Moving to an entirely new country is an adventure that’s worth taking, especially if you are moving to a country like Spain which has a lot to offer. But before you make that big move to Spain, you have to be prepared; being prepared means knowing what to expect and having the right knowledge about the people and the culture and other major considerations. So, are you planning a move to Spain? Here’s a list of the top factors you should consider if you want to live in Spain.
- Familiarise yourself with the language
Whilst big cities like Madrid and Barcelona have many residents who can speak English fairly well, the same is not true for other areas. This is why it would be good if you can at least familiarise yourself with the language and learn a few basic yet important phrases such as ‘Where is…?’ ‘Please’, ‘Thank you’, and ‘How much is…?’. If you’re living in a more touristy area, you may be able to survive without learning Spanish, but if you’re in a place where there aren’t too many tourists, it’s best to familiarise yourself with the language as much as you can.
- Learn about ‘Spanish time’
The concept of time in Spain is quite different from other countries in Europe, and this is one fact which may be a complete surprise at first. For instance, many businesses will only open from 10 am but will close as late as 9 pm. However, they will also be closed between the hours of 2 pm to 5 pm, which is, of course, the siesta. On the weekends, the situation can be different as well – some shops may be open during a Saturday, but others won’t.
There’s also a big difference in regard to mealtimes. In Spain, breakfast isn’t a heavy meal, and there’s often a snack mid-morning. Lunch can extend from 2 pm to as late as 4 pm, and there is an afternoon snack from 5:30 to 6 pm. Dinner can be a late affair, often lasting from 9 to 11 in the evening. Here’s one more tip to remember: if you are having supper in a restaurant, it’s best to go after 8:30 pm as most restaurants will not give you a seat unless you are in a popular area for tourists.
- Know what to expect when purchasing property
Purchasing property in Spain will be different from purchasing property in your home country, so do research about mortgage rates, taxes and fees, legal limitations, and the entire buying process. For this, it’s best to deal with a professional. For instance, if you are interested in property for sale in Moraira (one of the best regions to live in), it’s best to deal with experienced agents who not only know the area but who specialise in property purchases by foreigners.
