First thanks to those who have answered other problems in the past, this forum is first class

The time is now fast approaching for our move and we now have the a provisional address (we are renting)

We do need the internet ASAP after we arrive in the Quesda area. OLE has been recommended. Any recommendations (or otherwise) would be helpful. Is anyone aware of the of the necessity of a minimum contract with either OLE or other internet providers, I should also ask here regarding the minimum contract for a phone line (I understand there is a line attached but will have to make a new contract)

Are the old (ish) UK driving licences (paper type) acceptable to exchange for the Spanish licence

I understand that I can apply for an NIE as soon as I arrive, can I use the provisional number (I am assuming the police issue some form of proof of application) for contracts or whatever else I may need an NIE number for, before the NIE number is officially received by me. I would guess that the time does vary region by region but any idea how long (approx) it takes for the official receipt of an NIE takes to arrive.

Just one other thing, we shall be applying for Spanish residency, do I have to wait for the official NIE number before I can do this ? Because of the law regarding the marriage certificate to be no older than 3 months I have to get the timing right I actually live at least a 1000 miles away from where we got married and cannot afford any mishaps.

Many thanks in advance

(counting down the days )

see comments above.

Depending in your internet needs, you can buy a dongle from Carrefour in nearby Torrevieja to get connected immediately.

Most of the other formalities can be completed with the help of a Gestor, I would ask around in Quesada for a local one.

Quesada comes under the town hall at Rojales and if you try and do things yourself you will need to speak Spanish or take an interpreter.

You can exchange a UK paper licence so long as it is the European pattern licence.

Thanks for the helpful replies..

@Snikpoh.. Sorry should have mentioned that my wife is Mexican, hence the need for the "3 month marriage certificate" Thanks for the info on obtaining the residence + NIE at the same time (never knew that one)

@HGB thanks for the 'dongle' info, it will certainly be handy as a stop gap method. Fortunately my wifes natural language is Spanish so I have my own interpreter

@Fred James I can see a problem here I fear my paper licence may be a problem. It does have "European communities model" written on it but I'm not sure whether it meets the requirements you have stated. Something I will have to check.

Thanks all

[QUOTE=madinmex31;9648312
Are the old (ish) UK driving licences (paper type) acceptable to exchange for the Spanish licence

[/QUOTE]I have just exchanged my 40 yr old paper licence for a new Spanish one and they included all the classes even those that the new first test does not cover. It will be valid until I am 70 and they did not ask for an medical.

The staff @ Rojales town hall are very helpful and will converse with you in english. There is an english lady who is a member of the council. She has an office in the town hall.

I hope that I am lucky enough to have the same experience I will be traveling to Spain from abroad and am not expecting to travel via the UK at all.

Thanks missile. (I think we may have been posting at the same time ) My wifes language is Spanish so I'm in luck there, It's very embarrassing to admit that during my stay in Mexico my Spanish is still very poor there are some mitigating reasons. My first plan on arrival is to complete a Spanish language course, trying to learn from your spouse (at least in my case) is not recommended unless you have the patience of a saint

We found Quesada a great place to live, I hope you will too . Good luck

There are those on here who say the last way to learn a language from your OH is by behaving like a saint.........

Muchos gracias ! (practicing ) we are still going to retain our homes here in Mexico but as far as I am concerned, apart from the occasional visits we intend to spend our retirement in Spain. We spent a week in Quesada earlier this year and was very impressed, so we have booked a short term rent there and can get a larger picture during the following months. Thanks again for your kind comments

But with the photo licence the photo has to be renewed every ten years, also a medical and aptitude test is required here in Spain every four years if over sixty, and I think it's ever two over seventy.

Spanish licences have to be renewed every 10 years up to age 65. From then on they have to be renewed every 5 years.

The law was changed quite recently.

de nada Do you have any specific questions re quesada?