Mczwz
American looking for information about Spain
Forum posts
59
Contacts
8
About me
American
Speaks Spanish, French, English
Registration: 04 June 2014
How to -Golden Visa, and non lucrative by asartori
There are 2 types of VISA. Golden or Lucrative or non Lucrative. (FOr EU residents it is the normal Schengen Visa. Details online. ) For non-EU residents, (including post Brexit immigrants as of 31st December 2020)- The following applies: For a ...
Thank you so much for the detail. Well written. Read More
Moving to Spain by TorreJan
Hi, I need some help 鈽猴笍... there's so many different things I've read about what's needed to move to Spain, my head's spinning. Do I need anything to be Apostille? Because of covid we can only move over on November 6th, ...
Sorry we can't be of any specific help but we wish you the very best success as you reach for your goals. Mucha suerte y que todo pase bien! Read More
Moving to spain for retirement by Wrightlift
Hi I'm considering moving to Spain and to.buy a property within the next 3 months What if anything should I be preparing now As regards to making the move as smooth as possible I'm 67 and retired so obviously pension and healthcare are ...
Any thoughts on health coverage requirements for US citizens? Thanks in advance! Read More
Thinking about moving to Andalucia - Retirement by hmarino
We are US citizen bilingual couple planning retirement in Spain, particularly , Andalusia. We are looking for a friendly community, close to the Mediterranean sea, commercial outlets and groceries. We want to know if living in Spain more than 6 ...
My husband and I are in a very similar position. We're about 18 months away from getting ourselves on a plane. We've been researching these same issues and are always eager to acquire more information and hear different ... Read More
Timekeeping by Andyviola
Anyone notice that Spanish sense of time keeping is loose to say the least? Planning a social meet a few days out we are finding is a waste of time as often they tend to feel different on the day itself. Naturally we have to adapt as we are the ...
I lived in Miami, FL for over 30 years. "On time" was considered a start of an event anywhere in the hour or so of the announced time. Being an international city, there are several "time zones" there. Any Miamian of any ... Read More
N26 Spanish account by jackhall4321
Thinking of setting up a N26 account which will have a Spanish IBAN, will the spanish authorities accept 3 months payments of my UK state pension as acceptable in regards to an application for residency on Spain. Many Thanks
Thank you for that information! We will investigate. Michele Read More
N26 Spanish account by jackhall4321
Thinking of setting up a N26 account which will have a Spanish IBAN, will the spanish authorities accept 3 months payments of my UK state pension as acceptable in regards to an application for residency on Spain. Many Thanks
Is this a good option for transferring funds from US to Spain? Would this option also have transfer fees or conversion fees? We're planning to move to Malaga Province in 2-2.5 years and are looking for best (and least expensive) ways to ... Read More
Considering moving to spain
Moving to Spain is a great idea! Spain is without a doubt an extraordinary country! I would advise anyone looking for a "new country" to do exactly what you're planning. :top: Those are questions that most ex-pats -- or soon to ... Read More
Is there an Expat community in Puente Genil, Cordoba by ReneC25
Seen a house that looks good and we want to buy in Spain. Wanted to know if any Ex Pats living in the Puente Genil area as my husband and I don't want to feel completely isolated. Also are there Doctors Chemists etc. Thanks in advance.
You've done all of the exact due diligence we think anyone considering such a move should go through. My husband and I have been working on preparing our own move -- from the US to Malaga Province -- for the past many years. We hope to ... Read More
Public Health Care - Spain by kittycat1
Just wanted to point out under my own point of view that Social Security / Public Healthcare - Hospitals network -- Primary Care Facilities - Medical / Non-medical Staff & in Spain -- one of best in the world.-- *** saving lifes...looking ...
Sounds like pretty much any type of service in pretty much any country in the world . . . sometimes good/great/fantastic and other times the most horrid/terrible/awful imaginable. Spain would not be any different, I would think. Here in the US, I ... Read More
Is there an Expat community in Puente Genil, Cordoba by ReneC25
Seen a house that looks good and we want to buy in Spain. Wanted to know if any Ex Pats living in the Puente Genil area as my husband and I don't want to feel completely isolated. Also are there Doctors Chemists etc. Thanks in advance.
Hello! I've just taken a look at Puente Genil on Google Streetview and it looks like a standard town like hundreds of others in the country. Of course there are all the standard amenities found in most any town. You may want to just type the ... Read More
new friends
I'd suggest explaining . . . in Spanish . . . that you appreciate their desire to facilitate the conversation but that "[te] gustaria practicar hablando en espanol!" Read More
My wife and I are moving to Costa Del Sol (Malaga)
My husband and I are getting closer and closer to our permanent move to La Costa. We congratulate you and wish you the very best possible. Regards, Michele Read More
Social activity Costa del Sol
Hello! A great resource I've found for community activities are: Internations and Costa Women Both are membership sites but provide extremely good information about activities in the Malaga area. Hope this helps! Read More
Spanish language
I would suggest using whatever you know, especially the basics, such as "gracias," "por favor," Como esta?" There are many resources on the internet that can give you a good basic foundation that will at least smooth the ... Read More
COST OF DYING IN SPAIN by Bob and Pat
We were stopped in Carrefour by 2 female sales people selling death plans. They said Spain is the most expensive place to die and we need a 20,000 euro plan each now 鈥樷�檛oday鈥欌�� to be able to stay in Spain. Is this true?.
claxnes, I don't see much that is "off-base." On the contrary, I think your response added important aspects to the original question, allowing those of us who may foresee ourselves in generally similar situations to have some source ... Read More
Paying bills in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, What bills do you pay? If you are renting, are bills included in the price of rent, and is this common practice in Spain? How can you pay your bills (e.g. online, at provider's store, at the post office)? Which is the most ...
I can certainly appreciate the advice given here, but being as this is a fairly international audience, I just want to mention that internet security concerns are international . . . the issues requiring attention and care do not stop at borders or ... Read More
Theft from cars in Carrefour, Benidorm by smithigj
Good evening, my name is Ian Smith. I travel to Spain regularly. I have a property in Calpe which I have had for 12 years. My in laws lived in Calpe in the 80's. I speak some Spanish and French. I flew to Spain on 26 Feb 2017 stopping off at ...
I quoted the entire list of suggestions because they are worth reading, re-reading, and keeping in the forefront of one's mind no matter where one travels or lives, for that matter. Each time my husband and I rent a hotel room, those are the ... Read More
Tax advice for U.S. citizen in Spain needed by randomgreg
Hi! We moved to Spain (Valencia area) in the beginning of this year from the US (NJ), and have spent over 183 days here in Spain this year. I guess we are considered to be Spanish tax residents now. That said, we have pretty vague idea on the way ...
I have no personal experience with this group (yet!), but I've read a lot of their work results. You may want to touch base and see what your feelings are: Costa Luz Lawyers. Also, as an American Citizen abroad (which my husband and I hope to ... Read More
Theft from cars in Carrefour, Benidorm by smithigj
Good evening, my name is Ian Smith. I travel to Spain regularly. I have a property in Calpe which I have had for 12 years. My in laws lived in Calpe in the 80's. I speak some Spanish and French. I flew to Spain on 26 Feb 2017 stopping off at ...
The same thing happened in Miami/Miami Beach/Ft. Lauderdale (Florida, USA) areas for several years until authorities worked with car rental companies: it was agreed as a start, to remove all designations/advertisements on the vehicles to avoid ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 1st quarter of 2017 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hello and welcome! I would suggest you take a look at Pisos and For Rent which allows you to search for an extremely wide variety of options: apartments, houses, duplexes, etc. in practically all regions/municipalities of the country. Gives an ... Read More
language question
I would agree it is not necessarily a Spanish word; the only clarification I found is: https://www.coinilla.com/ Read More
Need help expatriating/fleeing from USA; medical concerns by Professor_X
Hello, I am widely traveled and am not sure where to post, precisely, to a particular country forum since I am open to the issue of expatriating and do not have a particular country settled on yet since this will likely be determined by ongoing ...
I am fairly disappointed to see such a post about the USA. We live there now (my husband, native-born and I for over 50 years as a naturalized immigrant) and fail to understand the level of desperation in the above post. The USA has gone through ... Read More
Study Spanish in Spain
I've exchanged some inquiries with these folks but I have not used them personally. You may want to take a look and see if they could help: Spain in the Bag. The young folks in charge seem very good . . . worth an inquiry, anyway! Ten cuidado ... Read More
Its me Joe, this is my Intro by Joecalderonjr
Hello, My name is Joe Calderon, I am a retiree, and I am married. My wife, Dorie and I are empty nesters, we raised two boys, who are of age with families of their own. My eldest son is a Hospital Corpsman with the U.S. Navy Seal Team and the ...
Look forward to it! This is a great group - lots of different perspectives, opinions, experiences from great folks willing to share all they know! Without sounding too preachy, though . . . I have to add emphatically that no one, anywhere, can ... Read More
Its me Joe, this is my Intro by Joecalderonjr
Hello, My name is Joe Calderon, I am a retiree, and I am married. My wife, Dorie and I are empty nesters, we raised two boys, who are of age with families of their own. My eldest son is a Hospital Corpsman with the U.S. Navy Seal Team and the ...
Welcome, Joe! I appreciate the openness you shared with the group and am glad to welcome a compatriot working towards the same goal as my husband and me. Wishing you the best of luck and looking forward to reading your adventures during your ... Read More
Customer care in Spain by Priscilla
Hello everyone, The way customer services are handled can greatly affect your views on certain brands, products, companies or stores. As a consumer, it is important to get familiar with local practices regarding client assistance in Spain and try ...
Hi, Robert! I've spent many years in Spain, have travelled to Paris, Germany, Morocco, throughout the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico, Haiti, and Jamaica . . . and, to be fair to Spain . . . nothing you've noted here is specific only to Spain. My ... Read More
New members of the Spain forum, introduce yourself here 聳 4th quarter of 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Spain forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Hi there! You've achieved a goal towards which my husband and I have been working. :) Would be interested in reviewing your "whole list" if you don't mind. It's not easy to run into many Americans (USA) making the ... Read More
accommodation
Here are just a few links to start your search. Set up the parameters you want, reminders, and update as needed: www.pisos.com www.enalquiler.com Nerjasol Properties Kyero Good Luck! Michele Read More
Health insurance - pre-existing conditions by CooleyCasa
Hi everyone! My husband and I just had our visas approved and will be moving to Spain on Sept. 17. We currently have travel insurance to satisfy our visa requirements, but we would like to find more comprehensive coverage. Can anyone recommend ...
Oh, I am well aware of how pre-existing conditions work, having been injured at 25 years of age, resulting in a handicap . . .! I have had no difficulty, thank the Good Lord I have never been denied coverage on a job, only reduced coverage for the ... Read More
Recently living in Almeria
Hi! Best of luck to you! I don't think it's ever "late" to start anew . . . adventures keep life exciting and challenging. I am sure you will find lots of wonderful people to meet and share time with . . . and look forward to ... Read More
Health insurance - pre-existing conditions by CooleyCasa
Hi everyone! My husband and I just had our visas approved and will be moving to Spain on Sept. 17. We currently have travel insurance to satisfy our visa requirements, but we would like to find more comprehensive coverage. Can anyone recommend ...
Wouldn't not mentioning potential pre-existing conditions be considered having provided incomplete information (misrepresentation, at best or lying by omission at worst) invalidate the contract if the issues were to come to light after? Michele Read More
Moving to Costa del Sol - foolish?! by rdr31
Hi, I am new to this site and was just after some advice, please. And I have searched for posts re moving, but I can't seem to find any that are more up-to-date! My husband and I are looking at moving to Spain. We have visited many times (my ...
Hello, there! Welcome to the site. It's an excellent place to ask just these types of questions as most folks do . . . :) It would appear to me, though, you're way ahead of the game since you've already had first hand experience of ... Read More
6 adults, three children and a cat called Tina. by Sarah WR
Hello to you all, Firstly, as a newbie I hope that I am posting this introduction in the correct place :) We are a large family (made up of three generations) currently living in a small town on the south coast of the U.K. But our plan is to move ...
Hello, Sarah! Welcome. :) This is a great site with lots of different areas to get lots of different perspectives, points of view, and to share experiences. An open mind. a liberal dash of common sense, and a large dollop of a sense of humor ... Read More
What am I missing? by lagunacat
Ok so my first few days in Spain (M谩laga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ...
When I was in school in Madrid, one of the first things I realized was that I would need to essentially 'forget' many of the social "niceties" of American life: just barge right in . . . with a smile y un saludo. Need to pass ... Read More
How was your adaptation process in Spain? by fabigarcia2013
Everyone goes through an adjustment process when moving to a new city. Adjusting to a new culture and country is like other transitions, but often a little more involved because of the culture and language differences. Being able to adjust to your ...
Fascinating to hear women from one side of the world expressing dissatisfaction or dislike of other women's behavior when . . . *as a woman myself* . . . I have seen the same types of behavior described above by women from the US, Canada, West ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Spain? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Spain, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
'What a great video. Perfect example of how "pesado" bureaucracy in Spain is -- and truly, one must be prepared to deal with it to the nth degree represented in the video. More important is a sense of humor, and a thorough ... Read More
In retrospect, would you move again to Spain? by Christine
Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Spain, would you heartily say "let聮s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...
I would not let one or even 10 people's opinions change my mind completely. My husband and I have been planning our move for the last 10 years: researching various areas/locations/cities, etc in depth.. reading opinions from various sources ... Read More
Residing in Andalucia
Hello, there! I would suggest visiting the Spanish Consulate closest to your home (US) location to get the current requirements for the different type of visas available to Americans. Then, refer to the US State Department, and Social Security (if ... Read More
Question About Spanish Taxes - Do they tax U.S pensions? by jsn123
I have a question for the group about Spanish taxes on pensions. My apologies in advance if it鈥檚 already been asked and responded to. I am getting ready to retire from the U.S. military and will have a post military pension which equals ...
I would suggest researching the requirements vis-a-vis American pensions as opposed to European Union pensions (UK, Spain, etc). . . very different for Americans from what I've learned so far. Read More
What are the most common questions you hear in Spain?
Very interesting questions! This little graphic reminds me so much of wonderful conversations that started from one or another of these very questions when I was in college in Madrid! All these questions are generally used by the very friendly ... Read More
Rascism by Monos
Can any one help me ?am moving to Spain from England ,this year ,with partner and two children who are mixed Jamaican ,is there an area that's more mixed in Spain ?or with little or no rascism?thanks for reading .
I always find it sad to see posts like this asking whether or not there may be racism in one region, one country, or another. There is racism everywhere in the world wherever one wishes to see it. It can be overt, covert, imagined, anticipated, ... Read More
Bought a flat in Valencia. Need info about American Taxation by pskomorn
Hi Everyone, My wife and I live near Washington, DC. We have bought a place in Valencia to where we hope to retire in the Spring of 2018. After we retire completely. I am hoping at least one of you out there is a US expat and can give me ...
I'd be very interested in staying in touch and sharing information as we go along. :P It sounds as if we are all starting from the same point: Americans planning to retire in Spain and not work (at least we hope not to!). Look forward to ... Read More
Bought a flat in Valencia. Need info about American Taxation by pskomorn
Hi Everyone, My wife and I live near Washington, DC. We have bought a place in Valencia to where we hope to retire in the Spring of 2018. After we retire completely. I am hoping at least one of you out there is a US expat and can give me ...
Hello! As an American soon-to-be-Expat, I would suggest you are in the best possible place to start your research: Washington DC where all the rules, regulations, and laws are created! :top: You may want to consult a reputable financial advisor ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Spain by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Spain. What is ...
No, of course not, that's not normal in any culture. That was a gross person who had no shame taking a dump on your doorstep. Urination is more common, especially drunk people who are having trouble getting home, but I bet it's the same in ... Read More
family planning move from US by ane111
Hello everyone, I'm new to all of this. We are planning to move in one year overseas(leaning towards Spain) Our daughters will be 2 and 4 at the time of the move. Is there anyone out there who has moved to Spain or anyplace else with children ...
Hi! With internet access, you have all the information you could possibly hope to find. Go to bing.com and type in "Spain" and other variations. The depth of information available will keep you busy for weeks. The main thing to keep an ... Read More
Apartment search by Tracy6234
Hi, Can anyone please tell me how to start my rental apartment search? Thank you kindly, Tracy
It is very easy to search for apartments. We haven't moved to Spain, yet, but I constantly search on www.enalquiler.com and on www.pisos.com. Both sites cover all of Spain, allow to select the region/province and city you may be interested in. ... Read More
Moving to Spain - Alicante Area - Info about English Schools?
My guess is this is a result of a typographical error: meant to write "Alicante," I would expect! :top: Read More
Spanish weather
That's one of the most interesting aspects of prep work to move to Spain. This is a pretty good resource to keep an eye on weather during the year, all over the country: gospain.about.com/od/spanishclimate/ss/weather.htm I hope this is ... Read More
Tax Clarifications - Resident/Non resident by elainej
I am confused about the tax situation if you have been in Spain more than 183 days!! My understanding is now anyone staying more than 183 days in any tax year has to pay tax on their worldwide income. However I found the following information. Is ...
Hello from a soon to be Ex-Pat! This information is outstanding. I wonder, though, whether anyone has any knowledge of how the tax aspect may or may not apply to non-EU citizens (we're US) planning on retiring to Andaluc铆a, not ... Read More
English TV IN SPAIN? by Mrupnorth
Hi, I have a very large dish attached to my house in Duquessa, any news on English TV in Spain? I am trying to avoid TV over IP... I keep seeing little receivers which claim to pickup English/ Sky channels now? Also, who provides the fastest ...
The only possible issue to type Spanish with an English keyboard would be whether the word processing application used (most likely Microsoft Word) has the "special character" options. Practically all word processing applications for the ... Read More