Moving to Spain alone
 

Hello!
I've just found this site and been avidly reading. I would REALLY appreciate some advice from those of you currently living in Spain (concerning the question "am I mad"?!). I don't want to bore you...but here's the background.

I'm 51, single, and have just taken early retirement. I absolutely adore the sun, hate British winters, and for many years have wanted to move to Spain. Now I feel I'm in a position to do that...but would appreciate honest responses from those of you who have done it.

I don't know Spain that well (apart from several holidays and also spent 4 months in Nerja a couple of years ago to escape the UK winter). But I want to live on or near the coast. I'm absolutely passionate about animals and have worked in rescue sanctuaries for 11+ years. I've been researching "good" rescue centres near the coast (by "good" I mean those with a humane non-destruction policy), and have found several that I'd like to do voluntary work with. My plan is to come over mid November, volunteer at a couple of them to see how we get on, and if I like them (and vice versa) move over full time ASAP.

I'd then rent somewhere long term, and do voluntary work at the sanctuary. I've got some savings and income from rental property, so don't plan on seeking paid employment.

I'd be really grateful for any comments, and answers to these questions:
1) Am I mad?!
2) Apart from monthly rental costs, can you advise roughly how much it will cost me to live each month? (Not car costs, but other living costs).
3) When doing a long term rental, are there other costs to consider (ie equivalent of UK council tax, water rates etc).
4) Although I've researched rescue centres on/near the coast, can anyone tell me of any they know (ie that may not have websites)?

In advance, thank you for taking the time to read this. It is a bit scary for me making this move but, the combination of helping animals and Spanish sun/way of life is just so appealing.
Thank you!
Caroline

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

:welcome:

No you are not mad!! as you have a pension and have no need of finding work.

What you must factor in is health costs, you will need private health insurance once the S1 form has expired, on a long term rental you should only have to pay utilities, even IBI, the Spanish equivalent of council tax may well be in with the rental. in fact with so many rental properties around I would suggest that you ONLY rent a place like that. As for living expenses, then it really is 'how long is a piece of string' as it will depend on your lifestyle, how often you want to eat out, where you buy your food from, do you buy clothes from Carrefour or an upmarket shop. Cost of living is about the same as the UK, but do remember that there are financial requirements now for people to settle in Spain, just as there are for people coming to the UK.
We lived on the Costa Blanca and there are many cat and dog rescue places there, some have actual places and others work by fostering animals until homes can be found. Even if you have no way of fostering you can always get involved in matching homes to animals available, which is what we did.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Mike, many thanks. I'm a "low maintenance" sort of person, stay at home when not with the animals. Rarely eat out, strict veggie, new clothes? Never! So as you say, my "living expenses" should be similar to UK.

If you've got a minute to spare, please let me know which animal charities you helped with (just so I can make sure I've looked into them all). Will definitely be doing the hands on help at kennels as that's what I'm used to.

Thanks again

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

You should find living costs are much lower than the UK apart from electricity and internet. If you live somewhere within walking distance of a decent market and enjoy cooking, you will be in veggie heaven. You probably know already that eating out in Spain is not really an option for strict vegetarians, as the concept is pretty alien here still.

I hope you have a strong stomach as some of the things you will witness in animal rescue centres are not for the faint-hearted. Things are changing, particularly amongst younger Spanish people, but there is still a lot of ignorance about animal welfare. It is quite common to dump puppies and kittens in rubbish skips tied up in plastic bags.

If you like a challenge, join forces with a Spanish campaign group like PACMA - your support will be very welcome!

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Thanks for your reply Pocaloca. I did 2 weeks voluntary at a Spanish rescue centre about 3 years back and yes, witnessed some appalling cruelty cases. Just by looking at the websites I can see that the abuse is generally far more common there than in the UK. Although, having said that, I've seen some horrendous examples of cruelty here too.
Thanks for the PACMA link as well; will look into that.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

CAS in Nerja are always looking for help. www.casnerja.org

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

I've just looked via google, and the one we were involved with on the Costa Blanca either has closed, or has changed it's name, have a look at the online newspapers for the area, 'Roundtown news' or 'The Leader' there are usually adverts for them there.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

You could try Gran Canaria with its all year sunshine..,€500 a month should get you somewere to live in comfort.. and look at...Animal Respect Association, Gran Canaria ...
www.tara-animales.org/

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

You're not mad, only slightly so, like the other million expats who have moved to Spain. As to being single, you're still joining tens of thousands of others like yourself.

I can't speak for Nerja, but the southern Costa Blanca, south of Alicante, has beaches instead of mountains and ten times as many British expats, as well as many other foreigners.

You probably won't find too much information on their websites, but we have animal charities everywhere, crying out for volunteers.

A decent house or flat in a safe area in the better parts of greater Torrevieja or Orihuela Costa, with a proper contract, furnished and with everything in place will cost no more than 400 Euros a month.

The rest is up to you.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

In Benidorm, Alfaz del Pi, La Nucia, area there are:
http://www.aaa-alfaz.org/
http://www.doggieangels.org/ ·3 ladies that foster and arrange adoptions. Alfaz del Pi
http://www.apasa.eu/
https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/429842950364245/
http://www.spapbenidorm.com/Engels/indexen.html
http://www.protectoradealcoy.com/eng...opcion_id=1687
http://www.sphoek.com/ this is a Dutch agency that has a dogs home in La Nucia

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

www.axarquiaanimalrescue.com are crying out for help and the Axarquia is (or at least used to be...!!) a bit of a hidden jewel - near the coast but beautiful inland scenery and a bit of campo escapism.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Many thanks to everyone who's helped out with advice. Have had replies from several sanctuaries so just planning the initial 2 week trip now to do voluntary at a couple of rescue places. Thanks again- what a great site.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Hola
My hubbie has worked for A.C.E animal charity in Mijas Costa which is so good. They find homes abroad for loadsa dogs and the owner is in love with all the dogs more than peeps. Web site ace-charity.org We have fostered a few dogs for them before going to permanent homes. Fabulous place.: thumbsup:

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

As a vegetarian as long as you're the kind of person who eats mainly seasonally you will find it's really cheap for you to live here. Eating out and socialising may cause problems though as to a Spaniard both Ham and Tuna are "vegetarian":lol:
My husband is a veggie and has become a really good cook since we've moved here. I like his recipes so much I've slashed the amount of meat I eat too.
Sounds like you're the kind of person who's going to enjoy the adventure. So I'd go for it if I were you. Life's too short not to! Good luck.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

I must agree with that, great service, I used them some time ago, all good and as we asked for:thumbup:

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

www.apariv.org The website is poor and due to be given an overhaul.

Apariv is in the campo near Rincon de la Victoria and they are always in need of volunteers at their shelter. They have a very humane policy and Lola who runs the centre is as dedicated a person as you will find anywhere. Read the story on the website about Valentino and you'll see what I mean.
They also have a dedicated band of hardworking volunteers but as more hands make light work, they really appreciate help so you would be most welcome there.
If you would like any further information about the refuge just let me know.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

You'll be fine. Get a rental, if it doesn't work out then find better one when you're here and that's basically it. All you need is the money to support yourself and a plan of how to enjoy and occupy your time, which you have.
Being a veggie seems difficult at first because the UK has shops where you can buy pies and pates etc. and that's not really the case in Spain. I find that all it means is that I eat more basic foods - rice and veggies - instead of pies and precooked meals and that's better for my overall health.
Carrefour sells tofu and all the major supermarkets sell soy milk.
If you can come up with a good reason why not to move then think hard but I bet you can't think of anything important enough to keep you there in the rain.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Hi Kayley
Have just sent you a PM. Hope that's ok...and thanks.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Hi Ionie
Thanks for your message. Assume you're veggie too? I'm fine living without my "fake meat" (as I call it)...but do use quite a lot here. When I was in Nerja I seem to recall a health food shop in a town fairly nearby that sold Fry's etc etc. But, I'm really not worried if I can't source any when over there.
You are absolutely right - I can't think of one good reason not to come permanently. But I will take my time, and do a few trips if necessary so I find a sanctuary (and area) that likes me (and vice versa!). Whilst I can't wait to be settled there, I do want to plan, and make sure my longer term rental is near a great rescue centre where I can really help.
Thanks again to all for your support and advice.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

As you have said you like the sun and don't like British winters you would probably not enjoy where we live - we have snow most winters, perhaps not for long, but then we are 800 metres above sea level and way inland. However we do have an animal rescue charity in our area too which was set up by some Spanish people. They now have much help from local English too and it is doing well. Although like all animal charities is always in need of help and funds so I am sure you will be made most welcome wherever you decide to settle.
Up here they too have a different view on vegetarian food, a bit like in the film "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" when an aunt was told the bridegroom was vegetarian, she thought for a moment and then said "no problem, I'll cook lamb".

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

most sanctuary's are adjacent to the really large populated areas, but even here out in the sticks, up a mountain looking down on the clouds at times, there is a need for somewhere to look after thrown out animals.

currently we have at least 7 dogs I know of and a litter of 5 kittens fending for themselves.

No, sorry, will not do more than leave water outside the door for them, have to respect the animals we already have, having brought them over from the UK. And we don't have any spare land either.

kind regards

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Good luck with your dreams, go for it.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Hi there,

I would say go for it but you really must ensure you have your arrangements in place such as health, wills and pre-arrangements for major events such as funerals, emergency trips home, etc.

Spain is a wonderful place for sure and the cost of living is definitely a lot lower than the UK but the crisis has put stress on some aspects of life here.

Apart from all that, good luck with whatever you decide to do :-)

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

As Concierge for the Spanish section of BE I would like to say hello and welcome.

BE is a very large expat website, so if you have problems finding your way around we have concierges who will try to direct you. The moderators for the Spanish forums are Mitzyboy and Fred James, moderators are there to ensure that the site runs smoothly within the rules of BE. Problems and complaints should always be addressed to a moderador who will look into the matter and deal with it efficiently and fairly. Our members who post in the Spain Forums are friendly and helpful with a wealth of knowledge of the issues of living in Spain. At the top of the page you will find a quirkily named thread called Free Beer which is full of important and useful information. Hope you enjoy your time participating in the forums.

Please let me know if you need any further help.

Rosemary

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

what a breath of fresh air to have someone else say it other than the odd one or two here. and at times we are called odd for saying it

yes this country has its problems, but even the Chinese Powerhouse is getting more and more.

and your other advice should be a timely reminder to all who are here, old uns and new uns.

rgds

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

I have to agree. I'm not sure about the peninsular but in Mallorca life is 3/4 full, not half empty. ;)

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

It's certainly full on whenever Ive been there.

Re: Moving to Spain alone
 

Thanks to all for taking the time to reply. All booked up now for my 2 week exploratory trip, and will be doing voluntary work at 2 different sanctuaries. If it all goes well (fingers and everything else crossed!) I'll be back out Dec/Jan time in a long term rental and finally....living there!

So....not long until the "dream" is a reality! x