

10 days holidays.

Half terms do not exist, though there is

plenty of compensation in the numerous

local festival days and non-teaching days

(dias no lectivas, included below under

'Festivals') to give children and teachers

more breaks in the school year.

!"#!$%&'()*+,-.$//0120323004//54647//8'9!/:3

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EDUCATION

International SchoolsMADRID

Hastings School (British)

c/ Azulinas 8

tel. 91 359 9913

www.nabss.org/hastings.htm

The American School of

Madrid

Apartado 80

28080 Madrid

tel. 91 740 1900

www.amerschmad.org

International College

C/Vereda Norte, 3

La Moraleja

tel. 91 6502 398

www.icsmadrid.com

International School Of

Madrid (British)

Rosa Jardón, 3

tel. 91 359 2121

www.nabss.org/ismadrid.

htm

King's College (British)

Paseo de los Andes, 35

28761 Soto de Viñuelas

tel. 91 803 4800

www.kingscollege.es

Kensington School (British)

Av. de Bularas, 2, 28023.

Pozuelo de Alarcon

tel. 91 715 4797

www.nabss.org/ken.htm

El Enebral Montessori

School

Paseo de Belmas, 2,

Collado Villalba

tel. 91 850 1053 or 91 857

9117

www.nabss.org/enebral.htm

The English Montessori

School

Av. LaSalle s/n,

Aravaca

tel. 91 357 26 67/68 or 91 307

15 42

www.nabss.org/montse.htm

Runnymede College

Calle Salvia 30

La Moraleja

tel. 91 650 8302

www.runnymede-

college.com

St Anne's School

Avda Alfonso XIII, 162

tel. 91 345 90 60

www.stannesmadrid.com

BARCELONA

Oak House School (British)

San Pedro Claver, 12

tel. 93 252 40 20

www.oakhouseschool.com

The American School of

Barcelona

C/Jaume Balmes, 7

Esplugues de Llobregat

tel. 93 371 40 16

www.a-s-b.com

The British School of

Barcelona

C/Ginesta 26

Castelldefels

tel. 93 665 1584

www.nabss.org/bsob.htm

Benjamin Franklin School

(American)

C/ Martorell i Peña, 9.

Tel.: 93 434 2380

www.bfis.org

Col.legi Europa International

School

Av. Pla del Viñet, 110

Sant Cugat

tel. 93 589 8420.

www.col-legieuropa.com

Colegio Alemán de

Barcelona (German)

Av. Jacint Esteva Fontanet

105

Esplugues

tel. 93 371 83 00

www.dsbarcelona.com

ESCAAN

Passeig de les Acàcies s/n,

Passeig Issac Albèniz s/n

Sitges

tel. 93 894 20 40

Lycée Français de Barcelona

(French)

c/ Bosch i Gimpera, 6-10

tel. 93 103 79 50

www.lfb.es

Kensington School (British)

c/ Cavallers 31-33

tel. 93 203 54 57

www.kensingtonschoolbcn.

com.

Colegio Japonés de

Barcelona (Japanese)

Camí de Can Graells, s/n

Polígon Can Graells

San Cugat

tel. 93 589 33 07

www.colegiojaponesbcn.com

More information on clubs and groups, for children

and adults, in your area is at www.expatica.com/spain

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International Schools

COSTA BLANCA

British School Alicante

Glorieta del Reino Unido

nº 5

Alicante

tel. 965 106 351

www.bsalicante.com

Xabia International College

Ctra. Cabo la Nao 21

Apartado de Correos 311

Javea 03730

tel. 96 647 1785

www.xabia-international-

college.com

Newton College

Camino Viejo de Elche

Elche

tel. 96 661 02 38

www.nabss.org/newton.htm

Sierra Bernia School (British)

La Cañeta s/n, San Rafael

Altea/Benidorm

tel. 96 687 51 49

www.nabss.org/sierra.htm

The Lady Elizabeth School

Seniola 70

Javea

tel. 96 579 0252

www.theladyelizabeth-

school.com

ANDALUCIA

Aloha College (3-18)

Urbanización El Angel

Nueva Andalucia

Marbella

tel. 95 281 41 33

www.aloha-college.com

Calpe College International

School (3-18)

Ctra de Cádiz, Km 171

San Pedro Alcántara

tel. 95 278 14 79

www.calpecollegeschool.

com

Sotogrande International

School

Apartado 15, 11310

Sotogrande

San Roque

tel. 956 795 902

www.sis.ac

Sunny View School

Torremolinos (British)

C/Teruel, 32 Urb. Cerro del

Toril Apartado 175

29620 Torremolinos

tel. 952 38 31 64

www.nabss.org/sunny.htm

The English International

College

Urb. Ricmar, Crtr de Cadiz-

Malaga km 189,5

Marbella

tel. 95 283 1058 / 95 283 1059

www.eic.edu

The British College

C/Guadalmedina s/n,

Benalmádena Costa

tel. 952 44 22 15

www.thebritishcollege.com

St Anthony's College

(British)

Camino de Coín Km. 5.25

Mijas Costa

tel. 952 47 31 66

www.stanthonyscollege.com

MALLORCA

Baleares International School

Calle Cabo Mateu Cock, 17

07015 Palma de Mallorca

tel. 97 140 31 61

www.balearesint.net

Bellver International

Colleage

C./ José Costa i Ferrer 5

Marivent-Calamayor

tel. 971 40 16 79/40 42 63

www.bellver.baleares.net

The Academy

Son Ametler Vell, 16

Marraxti

tel.971 60 50 08

www.theacademyschool.com

Queens Colleage

Juan de Saridakis, 64

Palma De Mallorca

tel. 971-40 10 11

www.qcmallorca.com

Coming to Spain with a family in tow? For all you

need to know, visit www.expatica.com/spain

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Spain's high number of university stu-

dents - with women outnumbering men -

are scattered across 75 institutions

throughout the country, 56 of them state-

run and 19 run by private enterprises or

the Catholic Church.

Salamanca University, founded in 1218, is

the oldest university in Spain, while

Madrid's Complutense and Barcelona's

Central are the largest and most presti-

gious, with 103,000 and 59,000 students

respectively.

Malaga and Murcia also have high compe-

tition for places, though tough end of first

year exams soon whittle down high stu-

dent numbers.

There are four levels of higher education:

university schools (escuelas universitarias),

which offer three-year courses such as

vocational diplomas for teachers or nurs-

es; university college (colegios

universitarios), where you leave with a

degree (licenciatura) at the end of three

years; faculties (facultades), where you

study for five to six years for the equiva-

lent of an MA or MSc; and higher techni-

cal schools where you receive a degree in

engineering or architecture after a period

of 5-6 years.

The highest level of university study is a

PhD programme, after which you become

a Doctor en Filosofia y Letras.

Once you have chosen your course and

university, you cannot change half way

through.

Remember, at Barcelona University courses

may be in Catalan.

Getting in is no easy matter as there are

too much demand and too few places.

Spanish students must pass the Prueba

General de Bachillerato (PGB) with a good

mark and then wait to hear in July

whether they have an offer of a place to

start that October.

FOREIGN STUDENTS

EU nationals have an equal right to places

in Spanish universities and most universi-

ties allocate five percent of places to non-

EU students.

To apply, write to the student secretariat

(vice-rectorado de alumnus) at your chosen

university.

British A Levels are accepted as entrance

qualifications, but American students need

more than a high school diploma - prefer-

ably a BA, BBA or BSc degree or two years

previous study at college.

You will need to have your qualifications

officially approved - a process known as

convalidation or homologation (homolo-

gación).

For further information about entrance

requirements and how to validate your

qualifications, contact the Ministry of

Education:

Ministerio de Educación y Cultura,

Subdirección General de Cooperación

Internacional, Centro de Información

sobre Reconocimiento de Títulos y

Movilidad de Estudiantes,

C/Alcalá 34, 28014 Madrid.

tel. 917-018 000. Also see their website

at www.mec.es

FEES

About one in seven Spanish or foreign stu-

dents receives a grant or scholarship.

Otherwise, fees are relatively low for resi-

dents and EU nationals, from !300 to

!1,000 a year, depending on the faculty

and location.

Universities

Spain’s higher education system offers international standards that will make

studying in Spain not only a daily delight but a career boost as well.

!"#!$%&'()*+,-.$//0120323004//56788//9':!/;<


ED

UC

ATIO

N

UniversitiesAdd about !350-1000 a month for living

costs, depending on where you are.

Madrid and Barcelona are the most expen-

sive cities to live in Spain.

Some universities have student halls of

residence (colegios mayores), although you

have to fight for a place as there aren't

enough to go round.

Most Spanish students attend the univer-

sity in their home town to avoid the high

costs of renting.

Foreign children may not be eligible for

grants from their home countries if they

are resident in Spain. They may also have

to pay higher fees.

AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN UNIVERSITIES

At American universities such as Schiller

International, St. Louis University and

Suffolk, all in Madrid, classes are taught

in English.

The European university has branches in

Barcelona and the University of Surrey

(Britain) also has a branch in Madrid.

Many foreign university students (and

Spanish students abroad) can study in

Spain under European Union exchange

programmes for periods ranging from a

few weeks to several months.

Further information about higher education in

Spain contact:

University Council (Consejo de Coordinación

Universitaria)

Secretaría General

Ciudad Universitaria s/n,

28040 Madrid

tel. 91 453 9800

Or contact the cultural section of Spanish

embassies. For details of all universities, see

the Spain exchange website: www.spainex-

change.com

UNIVERSITIES IN SPAIN

UNIVERSIDAD DE MÁLAGA

tel: 95 213 1109

www.uma.es

UNIVERSIDAD DE SEVILLA

tel: 95 455 1049

www-en.us.es

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALMERÍA

tel: 95 001 5046

www.ual.es

UNIVERSIDAD DE MURCIA

tel: 96 836 3620

www.um.es

UNIVERSIDAD DE ALICANTE

tel: 96 590 3400

www.ua.es

UNIVERSITAT DE BARCELONA

tel: 93 402 1709

www.ub.es

!"#!$%&'()*+,-.$//0120323004//56781//9':!/;1


JO

BS

EU residents do not need a work permit

(permiso de trabajo) to work in Spain. Non-

EU nationals do, however, whether an

employee or self-employed in Spain. The

permit will initially be valid for one year

and then is renewable for a period of up

to five years.

EU NATIONALS

EU nationals can enter Spain as a tourist

and register with the Spanish national

employment office (Instituto Nacional de

Empleo - INEM) to look for a job. You

then have 90 days to find employment -

you can obtain an extension after that date

or leave Spain and re-enter for a further 90

days.

Once you get a job, you will need your

employment contract if you want to apply

for a residence card.

NON-EU NATIONALS

Before coming to Spain, non-EU nationals

must obtain a visa (visado) from the

Spanish consulate in their home country

to work, study or live in Spain.

Once in Spain, you must apply for a work

permit at the provincial office of the

Ministry of Labour (Delegación Provincial

del Ministerio de Trabajo) or at your local

Foreigners' Office (Oficina de Extranjero -

see list under 'Residence Cards' in this

guide). If you already have a prospective

employer, they will probably deal with all

of this process. Then the provincial labour

offices (Direcciones Provinciales de

Trabajo, Seguridad Social y Asuntos

Sociales) will decide whether to issue the

work permit.

Any job must be advertised to EU citizens

through the INEM before a non-EU citizen

can be offered the post and a work permit

will only be granted if it can be demon-

strated that no unemployed EU national is

available for the position.

Priority is then given to non-EU nationals

who are married or closely related to a

Spaniard, who previously held Spanish

nationality, or who come from Latin

America, Andorra, the Philippines,

Equatorial Guinea or Portugal. Jews of

Spanish origin, the family of a work per-

mit holder, and anyone who was born in

Spain, is living legally in Spain or has

been resident here for five years is also

given priority.

Non-EU students in Spain require a tem-

porary work permit, available from INEM

offices (www.inem.es). The type of work

Work Permits

Preparation is key to landing in a new country and picking up work, whether in

your profession or as a short-term option. Here’s the lowdown on work permits.

Before coming

to Spain, non-EU

nationals must

obtain a visa

(visado) from

the Spanish

consulate in

their home

country to work,

study or live

in Spain.

!"#$%&"'()*++,-.,/./,,0++1-21/++345!+67


permit you apply depends upon the job,

whether it is a permanent or temporary

position, and the region within which you

are planning to work.

TYPES OF WORK PERMIT

EMPLOYEES

Type A: for seasonal or temporary work,

valid for nine months and not renewable.

Type B: it enables the foreigner to work in

a specific profession, activity and geo-

graphic area, valid for one year and

renewable.

Type C: issued after the B permit has

already been renewed and has expired. A

C permit is unrestricted, allowing the for-

eign employee to work in any job any-

where in Spain. Valid for three years and

renewable or can become a Permanent

work permit.

SELF-EMPLOYED (AUTÓNOMO)

Type D: for self-employed people in a

specific field of work and location.

Valid for one year and renewable for two

years.

Type E: issued after the renewed D permit

has expired, this entitles the foreign work-

er to operate in any profession, including

self-employment, anywhere in Spain.

Valid for three years and renewable - or

worker may be issued with Permanent

work permit.

Self-employed non-EU nationals must

show they are investing about !120,000

in Spain to start a business or that their

professional activity will produce a prof-

it and benefit to Spain, for example by

employing Spanish (or European Union)

workers.

EITHER EMPLOYED OR SELF-EMPLOYED

Type F: for workers who cross over the

Spanish border every day from their

usual country of residence. Valid for five

years and renewable.

ESSENTIAL WORK PERMIT DOCUMENTS

EMPLOYEES

•Passport

•Medical certificate

•Certificate of criminal records issued by

the authorities of your home country,

except when it was presented upon appli-

cation for the visa

•Three passport-size photographs

•Fiscal registration number (NIE or CIF)

and the Social Security registration num-

ber of the employer

•Offer of employment containing labour

conditions

•Full description of the job and the com-

pany's activity

•Proof of the employer's solvency could

also be required

SELF-EMPLOYED

•Copy of your valid passport

•Certificate of criminal records issued by

the authorities of your home country,

except when it was presented upon appli-

cation for the visa

•Official medical certificate

•Three passport-size photographs

•Full description of the job and the com-

pany's activity

•Proof of professional qualifications or

licences if applicable, or registration to the

Spanish Social Security system, or your

NIE.

JO

BS

Work Permits

es-jobs.qxd 09/02/2005 18:32 Page 39


HEA

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Healthcare System

WHO CAN BENEFIT

EU nationals are covered for treatment by

a reciprocal agreement with the Spanish

public health care system. Bring an E111

form with you, or E121 if you intend to

live permanently in Spain.

If you are a British citizen over 65 and

have an E121 form, you are entitled to

public healthcare in Spain, but it's advis-

able to seek advice from The Pension

Service in the UK (tel. 0044 191 218

7547/7777) as they can advise on what you

are entitled to abroad. Also see the 'Living

Overseas' section of their website

www.thepensionservice.gov.uk.

For those who plan to stay in Spain, you

need to get an official Medical Card

(Tarjeta de SS), also from your local Social

Security Office. To apply, take your

E111/E121 (if you are an EU citizen) and

other relevant documents such as your

residence card or passport.

Once you start paying Social Security con-

tributions, you and your family are enti-

tled to free or subsidised medical and den-

tal treatment on the same terms as

Spaniards.

To visit a public health service doctor is

free as long as you take your social securi-

ty card.

Non-EU citizens in Spain should contact

their consulate before leaving their home

country to find out what forms and docu-

ments are required.

WHAT YOU GET

Medical care in Spain is administered

through the National Health Institute

(Instituto Nacional de Salud, INSALUD) and

benefits include general and specialist

medical care, hospitalisation, laboratory

services, discounted drugs and medicines,

basic dental care, maternity care, appli-

ances and transportation.

However, social security covers only

around 75 percent of the cost of treatment

and the other 25 percent must be paid by

the patient or a supplementary insurance

scheme. Completely free treatment is

available only in certain hospitals, where

waiting lists are very long. Members must

also pay a percentage of the cost of certain

treatment and items such as drugs and

medicines.

DOCTORS

You may choose a doctor, not necessarily

the one in your area, and you are entitled

to change practices. It is always best to go

with a recommendation from a friend or

neighbour.

If you are unable to visit the surgery, a

doctor will visit you at home at any time

of day or night.

If you need a doctor or medicine in a non-

urgent situation and are unable to contact

a doctor, ring the telephone information

service 1003 or your local police station,

either of whom will give you the tele-

phone number of a doctor on call or the

address of the pharmacy that is open.

You may also choose to go to a healthcare

centre (centro de salud), which usually has

about half a dozen doctors. They try to

ensure you see the same doctor, although

it doesn't always happen. You need to

make an appointment first.

All healthcare centres are listed in the

Yellow Pages (www.paginasamarillas.es).

Take your E111/E121 or your medical

card. You do not need to pay your doctor

for a consultation, or when referred to a

Spain’s healthcare system was once a byword for shoddiness. However, that

reputation no longer holds true for a system revamped and revitalised.

!"#$!%&'$()*+,,-./-0/0--1,,23453,,6%7!,8-


HEA

LTH

specialist. In Madrid, English-speaking

doctors are available at the Anglo-

American Medical Unit, c/Conde de

Aranda 1, tel. 91 435 1823, open Monday-

Friday 9am-8pm, and on Saturday from

10am-3pm.

DENTISTS

Unless you have private health insurance

which covers dental work, you must pay

for treatment at the dentist.

This is not overly expensive though, and

as with many businesses and services in

Spain, if you need time to pay, most den-

tists will allow the freedom to pay later

rather than making you pay on the day of

consultation.

The dental service in Spain is generally

very good and efficient, with most practi-

tioners having access to the latest in dental

technology.

You do not have to show any forms when

visiting the dentist - simply make an

appointment. It is, however, always advis-

able to take some form of identification

with you.

HOSPITALS

Hospitals are generally very good, with an

efficient and fairly rapid service. If it is an

emergency you do not, of course, have to

be referred by a doctor, but make sure you

take your E111/E121 form or medical card

and a form of ID.

You do not have to pay for any service

other than prescriptions (if you are not a

pensioner).

If you have to stay in hospital and do not

speak Spanish, you will find that even in

smaller cities there are usually a couple of

doctors and a nurse or two who can speak

English, to varying levels. It is always

wise, though, to take along a dictionary,

just in case.

PHARMACIES

Pharmacies are plentiful and marked with

a large green cross. You can buy many

medicines over the counter in Spain that

you may not have been able to at home,

but if you are a pensioner it would be

cheaper and more advisable to see your

doctor and to get a prescription from him.

Each item is priced differently but still a

lot cheaper than prescription items in

most counties. Pharmacies usually open

from 9.30am-2pm and from 5-9.30pm

Mondays to Fridays and from 9.30am-

5.30pm on Saturdays. Even in small vil-

lages there will be a 24-hour pharmacy or

contact number.

EMERGENCY TREATMENT

Throughout Spain the number to call for a

medical emergency is 061. In each

province however it would be wise to

familiarise yourself with the address of

your nearest hospital and its own emer-

gency number. In any city there is more

than one hospital for accidents and emer-

gencies.

Healthcare SystemUSEFUL CONTACTS

Ministry of Health (Ministerio de

Sanidad y Consumo), tel. 901 400 100.

English/Spanish/French website:

www.msc.es

Instituto Nacional de la Salud

C/ Alcalá, 56, 28014 Madrid.

tel. 91 338 0000

Instituto Nacional de la Seguridad Social

C/ Padre Damián, 4

28036 Madrid.

tel: 91 568 8300 or freecall 900 166 565

www.seg-social.es

Contact your local office of the National

Social Security Institute for a list of all

national health centres and hospitals.

!"#$!%&'$()*+,,-./-0/0--1,,23421,,5%6!,72

SPAIN EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE

HospitalsMADRID

Ambulances: 112, 915 884

500 or 915 222 222

Hospital La Paz

Paseo de de Castellena, no.

261

28046 Madrid

tel. 917 277 000

Hospital Clinica Puerta de

Hierro del Insalud

c/- San Martin de Porres, 4

28035 Madrid

tel. 913 164 040

Hospital de Madrid

Plaza Conde del Valle de

Suchil, 16

28015 Madrid

tel. 914 476 600

Hospital de Cantoblanco

Ctra. Colmenar Viejo, KM.

14,500

28049 Madrid

tel.: 915 867 555

BARCELONA

Ambulances: 061 or 93 300

2020

Hospital Vall de Hebron

Paseig de la Vall de Hebron,

no. 119

08035 Barcelona

tel. 932 746 000

Hospital Creu Roja

Carrer del Dos de Maig 301

tel. 93 507 2700

Hospital de la Santa Creu I

de Sant Pau

Carrer de Sant Antoni

Maria Claret 167

tel. 93 291 9000

Hospital del Mar

Paseig Marítim, 25-29

08003 Barcelona

tel. 932 483 051

Hospital Universitari

Germans Trias i Pujol

Ctra. del Canyet s/n

08916 Barcelona

tel. 934 978 900

Costa del Sol Hospital

Hospital Costa del Sol

Ctra. Nacional 340 Km 187

29600 Marbella

tel. 95 282 8250

www.hcs.es

Hospital Marítimo de

Torremolinos

C/Sanatorio 5

Torremolinos

tel. 951 032 000

www.hospitalmaritimo.com

ALICANTE

Hospital General de

Alicante

Pintor Baeza

tel. 96 593 8300

BENIDORM

Hospital de la Vila Joiosa

Pla d'Aljuv

Villajoyosa

tel. 96 685 9800

MALLORCA

Hospital Son Dureta

Emergencies

Andrea Doria 55


www.hsd.es

tel. 971 175 012

Hospital Manacor

Emergencies

Ctra Manacor-Alcudia s/n

tel. 971 847 060

For detailed information on the community services

in your area, check out www.expatica.com/spain

42 WWW.EXPATICA.COM

LOCAL HEALTH CENTRES

HEA

LTH

(see Yellow Pages under

Centros de Salud for a full

list of health centres)

Madrid: tel. 91 566 1008/1104

(www.comadrid.es/sanidad

/srs/index.htm)

Barcelona: tel. 93 329 4495

Marbella: tel. 95 282 6596

Malaga: tel. 95 260 4266

Fuengirola: tel. 95 246 8945

Torremolinos: tel. 952386484

Alicante: tel. 96 514 3587

Benidorm: tel. 96 680 3802

Calpe: tel. 96 583 50 11

Denia: tel. 96 578 08 56

Torrevieja: tel. 96 670 08 77

Menorca (Mahon): tel. 971 35 29 90

!"#$!%&'$()*+,,-./-0/0--1,,2-341,,5%6!,70

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Public TransportSpain has one of the most highly efficient public transport system in Europe.

Here is a basic guide to getting around on its trains, planes, buses and taxis.

PLANES

Spain's national airline is Iberia

(www.iberia.es, tel. 902 400 500), which

operates international and national flights.

Domestic flights may be cheaper with

budget airlines Spanair (www.spanair.es,

tel. 902 131 415) or Air Europa (www.air-

europa.com, tel. 902 40 15 01).

TRAINS

RENFE (www.renfe.es, tel. 902 240 202)

operates the Spanish national train net-

work. Smaller towns are served by region-

al networks such as FFCC in Catalunya.

The high speed train - AVE - service is

constantly being improved and extended

considerably so that by 2007 all provincial

capitals will be within a four-hour journey

of Madrid and all provinces within six

and a half hours from Barcelona. A full

refund is offered if an AVE train arrives

more than five minutes late at its destina-

tion. On any route you will find a variety

of trains whose travel time to your desti-

nation can vary enormously. Make sure

you realise this before you board, as you

may find yourself on a slow one which

stops at every station en route.

Fares are cheap - about !0.60 per 10km for

second class, !1 per 10km for first class -

though they vary wildly according to the

train's speed and comfort. Talgo trains are

long-distance trains, though slower than

the AVE, sometimes with sleepers (coches-

cama) for overnight journeys. The Talgo

TEE operates international routes.

Intercity (IC) trains are air-conditioned

and fast, while Electrotren (ELT) and Tren

Electrico Regional (TER) are slightly slow-

er than the Talgo.

Suburban commuter trains (cercanías) stop

at all stations. A regional express or

interurbano is a second class, air-condi-

tioned diesel train and an exprés is a slow

night train, usually with sleeping cars. A

rápido is a daytime version of the exprés,

but neither are particularly fast.

BUYING TRAIN TICKETS

Buying tickets is always confusing, given

the range of trains, routes and fares on

offer - and the ticket office clerk may not

offer you, or know about, the cheapest

options so make sure you ask.

Fares for long-distance and high-speed

trains are published in leaflets available

from stations and RENFE offices and all

fare information is available on the

RENFE website (www.renfe.es). Children

under four travel free and those aged

between 4 and 12 travel for half price.

You can buy tickets at station ticket win-

dows (taquillas de billetes), from machines

(máquinas de billetes), at RENFE offices and

RENFE appointed travel agents or online.

For the latter, however, you will need a

password which requires calling RENFE

(tel. 902-157 507).

RENFE also provides a telephone booking

service (tel. 902-240 202) open from 5am to

11.50pm and tickets can be delivered to

addresses in Barcelona, Madrid, Seville

and Valencia. Otherwise you have to col-

lect your tickets yourself directly from a

train station.

There are two classes on most long-dis-

tance trains: first class (primera clase,

shown as 1ª) and second class (segunda

clase, shown as 2ª). AVE trains usually

have three fare classes: turista (T-tourist),

preferente (P-business) and club (C-first)

and some trains such as IC and TEE inter-

national trains are first class only. Avoid

travelling on public holidays and long

weekends (puentes) as the trains will be

fully packed.

es-transport.qxd 09/02/2005 13:47 Page 44


TRANSPORT

For details of season tickets (abonos) and

special discount (descuento) tickets, includ-

ing for students, OAPS or commuters, ask

at the information or ticket office at any

railway station.

BUSES

The bus (autobús) service in Spain's cities

and towns and the long-distance coach

(autocar) service are excellent. Make sure

you establish which station they leave

from, as there are often several (especially

in Madrid). All buses are no-smoking.

Buy a ticket from the ticket office or

machine before you board or from the

driver as you enter the bus.

In cities, buses usually run from around

6am to 11pm and then a night service

takes over. In rural areas and resorts serv-

ices are usually more erratic, with a few

buses a day and a long break taken for

lunch.

However, they usually run on time.

Timetables are often published in local

free newspapers and magazines.

For long-distance bus travel Alsa-Enatcar

(www.alsa.es, tel. 902 422 242) is the

largest company. Other companies include

Auto Res (www.auto-res.net, tel. 902 020

603) and Continental-Auto (www.conti-

nental-auto.es, tel. 902 330 400).

Inter-city buses are usually faster than

trains and cost less. A bus from Madrid to

Barcelona costs about !56 and from

Madrid to Alicante !42.

TAXIS

Taxi fares in Madrid and Barcelona are

moderate in comparison to other

European cities and run off a meter. They

can be hailed in the street: look for a green

light and a 'libre' sign on the roof. It is not

usual to tip taxi drivers, though they won't

say no if you try.

Public TransportMADRID

AIRPORT: From Barajas International air-

port (tel. 902 404 704), 16km east of

Madrid, you can take a bus (!3 to Plaza

Colon) or metro (Line 8, !1.15) into the

centre of Madrid. The metro takes 15-30

minutes and the bus 30-45 minutes. The

bus runs from 5.30am-9.30pm. Taxis from

the airport to the centre of Madrid cost

about !20.

BUSES: Madrid has a highly efficient and

cheap bus network. A single trip costs

!1.10 or a book of 10 tickets costs !6, avail-

able from bus offices and tobacconists.

The main bus station for international and

long-distance travel is the Estación Sur de

Autobuses (tel. 91 468 4200), south of the

city centre. To travel to the north of Spain,

you need to take Continental Auto buses

(tel. 91 745 63 00) buses which depart from

a terminal near Nuevos Ministerios metro

and train station. Call EMT (Madrid's city

bus company) on tel. 91 580 4260.

METRO: The Madrid metro (info line: tel.

902 444 403) is one of the oldest in Europe

and the largest in Spain, with 12 lines and

160 stations, and it is highly efficient.

Trains runs from 6am-2am and tickets cost

!1.10 per journey and !6 for a 10-journey

ticket, which may include bus travel

(metrobús). You can check-in luggage at

Nuevos Ministerios station for the airport,

15 minutes away. For metro information,

see www.metromadrid.es (tel. 902 444

403).

TRAINS: The Spanish railway system is

centred on Madrid, from where three

main lines radiate out to other parts of the

country (two extend to the French border

and the other to Andalusia and the

Levante). Madrid has two main stations:

Chamartín (the largest) serving destina-

tions to the north of Madrid, and Puerta

de Atocha station (south of the Prado

museum) serving towns to the south.

TAXIS: tel. 91 405 55 00/91 447 51 80/91 445

90 08



TR

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MALAGA

AIRPORT: Malaga airport (flight informa-

tion: tel. 952 048 484) is situated 10km

south west of the city centre, just off the

main N340 coast road to Estepona. The

no.19 bus runs every 30 minutes from in

front of Terminal B to the centre of

Malaga, from 6.30am-11.30pm (!1). Trains

from the airport into Malaga's Centro-

Alameda leave every 30 minutes (!1).

TRAINS: Malaga's RENFE station is on

Explanada de la Estación. The regional

network takes in Seville, Cordoba and

Granada, and local trains to Torremolinos

and Fuengirola leave every 30 minutes.

BUSES: Malaga's bus station (tel. 952 350

061) is behind the RENFE station. All

Malaga's bus companies operate from this

terminal. In summer arrive an hour or

early as tickets can sell out, especially to

Granada. Buses to Fuengirola run every 40

minutes; to Marbella every 30 minutes.

Public TransportBARCELONA

AIRPORT: Most scheduled flights arrive at

Barcelona's El Prat de Llobregat Airport

(tel. 93 298 3838), 12km to the south of the

city. Easyjet also flies there, while charter

flights and budget airline Ryanair fly to

Catalunya's other airports Girona or Reus.

The quickest way to get to the city centre

is by train from the station opposite

Terminal A. Trains to central Barcelona

leave every 30 mins (!2.15). The Airbus

service leaves every 15 mins and takes

from 30-60 mins depending on the traffic.

It costs !3.45, stops at Plaza Espana and

terminates in Placa Catalunya. A taxi to

central Barcelona costs about !20.

BUSES: The main bus station is Estacio del

Nord, Carrer d'Ali Bei 80 (tel. 93 265 6508)

and Eurolines/Linebus (tel. 93 265 0700)

operates the majority of services.

Most long-distance and international serv-

ices use the Estacio d'Autobuses de Sants

beside Sants train station. Contact

Eurolines/Julia Via (tel. 93 490 4000); Alsa-

Enatcar (www.alsa.es, tel. 902 42 2242)

also operate routes across Spain.

TRAINS: The main station is Sants (Placa

dels Paisos Catalans), which has a link to

the airport and serves major Spanish cities

and France. The Estació França (Avinguda

del Marques de l'Argentera) has daily

international trains to Geneva, Milan,

Paris and Zurich. Local Rodalies trains go

all over Catalunya and stop at every sta-

tion. Deltas stop slightly less and

Catalunya Expres are the fastest. For train

RENFE information tel. 934 900 202. For

regional routes in Catalunya, FGC

(www.fgc.catalunya.net, tel. 93 205 1515).

METRO: A single journey costs !1 but a T-

10 (tarjeta multiviaje) for !6, is valid for 10

journeys. For a month's unlimited travel,

buy a T-mes (!39). A T-familiar is valid for

up to 70 journeys and transferable and the

T-joven, for under 21s, is valid for 90 days'

unlimited travel. See: (www.tmb.net).

TAXIS: tel. 933 300 804

ALICANTE

AIRPORT: El Altet airport (tel. 966 919 000)

is 11km from Alicante by the A7 motor-

way. The airport bus leaves for central

Alicante every hour and takes about 40

minutes. A single journey costs !1.50.

There are also a dozen buses a day from

the airport to both Benidorm (about !3

single journey, 1hr) and to Denia (!7, 1hr

30mins).

TRAINS: Alicante's main train station is

Estacion de Madrid on Avenida

Salamanca with trains to Madrid, Murcia

and Valencia (tel. 902 240 202 for info.).

Trains on the FGV line to Benidorm and

Denia leave from the far end of Playa

Postiguet. For info, tel. 965 262 233.

Renfe Alicante information is at

www.renfe.es or tel. 902 240 202.

BUSES: The bus station for local and inter-

national services is on Calle Portugal (tel.

965 130 700). For Ubesa routes within the

province of Alicante, you can contact tel.

96 513 0143.



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DrivingSpanish cities are better negotiated by foot or by public transport, but you will

need a car sometimes… and some tips on how to deal with Spanish drivers.

A driving licence from any EU country is

valid in Spain. You do not need a Spanish

licence, but you will need to take your

existing licence to the local provincial traf-

fic department to be stamped and regis-

tered (see addresses below right).

If you are a non-resident, you can only

drive in Spain for six months a year.

Anyone from a non-EU country can drive

for six months in one calendar year on

their existing licence but must then obtain

a Spanish licence.

To drive a foreign-registered car in Spain

you must carry at all times your passport,

current driving licence, valid insurance,

vehicle registration document, a national

identity plate (GB etc), two red warning

triangles, first aid kit, fire extinguisher

and a set of spare bulbs.

It’s a lot to remember, but failure can

result in a hefty fine.

Many non-residents bring their car to

Spain and retain their national number

plates, though this is strictly speaking ille-

gal as it is assumed that you are returning

to country of origin and paying tax and

MOT (vehicle registration) there.

But anyone, from the European Union or

otherwise, who is intending to take up

Spanish residency can bring their car with

them without having to pay IVA or car

registration tax - providing you can prove

you owned the car for at least six months

before bringing it to Spain, that you are a

non-resident in the country you have

come from and you have paid VAT in the

country where the car was purchased.

LOCAL TRAFFIC DEPARTMENTS

• Jefatura Provincial de Trafico de

Madrid, Arturo Soria, 143, tel. 91 301 8500.

Open 8.30am-1.30pm.

• Prefectura Provincial de Transit, Gran

Via de les Corts Catalanes, 184, Barcelona,

tel. 93 298 6500.


Malaga, c/Mauricio Moro Pareto 13, tel. 95

235 7200. Open Mon-Fri 9am-2pm.


Alicante, Ferré Vidiella 4, esquina San

Juan Bosco, 12, tel. 96 512 5466.

To keep up to date with the latest news and current

affairs - in English - visit www.expatica.com/spain




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Certificates of non-residence don't exist in

the UK, but you can obtain them from the

Commisaries in all main towns or at the

consulate office in Spain.

Residents have six months after obtaining

their 'Residencia' to sort out legally 'import-

ing' their vehicle. It's a tricky form-filling

process which takes a few months and

costs about 12 percent of the value of your

car.

SPANISH ROADS

The quality varies from excellent on the

main arteries to dire out in the sticks - and

the standard of driving is equally erratic.

Road deaths are a constant fixture on the

Spanish television news, with 14.3 deaths

per 100,000 population - more than double

that of the UK.

You only have to experience a Spanish

motorway (autopista) to see the problem.

Machismo still rules among male drivers

in Spain and a favourite game is to intimi-

date anyone in the fast lane by driving

right up to your bumper to force you to

pull across into a slower lane.

Motorways have an 'A' or 'E' prefix to the

road number and are often toll roads. For

short distances you pay at a booth (peaje)

as you exit the road (some toll roads allow

you to collect a ticket at the start for

longer journeys, so you pay the total when

you exit).

Useable lanes will have a green arrow,

closed lanes will be indicated with a red

cross. Choose the lane with an attendant if

you are not paying with a credit card or

exact change.

Motorways and dual carriageways

(autovías) - fast roads but not necessarily

with a central reservation - have a 100-

120kph speed limit as marked. Main roads

(carreteras nacionales) have an N or CN

before the road number and country roads

(carreteras comarcales) begin with a C and

have lower speed limits applied (though

many drivers feel this is discretionary).

The speed limit on country roads is 90kph,

on urban roads 50kph and in residential

areas 20-50kph as marked.

For road information, tel. 900 123 505 or visit

www.dgt.es.

Driving RULES OF THE ROAD

DO...

• expect the unexpected. The received

wisdom is to expect the unexpected.

• Watch out for traffic lights, which are

invariably positioned very high up in the

blinding sun.

• take care at pedestrian crossings, espe-

cially if you are the pedestrian as cars will

rarely stop at them. On dual carriageways

vehicles may overtake on whichever side

they feel like and some cars drive without

lights when it is dark.

• carry all documentation (passport, driv-

ing licence, vehicle registration form) at all

times. You can be also be fined for not car-

rying two red warning triangles, spare

bulbs, fire extinguisher and first aid kit.

• give way to traffic from the left, espe-

cially at roundabouts.

DON'T...

• be surprised when a car indicating left

turns right or doesn't indicate then turns,

or stops without warning in the middle of

the road, then takes off again apparently

oblivious to anyone behind.

• 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, sign-

posted cambio de sentido.

• drink and drive - the limits are very low,

the penalties very high and breathaliser

tests are common.

• speed - fines are calculated at !6 per km

over the speed limit.

• drive while talking on a mobile. Fines

are heavy.




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TO APPLY FOR A SPANISH LICENCE YOU

WILL NEED THE FOLLOWING

• a completed application form TASA 2.3

(available from your local traffic depart-

ment)

• Spanish residence card and photocopy

• Current foreign drivign licence and pho-

tocopy (non EU residents will need an

official translation and certificate of equiv-

alence, available from the Real Automóvil

Club de España, tel. 902 120 441,

www.race.es)

• registration number of a Spanish-regis-

tered vehicle or a sworn statement that

you do not own a Spanish-registered vehi-

cle

• one passport photograph (non EU citi-

zens need three, one signed by a doctor

performing the medical examination. All

non EU driving licence holders must

obtain a medical certificate of fitness to

drive)

• !16.20, payable at the traffic department

For further information, see the Department of

Transport at www.dgt.es (in Spanish only).

Want to see Spain but don’t know where to start?

Get the inside track at www.expatica.com/spain

Driving

When you do get out on the Spanish roads

there is no end to the places worth

visiting, like Alcazar Castle near Segovia

FUEL (GASOLINA)

At any garage you will see a choice of four

pumps: Normal 92 octane, Super 98 octane,

Sin plomo (unleaded) 95/98 octane and

Diesel (gasoil/gasoleo). Attendants will usual-

ly come out and serve you.

PARKING

If the strain of driving was too much, wait

until you try to park. In small towns, leave

your car on the outskirts and walk in as

otherwise you will invariably find yourself

trapped in a maze of narrow one-way alleys

with no hope of immediate escape. (And

although getting lost in small Spanish

towns is a most charming pastime to pur-

sue in its own way, it does get a bit frustrat-

ing when you are rushing for an appoint-

ment.)

In cities, underground car parks are by far

the best option for when you want to park

- they easy to enter and exit and provide

extra security.

Otherwise look for parking spaces marked

in blue and buy a ticket from a machine or

attendant. Watch out for a two-hour maxi-

mum parking time. Tow trucks love foreign

cars - and it will cost you about !70 to get it

back again.

Avoid parking where the kerb is painted

yellow, red or white - or where there is a no

parking sign, obviously.

Other signs to look out for are

'Estacionamiento prohibido' or a red circle on

a blue background with a red line through

it. In some residential areas parking is per-

mitted on one side of the street for the first

half of the month (see blue and red sign

market '1-15') while changing to the other-

side for the remainder of the month (sign

says '16-31').



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Utilities

Once you have found yourself a home, next you need to get everything up and

running. Here's how to get yourself sorted out on the domestic front.

If you're lucky, the estate agent you

bought your property through may trans-

fer all utilities to your name or accompany

you to the relevant office for no extra

charge. Confirm that all previous bills

have been paid before you set up your

accounts and make sure the account is put

into your name from the day you move in

to avoid any debts from the previous

owner.

Non-residents should also give a foreign

address in case of any problems such as

the bank not paying the bills. You may

also need to pay a deposit.

ELECTRICITY

As soon as you buy or rent a property you

should sign a contract with the local elec-

tricity company. Electricity is cheap in

Spain and Grupo Endesa (www.endesaon-

line.com, tel. 900 737 373) is the biggest

supplier. Regionally they are known as

Fecsa in Catalonia (tel. 934 04 1111),

Sevillana Endesa in Andalucia and Gesa

(tel. 971 46 77 11) in the Balearics.

The second biggest, Iberdrola (www.iber-

drola.es, tel. 901 202 020) serves Madrid,

Catalonia, the Costa Blanca and Northern

Spain. In big cities there are others to

choose from including Enher

(www.enher.es, tel. 902 507 750) in

Barcelona and Union Electrica Fenosa

(www.uef.es, tel. 915 676 000) in Madrid.

The electricity supply in most of Spain is

220 volts AC with a frequency of 50 hertz

(cycles), although some areas still have a

110 volt supply.

If you live in an area where power cuts are

frequent and you depend on electricity to

operate a computer and other equipment

for your livelihood, you may want to

install a backup generator. Most compa-

nies offer the choice of registering online

or by telephone rather than having to go

to their office. You will need some form of

ID (passport or residence card), the refer-

ence number for your electricity supply

(see the left hand corner of an electricity

bill under Contrato de Suministro Nº) and

the contract and bills paid by the previous

owner.

You will be billed every two months, usu-

ally after a meter reading but sometimes

on the basis of an estimate, so learn to

read your meter toc check you are not

overpaying.

The best way to pay is by direct debit

(transferencia) from a Spanish bank

account. You can also pay at a post office,

local banks listed on the bill or at the elec-

tricity company's offices (in cash).

WASTE DISPOSAL

Spain is slowly getting into the idea of

recycling (reciclaje) and you will see bins

dotted around most towns to collect glass,

paper, cardboard, aluminium, cans, plas-

tic, batteries and other materials. Many

municipalities also recycle garden waste,

which is then sold as compost. You may

receive leaflets through your door about

where to take your household rubbish for

recycling. Bins are usually emptied every

night, except on Sundays. If your property

has personal bins, ask neighbours when to

put out your rubbish for collection as you

may be fined if you leave it out too early.

In rural areas residents may have to take

their rubbish to a collection point out of

town, although most urbanizaciones have

communal bins or skips.

Depending on whether you live in an

urban or rural area, you will be charged

for rubbish collection, from !30-150 a year.

Check with your town hall and set up a

direct debit arrangment with your bank to

avoid fines for overdue payment.

es-settle.qxd 09/02/2005 11:08 Page 50


SETTLIN

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Utilities

GAS

At present, you will only have access to

mains gas in major cities in Spain. When

you move into a property with mains gas,

contact the local gas company to switch

the gas on, read the meter and provide a

supply contract. You will receive a bill

every two months, including VAT (IVA) at

16 per cent. The most efficient method of

payment is by direct debit from a Spanish

bank account.

There are various gas companies in Spain.

Gas Natural (www.gasnatural.com, cus-

tomer services for all areas: tel. 900 760

760) is the main supplier to all the regions.

Its suppliers include CEGAS in Alicante

(tel. 900 760 760), Gas Andalucia (tel. 954

48 01 00), Gas Natural Catalunya (tel. 93

402 5100), Gas Natural Murcia (tel. 968 25

07 69) and Gas Natural Madrid (tel. 91 589

6116). Endesa (www.endesaonline.com)

also supplies gas and has regional distrib-

utors including Gas Alicante (tel. 902 200

393).

In Madrid, there is Gas Directo (tel. 91 567

6682). Mallorca is served by GESA Gas

(www.gesa.es, tel. 900 303 032).

In rural areas, bottles of gas (bombonas) are

delivered to homes. They are incredibly

heavy and can run out just when you need

them, but they work out about half the

price of mains gas in most northern

European countries. To be supplied with

gas bottles, you need to set up a contract

by Repsol Butano (tel. 901 100 100; sup-

plies tel. 965 710 937) with a !25 deposit.

Each 12.5kg bottles costs about !8.50 and

can last for a couple of months if used just

for cooking. After an initial inspection on

installation, Repsol Butano will service

and inspect your gas appliances every five

years.

WATER

A hot topic given the dire lack of the stuff

in certain regions, Spain has enough water

to supply the country. The problem is, it's

unevenly distributed. Areas likely to see

water shortages are the Mediterranean

coast and the Balearics, where usage is

heavily restricted.

If you need to transfer a water contract

into your name, go to the town hall with

ID and previous bills from the former

owner. Non-residents will need to give

their foreign address too.

If you need to install your own water

heater, it must be at least 75-litre capacity.

Water is controlled by local municipalities,

and you will usually be charged anything

from !50 to !300 to install water in a new

home, or up to !1,500 in an isolated area.

In most areas there is a standing quarterly

charge for a minimum consumption (canon

de consumo), even if you don't use any

water during the billing period.

When you receive your water bill each

quarter, check it carefully as overcharging

is common. To reduce costs, install a

'water saver' for about !40, available from

hypermarkets, DIY stores and El Corte

Ingles. It mixes air with the water that you

use to reduce the total amount of water

used in your home.

Tap water in cities is often a dubious rust

colour and has a chemical taste, which

would account for the millions of litres of

bottled water consumed every year in

Spain.

WATER COMPANIES:

•Barcelona: Aigües de Barcelona

(www.aiguesdebarcelona.es) tel. 900 710

710

•Madrid: Canal De Isabel II (www.cyii.es)

tel. 91 545 1000

•Costa del Sol: Acosol (www.acosol.es) in

Marbella area: tel. 95 283 93 29; Emasa

(www.emasa.es), Malaga: tel. 952 135 013

or customer service tel. 900 777 420

•Costa Blanca: Aguas de Alicante

(www.aguasdealicante.es) tel. 965 925 141



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INSTALLING A TELEPHONE

This is the source of greatest woe for most

expats in Spain, because the country has

the lowest landline phone ownership in

the EU - with two phones per five people -

and because of the high costs involved

with installation and making calls, having

a home phone is still considered a luxury

and most people rely on mobile phones.

Although Telefonica no longer has the

monopoly on the telephone service and

there are six other companies who provide

call services including Tele 2 (tel. 901 107

366), Uni 2 (tel. 902 011 412), Auna (tel.

015 or 902 500 060) and Jazztel (tel. 1565),

Telefonica owns the cabling and is the

only company that offers local calls - so

you will invariably find yourself dealing

with it at some point.

Calling Telefonica with a query is always a

challenge as staff seem to have been

trained to slam the phone down when

they can't be bothered to find out the

answer. Ask for the English department

(servicio ingles) if you do not speak

Spanish, or see their English website

www.telefonicainenglish.com.

If the property you have moved into

already has a phone line (it must have

belonged to an expat if so), transfer it

immediately into your own name and ask

Telefonica to read the account on the day

that you want your account to start and

the previous tenant's to end so you do not

find yourself paying for calls made before

you moved in.

If you need to install a line, call Telefonica

(tel. 1004 freephone) and they will turn up

within a few days and charge !110, which

is usually distributed over the next three

bills. Line rental costs !30 for two months.

Always study your bill carefully as it is

not unknown for Telefonica data inputters

to leave their finger on the '0' key - espe-

cially on expats' bills it seems - and issue

you with a phone bill that resembles a

mortgage statement. You may also find

they have charged you for all sorts of tele-

phone services you didn't request or,

indeed, may never even have had.

Though the emergence of competition in

the market has seen a fall in the cost of

calls, they are still expensive by EU stan-

dards. Local calls cost 7 centimos to con-

nect and 2.5 centimos per minute peak

rate, 1 centimo off-peak.

TELEVISION

Most Spanish television sets receive five

terrestrial channels: the state-run TV1 and

TV2, independent stations Antenna 3 and

TeleCinco and film and sport subscription

channel Canal Plus, for which you can

buy a decoder at supermarkets. Regional

channels include Barcelona TV, Tele

Madrid, TVC3 Catalunya and Canal Sur in

Andalucia.

If you don't speak Spanish or you are not

a born fan of chat shows where over-excit-

ed guests shout at each other, you will

soon tire of terrestrial TV - and decent for-

eign product will be dubbed anyway. One

solution is to go out. The other is to sub-

scribe to satellite TV, which is popular in

Spain, or cable or digital TV.

The main digital providers are Canal

Satélite Digital (tel. 902-110 010,

www.csatelite.es), a sister company of

Canal Plus, and ViaDigital (www.viadigi-

tal.es), owned by Telefónica. Canal Satélite

Digital offers a complete package with

over 40 channels for !40.60 a month.

ViaDigital offers a complete package

(Paquete completo) with over 40 channels

for !37 a month.

Auna (www.auna.es, tel. 900 50 00 60) is

promoting a television, internet and

Around The Home

It can be tedious at times, but getting set up at home is something that can’t

be put off too long. Here’s a guide to take out some of the hassle ahead.



SETTLIN

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Around The Home

phone package for !45 a month until 2006.

It offers regional packages for Catalunya,

Madrid, the Valencia and Alicante and

Andalucia which include channels such as

BBC World, CNN, Fox, Paramount

Comedy and MTV.

Nearly 3 million homes in Spain have

satellite TV - and no doubt a large propor-

tion of them belong to expats. Through

Astra you can watch Sky One, Sky Sports,

Film Four, UK Gold, Channel 5, Eurosport

and many more in Dutch, German,

Swedish and other languages.

British expats can feel at home by

installing Sky satellite TV for about !60 a

month and soak up a taste of home with

BBC1, BBC2, BBC3, BBC4, CNN, Sky

News and BBC24. You need to subscribe

to Sky and pay through a UK bank

account or you can buy an instant viewing

card for !200 to last 2-6 years. Contact a

satellite installation company for advice

(see list below right). You can also import

your own satellite dish and receiver and

install it yourself. Before buying a system,

ensure that it can receive programmes

from all existing and planned satellites.

VIDEO, TV AND DVD

Due to differences in transmission stan-

dard TVs and video recorders which oper-

ate on the British system (PAL-I), French

(SECAM) or American (NTSC) won't work

in Spain which uses the PAL-BG system.

But you can buy a multi-standard

European TV and video recorder which

can adapt to different systems. Some can

operate using the American system too,

but check before purchasing.

Videos and DVDs films are pricey to buy

so you are better off joining a local video

shop for about !3 a day.

There are some English-language rental

shops in the major cities and resorts and

Blockbuster (www.blockbuster.es) exist all

over Spain.

INTERNET

Growing numbers of expats in Spain has

meant an increasing demand for easy

internet access from home. Telefonica is

the largest internet service provider - and

even if you don't choose to use it, other

companies still have to ask their permis-

sion to use the phone line to install ADSL

Broadband, so the process is invariably a

long and painful one.

You do have a choice of ISPs, though,

which offer free connection if you register

over the phone or online, giving your NIE

or passport number and bank details. ISPs

include Wanadoo (www.wanadoo.es, tel.

902 012 960), Arrakis (www.arrakis.es, tel.

902 020100), Metro Red Online

(www.metrored-online.com, tel. 952

880032), Mercury (www.mercuryin.es, tel.

952 837575) or Ola internet (www.olainter-

net.com, tel. 902 250 100).

For 24-hour usage, ask for the 'tarifa plana'

package. It usually costs about !20 a

month. ADSL costs about !40 a month and

is 10 times faster than dial-up.

Or you can use internet cafes, which usu-

ally charge about !1.50 per hour, or less if

you pay for multiple hours in advance.

For a list of internet cafes in Andalucia,

see www.andalucia.com/internet/cyber-

cafes/home.htm.

In Barcelona and Madrid easyInternetcafe

(www.easyeverything.com) offers the best

value, including an unlimited usage week-

ly pass for !10.

SATELLITE TV INSTALLATION COMPANIES:

•SmartSat (www.smartsat.tv), Barcelona

tel. 93 810 2458 •Brit Sat (www.britsat.tv),

covers Barcelona/Costa Brava region tel.

977 493 820 •Sky's the Limit (www.skys-

thelimit.tv), Costa del Sol tel. 952 371 699

•Satellite Superstore (www.satellitesuper-

store.com/spain), all Spain, tel. 00 44 870

027 1888



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There are some 6,000 post offices (oficinas

de correos) scattered across Spain which

offer the potential for a wide range of

modern services such as sending telegrams

and faxes, accessing the internet, and deal-

ing with various international giro money

orders.

That said, the postal service itself is still

one of the slowest in Europe and although

you may be able to send a letter from

Spain to the UK in two days, you may find

a letter from one address in Barcelona to

another takes more than a week. Sending

letters 'express' (expres/urgente) is unlikely

to speed up the process, though you could

use a courier (mensajeria) if you are desper-

ate.

If you want to guarantee the letter arrives,

pay about double the ordinary price to

send it by registered post (certificado) or get

proof of delivery (aviso recibo).

To send a basic letter or card up to 20g

costs !0.27 within Spain or !0.52 for EU

and !0.77 for the rest of the world.

If you can't face the queues, you can also

buy stamps in tobacconists shops

(estancos). Postboxes (buzones) are yellow

with red stripes around the bottom and

two slots, for local and national/interna-

tional post.

In Madrid, Barcelona and at airports there

are branches open 24 hours. The main post

offices in cities usually open from around

8-9am until 9-10pm on weekdays and until

2pm on Saturdays. In smaller towns, they

are much more likely to close for lunch

and not re-open again afterwards.

For more information on the services

offered and addresses of local branches,

see www.correos.es or call Customer

Service 902 197 197. You can also check on

this website for postcodes.

Post Offices

There are over 6,000 post offices spread across Spain, offering all the modern

services you could require — except the speedy delivery of your mail.

MAIN POST OFFICE BRANCHES:

•Palacio de Comunicaciones

Plaza Cibeles s/n

Madrid

Mon-Fri 8am-10pm/Sat 8.30am-8pm

•Placa Antoni Lopez s/n

Barcelona

Mon-Fri 8am-9pm/Sat 9am-2pm

•Avenida de Andalucia 1

Malaga


•Plaza Gabriel Miro

Alicante


•Patricio Ferrandiz, 38

Denia

Mon-Fri 8.30am-2.30pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm.

•Constituti 6

Palma de Mallorca

•Ramon Areces s/n

Marbella

•Avenida Europa 8

Benidorm

•Plaza de la Constitucion

Fuengirola

•Desiderio Rodriguez 37

Torrevieja



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There is no shortage of public telephones

in streets and bars which take coins or, in

the case of more modern booths, only

phone cards (tarjetas telefonicas), which you

can buy from tobacconist shops and post

offices. They come in denominations of !6,

!10 or !20 and you insert the card into the

phone to make a call. Call centres are also

common. You make your call in a private

cubicle and pay at the desk afterwards.

INTERNATIONAL CALLS

International calls are very expensive from

Spain. Instead, buy a pre-paid phone card

such as Europa or Eurocity for !6 from

various outlets. You tap in the code on the

card and you can call for at least 200 min-

utes at any time of the day.

See Direct Telecom's website (www.direct-

telecom.es) for details of how to make

cheap international, as well as local and

national, calls in Spain. Or Cellhome

(www.peoplecall.com) offer a way of mak-

ing international calls at national rates by

dialling 902 055 123 then entering the

number you want to call following by #.

See their website for details.

MOBILE PHONES

Mobiles are big business in Spain. The

Spanish may not like landlines but they

love their mobiles and own more than any

other EU country. They use them a lot too,

given calls are cheaper from mobile to

mobile than from mobile to landline.

There are three digital networks -

Movistar (owned by Telefonica), Airtel

(which includes Vodaphone) and Amena.

You cannot get a contract with a mobile

phone company if you do not have a resi-

dence card, so you need to use prepaid

phone cards either in your existing mobile

brought from abroad (if it will take a

Spanish SIM card) or you can buy phones

without contracts from about !65, includ-

ing free calls, from telephone shops and at

FNAC stores in Madrid (C/ Preciados, 28),

Barcelona (Centro comercial El Triangle

Plaza Catalunya, 4), Alicante (Avenida de

la Estación, 5-7) and Marbella (Parque

Comercial La Cañada, Autovía 340, Salida

Ojén).

Pre-paid cards are available from super-

markets, petrol stations etc. Or you can

top up your phone directly from ATM

machines.

TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Mobile phone numbers in Spain begin

with a 6 and landline numbers with a 9.

Numbers beginning with 90 are for special

services. 900 is freephone numbers and is

used (along with low-cost 901 numbers

and standard-cost 902 numbers) by busi-

nesses as a national number. 903 to 906 are

premium rate lines such as call-in compe-

titions on TV. 909 is used for flat rate inter-

net access.

To call directory enquiries, for any nation-

al numbers, call 18818.

TelephonesMobile is definitely the way to go in Spain — in some cases it is the only way

to go — but there are ways to avoid the high costs of keeping in touch.



SETTLIN

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Expat Shops

BRITISH

Sabri Food Store

San Emilio, 4, Madrid, tel. 91 726 9833

10am-2.30pm, 5-9pm Mon-Sat; 11am-

2.30pm Sundays.

Indian and Pakistani spices, herbs, vegeta-

bles and British favourites including PG

Tips teabags, all imported from London.

Living in London

Santa Engracia 4, Madrid

tel. 91 310 3932

Teas, shortbread biscuits and homemade

jams.

Helen's

Paseo de la Castellana 204, Madrid

tel. 91 359 6377

8am-midnight

Deli selling imported English products

including apple and pumpkin pies.

The British Market

Carrer de Verdi 14, Barcelona

tel. 93 415 9468

An all-British store selling all the favourite

brands, including Walkers Crisps, Jammy

Dodgers and British beers.

A Taste of Home

Calle San José 38, Sitges, tel. 93 894 9879

www.sitges-spain.com

Another well-stocked grocery full of

favourite British brands.

Brit Buys

Alfaz Del Pi, Alicante, tel. 96 686 0370

www.britsbuys.com

English supermarket with website order-

ing facility.

AMERICAN

Taste of America

Serrano 149, Madrid, tel. 91 562 0278

0am-9pm Mon-Sat

Pretzels, fudge brownies, Paul Newman

sauces and everything you need for a

Thanksgiving feast.

ASIAN AND FAR EAST

San Bernardo 5 and 7, Madrid

tel. 91 559 7741

10.30am-2pm, 4.30-8pm Mon-Sat

Exotic Far East products from Thailand,

Vietnam, Philippines, China, India and

Japan. Also some Mexican favourites.

Extremo Oriente

Plaza de España s/n, Madrid

tel. 91 547 9191)

10am-2.15pm, 4.30-8.30pm, Mon-Sat

Miso, ginseng, seaweed, oriental teas and

more from the Philippines, China, Japan,

Korea and Thailand.

Foodland

Virgen de Lluc 4 and Amparo 88, Madrid

tel. 91 404 1902 and tel. 91 467 2880 for

respective branches)

Arabic, Middle East and Oriental prod-

ucts, including Lebanese tahini, Japanese

soya sauce, hot Vindaloo curries, Indian

basmati rice and Assam tea.

Superstore Asia Food

Calle Tallers 77, Barcelona

tel. 93 317 8976

Specialities, sauces, plus noodles galore.

Sakura-Ya

Centro Comercial L'illa Diagonal,

Barcelona, tel. 93 301 1961

All the ingredients to make your own

sushi, plus prepared foods and desserts.

Tokio Ya

Presidente Carmona 9, Madrid

tel. 91 579 2311

10am-2pm, 4-8pm Mon-Sat

Upmarket store selling everything from

saki and sushi to traditional ceramics, as

well as stocking a wide range of Japanese

newspapers.

When you tire of tapas and yearn for a familiar taste from home, here is

where to look to start stocking-up on all your essential favourite foods.




SETTLIN

G IN

HUNGARIAN, GERMAN AND AUSTRIAN

La Húngara, Padilla 33, Madrid

tel. 91 402 6574

9.30am-2 pm, 5-8.30pm, Mon-Sat

Specialities include brioches, chocolates

and raspberry and apple tarts for that real

taste of home

Edelweiss, Galileo 93, Hilarion Eslava 38

and Paseo Yeserias 15, Madrid.

tel. 91 534 72 04/ 91 544 08 75/ 91 517 82 94

9.30am-2.15pm, 5-8.45pm.

Austrian, German and Hungarian pastries

including apfelstrüdel, pear and sacher

tarts.

Fass, Rodríguez Marín 84, Madrid

tel. 91 563 60 83)

9am-8pm Mon-Fri, Sat until 3pm.

International supermarket with largest

choice of German products to be found in

Madrid.

EUROPEAN

La Boulette, Ayala 28, Madrid

tel. 91 431 7725

8am-3pm, 5.30-8pm Mon-Fri and Sat

morning.

A European cheese haven including Swiss

Emmenthal, Danish Blue and English

Stilton, plus French pastries.

Tot Formatge

Passeig del Born 13, Barcelona

tel. 93 319 5375

Cheeses from all over Europe.

SWEDISH

Ikea

Avenida de Europa 22, CC Parque Oeste

Alcorcón, Madrid, tel. 91 664 5200.

Avinguda de la Granvia 115-133,

Barcelona , tel. 902 400 922

11am-10pm Mon-Sat

Swedish beers galore, apple and pear

cider on the go, herrings, meatballs and

even some glogg wine in winter - it’s the

closest to Scandinavia you can get.

Expat Shops

MADRID

Petra's

International

Bookshop

C/Campomanes 13

tel. 91 541 7291

Turner English

Books

Genova 3

tel. 91 310 1245

JJ Books & Coffee

C/Espiritu Santo 47

tel. 91 521 8576

Booksellers

José Abascal 48

tel. 91 442 8104

BARCELONA

Elephant Book

Shop

C/ Creu dels

Molers 12

tel. 93 443 0594

Hibernian Books

C/ Pere Serafi 33-35

tel. 93 217 4796

BCN Books

Roger de Llúria,

118

tel. 93 457 7692

FNAC

Centre Comercial

L'Illa Avinguda

Diagonal, 555-559

tel. 93 444 5900

There’s no need to panic - your favourite

foods from home can often be found

at specialty shops throughout Spain.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE BOOKSHOPS:



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EmbassiesAustralia

Plaza Descubridor Diego de

Ordás 3

Madrid 28003

tel. 91 441 6025

www.spain.embassy.gov.au

Austria

Paseo de la Castellana 91

28046 Madrid

tel. 91 556 5315

Belgium

Paseo de la Castellana 18 (6)

28046 Madrid

tel. 91 577 6300

www.diplobel.org/spain/

Canada

Núñez de Balboa, 35

28001 Madrid

tel. 91 423 3250

www.canada-es.org

China

C/Arturo Soria 11,

28043 Madrid

tel. 91 519 4242

www.embajadachina.es

Denmark

Claudio Coello 91 - 4º

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 431 8445

E-mail:

[email protected]

Finland


28046 Madrid

tel. 91 319 6172

www.finlandia.org

France

Salustiano Olozaga, 9

28001 Madrid

tel. 91 423 8900

www.ambafrance-es.org

Germany

C/Fortuny 8

28010 Madrid

tel. 91 557 9000

www.embajada-alemania.es

Greece

Av. Doctor Arce 24,

Madrid 28002

tel. 91 564 4653

India

Av. Pío XII, 30-32

28016 Madrid

tel. 902 901 010

www.embajadaindia.com

(Republic of) Ireland


28046 Madrid

tel. 91 436 4093

Israel

C/Velazquez 150

28002 Madrid

tel. 91 782 9500

www.embajada-israel.es

Italy

Calle Lagasca 98

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 423 3300

www.ambitalia.org

Japan

C/Serrano 109

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 590 7600

Mexico

Carrera de San Jeronimo 46

28014 Madrid

tel. 91 369 2814

www.sre.gob.mx/espana/

Netherlands

Avenida Comandante

Franco, 32

28016 Madrid

tel. 91 353 7500

www.embajadapaisesba-

jos.es

New Zealand

Plaza de la Lealtad 2

28014 Madrid

tel. 91 523 0226

Norway


28046 Madrid

tel. 91 310 3116

www.emb-noruega.es

Poland

Calle Guisando, 23-bis

28035 Madrid

tel. 91 373 6605

www.embajada-polonia.org

Portugal

Calle Pinar, 1

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 782 4960

www.embajadaportugal-

madrid.org

(Federation of) Russia

c.Velázquez 155,

28002 Madrid

tel. 91 411 2524

www.russianembassy.net/is

ervice.nsf/cities/madrid or

http://visados.narod.ru

South Africa

Claudio Coello, 91

28006 Madrid

Tel 91 436 3780

www.sudafrica.com

Sweden

Calle Caracas, 25

Madrid 28010

tel. 91 308 1535

www.embajadasuecia.es

es-listings+index.qxd 09/02/2005 11:12 Page 59


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EmbassiesTurkey

C/Rafael Calvo, 18 2A-B

28010 Madrid

tel. 91 319 8064

www.tcmadridbe.org

United Kingdom

Calle de Fernando el Santo,

16

28010 Madrid

tel. 91 319 0200

www.ukinspain.com

United States

Serrano 75

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 587 2200

www.embusa.es

CONSULATES IN SPAIN:

UNITED KINGDOM:

Paseo de Recoletos, 7/9

28004 Madrid

tel. 91 524 9700

madridconsulate@

ukinspain.com

Avenida Diagonal, 477, 13º

08036 Barcelona

tel. 93 366 6200

barcelonaconsulate@

ukinspain.com

Plaza Calvo Sotelo 1/2-1

03001 Alicante

tel. 96 521 6190

enquiries.alicante@

fco.gov.uk

Edificio Eurocom, bloque

Sur

C/Mauricio Moro Pareto,

2, 2º

29080 Málaga

tel. 95 235 2300

[email protected]

Plaza Mayor 3D


tel. 97 171 2445

Sa Casa Nova

Cami de Biniatap 30

Es Castell

07720 Menorca

tel. 97 136 3373

UNITED STATES:

Paseo Reina Elisenda de

Montcada, 23

08034 Barcelona

tel. 932 802 227

Consular Section

C/ Serrano, 75

28006 Madrid

tel. 91 587 2200

Edificio Reina Constanza

Porto Pi, 8, 9D


tel. 971 40 37 07

Up, up and away:

Living in Spain

puts all of

Europe on your

doorstep, so get

your papers in

order and your

travel shoes on.



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Groups And Clubs

NATIONAL CLUBS

British Spanish Cultural

Foundation, Madrid

tel. 91 345 6344

Canadian Circle, Madrid

tel. 91 446 4591

Australian Club, Madrid

tel. 669 458 341

[email protected]

m

www.australiaspain.com/gu

donya

EuroAmerican Club of

Madrid

tel. 629 218 169

The American Society of

Barcelona

www.amersoc.com

tel. 696 751 654

The American Club of

Marbella

tel. 95 277 4092

The British Association of

Marbella

tel. 952 825 191

Club International de

Marbella

tel. 95 277 0706

British Society of Catalonia

tel. 93 688 0866

Brit Club of Torrevieja

tel. 669 640 803

English-speaking Club of

Torrevieja

tel. 965 719 907

Catalan Irish Association

tel. 93 729 1393

[email protected]

Dutch Club

Sitges

tel. 93 410 6210

www.nederlandseverenig-

ingbarcelona.com

Masala - Promotion of India

culture

[email protected]

Scandinavian Club

www.clubescandinavo.com/

index_sve.htm

tel. 93 325 8905

BUSINESS NETWORKING

Entrepreneurs Network,

Barcelona

www.en-barcelona.org

The Business Lunch,

Barcelona

www.thebizlunch.com

Business Networking

Barcelona (BNB)

www.business-networking-

barcelona.com; email:

info@business-networking-

barcelona.com

British Chamber of

Commerce, Barcelona

www.britishchamberspain.c

om; britchamber@britcham-

ber.com, tel. 93 317 32 20

Eurocircle, Madrid and

Barcelona

www.eurocircle.com. Email:

[email protected]

SOCIAL CLUBS

Gay Madrid (Cogam)

tel. 91 522 4517

www.cogam.org

The International

Newcomer's Club of

Madrid

www.incmadrid.com

tel. 91 604495

The Rotary Club,

Fuengirola

tel. 696 492 492

Jazz Appreciation Society,

Marbella

tel. 95 278 7364

Torrevieja Discussion

Group

tel. 966 760 448.

Belly Dancing Classes,

Torrevieja

tel. 619 512 714

Bridge Club Torrevieja

tel. 96 671 84 40

New Solos Club, Torrevieja

(40s-60s)

tel. 966 702 556/600 985 656

Women's clubs

American Women's Club of

Madrid

tel. 91 457 1108

Keep up to date on all the latest bureaucratic and

legislative changes at www.expatica.com/spain

Even though you may be on your own or with your family, remember that there

are plenty of expats out there just like you. Here’s how to make contact.



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Working Mothers Group,

Madrid

tel. 91 530 7978

Spanish Federation of

Business and Professional

Women (FEMENP), Madrid

[email protected]

Barcelona Women's

Network

www.bcnwomensnetwork.

com; tel. 93 753 3066

International Women's Club

of Barcelona

tel. 93 204 0231

[email protected]

Parent and Toddler Group,

Torrevieja

tel. 660 222 637

POLITICAL ORGANISATIONS

Labour international,

Torrevieja

tel. 96 692 50 59 or

96 571 41 45

Conservatives Abroad

Contact: D. Napier

tel. 972 256 677

Sports and fitness clubs

British Football Club

tel. 91 742 2998

Madrid Cricket Club

tel. 91 314 2268

cricketinmadrid@

yahoo.co.uk

www.cricketinmadrid.com

Madrid Hash House

Harriers (running club)

tel. 91 518 8131

www.madridhhh.com

Barcelona Hash House

Harriers

www.geocities.com/

barnahhh

tel. 93 415 9738

Mijas Hash House Harriers

www.mijashhh.com

[email protected].

tel. 651 315 691

Madrid Lions Rugby

Football Club

tel. 91 373 5613

[email protected]

www.madridlionsrfc.com

Real Federación Española

de Golf

tel. 91 555 2682

Barcelona International

Football club

tel. 93 218 6731

Barcelona Cricket Club

tel. 93 488 2852

[email protected]

Torrevieja Cycling Club

tel. 636 183 314

Costa Blanca Runners

tel. 96 570 60 16

Euro Divers club, Torrevieja

tel. 965 703 803

Latin Line Dancing,

Torrevieja

tel. 96 679 85 88 or tel. 96

676 19 98

Netball Club, Torrevieja

tel. 617 575 168

Gaelic Football Club,

Barcelona

tel. 616 306 284

Marbella Hill Tennis Club

tel. 659 677 539

Manolo Santana Racquets

Club, Marbella

tel. 95 277 8580

Marbella Golf Institute

tel. 619 180 009

www.marbella-golf-insti-

tute.com

Special interests clubs

Barcelona International

Wine Society

tel. 93 412 6801

Barcelona Toastmasters

tel. 93 811 1299

[email protected]

Natural Health Club

[email protected]

THEATRE CLUBS

The New English Theatre

Society, Barcelona

tel. 93 896 0165

Madrid Players Theatre

Group

91 326 2439

www.madridplayers.org

SELF-HELP GROUPS

Relationship Therapy

Group, Barcelona

tel. 93 675 9276

Alcoholics Anonymous,

Madrid

tel. 91 309 1947

www.aaspain.org

Groups And Clubs




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Phone Book Decoder

ACCOUNTANT

Contable

AIRLINE

Línea aérea

ART GALLERY

Museo de arte

BABY GOODS

Artículos para bebes

BAKERY

Panadería

BARBER

Barbero/peluquería

BATHROOM

Cuarto de baño

BEAUTICIAN

estetecista

BICYCLE

Bicicleta

BOOKSHOP

Librería

BUILDER

Constructor

BUTCHER

Carnicería

CAR DEALER

Venta de coches

CARPENTER

Carpintero

CARPET

Alfombra

CAR RENTALS

Alquiler de coches

CENTRAL HEATING

Calefaccion

CHILDREN'S CLOTHING

Ropa infantíl

CINEMA

Cine

CONFECTIONERS

Pastelería

DENTIST

Dentista

DEPARTMENT STORE

Grandes almacenes

DO-IT-YOURSELF SHOP

Bricolaje

DOCTOR

Médico

DOG KENNEL

Perrera

DRIVING SCHOOL

Autoescuela

CHEMIST

Farmacia

DRY CLEANING

Tintorería

ELECTRICAL GOODS

Electrodomésticos

EMPLOYMENT OFFICES

Agencia de trabajo

EYE DOCTOR

Oculista

FIRE BRIGADE

Bomberos

FISHMONGER

Pescadería

FLOWER SHOP

Floristería

FURNITURE

Muebles

GARDEN CENTRE

Centro de jardinería

GREENGROCER

Frutería

GROCERIES

Comestibles

HAIRDRESSER

Peluquería

HARDWARE STORE

Ferretería

HEALTH CLUB

Gimnasio

HOSPITAL

Hospital

HOUSE CLEANING

Limpieza de la casa

INSURANCE

Seguros

JEWELLER

Joyería

KEY CUTTING

Cortar llaves

KITCHEN

Cocina

LADIES CLOTHING

Ropa feminina

LANGUAGE SCHOOL

Escuela de idiomas

LAWYER

Abogado

LEGAL ADVICE CENTRE

Asesoría juridical


When you

need more

than just a

way to decode

the phone book,

go to

www.expatica.

com/spain

and learn how

to decode the

whole country.


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Phone Book Decoder

MENSWEAR

Ropa de caballero

OPTICIANS

Optica

PAINTERS

Pintores

PEST CONTROL SHOP

Control de plagas

POLICE

Policía

POST OFFICE

Correos

REAL ESTATE AGENT

Inmobiliaria

REMOVALS COMPANY

Mudanzas

SHOE SHOP

Zapatería

SUPERMARKET

Supermercado

SWIMMING POOL

Piscina

TAILOR

Sasterería

TAX CONSULTANT

Asesor de

impuestos/notario/gestor

THEATRE

Teatro

TOOLS

Herramientas

TRAVEL AGENTS

Agencia de viajes

VET

Veterinario

WINDOW CLEANER

limpiacristales

For breaking news and considered analysis of current

affairs in Spain, check out www.expatica.com/spain



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Weights And Measures

LINEAR MEASURES

1 centimetre 0.39 inch

2.54 centimetres 1 inch

30.05 centimetres 1 foot

91.4 centimetres 1 yard

1 meter 39.37 inches

1 kilometer (1000 m) 0.62137 miles

1.609344 kilometers 1 mile

WOMEN’S SHOES

US UK ES

5! 3! 36.5

6 4 37

6! 4! 37.5

7 5 38

7! 5! 38.5

8 6 39

MEN’S SHOES

US UK ES

8 7! 40

8! 8 42

9 8! 43

9! 9 44

10 9! 45

MEN’S SWEATERS

US UK ES

small 34 44

medium 36-38 46-48

large 40 50

x-large 42-44 52-54

MEN’S CLOTHING

US UK ES

36 36 46

38 38 48

40 40 50

42 42 52

44 44 54

OVEN TEMPERATURES

OVEN C F GAS MARK

very cool 130 260 0.5-1

cool 150 300 2

warm 170 325 3

moderate 180 350 5

fairly hot 200 380 5-6

hot 220+ 460 7-8

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

US UK ES

6 8 36

8 10 38

10 12 40

12 14 42

14 16 44

16 18 46

18 20 48

20 22 50

MEN’S SHIRTS

US UK ES

14! 14! 37

15 15 38

15! 15! 39

16 16 41

16! 16! 42

17 17 43

17! 17! 44

THERMOMETER

C F

25 77

23 73

20 68

18 64

15 59

13 55

10 50

8 46

5 41

3 37

0 32

-5 23

-10 14

-15 5

BODY TEMPERATURE

C F

36.0 96.8

36.5 97.7

37.0 98.6

37.5 99.5

38.0 100.4

38.5 101.3

39.0 102.2

39.5 103.1

40.0 104.0

40.5 104.9

41.0 105.8

DRY MEASURES

g oz

30 1

115 4

170 6

225 8

450 16 (1lb)

LIQUID MEASURES

ml fl oz

30 1

60 2

150 5

240 8

300 10

450 15

900 32

1000 34

Get the most out of living in Spain, read Expatica

news and views every weekday at www.expatica.com



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Emergency Numbers

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Police, fire, ambulance: 112

National Police-091 - ask for translator

service

Border police (at railway stations, airports

and borders) 0180 5234566

Ambulance - 061

Fire - 080

Civil Guard - 062

Coastguard -900 202 202

Red Cross -915 222 222

Civil Protection - www.protecioncivil.org

HELPLINES

CONSUMER:

Spanish Agency for Protection of

Consumers: 913 996 200

Ministry of Health and Consumers: 915

961 090 or 915 961 091

National Consumers' Institute:

914 311 836

IMMIGRATION:

Immigration Service, Ministry of Interior:

900 150 000

Institute of Immigration and Social

Security: 913 638 888

Or 913 638 916, 913 638 917; 913 638 909

High Commission for Refugees (ACNUR):

915 563 503

www.acnur.org

MEDICAL SERVICES

EMERGENCY DOCTOR:

Barcelona: 649 938 392

Madrid: 639 364 670 or Sanitas helpline:

918 043 802/918 032 484

Malaga: Carlos Haya Hospital 95 103 01 00

Civil Hospital 95 103 03 00

Materno Infantil Hospital 95 103 02 00

Hospital Clínico 95 103 20 00

Alicante: 965 144 000

Aids Helpline: 900 212 222

Spanish Aids Foundation: 900 111 000

Poisons Helpline: 915 620 420

Cancer Helpline: 900 100 036

Social services helpline: 900 703 030

Federation for Relatives and Partners of

the deaf: 915 765 149, DTS: 915 771 230;

Domestic violence

Victim Support: 900 121 884 or 900 100 009

EMERGENCY DENTISTS:

Barcelona: 607 332 335

Madrid: 661 857 170

Malaga: 966 730 603

Alicante: 965 717 512

UTILITIES

GAS:

Gas Natural: 900 760 760

HidroCantabrico: (24-hrs) 902 860 600

Repsol Butano: (24-hrs) 901 100 100

ELECTRICTY:

Fecsa Endesa: (24-hr) 902 507 750

HidroCantabrico (24-hr) 902 860 860

Iberdola(24-hr) 901 202 020

Enher(24-hr) 900 770 077

CREDIT CARDS

American Express: 91 572 03 03

Cajamadrid: 91 519 38 00

4B: 91 726 00 00 / 91 532 62 00

Eurocard-Mastercard: 91 519 21 00

Dinner's: 91 547 40 00

Sistema 6000: 91 355 30 00 / 91 596 53 35

Visa: 519 21 00

Want to make the most of your time in Spain? Keep

your finger on the pulse at www.expatica.com/spain



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Advertiser Index

The Expat Survival Guide will be distrib-

uted to over 20,000 expats in Spain through

embassies, international companies and

organisations, expat clubs, and expat hous-

ing and relocation companies.

If you are involved in managing expats

(maybe you are involved in international

HR management) or through work and

leisure activities come in to contact with

expats who would find this guide useful,

please contact Mark Batty at

[email protected]

You can order as many guides you feel are

necessary, for free, and delivery is also free

within the major cities (outside of the major

cities we ask that you simply cover the

costs of postage).

Details of where you can pick up individual

copies of the Survival Guide can be found

at www.expatica.com. Venues include inter-

national bookstores, relocation agencies,

expat food stores, and bars and restaurants

throughout Spain.

If you run a bookshop, cafe, bar or restau-

rant popular with expats and would like to

distribute the free Expat Survival Guide to

your customers, please email

[email protected] for details.

A Abogados Leal 21

Alliance and Leicester 23

AXA PPP inside back

cover

B Blasco & Advocats Associats 21

H. HSBC back cover

I International Health

Insurance - Danmark

inside front cover

K King College - The British

School of Madrid 33

P Paraninfo -

Intensive Spanish 31

W World Pack 9

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Another perfect

Spanish sunset...


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back cover.qxd 09/02/2005 14:31 Page 1

Documents

Expat Survival Guide Spain