Spain is a popular place for people to move abroad, and the National Institute of Statistics says that 7.5 million foreigners live there, which is more than 15% of the total population. People come to this sunny country for a lot of different reasons. Some work their whole lives to be able to retire there. As an expat living in Spain, it’s important to try your best to learn about the local culture and explore every part of Spanish tradition.
We’ve made a helpful list of 7 things you should know about living in Spain, from how to learn the language to how to deal with the government.
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Learn the Language
One of the best ways to fit in with the people around you is to know how to speak Spanish. Sign up for online Spanish classes or start reading Spanish books and magazines to get started. Don’t worry about making mistakes; the people there will appreciate that you’re trying. It’s also important to know that most Spanish people can speak English, at least a little bit. Even if you have trouble communicating, it’s likely that your new Spanish neighbours will still understand what you’re trying to say.
Try the cuisine
Residents of Spain have a huge variety of foods to choose from, and traditional dishes use only the best, freshest ingredients. In Spain, each region has its own specialties that you can try at different restaurants, bars, and cafes.
From tapas, which come from the south, to paella, which comes from the east, we’re sure you’ll find something you like when you live in Spain.
Enjoy the weather
The nice weather is a big draw for tourists, and it’s also one of the main reasons why expats choose to live there. Most of the year, there is sunshine and warm weather, which is why you always see Spanish people outside.
When you live in Spain, you will see people of all ages out enjoying the sun, whether they are taking a walk, having a drink on the terrace, or sunbathing on the beautiful beaches. You should go outside and join them.
Understand the cost of living
Spain has a much lower cost of living than the UK and many other European countries. The prices vary a lot from place to place, but it’s important to remember that if the cost of living is low, it usually means that wages are also low.
Know the Spanish timetable
In Spain, most things happen much later in the day than in the UK or other parts of Europe. If you want to be a full part of Spanish life, you will have to make changes to everything from mealtimes to work hours.
In Spain, lunch is usually eaten between 2 and 4 p.m., followed by a snack around 6 p.m., and dinner is usually served after 9 p.m. This is important to remember if you plan to eat out in Spain, where most restaurants open later than you might be used to.
Attend a fiesta
Spanish fiestas usually involve a lot of drinking, dancing, and other fun activities. Fiestas vary from place to place, but if you go to one, you can really get to know the Spanish culture, music, and traditions.
La Tomatina is a food fight festival that happens every year on the last Wednesday of August. The fiesta takes place in the town of Bunol, and over a hundred tonnes of overripe tomatoes are used as weapons. Here, you can learn more about La Tomatina.
Dealing with bureaucracy
Bureaucracy is hard to deal with in any country, and Spain is probably no different. When you move to Spain, you will need to fill out a lot of forms, such as an NIE card. Falto Uno, which means “missing one,” is something you should be ready for. This means that no matter how many copies or documents you have, there is always a chance you will miss something. When going through the process, it’s normal to feel confused, not know what forms to fill out, or have the wrong ticket numbers. It’s important to have as much patience as possible and to learn as you go. Things have changed in Spain since the UK left the EU, so here’s what you need to know. Contact a member of the team today if you want to learn more about living in Spain or get a quote from Baxter Shipping.