Chiclanagir

Am moving out next week to Costa de Luz - should I use my UK mobile or buy a separate Spanish mobile, if the latter any tips on what sort of contract to get and whether it is cheaper to use that to phone the UK or the English mobile.

sibsie

I used, as did most people I know, a pay as you go. You can buy them everywhere and recharge them at the cashpoint.

jdr

At some places you can get a contract phone if you have a Spanish bank account and your passport as ID.

If your phone is unlocked, IE, will take any sim card, then you only need to buy a sim card when you get here.
Various prices, but cheaper at markets, you can also get your phone unlocked for about ten euros.

Or free at this site....

http://www.unlockme.co.uk/unlockme.html

Mercedes

I wouldnt use a mobile to ring UK anyway, I would get a landline asap, or alternatively use call cabins or get a phone card for the pay phones much cheaper.

Chiclanagir

Will get a landline as soon as we have found a place to live! What are call cabins? This is a very scarey experience moving country, would like to go to sleep and wake up and its all done a bit like Rip Van Winkle!

Mercedes

I don't know the Costa Luz very well but in some of the touristy areas they have phone, internet, fax and often called Call Cabins. The ones run by the Spanish I found often cheaper, have been ripped off a couple of times by ones run by expats.

I know what you mean by scary I arrived in spain in my car, never been to Spain before, thought it as an adventure. No accomodation and only had one contact. Interesting times, one thing I did learn is that not to take anyone on face value, especially Expats, the Spanish I haven't had any problems with so far nor have I been ripped off by them so far.

What part of Costa Luz are you going?

Mercedes

Chiclanagir

Hi Mercedes

We will be moving to Chiclana or near that area. We will be nomads for a time, have a place we hope to rent for June, but, its a matter of meeting a man in a cafe and getting some keys to an apartment. He wouldnt take a a deposit as "his word is his honour" so hoping that it hasnt gone to anyone else.
We will then look to buy asap, will sorely miss my home and friends but obviously hope to have new ones.

Mercedes

ummm. I don't know about anyone else, but meeting some guy in a cafe for keys in the height of the season, doesn't sit too good with me, especially if you turn up lock stock and barrel also. I don't know this area so don't know the people, the trouble is here, sometimes people who live here have keys to someone elses appartments to water the plants, etc, it doesn't always mean that they have permission to rent it out. Now this guy might be a lovely, honest chap, and be genuine, but he also may not. Since you willl be the new kid on the block, people unfortunately will take advantage of this fact...... I would come over before and get it all sorted, contracts etc, before you move. Just my 2c worth.

Chiclanagir

I know what you mean, but, it is through a third party who is a Estate Agent who I have previously had dealings so hopefully will be okay. Cant check out before hand as we are on the ferry from Plymouth to Santander on Wednesday and will the be homeless. Can anyone recommend what to do about insuring GB car in Spain as having problems with UK insurer re moving to Spain.

pathfinder

hello again glynis

Conagratulations on finding your house. With regards to car insurance you have to first register it here and then you can get insurance through a spanish insurance agent. This normally costs about 600 on admin and then your MOT and insurance. If not try liberty seguros for a temporary insurance. If you want me to get you a quote for registration then send me the make model and year for a quote.

On the furniture front then ther are loads of stores in chiclana then if not ikea in seville.

All the best
Danny

Pathfinder
www.relocatingtoandalucia.com

JuanVera

Be sure to spend some days in Santander if you are not in a hurry. They have a good camping near the Faro (lighhouse), a lot of fine places to see and an incredible countryside.
Be sure to visit "Ths Celtic´s Tabern", ask for the owner (Joaquin) and tell him that "Juan from the Irish Rover" recommended you the place". He sure can give you some good advices and places to go.

And good luck!

pathfinder

hi

going back to the phones...........

Calling with UK mobile costs a packet and also remember that ACCEPTING calls also costs you as you have to pay a charge to the network here. Basically, just don't use your UK mobiles.

You can buy a pay as you go SIM card from any telephone shop. If your UK mobile is unblocked you can use that, if not, then you will have to buy the phone as well. Phones can be easily charged from a cash machine if you have a spanish bank account.

For a contract mobile then you will have to get a NIE (ID number) from the police station, otherwise you have to put down a deposit with telefonica so it's much easier to get the number.

With regards to a land line then you don't need a NIE but expect to pay more than the UK for connection. Also decide if you want to have a phone provided (DOMO phone). This has answer machine, call waiting etc. NB you have to pay 60 euros to first get the phone and then there is a monthly rental fee. The cheaper option is to get the line only and that costs around 60 euros.

We are company which specialises in relocating to andalucia. www.relocatingtoandalucia.com

All the best
Danny
[email protected]