7 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Spain

[@texarkana3781]

MONEY! That's the other thing you need, since that will allow you to hire the blood-sucking middlemen that specialize in navigating the Spanish bureaucracy for you.

[@spainspeaks]

Ha ha, true!

[@heidipeters7174]

@@texarkana3781 I agree but if you have had to endure the hours of queues and trying to fix appointments or reason with the funcionarios then frankly I’d rather pay someone who knows the system like the back of their hand. They’ll have contacts and things will go on wheels.

[@dominiclavu193]

While I generally agree with you, there is some value to not having to worry about whether you've done something correctly, or the inability to be there to address what ever situation.

[@aferp]

Also true for Spanish citizens

[@honestguy7764]

Gestores are not that expensive

[@kiwicymraeg]

I've been here for just over 4 years now. Like you, Stuart, I did a Uni degree in Spanish but it was quite a number of years ago, so my Spanish was rusty. I was thrown in the deep end though as I arrived during the pandemic when things were just starting to open up, so all of my appointments with bureaucratic officials had to be done alone as they were only allowing one person in at a time. Once I was past that stage and had my residency, things settled down, but I've recently bought a flat which needs renovating and the bureaucracy involved in doing that is incredible! My Spanish is being given a daily Master Class! I have to say I love the Spanish hours and meal system though, and I've adjusted to that very well. I eat more, and more healthily than I've ever done before, and with all the exercise due to the ease of walking to everything in the city where I live, I'm fitter and don't put any weight on! Win-win as far as I'm concerned!

[@Carol_in_Spain]

I have lived here for 20 years. One thing I was not prepared for was if you unfortunately become ill and have to go into hospital it is an entirely different experience to my home country (UK). The medical care is wonderful but the way they treat patients is quite different. Your family is expected to do most of your personal care. Also, I sadly experienced what it is like here when someone dies. My late husband died here in 2016 and without previous prevision they expect the funeral to take place within 48 hours. We were lucky, my husband had a funeral plan which included delaying the funeral for 4 days which allowed family from the UK to come to the funeral.

[@brimad76]

Sorry for your loss Carol.

[@MinJun-f4w]

😢😢 so sad about the loss ❤❤🌹🌹🌹🤗💞

[@isobelmatheson8036]

Yes, the Spanish do everything in their own time. Except for funerals! It can be quite a shock, and adds to the stress around that time.

[@paulnipper]

@@Carol_in_Spain Thank you for sharing Carol, must have been some tough times and not easy in a different country.

[@andrewmeasures2312]

What a great video Stuart. For those of us that had made the move, the points you raised may seem obvious. However, it's not until you experience these Spanish anomalies first hand that you can really appreciate their full impact. I fully agree with the benefits of integrating with the locals. My very best years in Spain were when I moved away from the tourist areas. I moved to a barrio where I was the only guiri. It was fantastic. Excellent recommendations in this one Stuart. Very well done. 😀👍

[@marycarmendiazsantoro6152]

The topic of the nap (siesta) in this country is a stereotype that is not at all true, it is strange that you, already residing here, have not yet discovered that this is just a cliché. The small shops close around 1:00 or 2:00 p.m. but it is not at all for taking a nap, that is absurd. This is due to a cultural issue, they close their businesses to eat with the family and around 4pm they open their doors again. But not large stores or supermarkets. also bars and cafes, all of which are open continuously. Nobody stops, much less the entire country stops We stops to take a nap, maybe on vacation, people do take a short nap after eating, but the rest of the year we have too many things to do to give ourselves the luxury of going to sleep in the middle of the afternoon. I hope I have shed light on this mistaken stereotype and thus banish this cliché about Spain and the Spanish.

[@newworldsoldier81]

Yo soy Español y creo que me he echado la siesta 6 veces en mi vida y tengo casi 50 tacos...

[@marycarmendiazsantoro6152]

@@newworldsoldier81 exacto, como mucho si tienes tiempo te quedas un rato tirado en el sofá después de comer y ya.

[@newworldsoldier81]

@@marycarmendiazsantoro6152 Un puñetero tópico.

Soy español, de 53 años. Sólo hago siesta los domingos (y no todos) y de 20:30 minutos como máximo. Entre semana nadie en España hace siesta (salvo la gente mayor, jubilados o niños muy pequeños (de 0 a 3 años)) y menos aún se paran 3 horas para hacerla entre semana. Es un estereotipo que se nos aplica a los españoles, como el que estamos todo el día bailando flamenco o yendo a las corridas de toros. Es como si yo creyera que todos los americanos están todo el día en rodeos de cowboys o que los ingleses pasan todo el día en el golf, en el club social jugando al bridge o cazando a caballo el zorro…

[@nickfish8345]

He says quite clearly that a typical siesta might last twenty minutes and that the great Spanish siesta is a myth, a cliche. You need to listen before shedding light on a subject that he already has shed light on.

[@cg1788]

I like this. Direct and no waffling on.

[@12alocin]

90 Days over the worst of the winter suits me just fine, go home when the dafodils are up!

[@12alocin]

Damn, I spelt daffodils wrong!

[@heidipeters7174]

One thing I wish I knew was just how much time you are expected to spend with the in-laws if you are married to or in a long term relationship with a Spaniard..Fine if you are on good terms, not so fine if you aren’t.

[@korymalone6591]

Even if you're on good terms ...

[@stevenhombrados1530]

It’s a normal thing for most Latin people, Portuguese , Spaniards and Italians you marry the family! 😂 the French depends from where!

[@ChristopherDoherty-up7bp]

Gidday, Thanks for a good insight into the complexities of life here. It is always a problem, wherever one wants to move to. One has to tackle administrative measures. My tip is: Learn the language on a daily basis. Try different measures of learning it. One or two of these methods will be good for you. Use them! I often sit in a bar or cafe and watch Spanish tv subtitles. When I strike a word, or expression, that I do not know. I write it down and learn it later. This works nicely for me! Additionally, with administration, learn bits as you go. Keep on biting at it until you know it. You will master it later. Do not just let someone do it for you. People employed in the town hall often are very helpful with administration in Spain. Make contact with neighbours, they know how things work! Good Luck

[@cristinamasip4589]

Just like in England

[@santgenisfashion1]

Spanish person here...I don't understand you, folks!...You move to another country, mostly because of good weather and cheaper cost of living, BUT you don't care about their culture, most of you don't learn the language, many of you just complain and complain. What do you think is the experience of others moving to your countries as an immigrant? (or as you like to call yourselves "expats") I have experienced the same nightmares of burocracy moving abroad. I don't think there is a country where immigration processes run smoothly. Spanish people welcome others but we are getting tired of your constant whining. Please, reflect on it! Saludos

[@suzannecollinson6264]

Exactly how we feel in England

[@Bindi728]

Not everyone x many love the language and go through much effort to learn it like we are doing studying 5 hrs a day x I’m sure I’ll sound like rubbish and will make my Spanish new friends laugh x as for culture it begins with respect for the new country and again many thousands respect the beautiful Spanish culture and its reverence to maintaining it’s richness x no one would come to Spain if they hadn’t been attracted to this amazing people and culture x I hope you go easy on some of us who really try? With ❤

[@santgenisfashion1]

@@Bindi728 You are right, some of you also love and respect the country and make efforts to learn the language. I’m not against people moving to another country, I’ve done it myself a few times and I’ve been through the challenges of learning new languages and survive their burocracy. I just want to state the reality of moving. I have met many foreigners living in Spain in their particular “bubble” uninterested in our culture, and many, yes many, not been able to communicate in a basic Spanish and expecting we locals to mastering English. There are many KZbin channels focused on portraying the Spanish way of life and tutoring how to move to the country but not many of them emphasize enough on the necessity of learning the language, or the culture. I hope you enjoy your life in Spain. Saludos. :))

[@elisabethdorrer4831]

You are right! I witness the same here in Brussels, Belgium! Too many people come here expecting things to be better than in their own country! Well, some are and many are just different. They spend at least 10 years whining about the weather and everything else that is "wrong" or they go back home after a year or two claiming it is unlivable, learning the language(s) is too hard, that they cannot make friends etc. Well, I have lived here for 33 years as well as in Italy, the UK and the US, and with the right mindset and knowing the language you can make yourself at home in most countries. 😊

[@davidjenson7773]

Amen stop complaining

[@Yocambio]

I have been living in Spain for three years, in Barcelona, and I recognize my experience may not be the same as other immigrants who are living in other parts of the country. All of the struggles I have encountered can be reduced to a single source: my limited command of the language. Every situation related to immigration, renting an apartment, getting utilities, engaging with the legal system, getting medical care, etc., would have been easier if my Spanish skills were better. But that's entirely on me and, to be honest, I have found the people working in government agencies, banks, utilities, insurance, and similar places very friendly and accommodating of my limited skills. If I was fluent in Spanish from the beginning, those challenging things would have been no more challenging than dealing with them in the United States or anywhere else I've lived or traveled. But I knew that would be the case when I arrived and have just dealt with it without complaining about anything but myself.

[@martindouglas9839]

Mil gracias por el video Stuart, in Zakopane at moment, think you were very brave to move so far, red tape in Spain 🇪🇸 you have to see it to believe it ,it amazes me cuanto mas gente no siquiera trater a aprender la idioma de el país, donde ellos estan pasando tiempo, tal como gente amigo

[@davidhudson4653]

Stuart owning a home in Spain for now 22 years and living here for over 12 years permanently and running my own heating, air conditioning & plumbing business in and around Torrevieja, I have seen massive changes over that time. Both culturally and infrastructure wise. It has been the most rewarding experience of my life! There have been many times when I could have screamed, especially as you put it at Spain’s very own Olympic event, bureaucracy, it’s almost an art form for local government employees!! My only regret is that I didn’t emigrate to Spain sooner and as soon as I bought my home. As an immigrant in this beautiful country I have for the most part been welcomed with warmth, courtesy and kindness! ( immigrant, I don’t cut that ex-patriot rubbish, I’m a immigrant) I for the most part embraced the culture, life style, cuisine and even manage to speak the language ( to a reasonable standard ) quite well so I am told by my friends, who are mostly Spanish!! I’m almost fully retired now, sort of slowly transitioning into it! If you are ever in the southern Alicante area give me a shout and I’ll buy you a cafe or if you’ve got time a menu del dia. Great work love what you do Best wishes and kind regards David

[@santgenisfashion1]

@@davidhudson4653 ¡Gracias David! It’s rewarding reading comments like yours. You have got the essence of the Spanish life. ¡Saludos! …y ¡buena jubilación! :)) Carmen

[@MaryCollin]

I couldn’t agree more. Wish we’d moved as soon as we bought. Brexit and Covid helped us make the decision to get residencia. Very happy.

[@josemariagarcia9577]

Enhorabuena, usted ha entendido lo que es realmente integrarse en un país y su sociedad. Usted y su familia, si la tiene, son unos españoles más, y aunque no todo es un camino de rosas, y tendrá sus días buenos y sus días malos, como todos, realmente puede decir que vive en España, y la puede sentir como suya, no como muchos extranjeros, que viven en un gueto, aunque sea de lujo, sin mezclarse con la población. ¡Vamos!, lo más parecido a un resort de playa. Un saludo.

[@sonomafred]

David, if you don't mind my asking, where did you move from? Spent a month in Spain in 2022 and loved the place. People were friendly and very welcoming, and the food is quite awesome, to say the least. I live in California and my gal and I are strongly considering Spain for our upcoming retirement. Best, Fred

[@paulstandley600]

Pretty much a spot on summary ( i have lived in Alicante province for several yeas).

[@wayneprescott5648]

Favourite video so far - thank you!

[@JC-nu7lt]

WARNING: Four things to be aware of before moving to Spain: 1. Wealth Tax, 2. Inheritance Tax, 3. Roth IRA are taxed like tradicional IRAs, and 4. Income Tax brackets are very narrow.

[@Carolinapetroska]

No point then and tax on your worldwide income....

[@khairianwar6221]

That mean it's really difficult to build a career in spain😢

[@SeanMCannon]

Thanks for the vid Stu!Thankfully, my wife and I research until blue in the face (we’re both scientists so that helps) and she has Ecuadorian citizenship so we’re planning on taking advantage of that. We both look forward to immersing ourselves once there and avoiding expat communities as much as possible. That being said, if we end up close, we’ll have to buy you a beer at some point. Thanks for all you do!

[@terryrhodes1290]

Very good points to consider, and succinctly explained by you, Stuart. Non-EU's also need to consider the procedures and financial implications if wishing to live in Spain now. Especially pertinent to Brits who had been so used to being able to have a foot in each Country and freedom of travel between.

[@PhilipOgelby-ft8go]

Spain sounds nice, as do other places in Europe. Everywhere has pros n cons, depends what suits you. I retired from Florida to Guatemala, works for me..Saludos

[@MarI-Posa]

Good summary. Everything you say about bureaucracy is true. And if you live in an autonomous community with 2 languages, it's better to at least have a basic understanding of the second. It's a baptism of fire and worth it if it works out.

[@edurvevtx7319]

Some people think immigration is the same than holidays and that's false. First thing oneself can do is learn the language and culture. It's called education and the best and one way to be integrated and be one part of the new country. Everything else comes later.

[@liahurst8575]

Wise words Stuart, very good advice.

[@andreaschwartz4082]

Beautifully and clearly presented!!!

[@ErikYee-j8i]

I also want to point out, besides Spanish, there are also regional languages like catalan, Galician, basque and so on for anyone else to keep in mind as well. Also knowing the regional languages would also help people to some degree integrate into the local culture a little more , not just know how to speak spanish. There are some signs that are written not only in Spanish but the other regional languages too depending on which part of spain you are at

[@Joe-420-69]

I moved to Spain for work. I didn't speak any Spanish. Where I worked only 2 people out of about 80 people spoke English. I got all my papers sorted by an agency NIE, social security number, registered in my village and doctors which cost me 30€ in fees. This was 16 years ago. There are no other English people in my Village anymore although I only met 3 since i moved here.

[@isaaclopez70]

El que te tienes que esforzar en hablar castellano eres tú, no pretendas que todo el mundo hable inglés...

[@Joe-420-69]

@ ​​⁠que estás hablando? He dicho cuando fui a España no puedo hablar español. No he dicho que no puedo hablar español ahora.

[@mariomiranda2811]

Good advice, thank you

[@Santiago_Handle]

Here may be the eighth thing: the "CITA PREVIA" at the bank! If you think that searching for a home will be hard due to prices or availability, just get into a bank! That will be your new home because you'll be there forever.

[@kevtheargonut]

Thanks Stu, I would agree with what you say there nearly 12 months into semi-rural Spain. However, I have to add with the way you jump cut the video together I was giggling at times and shouting “Brilliant!!” In a Manchester accent. Look up “Fast Show brilliant” in your favourite search engine. But great stuff as always with an added comedy bonus this time. Tell me it was deliberate please. brilliaaaaant! 👍

[@sarniedonnelly2544]

Very useful information. Thank you 😊

[@stevenhombrados1530]

Always learning something! Thx! 😊

[@alibelula9269]

Bureaucracy like everywhere or in every country!

[@serenityinside1]

Oh no no .. waay more than most places ( except France ) .

[@thesocialmediascientistmbe]

A simplistic answer and not true in the slightest.

[@RobinPoole-hh5bj]

Very good video.Gives me some hope that I can accomplish my dream.My age is against me my situation i.e. I am alone is against me but the alternative of remaining in the UK is too terrible for me to contemplate.

[@stjut]

We intended to use a gestoría to complete the paperwork when we arrived, turned out they were asking for things that were not necessary or correct. So we bit the bullet and did it ourselves. We found the people in extranjera very helpful and saved ourselves a few euros in the process. Stu

[@joeambaye8681]

Thanks again for your excellent account of your experience 🍺🍺

[@DerekKenny-l2u]

Thanks Stuart good review

[@magalydiaz9073]

Beautiful country, great video.

[@bryankenney3421]

I'm finding tiendas y mercados, supermercados to be, one of many fantastic environments for learning Spanish. I rely on my great photographic memory and closely 'study' product &produce labels. Better memory kicks in when they're cosas importante. I bought a Tendedero today for the first time. Groovy!

[@honestguy7764]

Congrats on hou first step in Spain! Next one is ditching the kettle!

[@bryankenney3421]

​@@honestguy7764 Kettle??

[@bryankenney3421]

​@@honestguy7764Kettle?

[@andrewrobinson2565]

When we arrived in France in 1989, we came up against the Town Hall which was always "à votre service", but would always add a document to the list each visit until we got our residency in 1991 which became unnecessary in 1993. We got our French nationality (passport and CNI) at the same town hall in 2018. Our trips to Spain will only EVER be VISITS. 😊

[@carolfarron6176]

Meaningful and helpful info. Was just wondering if youd be willing to share whether you had ever considered becoming a Spanish citizen and the pros and cons of such a move. Thanks

[@dominic8218]

The service in banks is horrendous! I’m with Santander and what would take 5 mins to do in the UK, you will need to put aside 3 hours. 2 hours of that will be queuing!! Also each branch works in silos. You can’t have cards sent to a local branch for example, you have to travel to where the account was set up. Staff we have encountered are also miserable. Find this is the complete opposite of other service businesses in Spain 🇪🇸

[@marksmallman4572]

Have had bank accounts here for 25 years , never had a problem, in and out in minutes, but then again I dont live in a large town or city.

[@dominic8218]

@ must just be me Mark and all the people in our small village.

[@alfonsomancera1268]

Bureaucracy is always a barrier for those who move to another country to live. The United Kingdom is no less a nightmare for a foreigner who wants to settle in one of its cities. Just as it is clear that there will always be things that will surprise us from one country to another and even in our own country of origin from one region to another. I do not understand how anyone thinks of moving to another country with another culture and another language and expect it to be a parallel world to the one they come from.

[@anthonyferris8912]

@alfonsomancera1268 That's very interesting. Can you share some specifics about the nightmares you experienced?

[@debbiegarza1287]

Wonderful info Stu!! Loved the little town you were in also!!

[@turbosandtalks]

Another good video, thanks. I consider moving to Spain (from France).

[@paulnipper]

Great advice and all these could be seen as cons also. That said, embracing and adapting is the key, but it's so important to remember - it's not what you know - it's who! My neighbors are all different cultures including Spanish and is a massive benefit.

[@michaeljones3774]

I holidayed here several years before moving here & knew loads of ex pats here , who helped me get the paper work done and i used a well known established lawyer here . Can't beat getting information from the long established ex pat bar owners here.

[@maste3423]

Another great video with information about moving to Spain. Thanks, Stuart. Idea for future video: what opportunities are there for academic study? Universities? Language study? Expenses?

[@markgwaldman3273]

Terrific as always, sir. Question on making friends with locals. I have heard it’s hard to do as people in Spain (or anywhere) have their group of friends and it’s harder to get to know them than fellow expats (immigrants for those who get sensitive about the term) who have similar experience and are also looking for friends. I wonder what your experience is/was. Thanks. Keep up the great work.

[@isaaclopez70]

You only Have to pay for a couple of beers or cider.😅

[@robertauld7106]

I bought a holiday flat 19 years a go retired 2015 and moved to Spain from Scotland the fun part I joined a gym I now help to teach karate to the Spanish children and adults and have a great time and still very little Spanish as the karate terminology is Japanese 😅😅

[@vodkadave69]

Every time I land in Spain,I’m sure it’s a red day 😀 I love the Spanish way of life,it beats the UK hands down 😎

[@emris]

Tenemos el mismo número de días festivos/no laborables o incluso menos que cualquier otro país de nuestro entorno 😅

[@anthonyferris8912]

@vodkadave69 Maybe one day Stew will tell us how it compares with Australia, which is probably more pertinent to him.

[@cathymichaelelliott5722]

I was born here in 1968 and only visited twice before coming tonlive here in June 2023. I grew up hearing my mother speak Spanish and took Spanish lessons in jr. High-school, High school, and college. If you are not actively using it, it's not very good. Since being here, studying Duolingo daily and having to use it I have improved but have a long way to go. Thank God for translation Apps! I think the reason I didn't have a difficult time past the 180 days is technically I am a property ownercin Madrid. I can't live in my apartment until my aunt's husband dies. He is 86. Thank God he is there as I still need time to learn Spanish better so perhaps I could teach English. I have zero income right now. That makes life a little difficult. I take care of my sick elderly mother and I'm definitely learning how difficult dealing with the beauracracy is as I wait for the recuperación of my nacionalidad. I'm not an immigrant but I feel like one! Thank God for His help!❤

[@davidwebb7105]

Good info enjoyed it cheers dave from terra alta

[@newworldsoldier81]

There´s an interesting novel about that place.

[@newworldsoldier81]

Qué buenos anises hay en Chinchón!!!,aquí tienes un nuevo suscriptor desde Valencia.

[@elisabethdorrer4831]

How can anyone move to a country without speaking the language. I would never do that.

[@karhukivi]

The only problem with mealtimes is if you cross the border from Spain into France in the evening - it is too early to eat on the Spanish side and too late to eat in France!

[@michaelmckelvey5122]

It is also worth while mentioning that a newcomer to Spain should make sure that he/she buys a house not on a flood plane! Have you seen the news recently?

[@chrisfaron]

I lived in Italy for 15 years and can say pretty much all the points you raised Stuart applied there as well. I would like to moved to southern Spain, how to you suggest finding out about local culture and the differences between say Eastern and Western Andalucia?

[@tierrautopia]

I guess this applies to almost every country in the world. And yes, bureaucracy is a real nightmare here 😢.

[@robinsharpley7345]

Can you cover the newest government digs at the self employed in Spain please . How much more its going to affect autonimo - from someone who has an aim of going that way if can move over .

[@robdean335]

But using the window instead of the door is surely an improvement! Regards and curiosity from Spain

[@BrydiHeebner]

I feel like this information is very general and overview, I would like to hear more specifics of areas, not just i"ts cold in the north and hot in the south" just a bit more examples and specifics, then I would view again

[@philipellis7039]

Just as a visitor to Spain (from the U.K.) it’s definitely meal times (and a bit of shop opening times). When I’ve done package holidays in the past clearly the hotels have adjusted them for Northern Europeans and I’m sure I’d fit in eventually to the local rhythm but travelling independently in Spain it’s very odd to me. I was on a campsite in Northern Spain this year and there was a big restaurant next door. Friday night it looked closed, fine I’d eaten my own food, starting to get ready for bed…the restaurant opened at 10pm and a huge party of Spanish pensioners arrived. The staff had a break about midnight (lot of shouting and smoking) and the pensioners left about 2am.

[@terrydix3768]

Fabulous country and we're lucky enough to spend around 5 months a year there. The most annoying issue for us is the lack of customer care. You can stand at the meat or fish counter (e.g Mercadona) and be totally ignored by the staff, who may stand chatting or arranging the the shelves until they are ready to serve you. Try taking a faulty item back to a store - it turns into a major issue. You can be halfway through being served at a counter and the assistent will answer the phone an then have a lengthy conversation with the caller. You just have to take this in your stride and these little things are well worth withstanding for all the pros of enjoying the lifestyle. Sorry Mercadonna - we do enjoy your super wide aisles and happy and plentiful checkout staff!

[@alasdairgriffiths6448]

Having moved to Barcelona recently it drives me mad you cant be spontanious and go to a nice bar or restaurant as you ALWAYS needs to book days/a week in advance.

[@margaritacarrillonavarro1329]

Eso es porque todo el mundo quiere ser espontáneo e ir a un buen restaurante cuando le apetezca 😊. Pero me extraña que en los bares pase lo mismo, es otro concepto

[@margaritacarrillonavarro1329]

Yo vivo en Cádiz

[@sergiodesantiago8339]

​@@margaritacarrillonavarro1329Has dado en el clavo 😂, como barcelonés es cierto que en muchos por no decir la mayoría de restaurantes se debe reservar para poder comer, pero básicamente es consecuencia del montón de turistas y gente que quiere ser espontánea e ir a comer al restaurante de moda

[@margaritacarrillonavarro1329]

@@sergiodesantiago8339 👍

[@ahrondinar8782]

can you please tell where and how to look and find these people that help with bureaucracy for a small fee as you mentioned ?

[@newworldsoldier81]

They are called Gestorías and Notarías.

[@jaimefernandez2624]

most people doing youtube videos about moving to spain either do it that themselves or seem to be sponsored by one in my experience watching this kind of videos for years.

[@alfonso7069]

So all in all your expererience of moving to Spain has been a good one.

[@adelheidjaeger3201]

Great video! Moving country is not for the fainthearted😅!❤

[@raywarr]

I purchased a restaurant 3 weeks after I arrived in spain, which I owned for 33 years, while I agree there is a lot of beaurocracy this has always been the same as in england, but the thing I never got used to was the up and down of trade, with civic being the last straw, luckily we had a very good accountant how steered us through a lot of the beaurocracy, and one thing you must do is pay you social, the pension here is not bad

[@marksmallman4572]

I moved to Mallorca to work and live 26 years ago, retired in April, never looked back...

[@albertescribalemina9886]

Siesta seriously,if some shop close 13-15h , is for two reason: children go out to school eat at home and come back to the school , that schedule is better for the shop because there are more client later (cost-effect for the salary paid to employee). In a office job, you have an hour to eat, it's posible if there is a problem you eat in 10 min The other things more or less , yes that is true

[@r.j4449]

Lo curioso es ver la siesta como algo malo o algo que criticar cuando es una necesidad biológica que todos los países del mundo deberían respetar. Los ritmos circadianos caen al medio día y ya sea para descansar o tomar una siesta lo lógico es parar. Si acaso los españoles demuestran estar mucho más avanzados.

[@gordonchong3580]

Dejando a un lado la cuestión de la importancia de respetar nuestros ritmos circadianos, ya no vivimos en el pasado agrícola. Económicamente, el mundo marcha a otro ritmo y la insistencia española en aferrarse a una costumbre obsoleta tiene (y seguirá teniendo) graves repercusiones en toda la sociedad española.

[@r.j4449]

@gordonchong3580 mentira. En primer lugar el hecho de que todos los españoles practiquen la siesta es falso. Y si así fuera, España sigue avanzando y es una de las economías más importantes del mundo. En este momento de las que más crecen. Así que tp es que estuviera influyendo muy negativamente... Respetar la biología humana y el descanso nunca quedarán obsoletos. Precisamente en un momento en el que no para de hablarse como el ritmo acelerado está afectando negativamente a las personas a todos los niveles.

[@juca858]

​​@@gordonchong3580Deja a la gente que haga lo que quiera..que más te da 😂

[@robdean335]

However, One can avoid people but if you are a targeted person then there is no peace of mind in that your thought waves are constantly being read. What you see and hear, they have the same sights and sounds. I don't know how widespread this is but I know people at tĥ bottom of the food chain have this technology. Best wishes from Spain. Love the travel videos by the way.

[@kadmielgeber4093]

Is setting up a limited company an alternative to self employment? In Britain, you would be considered an employee of your company, rather than self employed.

[@ET-nk2vf]

Can you get by meeting/greeting people with a simple respectful hello and no physical touch?

[@honestguy7764]

no, you otta get used to foreign customs. If no please stay in your place

[@bitmanev4331]

Not sure where you are coming from. I have been living in Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Portugal, Spain, NSW Australia and UK. May be is difficult for people from outside the EU?

[@MsRedjay]

He's Australian.

[@armandodiaz3485]

Nice scenic views in this video! What area was this filmed in? We’re trying to locate housing just out of Madrid. Any recommendations? Thanks!

[@isabellacorble]

That is Chinchon, a very picturesque town and a favourite for Madrulenos to enjoy Sunday lunch. Its to the South East of Madrid.

[@nataliapiekarowicz5869]

It is Chinchón.

[@robertrobert9800]

Hi Stewart, could you give any advise on dating in middle age in spain. The do's and don't's of dating for ppl moving to Spain, thanks.... love the channel

[@FINNTIMES]

Thank you for another informative video, Stuart. I'm a Finnish citizen, but lived half my life in the U.S. and 2 and a half years in Portugal and now in my native Finland. My partner doesn't like it there and I find Finland a foreign country after having been away for 30 years. Now we are spending the winter in Benidorm, Costa Blanca. Some of the things you mentioned remind me of Portugal. I didn't like it there for various reasons and found the Portuguese people somber and distant and hard to befriend. I studied Portuguese language for 5 years and can have basic conversations. Now partner and I are considering moving to Spain for at least part of the year. He speaks fluent Spanish, I don't. It is my intention to start learning the language, although it feels like a daunting task, having just put a lot of time and energy learning Portuguese. The languages have similarities, so maybe my Portuguese will be helpful in learning Spanish. We are considering moving more or less permanently to southern Spain, maybe Costa del Sol, if we can find an affordable property there. At this point I'm pretty much resigned from trying to fully integrate into the Spanish society. I guess being a part of an expat (immigrant really) community would suffice. You advised against starting a business, but that's what we are thinking of doing. I have spoken with some Finnish entrepreneurs in Spain and they seem to be doing OK. Anyway, thanks for your video and keep them coming. Merry Christmas!

[@mikkar76]

How are the Spanish summers? Are they unbearably hot?

[@greendragonpublishing]

In the US, I'm used to having infrastructure and choices handy. I know that will be different in Spain. If I move to a decent-sized city (say, Caceres at 100K), would I be OK finding grocery stores within walking distance of a downtown flat? Choices in what sort of coffee I can find? Things like that. I'm hoping to move as a digital nomad in June. I already speak decent basic Spanish (grew up in Miami) and am eager to embrace local festivals and history.

[@ignaciobh7370]

Spain is way more accessible than the US… Our cities and towns are very walkable, you don’t need a car to get around inside the city and most of the cities are interconnected with a high speed train or highways (Spain has the highest number of highways and high speed trains per capita in the whole world…) So if you are worried about infrastructures Spain is, indeed, one of the best countries in that regard. Also, Spain is a wealthy nation and very touristy, meaning we do have many international brands and any kind of service you could expect. Obviously, the smaller the city is, the more limited you are, but that happens in Spain and everywhere else. If you are willing to find every American brand in Spain, you simply won’t, but we do have our own brands and they are pretty good. Grocery stores are all over the place. Unlike in the US, where you might need to cover long distances to get to a mall or supermarket, in Spain, you have a supermarket or grocery store just around every corner (I live in a town of 90K and I have a pharmacy, two supermarkets, a cafeteria, a Dental Clinic, an IT Shop, a pizza restaurant and a veg store literally below my apartment or in the block in front of mine) In Spain almost every block of apartments is provided with this kind of services, as long as the lower levels are usually conceived to host stores and shops. You can find everything in just 5 minutes walking…

[@johnandersen-p7q]

@greendragonpublishing One thing you will notice is the quality of food in Spain, compared to America. There is very little additives ( if none at all ) including chemicals . Bread for instance, does not have any of the same added ingredients that you find in the American bread and generally in American food Having lived in America ( Texas ) for two years, I can assure you you will live far more healthier in Spain on the quality of their foods water , health care and in general overall, compared to Americans. The is a term In America called SAD , (Standard American Diet ) the initials says it all . The only time you can eat healthier is buying very expensive organic foods , you don’t have to do that in Spain. You definitely will live longer and enjoy life so much more in Spain, but you have to be open minded and go with the flo to appreciate.

[@ChristyNicholas-e2v]

Having been to Ireland/UK/Iceland many times, I'm absolutely looking forward to non-American additives chemical food!!! With eager hands, open and greedy! And fresh cheese. And butter. And olive oil (yes, I know it's super expensive now)

[@ChristyNicholas-e2v]

@@ignaciobh7370 That's exactly what I'm hoping for, thank you! I love trying new foods/brands/combinations. Every time I visit a place, I love going to the local store to see what interesting foods there are to try. This local accessibility for the essentials - it is my dream! Right now, i have to drive 10 minutes just to get to a store. And walking on my street would be deadly - no sidewalk, state road, people speeding up the hill with reckless abandon.

[@johnkeane1896]

Hi Stuart, Have followed your videos for quite a while now. My wife and I have thought of buying a property in Spain for a number of years. During our travels to various parts of the Med coast , the thing that has put us off, is, unfortunately ,the way the British ‘expats’ live! They only appear to have moved there to sit outside bars drinking cheap booze. We like that coast, but would like a more authentic Spanish feel. ( Javea was nice, but property too expensive) Any ideas? John (English)

[@gabrielm8150]

In England, even some British people tell tourists that this is England, English is spoken here, even tourists can't speak their own language among themselves.

[@mariavictoriariviere4013]

It not a piece of cake and I'm fluent in Spanish still after 10 years ever day I find something's new not easy😅

[@Antonio-fm4md]

Burocracy is almost digitalized in Spain. I dont understand al ways complaining for that. If you want to work in another country you'll need your residence as well as healthcare number... There are same steps in every country.. and in Spain you almost can do everything online or pay someone to do it. The barrier of language it is your problem not a problem of burocracy... It is silly

[@PatrickLarvie]

You really didn't know about meal times or regional differences? Or that it's a good idea to make friends with locals? I'm not sure what to even say, but that's amazing. I think its worth pointing out that bureaucracy isn't so much a cultural difference as a novel experience for those living abroad for the first time. There are some elements of Spanish bureaucracy that are head scratchers, but by and large I find Spain similar to or better than the UK, Mexico and Brazil (the three countries ive lived outside the country where ibwas born). And im not so sure about that siesta bit in this video. Do you live in a remote, isolated village? A multi-hour siesta is certainly not the norm in Madrid.

[@miguel.a.d.6078]

o sea, quieres tener cobertura social pero sin tener DNI, tarjeta sanitaria.... Es muy fácil evitar esos trámites, no las tengas. Para alguien que no ha cotizado durante años venir a pedir derechos y quejarse del tŕamite me parece insultante.

[@Nadine-xv1kr]

I don't know a country where prices haven't changed in the last couple of years.

[@jvslater1429]

After 2 years here we can confirm that all your points are spot on. One extra thing is tax. This is the biggest X factor. If your lie to middle income, not an issue. But if you have any wealth Spain will love you even more. Wealth tax, death tax, tax on your super, tax if you sell your Aussie home, tax on your shares. If you're gone more than a few years the double taxation no longer applies. Many tattoos most sought realise. It was after two years we realised Australia was the better choice financially and last week left or beloved Spain

[@roadrunner156]

Bureaucracy, oh joy! To me it should be a little easier to navigate it, being that I am Italian; Italians invented the concept of stupid bureaucracy ahahahah. Thank you for your very informative video!

[@allthatisgreat]

What town were you in when shooting the video?

[@dominiclavu193]

Planning on moving to Spain , once everyone's on board. 🤓 Some concerns my wife and I have are: the infrastructure (recent flooding shined a light on that for us), and the political divides (nationally and between autonomous regions). Did you experience these concerns?

[@jaymccaffrey7463]

The infrastructure is actually good in Spain; roads, electrical grid, internet, etc. The problem with the recent floods, is that the coastal areas are way over developed and not well planned. The political divides are more like a national entertainment and drama rather that an actual problem. (Our family has been here 2 and a half years.)

[@dominiclavu193]

@@jaymccaffrey7463 Thanks Jay! Appreciate the feedback.

[@simonheffernan1767]

My wife is Mexican and finding it a tad difficult to settle in Australia 🇦🇺. We have enough for a deposit on a house in Spain 🇪🇸 but we need to have all our ducks lined up. Firstly, my wife needs to organise to have her qualifications recognised there transferred from México, second she needs to organise work and residency. How I will go, I hope to apply for residency if I can talk to someone willing to sponsor me there as a bus driver. I'm not sure how I'll go. Let's see.

[@diegorodriguezricco6765]

I spent 25 years in London Back home in Barcelona recently I hate burocrazy Public office short hours of work Love late dinner Holiday all the time 😂

[@jmw0368]

“Know-en” = Known!

[@ellieramseyer]

That's why there are so many ex-pat consultants living in Spain.

[@AmbroseOkoye-c4t]

How do i bco a resident in Spain

[@coffermartin77]

That's debatable about Spaniards allowing you into their inner circles and that's coming from a Spaniard by heritage. Northern Spain is very hard to break into. In the big cities and tourist areas it could be easier. Speaking Spanish will help you with shopping and general daily duties. I wouldn't be concerned about making new friends.

[@andrejsbruvelis8401]

I fully agree. The smaller is the town the harder is to get a local friend for a guiri.

[@simonbrampton]

7 things "I wish I HAD KNOWN " - past perfect, because you're talking about things in the past that you wanted to know. Things I wish I KNEW is related to things you don't know NOW, but you'd like to. In the description, you wrote it correctly!! This mistake amongst native speakers is turning into a meme. I've corrected this on about 20 channels to no avail, and it's driving me totally mad. Not pedantic, just totally wrong tense that a Spanish student learning English would make.

[@BallingerFamily]

Hi! We make KZbin videos, as well, and this is most likely due to needing a concise title & thumbnail text. It makes things more readable & eye-catching, even though it’s incorrect. Most creators will shorten titles as much as they can, while aiming to maintain their original meaning/allure.

[@simonbrampton]

@BallingerFamily " I wish I'd known" has just " 'd ". One extra letter. A catastrophic tense error made by a native speaker just looks bad, full stop.

[@BallingerFamily]

@@simonbrampton Okay. That’s fair. Just giving you some insight as to why you likely see it here so often 😀

[@TheTserko2000]

Hardest thing to deal with in Spain is the economy and all things revolving around work and money (including dishonesty). Socially the hardest points in my opinion are these 3: 1. The relationship to time and food. Spaniards will NOT try to adapt to you. So be prepared to be starving at 2 pm and Spaniards telling you “todavia no es la hora de comer” 2. Life revolving around family. If you don’t have your family there or you’re not married into a Spanish family, be prepared to feel very lonely during those many bank holidays, because your Spanish friends’ families will NOT invite you over 3. Nationality. No matter what you do you’ll be a foreigner for life (and if you come from Northern Europe, you’re a barbarian anyway). Embrace it and live up to the stereotypes or prepare for a life of fighting

[@josetorres-garrido5665]

Chinchon, vaya sitio mas majo.

[@someone46018]

I couldn't believe my eyes when I went to a big supermarket on a Sunday and I found out it closes on Sunday! 😆

[@isaaclopez70]

It should be worldwide...

[@Firespirit233]

Spain is good for old people