Do Not Move to Spain if…..

Published on 8/20/2007 in Buying Process

Do not move to Spain if…..

Do not move to Spain if you want to get away from mass immigration as there are people immigrating into Spain from all over including Romania, South America and er the UK.

You don’t like foreigners.

You don’t have enough money to pay rent and support yourself and your family for at least six months.

You have relationship problems and you intend to bring the partner with you.

Your children are in the middle of their GCSE’s or A levels, it is better to wait unless you transfer them to an international/ British school.

Worried about moving to Spain You don’t like driving. This is applicable to people moving to the coasts where everything tends to be spread out.

You don’t like the heat.

You need job security and a high salary.

You don’t want to learn Spanish.

You want to lose weight as the food is so tempting and you tend to eat out more.

You are in the least bit impatient.

You like to be kept informed.

You have a problem with frequent power and water cuts.

You don’t like change.

You expect people to drive well and use their indicators

You don’t like mafia style corruption

You don’t like dust

You don’t like scaffolding or cranes

You need choice ie supermarket choice

You are a big reader and love to hang out in book shops

.....

Please add to this list by adding your own comments below.

Written by: Susan Pedalino

About the author:

Women In Spain

Send to friends Printer friendly version Submit your own article

Comments:

petronijexi said:
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 @ 4:25 PM

In 2018 and 2019 nothing has changed. Owner of apartments are renting apartments in semi rotten condition (in perfectly preserved condition, as they put in contracts), expecting to find apartment in exacly the same condition after few years (my opinion is that they like to get money for rebting apartment and that noone live in it). Also with no blame they ask extra money for all malfunctions of appliances, no matter how old they are-in the middle of winter, we had boiler 19 years old and we were using it for less than 2 years and when it stopped working, owner of apartment blamed us for malfunction blackmailing us to pay for repairing it with his position in leading party of Spain and a lot of lawyers in his (well known Spain) familly. We were 15 days without heating with 5 years old child vecause he didn't want to pay the repair. Also he changed the contract about some costs (we found out that changing cotract from ordinary one is illegall).The worst country I lived ever...I'll never come here again in my life

StefBush said:
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 @ 8:21 PM

Don´t move to Spain if you don´t like
-dust and sand, last year (2014) the region Alicante has become officially a desert, all dust and massive heatwaves the whole time, it seems to get worse year after year
-if you want a proper social life, you get only drinking friends at the coast and in the inland the Spanish dislike all foreigners
-customer service = zero
-food in supermarkets is pure crap, spanish meat is the worst you can get, no choice at all, cheese and bacon is all they eat
-bureaucracy, will never change, spanish are very dysfunctional
-cheap properties = cheap quality, houses in spain are not build to last for a long time, pure crap again, and in a way still too expensive even in 2015
-expensive prices, spain is one of the most expensive countries when it comes to electricity, cars, bikes, diesel, petrol,.......
-income taxes, once again one big rip off
-fireworks, the only thing the spanish like to do, every day and night of the year the same bloody firecrackers, how backwards can you be
We live in Spain for 6 years now and the country is going backwards on a quick way, more people leaving this awful country than coming in, and it will be only worse with the fascist PP to power.

ryliecarter said:
Thursday, June 18, 2015 @ 9:38 AM

If you do come to Spain check out Relendo! It's perfect for people new to the area and not traveling with a lot like me! check it out at bit.ly/1Lk4p6Y

Kangeroo said:
Saturday, February 28, 2015 @ 11:42 PM

If my Spanish [Canary Islands] registered car is securely garaged off-road [&unused] for seven months, do I still legally need any car insurance ?

arther11 said:
Wednesday, January 28, 2015 @ 1:29 PM

HI AFTER READING ALL THE COMMENTS WE ARE STILL GOING TO MOVE TO SPAIN YOU ONLY HAVE ONE LIFE AND ITS FOR LIVEING
SO IF YOU ARE PREPARED TO LIVE LIKE THE SPANISH AND DONT EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE WHAT CAN GO SO WRONG WE HAVE LIVED AND WORK THE UK ALL OUR LIVES AND NOW WEARE 60 AND STILL HAVE TO WAIT UNTILL WE ARE 66 BEFORE WE GET A STATE PENSION I THINK WE WILL BE TO OLD TO ENJOY IT SO WE ARE GOING TO DO A LITTLE LIVEING AND ENJOY IT

jon said:
Monday, December 23, 2013 @ 2:48 PM

Spain PP government is slowly moving towards the Franco era..corruption is rife and new hardline laws are being passed....not the time to move to Spain...the way things are going it could all explode into another civil war soon.

Chazm said:
Tuesday, June 25, 2013 @ 12:17 AM

I am Californian and I've been here 5 years now...wow! I am fed up with Barcelona. The first 2 years were the best but then it began to get on my nerves. I will start with some negatives then end with the positives.
Don't come if you...
Like customer service, like free water at your table in restaurants, don't want to be pick-pocketed, want to be seen as an equal, don't like ignorance or racism, are pro free-enterprise, like to shop for the best deal cause prices are set everywhere the same, don't like roaches, don't like smokers I don't know which there are more of smokers or roaches, don't like to pay an agency fee to rent an apartment, have to be places on-time, don't like firecrackers, don't like noisy emotional and sometimes irrational neighbors/landlords, like to reason instead of shout and argue, like cleanliness, like choice in supermarkets ie they have 3 types of sodas: Cola, Orange , lemon...punto! Don't like fried food, don't like being asked for ID for no reason by the Police(only happened to me once but I've seen it a few times), don't like the feeling that it suspiciously still feels like a dictatorship type of government, like knowing that you are not as free as you once were(this will take a while to realize after all the fun and games stop), don't like proud hard headed people case in point: I asked a student what their favorite food was and they replied Spanish is the best food, I then asked if they had ever tried Indian, Thai, Mexican etc they said no(this is the typical Spanish mentality), like considerate neighbors.
Do move to Spain if you:
Love skinny beautiful women, are not ambitious, are motivated(you'll go further very easily), want public transportation, like soccer, like clubs(they are the best in the world), like fried food, like to buy fresh fish and produce, the beaches aren't great for surfing but hey they are topless! Want to eat healthily, want to escape a society filled with violent crime, want to learn the language, like to argue with Brits over which language is better American or English(I stopped hanging with these types of people because it gets annoying and is juvenile), want less social pressure to get a career get married have a family etc, would like to teach English, there is so much work here if you are motivated and resourceful you'll never have to worry about not having work.
Like I said I am American and this is my point of view when comparing and contrasting the country I left to the country I am in, of course if you're coming from an place where it rains a lot and has beaches that nobody wants to see, it will be a paradise for you. Whenever I meet someone(Spanish) new 80% of the time they ask where I am from and "what the hell are you doing here? I'd kill to go to California." I am starting to agree with them. No matter where you are from the inefficiency here will eventually annoy you, you definitely need patience or a don't give a f attitude to be here over the long haul. I don't mean to be so negative put people should hear someone else's true opinion. Good luck to you all and may you make the right decisions!

rona said:
Thursday, April 4, 2013 @ 3:23 PM

hi.this chat is so useful.i owned a house in spain,near malaga from 2002-2007.im looking to buy again as i have left my work in the uk-glasgow.i know about living in spain-its much better than here!

pilurini said:
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 @ 9:48 PM

Don't move to Spain if
you want a life
Ie want to hear yes instead of no, Most spanish people like to say no before they think of yes and they are not helpful in general.
if you like trees, just haven't got the variety down south
if you like small birds
good driving, they are awful drivers
good job no jobs
high salary pitiful, cost of living is slightly less, wages don't keep up with it
creativity- there is none at all on any big scale, people including expats and locals are into appearances, not reality and reflection and communing with nature isn't as easy- despite the sea
if you like countryside ? it's a desert
if you like to eat oil free food- difficult, most spanish food is drenched in it

I lived in Spain for 30 years and spoke fluent Spanish, for the most part it was fine but feel like I am born again since I have returned to the UK and I am making up for lost time big style- our small island is like a gem-

Don't move to spain if you have a sense of fun! Here life comes out to play with you and england is a surprise- spain is predictable

if you don't like dust don't go there- it's a dusty desert

pilurini said:
Tuesday, February 26, 2013 @ 9:46 PM

Don't move to Spain if
you want a life
Ie want to hear yes instead of no
if you like trees, just haven't got the variety down south
if you like small birds
good driving, they are awful drivers
good job no jobs
high salary pitiful, cot of living is slightly less, wages don't keep up with it
creativity- there is none at all on any big scale, people including expats and locals are into appearances, not reality and reflection and communing with nature isn't as easy- despite the sea
if you like countryside ? it's a desert
if you like to eat oil free food- difficult, most spanish food is drenched in it

I lived in Spain for 30 years and spoke fluent Spanish, for the most part it was fine but feel like I am born again since I have returned to the UK and I am making up for lost time big style- our small island is like a gem-

Don't move to spain if you have a sense of fun! Here life comes out to play with you and england is a surprise- spain is predictable

if you don't like dust don't go there- it's a dusty desert

Jeremyhartman said:
Wednesday, January 9, 2013 @ 1:28 AM

Responses will be good, okay, I'm 16 at the moment and have nearly finished all my exams, GCSE's, I can speak a little spanish as I have studied for a few years. I don't know what I want to do in the future (as a job) and this is why I was wondering about moving to spain for a while to see what its like, I go there every year and it trually feels like a second home, what problems would I face though? I could rent an apartment for a short while but would it be hard to get a job as a young british citizen? I want to explore this option of living abroad but just need some advice haha, thankyou

Linda Gonzalez said:
Tuesday, January 1, 2013 @ 2:23 PM

Great comments for and against. I was in Spain for around twelve years, married to a Spaniard and brought up three children there. Always worried and was concerned about the education my children received there, they didn't go to an international school.
Compared to my education in Surrey, England, it was terrible although I know education has changed but even at it's worst here, it's still better than the education received in the province of Girona, Spain.
I found corruption and dishonesty rife and hated every minute there paying for school books, dentristy, etc, etc. which we could ill afford. My youngest child reached the age of sixteen and we all returned to England except my husband who is trying to sell our property in Spain. My eldest is in London, working and loving it. She feels she is back home, no longer a foreigner in Spain although she is half Spanish born, culturally aware, loves the theatre etc. My youngest two are both at college achieving distinctions and feel motivated once again. Many of their friends in Spain didn't even achieve ESO although through my encouragement, my three achieved ESO Certificates as ex-pats! I am very happy to be back in England and feel secure again. My children now say they wish they had grown up here and thank me at various times for bringing them back. Retire over there by all means but if you are going as a family, please think carefully before you mess up your kids' lives. I feel so guilty now and wish I had never gone, it's not all sunshine and life there can be depressing and shallow. Winter months being the worst when there is nothing to do. Even bars can be shut up and eating out in a restaurant with only a cpuple of tables occupied is very boring. Retire out there by all means and good luck to you. I speak Spanish, understand Catalan, taught English as a foreign language and also had Spanish friends but somebody once said to me, you never make a true Spanish friend and I found that to be so true. I hope my comments do not offend but don't go over thinking it will be a dream. My Spanish husband thought he was taking me to a better life but I have never worked so hard and so late at night and felt so tired and exhausted as I did over there with the heat etc working in the summer sunshine! No sitting around for me with three children sipping cocktails.

reached the age of sixteen and we all returned to England. The

George Giltrap said:
Sunday, December 23, 2012 @ 4:30 PM

when you move to SPAIN...expats who come out here to earn a living...will rip you off...also the Spanish will rip you off...you wil get rippped off by all ....nowt you can do about it,as you have no choice but to grin and bear it...all sharks over here,no matter what they will tell you...they will pretend theyh are your buddies....but its all crap...if they can take money off you....they will for sure.

Andy said:
Thursday, December 6, 2012 @ 5:45 PM

Im from the UK and living in Thailand 15 years. Im thinking about a change of location.
Thailand has everything for the westerners needs .... And Some!!
But also all the negs mentioned here, like heat, flies, insects, corruption, bad drivers, laid back life .... So I guess Spain might be a good place to consider.
Currently checking out inexpensive studio apartments near the beach.

John said:
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 7:38 PM

Doom and gloom of UK? There's doom and gloom everywhere, not least in Spain. Life is what you make of it. Many in Spain would be very grateful for what many in the UK have. That's not to say you shouldn't follow your heart, but holidays in the sun are far removed from day-to-day life.

Susan said:
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 8:55 AM

I really enjoyed reading all of these comments - (apart from the last few when the conversation sounded like the end of a very bad night out!) I am almost 60 - fed up with all work and no play and the gloom and doom of UK. The thought of working until I am 70 to pay my mortgage here in the UK is the driving force for me to relocate to Spain, sell my house here in the UK, rent or buy in Spain and live off the equity and join my sister in Almeria. It is a beautiful, cultured area (I think the people who commented about the lack of culture in Southern Spain need to get out more). The things that concern me are: old age in Spain for ex pats and of course the health service. I will no doubt miss our wonderful NHS service. Does any one have any experiences of the Spainish health service. I do have concerns as we take all this for granted in the UK. To The only alternative is that I will have to come back to UK every three months until I am pensionable age. I have paid my taxes for over 40 years and think I should have that option. Maybe someone on here has some answers to these questions. Old age and death in Spain. But until then I intend to live a little and have some freedom and some sun! A better way of life is beckoning!

Susan said:
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 8:53 AM

I really enjoyed reading all of these comments - (apart from the last few when the conversation sounded like the end of a very bad night out!) I am almost 60 - fed up with all work and no play and the gloom and doom of UK. The thought of working until I am 70 to pay my mortgage here in the UK is the driving force for me to relocate to Spain, sell my house here in the UK, rent or buy in Spain and live off the equity and join my sister in Almeria. It is a beautiful, cultured area (I think the people who commented about the lack of culture in Southern Spain need to get out more). The things that concern me are: old age in Spain for ex pats and of course the health service. I will no doubt miss our wonderful NHS service. Does any one have any experiences of the Spainish health service. I do have concerns as we take all this for granted in the UK. To The only alternative is that I will have to come back to UK every three months until I am pensionable age. I have paid my taxes for over 40 years and think I should have that option. Maybe someone on here has some answers to these questions. Old age and death in Spain. But until then I intend to live a little and have some freedom and some sun! A better way of life is beckoning!

Susan said:
Thursday, November 29, 2012 @ 8:51 AM

I really enjoyed reading all of these comments - (apart from the last few when the conversation sounded like the end of a very bad night out!) I am almost 60 - fed up with all work and no play and the gloom and doom of UK. The thought of working until I am 70 to pay my mortgage here in the UK is the driving force for me to relocate to Spain, sell my house here in the UK, rent or buy in Spain and live off the equity and join my sister in Almeria. It is a beautiful, cultured area (I think the people who commented about the lack of culture in Southern Spain need to get out more). The things that concern me are: old age in Spain for ex pats and of course the health service. I will no doubt miss our wonderful NHS service. Does any one have any experiences of the Spainish health service. I do have concerns as we take all this for granted in the UK. To The only alternative is that I will have to come back to UK every three months until I am pensionable age. I have paid my taxes for over 40 years and think I should have that option. Maybe someone on here has some answers to these questions. Old age and death in Spain. But until then I intend to live a little and have some freedom and some sun! A better way of life is beckoning!

said:
Tuesday, November 27, 2012 @ 11:00 AM

give me anal

ryan mitchel said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:14 PM

i love cock ;)

conner pinkney-miller said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:12 PM

yeah tee hee 69!!!

danny said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:12 PM

george u can suck me off or 69 me

matthew howell said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:11 PM

well george i have been bumming conner for the last 6 months :)

dannel cole said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:06 PM

hi im danny my curent ocupation is rapist

george bates said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:06 PM

how dare you matthew! i thought we was together forever but i cant suck you off knowing your bumming other boys!

dannel cole said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:06 PM

hi im danny my curent ocupation is rapist

Matthew Howell said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:03 PM

My name is matthew, im looking to move to spain simply to cheat on myboyfriend, george. The boys are so hot in spain and i hope they wanna bum me hard and fast :)

dannel cole said:
Monday, November 26, 2012 @ 3:03 PM

i am gay

denise morgan said:
Tuesday, October 30, 2012 @ 10:40 AM

we are off to live in spain next year when my husband retires .It is very interesting reading all the comments here .I think the one thing that crops up the most is the language ,and it seems to put alot of people off .Fortunatley I speak spanish.we will only be renting, less hassle and worry .only advice I would say do lots of research on the internet you can pull forms up and translate them eg NIE,PADRON RESIDENCE.ect .I am not retired age so i will be looking to do some volantary work .especially helping the pensioners with there doctors appointments and things .so here is my list for moving to spain .Of course 1st on the list is weather .I know there can be winter days ...but nothing like here in the uk. 2nd healthier living more time spent outdoors .cost of living cheaper food. we eat to much processed food here(so yes the mediteranean diet)3rd less stress .4th dont buy a house. rent one ,And if you own your home here rent it out then if spain is not for you then its always there to come back to .5th spend your time living your life .6th enjoy the culture ,mix with the spanish people little bit difficult I know if you dont speak the language but take the time to try and the spanish like if you make an effort .7th I want the spanish food dont want pie and chips . I want paella.8th you are not the other end of the world, couple of hours away thats all, cheap flights 9th travel a bit within spain see the beautifull places. this list could go on forever.and as far as crime goes well yes its got that too ...just like here in the uk and everywere else .so just use common sense .at the end of the day weve all got one life to live .so live it and stop worrying about everything .you may regret you didnt even give it a try .Oh and 10th well my 10th anyway I will walk down the road and see the lovely med ....and not dirty filthy streets .closed down shops .people walking round looking all depressed .and moaning .and wishing they were living elsewere.....and how lucky are we that we can go to another country like spain and live .people come here because they might like the way we live .we are all different and have are own ideas about things .so there will be for and against ....thats just life ...anyway happy living everyone

Miss A Flemming said:
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 9:42 AM

Been in Spain for 10years. Thinking of going home now. I am 50-50 on both sides. The main problem i feel is that at the end of the day I AM NOT SPANISH, never will be. I will ALWAYS be a foreigner in Spain. I am fed up with the SUN, its TOO HOT and dusty, i long for the changing seasons back HOME. Long to communicate in my own lingo. My Spanish is limited even tho I tried to learn. HOME is calling!

Miss A Flemming said:
Tuesday, October 16, 2012 @ 9:41 AM

Been in Spain for 10years. Thinking of going home now. I am 50-50 on both sides. The main problem i feel is that at the end of the day I AM NOT SPANISH, never will be. I will ALWAYS be a foreigner in Spain. I am fed up with the SUN, its TOO HOT and dusty, i long for the changing seasons back HOME. Long to communicate in my own lingo. My Spanish is limited even tho I tried to learn. HOME is calling!

Hi said:
Saturday, October 6, 2012 @ 12:58 AM

I like Spain it's not bad it's pretty cool In Spain

Will Mckean said:
Tuesday, September 25, 2012 @ 2:03 AM

I've lived here for 2 months. Bored senseless, regret it already. It's very cheap but you get what you pay for. If you can be entertained all day everyday for your whole life by doing and accomplishing nothing it's good if not then it's bad. Lived here for 2 months, going back in 2 months . The poverty out here now compared to 5 years ago is shocking, loads of people living out their cars, prostitution is rife. Very few bar jobs. If you want to move abroad you,d be better of just keeping it to a holiday

Jackie said:
Saturday, August 25, 2012 @ 9:14 PM

I lived in Spain for a short time, in Estopona. It was hell on earth and the day I touched down back in the UK was the best day of my life.
Don't get sick while you're there because if you need a Doctor, be prepared to sit and wait for two hours even if you have been given an allotted time slot. The GP's are inundated with British pensioners moaning about every ailment they have even non medical problems. My GP tried to find me a new apartment during my appointment despite my protests, hence the wait gets longer and longer.
I tried hard to speak the language and often could see the appreciation in the Spaniards eyes, but once, two girls in a shop laughed in my face, something I'd never do to someone here trying to speak English. However that last comment obviously isn't particular to Spain. I thought the sunny lifestyle with my family would be great. We had a high income and the kids were offered places in an international school. However, after a week I felt like I was in hell and things got worse from there. I ended up losing 2stone in weight through stress (not a bad thing) and the best words I heard while I was there were my husband saying 'come on, this is no good, you're going to end up having a heart attack LET'S GO HOME'!!!!
PS don't expect to get any mail when you get there. The mail system just doesn't exist and even the Spaniards will admit that! Good luck, you'll need it.

Jackie said:
Saturday, August 25, 2012 @ 8:28 PM

I lived in Spain for a short time, in Estopona. It was hell on earth and the day I touched down back in the UK was the best day of my life.
Don't get sick while you're there because if you need a Doctor, be prepared to sit and wait for two hours even if you have been given an allotted time slot. The GP's are inundated with British pensioners moaning about every ailment they have even non medical problems. My GP tried to find me a new apartment during my appointment despite my protests, hence the wait gets longer and longer.
I tried hard to speak the language and often could see the appreciation in the Spaniards eyes, but once, two girls in a shop laughed in my face, something I'd never do to someone here trying to speak English. However that last comment obviously isn't particular to Spain. I thought the sunny lifestyle with my family would be great. We had a high income and the kids were offered places in an international school. However, after a week I felt like I was in hell and things got worse from there. I ended up losing 2stone in weight through stress (not a bad thing) and the best words I heard while I was there were my husband saying 'come on, this is no good, you're going to end up having a heart attack LET'S GO HOME'!!!!
PS don't expect to get any mail when you get there. The mail system just doesn't exist and even the Spaniards will admit that! Good luck, you'll need it.

Jackie said:
Saturday, August 25, 2012 @ 8:27 PM

I lived in Spain for a short time, in Estopona. It was hell on earth and the day I touched down back in the UK was the best day of my life.
Don't get sick while you're there because if you need a Doctor, be prepared to sit and wait for two hours even if you have been given an allotted time slot. The GP's are inundated with British pensioners moaning about every ailment they have even non medical problems. My GP tried to find me a new apartment during my appointment despite my protests, hence the wait gets longer and longer.
I tried hard to speak the language and often could see the appreciation in the Spaniards eyes, but once, two girls in a shop laughed in my face, something I'd never do to someone here trying to speak English. However that last comment obviously isn't particular to Spain. I thought the sunny lifestyle with my family would be great. We had a high income and the kids were offered places in an international school. However, after a week I felt like I was in hell and things got worse from there. I ended up losing 2stone in weight through stress (not a bad thing) and the best words I heard while I was there were my husband saying 'come on, this is no good, you're going to end up having a heart attack LET'S GO HOME'!!!!
PS don't expect to get any mail when you get there. The mail system just doesn't exist and even the Spaniards will admit that! Good luck, you'll need it.

Julia said:
Monday, July 16, 2012 @ 9:56 PM

Thinking of moving to Spain in a years time am 46 hubby 50 he will be working out the country for a few months at a time so security is a issue were is the safest place who would recommend a area we have only ever been to benidorm in Spain so don't really know much about other areas we will be looking to rent long term anyone give me any tips no children will becoming with us they grown up and away now what's the policies on pets we have a 4 yr old staffie my email is juliamcalaney@me.com would be so grateful for any information thank you xx

Bill said:
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 @ 2:53 PM

I lived in port de pollenca, mallorca 4 years.
Never scammed
Never Robbed
I could walk home from the bar drunk and be safe as a baby at 3am or 4 lol
Never heard of anyone being scammed or robbed either.
I am going back to retire there.

Bill said:
Wednesday, July 11, 2012 @ 2:52 PM

I lived in port de pollenca, mallorca 4 years.
Never scammed
Never Robbed
I could walk home from the bar drunk and be safe as a baby at 3am or 4 lol
Never heard of anyone being scammed or robbed either.
I am going back to retire there.

Peter South (Cocentaina) said:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 @ 5:39 PM

No good saying that you like/don't like foreigners- in Spain YOU are the foreigner.

chris n tony said:
Wednesday, May 23, 2012 @ 10:29 PM

we live in the mountains
we dont have the must have pool
we dont have the fancy house
we drive to the local village markets
we have bothered to learn the language
we have made spanish friends
we enjoy their local food
we have both managed to get jobs
we have a fantastic life
we work hard harder than we did in the uk
we love the lifestyle
we have far far less money and material things than when we were in the uk
would we go back to the uk
.....NEVER.....
enjoy your life here its not one long holiday..
oh and stay away from the english communities .... simples ......

camposol said:
Saturday, May 5, 2012 @ 3:41 PM

don't move to Spain if:
you want to avoid paying taxes on your income from uk
you like reading uk newspapers-they cost five times more here.
you drive safely, as others won't.
you don't want to pay interpreters.
you want to keep your entitlement to the UK NHS-once you've left it's gone.
you dont wan't to be the victim of scams and distraction crimes
you don't want to be burgled-it's rife on ex pat urbanisations.
you don't want conflicting advice.
you like everything legal and regulated.
you like going to the cinema.
you don't want unfair tax laws.
you can't afford help and care when you are infirm or need residential care.
you are under pension age and have an existing medical condition, unless you can afford private health insurance.
you are unemployed-no benefits here!
you have plenty of money

camposol said:
Saturday, May 5, 2012 @ 3:40 PM

don't move to Spain if:
you want to avoid paying taxes on your income from uk
you like reading uk newspapers-they cost five times more here.
you drive safely, as others won't.
you don't want to pay interpreters.
you want to keep your entitlement to the UK NHS-once you've left it's gone.
you dont wan't to be the victim of scams and distraction crimes
you don't want to be burgled-it's rife on ex pat urbanisations.
you don't want conflicting advice.
you like everything legal and regulated.
you like going to the cinema.
you don't want unfair tax laws.
you can't afford help and care when you are infirm or need residential care.
you are under pension age and have an existing medical condition, unless you can afford private health insurance.
you are unemployed-no benefits here!
you have plenty of money

MikeTM said:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 @ 11:15 PM

Looking quietly at apartment prices on the Coata - Calahonda area. I see lots of 'Bank' repos - well that is what the agents state. Do readers think there will be further decreases in aparemnet prices - is the market oversaturated with ex-pats wanting to leave?

mikew said:
Wednesday, April 25, 2012 @ 11:14 AM

we are thinking of moving to spain we lived in the canaries for a year in 2006 and their was no crimes being committed that we knew of,we have been back in the uk for over 5 years now and cant get help in any way from local council housing as all the immagrants get housed first , so we have decided to move to mainland spain for warmer climax and a more relaxed life but reading some of your comments which has been posted i am definately moving their as all the crimes and corruption in the uk are committed by the government and no one wants to step forward and stop it and i aint a 1 man army so spain is where im going ....... a better life no new taxes like pasty tax whats the f is that all about ? council tax so the councillors and government get more money to sit in the house of parliment ...... no smoking ban .... uk can suck my ba**s hasta luego england you where once a good country now you suck ...................

jp said:
Saturday, April 21, 2012 @ 9:43 AM

well it MAY not be as bad as all that, but you

have a point......think before you leap...!!!

Julie G said:
Sunday, April 1, 2012 @ 2:01 PM

I am thinking about selling my house and renting in spain, can anyone inform me on the prices of a furnished 2 bedroomed property and any laws with regards to bringing my dog into the country.
Also I would like to possibly get a job I have a little working knowledge of the language therefore I would like to work in the hospitality industry which I have done before.
Having lived in Majorca in the 80s with my ex I know a little but this time I will be totally alone apart from my dog and safety is an issue.
Any information please would be greatly appreciated Hasta Luego and Muchas Gracias

ChristineJoyce said:
Saturday, March 31, 2012 @ 9:55 AM

How interesting! No grass is greener eh?why do you expect Spain to be some utopia? I have bought an apartment in Rojales a very mixed ex pat and Spanish area.It has it's usual problems break ins being rife! Gang recently arrested were Romanian and Russian. Now from my own town, I live in a quiet residential road, many houses have been bought by developers cashing in on the eastern European influx for renting to these people, latest score, one drug den,one robbing gang-pickpockets, one house had kidnapped young girl,one murder! This in a road which is predominantly English,5 years ago when I moved here these. Crimes were unheard of! Now you tell me how wonderful England is! I am seriously thinking of upping sticks and leaving England!

Mike Booth said:
Friday, March 23, 2012 @ 12:09 PM

We've lived here for more than 40 years. Spain is like life itself. It's what you make of it. If you're open, cordial, willing to learn, hard working and creative you'll do fine. Are there bad eggs in Spain? Of course, like everywhere else. Steer around them. Are there kind, generous, helpful Spaniards? Yes, most of them. You don't need to be impetuous. Try living in Spain for a while before burning your boats. My own personal recommendation: Avoid the Costas. Go inland to experience Spain at its best.

Mike Booth said:
Friday, March 23, 2012 @ 12:08 PM

We've lived here for more than 40 years. Spain is like life itself. It's what you make of it. If you're open, cordial, willing to learn, hard working and creative you'll do fine. Are there bad eggs in Spain? Of course, like everywhere else. Steer around them. Are there kind, generous, helpful Spaniards? Yes, most of them. You don't need to be impetuous. Try living in Spain for a while before burning your boats. My own personal recommendation: Avoid the Costas. Go inland to experience Spain at its best.

phil said:
Monday, March 5, 2012 @ 12:10 AM

I have worked in Leicester square for the last 23 years and have had to use London transport every working day!
I somehow manage to still be civil to most of our customers (although I am old and crusty now and get away with not having to suffer fools).
The mindless tourists walking six in line or the groups of them who decide to stand still at the top of the escalators or not stand on the right on the afore said escalators, get very short shrift from me!
The people who either try to walk straight past us on reception or talk to your face in a foreign language and expect you are going to be ultra polite and helpful back, will go back home thinking how rude English people are!
But I AM a very polite person to nice people and anyone who shows they have good manners!
My wife and myself love Spain and hopefully will be able to retire there in three or four years time. We do not speak the language but if we are going to live there, we will both do our best to learn as much as possible so we can become part of the Spanish way of life. As someone else has already commented on this forum...we are the foreigners!
Really thought provoking tongue in cheek article by Susan and lots of lol and serious comments back.
But at the end of the day a boring cliche.
When in Rome do as the Romans do!
ps
Hopefully most of our time will be spent by the pool in our own villa sipping brandy by ourselves but it's still nice to go to the local bar every now and again and feel good.
Best of luck to all of you who make the move!

Yaro said:
Sunday, December 18, 2011 @ 11:00 AM

please can someone advice here on domestic partner. am having stress in sabadell please

susieenespana said:
Monday, December 5, 2011 @ 7:01 AM

Ah, people. Spain is one of the most civilized, lovely and varied countries I have lived in (I live in Oregon now). Having benefitted from billions and billions of Euros in the nineties, the infrastructure is second to none. My only caution--watch your pocket. There are thieves operating little scams all around the coasts. They are not opposed to crawling through open windows, but they usually want only cell phones and cash. I spent a year in La Herradura, near Almunecar (near Granada), and I just have to say, if you ever want to see a perfect, real Spanish beach town, check it out. I wanted to follow the election (2008) so forced myself to read "El Pais" every day cover to cover--best newspaper in the world, bar none. Now I am completely literate in Spanish, and use my Spanish here in Oregon, where there are many Hispanics. Did I mention? when it came time to leave, and I looked out the airplane window back at Malaga, I sobbed and sobbed. Thank heavens, I have been back, and will again. And, as someone said, if you go to Galicia, as you must, to see Santiago de Compostela, take your umbrella. Here is my tip for getting to know Spaniards--do not act like a "unit" if you are a couple. Interact individually with Spaniards, not through someone else, whether in a bar, shop or next door, in other words, don't insulate yourself behind coupledom. I was a single woman, and I really had to make my own way (having a cute teenager helped, I admit), But I always used Spanish unless the other really preferred English. I find Spaniards deeply kind and patient, even the police. I have to admit, tho', no offense, they like Americans better than Brits, I think. But they can't tell the accents apart, so, what the hell, tell them and you'll get a smile. And, oh my God, the men are so beautiful, OK bye for now.

chris said:
Sunday, November 20, 2011 @ 10:26 PM

hi i have lived here now for over 4 years and the nearest town to us is lorca in may it had a huge earthquake,the spanish people were beside themselves but they all rallied round they even had buses coming round the villages collecting blankets clothes and food, remember when this happened it happened to all the different nations who live here, but every one still did their best, i wouldnt move from here for the world, i love my totally spanish life and spanish friends, if you try tobe part of spanish life you have won the battle....

John said:
Friday, October 14, 2011 @ 7:02 PM

We go to Spain at least twice a year and have for the last 10 years. Where can you go where there. is no construction, traffic problems, immigration concerns, and poor service? My suggestion is to go to New York and see how you feel about the warmth and hospitality you feel there. My suggestion for those culturally ignorant people anticipating making a move to any country, especially, Spain...stay where you are. There will be more room for my wife and I when we move there next year.

inlovewithspain said:
Friday, July 22, 2011 @ 11:14 PM

ok.. these are crazy reasons not to live here. I am a foreigner from an english speaking country that moved to spain 2 years ago. this list is absolutely silly. none of these reasons should be why not to live here.
I have to ask have you actually ever lived here or actually given it a chance ??

Do not move to Spain if you want to get away from mass immigration as there are people immigrating into Spain from all over including Romania, South America and er the UK.: have you been to other countries?? Canada, Australia, The US for examples.. go there and see how many people are from there.

You don’t like foreigners.: if you go to someone elses country.. u are the foreigner.

You don’t have enough money to pay rent and support yourself and your family for at least six months.: i dont know what this comment even means.

You have relationship problems and you intend to bring the partner with you.: u shouldnt move anywhere with a partner u have relationship issues with not in particular spain. but maybe a new life in a different country can help u realize how much u need each other..

Your children are in the middle of their GCSE’s or A levels, it is better to wait unless you transfer them to an international/ British school.

You don’t like driving. This is applicable to people moving to the coasts where everything tends to be spread out.: every city you have to drive. if you live in the country anywhere on earth u need a car.

You don’t like the heat.

You need job security and a high salary.: people get contracts here and there is high paying salaries. there is a global recession.. so..

You don’t want to learn Spanish: u dont really have to depending on where u live here. but u are moving out of your country and u would expect people who move to your country to speak english... works both ways.

You want to lose weight as the food is so tempting and you tend to eat out more: Mediterranean diet and tapas, you not gonna gorge like other places.

You are in the least bit impatient.: in hot countries this is a norm, but really like if ur impatient that sounds like a personal problem, not spain's

You like to be kept informed.

You have a problem with frequent power and water cuts.: never has happened to me or anyone else i know here ever..

You don’t like change.: things change everyday no matter what. so a move is no different.

You expect people to drive well and use their indicators: i have been to countries with worse.

You don’t like mafia style corruption

You don’t like dust: really cause the rest of the earth has no dust

You don’t like scaffolding or cranes: this means ur country cares and is doing well economically that it can afford renovation and new construction.

You need choice ie supermarket choice : corte ingles??? carrefour?? and like 10,000 other small grocery and shops offering everything u could ever want.

You are a big reader and love to hang out in book shops : u can even go to carrefour now in there book section. they have comfy chairs and a nice atmosphere.

ok rant over

kalindra said:
Friday, July 22, 2011 @ 6:14 PM

Spain is at the top of my bucket list, so I read all the comments. It seems to me that Spain is no different than any other country. @Danielle so you think the politicans in Spain are corrupt, are they any different than the ones in the US, is the red tape any different for foreigners coming into the US, as for customer service is also almost non existant in the US. Sounds to me like you should have been on a cruise instead of trying to live in Spain. I know when we go to Mexico I am at home, when we come back to the US, I cry my eyes out because I don't want to leave. If you do not feel like that when you visit another country than you certinaly shouldn't move there. Americans are spoiled and think they are entitled to certain things, guess what were are not. When we go to another country we are at somebody else's house and if we can't speak the language or don't understand the customs and things go wrong than shame on us for not finding out just what is expected.
The list that started this conversation is BS, but the comments that have come from it are awesome. Thank you so much

Antonio said:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011 @ 4:43 AM

I am Mexican American and I dream with living in Spain. I am, like most Mexican half Spanish and Half Amerindian. My last name is from the north of Spain. My only concern to moving to Spain is the fact that I am studying Latin American Studies and I don't think there is much use for that there
=( I don"t care about making boat loads of money. I have family in Mexico, so I know what being poor is. How much worse can Spain be than Mexico lol. I'd love to move to Navarra some day (sigh).

Phill said:
Tuesday, April 19, 2011 @ 9:47 PM

Lol, this a great article - as someone said easily, it's very easy to approach a relocation through dreamy eyes but to get the gritty truth is very useful. Thankyou!

Viceversa said:
Thursday, March 17, 2011 @ 3:47 PM

For those who had a bad experience in Spain. I am Spanish and lived in Bradford for 8 years. No other comments necessary!!!

kishay said:
Monday, November 22, 2010 @ 7:47 PM

i think there are diffrent pros & cons about spain.

Danielle said:
Monday, November 8, 2010 @ 2:33 PM

My husband and I have moved up and down the Costa del Sol. Wherever we went, we were ripped off left, right and centre. The words customer service do not form part of the Spanish vocabulary. The red tape is amazing. Name me one mayor who is not corrupt. I could go on and on and on, sadly...

tayleze anderson said:
Monday, October 25, 2010 @ 7:54 PM

spain has alot of killers so if you want to move spain should be your last choice

Azu said:
Tuesday, September 28, 2010 @ 12:57 AM

Madrid!! What a lovely city! I was living there from 2001 to 2006, and I love it! I'm spanish myself (living in Ireland at the moment), and I dont agree with lot of the opinions here...
I dont know about the south, but not only big cities have bookshops, theaters, cinemas!!! C'mon! We might not be like Germany, but we do like culture!!!
Some of the people here are generalizing, Spain is not only sand, heat and "playa", go to Valladolid, Burgos, A Coruña in winter and try to wear shorts and a T-shirt...
@Joey: Madrid is a lovely city with lot of things to do. It might not have a beach, and be stressing sometimes, but I strongly recommend you to give it a go, and add an enriching experience to your life. :)

Joey said:
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 @ 6:10 AM

Everyone here is talking about moving to southern Spain when talking about reasons to move/not move there. But is anyone interested in moving into Madrid? I want to move to Madrid for it's arts, economy, cafes, people etc & just haven't heard anyone mention Madrid. If not, why not? Is there something wrong with Madrid? I mean, it is the third largest city in Europe.

Joey said:
Wednesday, August 18, 2010 @ 6:08 AM

Everyone here is talking about moving to southern Spain when talking about reasons to move/not move there. But is anyone interested in moving into Madrid? I want to move to Madrid for it's arts, economy, cafes, people etc & just haven't heard anyone mention Madrid. If not, why not? Is there something wrong with Madrid? I mean, it is the third largest city in Europe.

chris said:
Sunday, August 1, 2010 @ 10:37 PM

hi, i live in a tiny totally spanish village, there are only 100 people here, i came here for the life style, i spoke virtually no spanish,but since i came here i now speak the language paint and decorate for my spanish friends, they love it when i transform their homes,and i now have a steady income, bonus to me which i didnt expect, it can be weeks before i ever see any english people, so please come to spain and enjoy their culture,

Veronica said:
Saturday, June 26, 2010 @ 11:59 AM

Thank heavens some people write positive comments to this article because I couldnt believe what I was reading. Just I have to say: dont move anywhere if you want to live the same way you were living in your own country.

Paul said:
Tuesday, April 6, 2010 @ 10:38 PM

There are many deficiencies which Spain has which are not apparent until you have lived here for a while.

Don't come if you expect some sort of cultural infrastructure. Someone above mentioned large bookshops. There are none. Theatres? Forget it. Art galeries? Nope. Cinemas? Likewise. You can get all this in the big cities like Barcelona, but not out here on the Costas. Out here on the coast it is a cultural desert. On the other hand if your cultural needs don't extend beyond getting drunk in deafening sports bars and going out for meals like fish n chips, pizzas, kebabs, chinese and curries, then welcome to Heaven.

The seasons don't change much here. Forget the leaves turning golden in the Autumn. Forget the fresh, new greeness of Spring. The sky is generally always blue and the earth is sandy. If you want to know what time of year it is, just see how many cockroaches, crickets or mosquitoes you can spot.

Don't come here if communication is important to you. The postal service is a sick joke and getting a phone connected can easily take 2 years or more.

Don't come out here if you are offended that Spanish people put other Spanish people before you and discriminate against you in a way you would never do to them in Britain.

Don't come out here if you are a go-getter who wants to make progress real fast. You haven't a hope. Spain has two speeds: dead slow and full stop.

I could go on but I'm merely reminding myself why I have had a bellyful of Spain and will be leaving in 10 days' time. Bye, Bye, Spain.....

amc87 said:
Monday, March 24, 2008 @ 1:10 PM

Hello everyone,
im just planing to move to spain with a good friend and we are a bit nervous because my friend and i can't speak any word spanish, so we dont know how to get a job and a apartment without speaking spanish. We are planning to move to alicante. We are planning to go for a few weeks holiday firts to see if we can find a job and a apartment. I mean im only 21 and he is 26 so i hope we can learn the language quick. I speak and write perfect english and german and my friend german and a little bit english (good enough), so im hoping to get a job in a hotel or something like it because of my languages. If you have any tipps for me please let me know i would really appreciated.

vioricavoa said:
Saturday, March 22, 2008 @ 8:41 PM

Oh, dear God, this topic is great!
We are planning our moving in Spain in the begining of this summer.
YES, we think we can "deal" with the new life in Spain.
But... We will have our house, not rented, without any mortage, we will have our car and our money for at least 6 months without any income (i hope we can get what we desire).
I will celebrate my 40 birthday in Spain, if God will help us:)
Good luck to all of you! :)

jane b said:
Sunday, February 10, 2008 @ 7:48 PM

You can't live without fresh raspberries at an a affordable price or fresh rhubarb at any price: I have recently been informed that if you grow rhubarb you have to keep it well hidden as it is illegal because the leaves are toxic. No idea if it is true but you certainly don't see it in the shops

TechNoApe said:
Friday, February 1, 2008 @ 2:59 AM

Well, 18 months after buying a property in Spain we are moving!

YEEESSSS!!!!!!

One comment on 'Reasons why you SHOULD move to Spain' - The spiraling cost of living in the UK!

Anyway, look out Duquesa, Manilva and Sabinillas ... cause here we come!

belch said:
Wednesday, January 23, 2008 @ 12:12 AM

you dont like flies, or other crawlies

pieeater said:
Friday, August 24, 2007 @ 11:17 AM

The driving thing is even more applicable in the country as shops are few and far between and the public transport links are rather less well developed than on the coast!

Do you REALLY believe that the UK doesn't run on mafia-style corruption? Half the legislation introduced by TB & Co has been to put a facade of legality on it!

ckthedj said:
Thursday, August 23, 2007 @ 9:48 AM

I was impressed by the Don't move to Spain article - an ejoyable read so here is my reply...

DO move to Spain if…..

Do move to Spain if you want to get away from mass immigration as there are less people immigrating into Spain than into the UK.

You like a mix of nationalities. Depending on where you go you can find a lovely mix and of course with that comes a colourful variety of restraunts too!

You have looked into your finances. Working or retiring? Cost of living is generally cheaper but not by a massive amount...

You have relationship problems - Just the simple change of lifestyle can make all the difference.

Your children want a bilingual education as Spanish law states that all residets must have good access to local schools. There are also many international Schools available too.

You don't like driving. If you are living by the coast it could be near a resort so all the everyday facilities are only a stroll away and in more rural villages.

You like driving. Spain is a large country of a lovely variety of landscapes which are great to explore.

You like a hot/warm climate varies massivley upon location) and you don't forget the sun-block!

You need job security and a high salary.

You prefer to live a life rather than earning a high wage to be spent on tax, nursery fees, high service call outs, etc etc

You want to learn Spanish. Not essential if you choose a tourist area but get the basics.

You want to lose weight as the food is so much more healthy and in many areas you can buy straight from the farmer. You have a choice

You are a relaxed person. As you get into the Spanish way of life - Mañana Mañana (which in a lot of cases actually means "not today" - as opposed to "tomorrow"

You like to be kept informed.

You are prepared to install "green power" to save worrying about the occasional power out. (I live in Almería and have had 1 power out for 15 mins in the last year - I moved from Hertfordahire, UK where I had about 7 power cuts for more than 3 hrs each in a 6 month period. do the math...lol)

You want a change for the better.

You expect people to drive slower on average than the UK and get caught up in no traffic jams.

You don't like big brother watching down on you and council services doing nothing for your hard eanred money

You are prepared for like dust

You don’t like scaffolding or cranes

You need choice ie supermarket choice - not only can you get a great supply of UK stuff but it is easier to find more European influences too - My girlfirend sells Avon and my mate imports Argos!!

You are a big reader - all english newpapers are readilly available and there are tons of book swaps - most of the local cafe-bars have something going on like this and love to hang out in (book shops - no thanks)a nice cafe bar watching the sun go down over the Med. knowing that I am having a better life and glad I made the change - I have been living in Almería for 2 years now and it has been a rollercoaster ride... a lot of it hard work, and the occasional "what the hell am I doing here??"- but it is all worth-while.

Any one else for a comment?
Karl

dannyboy said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 8:26 PM

dont move to spain if you dont like getting ripped off you never seem to get what u appear to be paying for

Roberto said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 5:04 PM

"You don’t like driving. This is applicable to people moving to the coasts where everything tends to be spread out."
Not necessarily so. Research the area. I live in the centre of Torremolinos, and really have very little use for a car. Everything is on my doorstep, and what isn't, there's trains & buses etc. Head inland however, and you will definitely need a car. But, if you do like driving, and "You expect people to drive well and use their indicators", prepare to be very frustrated!

shar said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 10:18 AM

There are pros and cons for anyhting and these are all good valid points to consider bet you couold write a longer list about not staying in the UK.......

Its not all as bad as that honest but too many people move out with rose tinted spectacles I would ammend at least one point on the list though and that is the one about........
You don’t have enough money to pay rent and support yourself and your family for at least six months.
Make that at least a year .......... too many people move back becasue they have not planned and run out of of money the cost of living is cheaper but so are wages and job opportunities fewer unless you speak the languages.

Justin could I use some of the points on this list on my site please great idea for both sides of the coin I always like to point out the good and the bad sorry I didnt think of it first ha ha.........

projo669 said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 10:12 AM

Thank you. I appreciate that. We have no furniture as its been sold and we're really just in limbo till we leave on August 31st. For the record- we are learning Spanish, we're hard workers and this isn't a long "holiday". We love driving, the heat and foreign people and we want to make lots of friends. I am scared and people are shocked since we only decided 6 weeks ago but I'm also excited. Our family think we are so brave but its only because people are naturally scared of the unknown. Thanks JAldridge!!!

jaldridge said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 9:10 AM

Don't worry projo669, we live in Spain ourselves and are very happy here. There are MANY reasons FOR moving to Spain, I'm sure we'll start a list "FOR" very soon. Justin

projo669 said:
Tuesday, August 21, 2007 @ 8:53 AM

It would have been nice to have listed the reasons to move to Spain. We move to the South of Spain in less than two weeks. There is always going to be at least one thing on you list that applies to one person. I've been thinking about your list all morning and where as I was absolutley sure before- now I'm concerned. Surely its not as bad as all that is it?

Only registered users can comment on this article. Please Sign In or Register now.

Do Not Move to Spain if…..

Comments:

Comment Using Facebook:

Related articles in this category