Hi everyone

I will be moving to Spain from London around mid Jan and would like to know what are the best and worst things about spain that you like and dislike since you decided to make that big step of moving to Spain.
Please can you also tell me what are the major problems you encoutered at first when you arrived and how best to avoid them.

For me a place where there are friendly people, a relaxed environment, a reasonale wage, not too much traffic, good scenery, where you work to live not live to work, good nightlife and social life are the most important aspects plus the weather and the beach.

Appreciate all replies and many thanks

Alex
London

One of the worst things about working here must be low wages and long hours. An example a friend works in a furniture shop for 1200 a month. Hours are 10am-2pm 5pm-9pm. By the time she gets back it is 2.30pm and she has to leave at 4.30 to get back, plus travelling costs twice a day. Having qualifications doesn't make any difference either.

about the only negative to me is the price of housing (relative if your moving from central London) and the poor quality of housing. Even the Spanish joke about how poorly every thing is built. Our 3 bedroom unit in a new build runs around 500.000 euros and leaks when it rains.

What I love is the outdoor life style, when it's nice people love being outside. Nothing like walking down and sitting outside and enjoying a coffee on a warm fall day (although as I've menitoned they're having a very rainy fall)

I can't say that I had any major problems when I first moved over. There are only a couple of minor things that I would have done differently, eg I made the mistake of transferring all my UK money to Spain via bank transfer instead of using a money broker (which is cheaper). And I spent a bit too long in rented accommodation whilst I was looking around for a place to buy. The market went up about 25% during that period and I consequently had to downsize on the property I eventually bought.

Overall, life is great!

Hi Keith

Your right using a money broker is a lot cheaper as I used to work for one two years ago. However, you need to check the company out completely as there a few shaddy ones operating in London and you may end up transfering your money not for a conversion but to the owners personal account.


I also read your comment Keith on life is great.
Please can you tell me if I can end up at least this in spain.

Wages of 1200 euros for a 7 year background in financial services and sales
1 bed Appartment for 600 euros for an ok place and not too far from marbella or malaga and enough money left over for travel and food.

A relaxed environment and not too stressed

Good people around to socialise

Get by at least with a least basic knowledge of spanish for a year


Cheers

Alex

Worst thing for me is the pitiful stray dogs. It breaks my heart.

oh Glynis don't forget the cats

don't say that, every day i nearly end up with 10 new pets.

Best? Definitely the people. Followed by laid-back lifestyle and sense of family.

Worst? Bureaucracy and lbirds in tiny cages.

Best the weather.
Worst the drivers.