‘Get ready’ British expats share downside of life in Spain

Simon Calder offers travel baggage advice

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Spain is one of the most popular destinations for Britons looking to settle abroad. British expats have shared the ups and downs of life in the beautiful country. 

The HSBC Expat Explorer survey asked British expats to share their opinions on their new homes. 

One expat said: “Be positive, don’t let the bureaucratic systems get you down, don’t try and do everything at once and learn the language.” 

While many expats in Spain will enjoy sunnier weather than in the UK, Spain’s bureaucracy can be draining. 

The Mediterranean country is known for having much more administration than in the UK and expats will need to get used to it.

Since Brexit, British expats have needed to apply for a non-lucrative visa if they want to settle in Spain. 

This has to be done from the UK and can be a complicated process for British citizens due to the amount of administration required. 

Another expat said: “Learn the language! Spanish for Spain generally, but if you are moving to an autonomous region like Catalonia, Basque Country or Galicia, try to learn the local language as well.” 

While the majority of Spain uses Spanish as their first language, there are several autonomous regions which use their own language.

Although expats may be able to get by without Spanish in popular British areas such as Benidorm and Alicante, it’s still a good idea to get to grips with the basics. 

Speaking Spanish can be a great way to get to know local residents and can also help expats to settle in faster. 

Expats may also have to adjust to some big cultural differences when they make the decision to move to Spain. 

One said: “Get ready for a very different schedule for meals, travel as much as you can around the country, and try local dishes- it’s really fun.”

Spain has a very different meal schedule to the UK and expats may need to adjust their daily routine. 

Typically Spanish people will eat a big meal at lunchtime, generally at around 2-3:30pm and sometimes at a restaurant. 

The evening meal is generally eaten at around 10pm and restaurants will usually be full at that time. 

Even children will stay up late to eat their evening meal which is usually smaller than their lunch.

It’s tricky to find authentic Spanish food before 8:30pm in Spain although some tourist centred restaurants may serve food earlier. 

Spain’s regions have many different culinary delicacies and Britons will need to head to Valencia to enjoy an authentic paella. 

In the Basque region, many people eat pintxos in the evening, which are a type of small snack. 

Tapas is generally enjoyed in the evening and top dishes include patatas bravas and anchovies.

Source: Read Full Article