Relocating to a new country can be thrilling and, at times, overwhelming. For expats settling in Spain, having the right apps on your device is as crucial as packing your essentials. From getting connected to settling into a new neighborhood and learning the local language, here’s a round-up of must-have apps that can transform your Spanish adventure into a seamless experience.
Stay Connected: SIM Card Essentials
Starting your expat life in Spain means getting a means of communication. Prepaid SIM cards are accessible and can be obtained using only your passport or NIE if available. Consider these popular mobile providers to stay connected in Spain:
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Movistar: Renowned for its excellent coverage and high-speed internet.
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Orange: Known for a robust 3G network and emerging 5G coverage.
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Vodafone: Offers great 3G and 4G coverage.
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Yoigo: Noted for its competitive prices coupled with good coverage.
Remember to top-up your package online through providers’ websites or apps once your balance starts running low.
Home Sweet Home: Finding a Place to Stay
Hunting for the ideal place to live takes center stage upon arrival. Here are some apps and platforms to ease your search:
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Airbnb: A perfect starting point for short-term stays, with potential discounts for long-term rentals.
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Idealista: A leading real estate platform with listings all over Spain, available on iOS and Android.
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Fotocasa: Another popular real estate website, also with iOS and Android apps.
Expats looking for accommodations can also explore platforms like thinkSpain.com, Habitaclia or Pisos.com, or for more options.
Navigating Spanish Cities: Transportation Apps
Getting around in Spain is made easy with these comprehensive transportation apps:
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Moovit: The ultimate navigation app for public transport, available for iOS and Android.
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Local transport apps for major cities:
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Metro Riders: For Madrid’s underground, use the Metro de Madrid Official app, and for Barcelona’s bike-sharing scheme, check out Bicing.
Catching a Ride: Taxi and Ride-Sharing Apps
To complement public transport or for those times you just need a direct ride, consider these apps:
Culinary Delights: Food and Delivery Apps
Satisfy your cravings with these on-demand food delivery services available at your fingertips:
For grocery deliveries, apps from stores like Mercadona, Carrefour, El Corte Inglés, and Alcampo can be particularly useful.
Socializing and Leisure: Apps for the Community and Food Enthusiasts
Blend into the social fabric and tantalize your taste buds with these community and dining apps:
Buy, Sell, and Discover: Bulletin Board Apps
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Milanuncios: Spain’s popular classifieds platform for a plethora of needs.
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Tablón de Anuncios: Find everything from jobs to services and second-hand items.
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Wallapop: Thriving marketplace for pre-loved goods in Spain.
Learning the Local Lingo: Language Learning Apps
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Memrise: Utilize science-backed memory techniques to master Spanish.
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Babbel: Engage with expert-designed courses for learning Spanish on-the-go.
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Google Translate or Deepl: Translate anything from street signs to letters.
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Duolingo: Interactive app with gamified language learning.
Building a Network: Facebook Groups for Expats
Join these groups to meet fellow expats and exchange valuable advice:
Search "Expats + [your city]" on Facebook to find a supportive community in your area.
Spain is a vibrant country that can be enjoyed to the fullest with a little digital help. Bookmark this article, refer to the recommended apps, and ease your transition into your exciting new life as an expat in Spain.
For continuous updates and support with your move to Spain, consider following relevant updates on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn - and always keep your digital toolkit updated with the latest apps!