You could rent out a P.O. Box and use that address.

That's great to know - its little gems of information like this that make all the difference in my experience, hence my trying to think ahead and be prepared!

I'm a techy-geek so unlocking the 'phone won't be an issue

My primary concern is to ensure I understand the communications (Internet + mobile) situation - what to get, which supplier, how much, and what differences there are from my experience and expectations in the U.K. and U.S.A.
I've noticed some mention of WiMax provision but have yet to pin down where that is available.
Over on spainexpat.com on the Internet page I found this:
and this:
So it looks like my primary concern is ensuring that the house I choose is close enough to an ADSL exchange (or WiMax AP) to get decent speeds. I will investigate whether SDSL, ADSL2, or bonded ADSL is provided - probably best to look at business services for those, though

I had an N70, but it was locked to the UK Vodaphone ... they wouldn't even let me use my phone!!!! So I had a cheap crappy one until the UK contract finishes.
I was on passport so it meant I could call the UK for 75p and then talk in the evening for an hour for one of my minutes. Seemed a good idea at the time, but it soon add sup and £100 phone bills started arriving! You get charged 75p if someone calls you too. I signed up to the 4 p a minute system for people calling you on this site which is excellent.

Ouch!

I have a U.K. VoIP number so I'll keep that going - it doesn't matter where I am in the world, incoming calls will reach me provided I'm on-line. Once I'm moved I can switch to a Spanish VoIP provider to take advantage of cheaper outgoing calls if necessary, although most of my VoIP calls are transatlantic.

I'm expecting I'll use the mobile predominantly for people to reach me when I'm out and about, so your warning about charges for incoming calls is welcome - another unexpected gem!

Hmmm, I'll have to contact the consulate and ask them about that - from what I've read so far it seems to indicate the address should be your home, but they must have dealt with this scenario at some point.

Ahh, thats only because its a UK phone, so the usual rip off UK system of charging me for part of an incoming call applies. Obviously don't get charged on the Spanish mobile

Oh, I seee! You meant you were roaming with your U.K. contract phone - phew!

That's roaming charges (when you get charged when someone calls you).

It applies to all phones when taken out of the country of origin.

When we applied for our NIE (3 years ago) we didn't have a permanent address as such. We were literally living on a building site and when we explained it to them, they advised us to rent a PO Box, which we did.

Don't know, maybe the rules have now changed.

Yes, the difference is that it immediately costs me 75p if anyone calls me, so wrong numbers, anything .... 75p. Its good on paper, but hasn't worked in reality

Thanks, that is very useful You've probably helped me to ensure I hit the ground running, which hopefully means less relocation stress and more fun

Hi,

I think I overlooked this NIE thing!

Do I need one? I guess i will be opening a bank account, renting a property, needing gas electric so sounds like I do.

I stumbled across this:
http://www.practicalspain.com/NIE.htm

Should i pay the £7.50 to get the forms emailed to me with the translations and stuff, print them out fill them in? Is it a good idea?

No just do a search on the forum, it has been covered loads of times.
You can download the forms and print them out.

Thanks to John & Kath.... Forms HERE

Note that is an old version of the form - the current EX-14 now has 5 sections. The download link I provided above lists the current form EX-14, which is the application for N.I.E.

Depending on when you are coming down, like now there are many properties for rent, if you leave it much later nearer the summer you may find it harder and more expensive. You will also find some appartments don't have a telephone let alone internet connections. Many new developments probably won't get them for years. So be aware of that. Personally would make sure you can get it at the property you rent before signing any lease etc. I've met quite a few people who are in programming that live here and commute to meeting etc. I commute alot for work as well so it does give you quite a few avenues open to you being down here and flights are cheap. A friend of mine an American, moved to Ojen which is just outside Marbella, inland which reduced his rent quite considerbaly to what he was paying when he lived on the actual coast. He didn't have any problems in getting access to the internet there. He also found it easier to practice his spanish as it is a spanish community, but near enough to the Expat areas for when you crave speaking English. I also live in that area and its not far to either Malaga airport or Gib. I get the best of all worlds, 10 minutes to the beach, or town, 35 minutes to an airport and easy commutable to the rest of Europe.


LIke you I'm also into watersports and outdoor so as said I get the best of all worlds and I also get paid in sterling so not reliant on the wages here.