Keithhr

Hi

I am thinking of moving to Benidorm later in the year and any advice would be appreciated?

I am in mid fifties, single and have recently taken an early final salary pension of around 20,000 euros per annum and also have some savings. On the down side I speak no Spanish at all and have a criminal record.

I have looked at long term rental which looks affordable and have been coming to Benidorm for a number of years and love the diversity and of course sunshine.

Would like to do casual work if possible to keep busy as well as get involved with the expat community and perhaps learn Spanish.

As you can see lots to consider and I would really appreciate any advice or tips to help me make this happen?

Thank you
Keith

Rosemary

Hi and a warm welcome to the Spanish forum on BE. Myself and Fred James are the moderators for the Spanish forums whilst BEVS moderates Europe. Moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. This is so that members gain the information that they are looking for and find their experiences on the forums to be friendly and worthwhile.

Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderator who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are usually friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge about the issues of living in Spain. I hope that you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

tebo53

Hi Keith,

As you know Benidorm is a great place to live if you want and like what it has to offer. We retired early to come and live out here in Benidorm and never looked back, we love it here.

You will live very well on the income you have mentioned. Typical rental costs for a two bedroom apartment in Benidorm is about €500 per month plus electric. Elec is about the same as UK. Everything else is a bit cheaper.

You won't find any work here as everyone is desperately looking for jobs. There's plenty of voluntary work around though if you want to get involved. You will need to speak fluent Spanish to get any decent work. I don't know how your criminal record will affect anything.

Loads of expats here in Benidorm and (generally) they help and assist each other if you are full time resident.

Hope that's at least some help, Keith. If you need specific information or answers about Benidorm please dont hesitate to ask.

Steve

mikelincs

You would also have to factor in the cost of private health care, without a contracted job of being of UK retirement age then you could not get treatment on the Spanish NHS. You might well have to have a rethink IF the UK votes to leave the EU as no-one knows just how that will impact on expats in Spain or wanting to move to Spain.

Keithhr

Thanks Steve,useful to know. I was not relying in work as you say would hopefully have sufficient income, just I am not very good at doing nothing.

Great if there is plenty to get into!very in. If I go ahead no doubt will be asking for help in getting involved

Keith

Keithhr

Hi, yes the vote is concerning and one reason why waiting to see what happens. I assume (forgive me if wrong) that most expats in Spain would want us to remain in the EU?

Great advice on healthcare I will look into that more closely.


This is really great to hear from very helpful people glad already that I joined the forum

Keith