I moved to Barcelona 21 years ago....from North America. Best thing I ever did. I also have two passports, one being from Europe, so I can legally live here . Plus, they have a fantastic health care system.
@@jenivettebigham7060 yes, if you have legal residence you will either be included in the public social insurance system or get very reasonable prized insurance, essentially for free when compared with how much would it cost in the US.
I totally get feeling the urge to live abroad. I have always been like that my whole life. My daughter calls it being a tumbleweed. I think it opens up so much that people that are rooted in one place miss.
I born in Spain. The best nation in the all world to live. You only need 2000 usd for a family. Now the problem is for local people as salaries are 1200 euros, not enough. But if both couple works then is ok. My family live in Granada, Spain. I went alone to work in Germany for double salary as a truck driver but living in Spain is better in all sense. Ok prices are same in Germany but life in Germany is more a sad life. Going home to work, just it. Spain you finish work and still can spend time with the family going out, it is more fun. So my point if you have a income more than 2000 usd and want to enjoy life, Spain is the best. North of Spain is very relaxing. South if you want to go out frecuently.
I'm an American who has lived in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2011 coming up on 11 years. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and I also lived in Seattle, Washington 5 years (2005 - 2011). I left Minnesota for for a number of reasons, including the weather. Sweden is a great place, yet the winters take their toll. The social climate is quite different compared to Spain, Greece and maybe the UK. As of now I'm gearing up for a move to Gran Canaria. The last time I visited the Island was 2015. And up till Dec 2021 I was planning on moving back to the States (Tucson, Arizona). Complications renewing my passport got me to rethink things. I said to myself "dude you live in Europe, you're here, relish that!!" Plus the move back to the States would've been massively costly. So I dropped the plan. Ding!!! My time in Gran Canaria popped in head, while navigating Google Maps. I had an amazing time there, and miss it. The climate and the people was refreshing compared to here in Stockholm. I still have no friends in Sweden. States, complete opposite. I'm a musician/ D.J. (Techno, Hard Techno, Psy-Trance, Disco House), Dancer and visual artist., since living here I've fallen behind. I'm starting to gain some ground again with production, but I've had enough of where I'm at. To be fair I've had some great experiences here and it's a privileged to be here, it's better than being stuck in the States. The Spanish, Canary Islands culture and weather would be a breakthrough plus a healing win for me. Thank you Erica for this inspirational Vlog, glad I found your channel. Great work!! 👍😀👏
I was just in Tucson. OMG did you dodge a bullet. What a nightmare city, it's so hood, the entire city is one big ghetto. Seriously I've lived in Brazil and Peru and even Venezuela after the communist takeover and it was nicer than Tucson. Arizona has other nice cities like Sedona though so i'm not shitting on the state as a whole
I'm leaving Sweden as well, raised here and I feel. Like I've had and seen enough. I have no friends and iv disowned my family. I'm moving to Costa del sol, I speak Portuguese, hopefully I can pick Spanish quick
In relation to the economy, I could say that although it seems that salaries in Spain are lower than in the USA, I can explain some things. They are different ways of measuring. In the USA they speak of GROSS salary, and not NET. That is to say that from there you have to remove fees, health insurance and other things. There are also many other differences: In the USA a car INSURANCE costs about $300 a MONTH. In Europe €350 per YEAR. In the USA, public transport service is basic or non-existent, so you need 1 car for each person in the family. In Europe the public transport service is excellent and you can perfectly live without a car. In the USA, a health insurance that gives you a service similar to the health insurance in Spain can cost $1,800 per month. (Spain has the third best health system in the world) In the USA, medicines can be up to 10 times more expensive than in Spain ua-cam.com/video/HLDQbf9ea0U/v-deo.html In the USA, studying a degree does not go below $50,000 and up to $200,000, while in Europe it is free or, like in Spain, €2,000 per year (paying off the investment made, you should take a good part of the salary in the first years of work) A plane trip in the USA is no less than $300 when in Europe traveling between countries can cost €30 to €100, either by plane or high-speed train. In the USA, just as a professional earns a lot, when he hires another professional he pays him a lot. In the USA a lawyer can cost $200 an hour... and in Spain €50 an hour. In the USA rents are much more expensive. In the USA there are no public parks like there are in Spain (only the Malls are public) In the USA the cost of food can be twice as high as in Spain In the USA, official protection houses are unlivable neighbourhoods, and in Europe many are of very good quality. In the USA vacations are not paid, and in Europe we have a month of paid vacations and more paid holidays. In the USA there are no paid paternity leaves, and in Europe they pay you 4 months of salary to take care of your children. In the USA there is no childcare service, and in regions like Madrid you have free nurseries until the child is 3 years old when he enters school. Also, now Madrid gives you €14,500 for each baby you have. There is support for days off, help for children with problems, people with few resources, free services, subsidies, work-life balance, social integration, etc. that does not exist in the USA. www.telemadrid.es/programas/buenos-dias-madrid/Comunidad-gratuidad-escuelas-infantiles-publicas-2-2111208859--20190409073245.html In Spain there is a subsidized system for older people to travel and enjoy spas with very low subsidized prices. (IMSERSO) www.20minutos.es/noticia/3566652/0/que-es-el-imserso/ In Spain, a teacher earns around €2,000 per month. ua-cam.com/video/cN0oVi1A4Mw/v-deo.html Another difference is that retirement in Spain for a teacher with 35 years of work would be 100% of salary and with ALL the Social rights mentioned above and in the USA he would retire with 50% of her salary. And so we could be explaining the differences for a long time. In the USA, two people working, with two children, two vehicles, could need a minimum of $6,000 per month to live. Taking their children to a nursery, the expenses of the two cars, trips, rent, expenses, loans to pay for the race, etc. In Spain you could have the same quality of life for €2,000, everything else is provided by the State. Vacations, health insurance, subsidized travel, subsidized medicines, university studies, free childcare, etc. The state would contribute between €2,500 and €4,000 more per month in the form of all this amount of aid and subsidies. If we had to measure a salary in Spain the way it is measured in the USA, we could say that a street sweeper who earns €1,900 a month in Spain, working 35 hours a week and with 4 extra annual payments, would receive another €2,000 to €3,000 in form of state aid. With which his real salary would be between €4,000 and €5,000 per month ($4,500 to $5,600 per month) but also the costs of living would be ALMOST HALF (With which in relation to purchasing power the salary would double) This is called "welfare state" and it is an interventionist policy of the Government, which works more in Europe compared to a totally Liberal policy of the USA, where they put all the money in your pocket and there you manage if problems arise in life . es.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Wellbeing
Thank you for the thorough comparison between the US and Spanish economies. They are really quite different. I could use your comment as an outline for a whole video : )
Thank you so much for the explanation. Very interesting!! As a non citizen do we qualify for the benefits of having a child and getting paid? I would only hold a visa if I get approved
Hi Erica, I just want to say that me and my wife watched this video yesterday and we both thought you made the right decision! We also liked your style of vlogging, that is very warm and personal. You did well with finding the flat, despite a few inconveniences in terms of public transport. It's good to walk or cycle anyway. Spain is a much safer country than most for walking around town, although you have to keep an eye out for the odd drunk or crazy person just like anywhere else. I'm from the UK originally, and my wife is from The Netherlands, so we can fully appreciate your experience of coming to Spain to live for the first time. My mother was born in Spain, so I've been coming to Spain to visit family since the 60s! I've seen many changes over the years. My wife and I love Valencia, but we live in Madrid because of work. I have a sister that lives on the Costa Tropical, between Málaga and Almería. Our Spanish side of the family are from near Villafranca-del-Bierzo, on the Camino de Santiago - which I walked in 2018. We also have relatives living in Ponferrada and Barcelona. Valencia is very hot in the summer, but at least you have the sea nearby, here in Madrid the summer is a beast, so many people try to escape to somewhere cooler for July and August. The north of Spain is a fabulous place to explore in the late summer, as August and July can be very expensive and crowded. Extremadura is a beautiful place to visit in late Spring, before the start of the summer heat. Galicia, País Vasco, Cataluña, Asturias and Cantabria are wonderful places to get to know too. If you want to explore more beautiful beaches in Andalucía that are off the main tourist trail, then the Cabo de Gata (near Almeria) and Tarifa (near Cádiz) are two places that come to mind. The north coast, the Costa Brava and Galicia have stunning coastlines that are worth visiting too. Spain is easily accessible and distances are nothing compared to where you come from in the US. The AVE rail network is very affordable and a fast service. We wish you all the best in your new adventure here in beautiful Spain - olé 😊
My mother is from Almería and I’ve been spending all the augusts of my life in Cabo de Gata. I can assure you it is a beatiful place. Also, I’ m from Valencia.
Good for you! I fell in love w/ Spain 20yrs ago. If I had EU citizenship I would move in a heartbeat. I'm hoping to be in Valencia later this year. Can't wait! Have a great time!
Love to see you happy here. I can tell you've made a great choice living in Valencia. Well connected to Madrid and Barcelona, on the shore, lots of people from abroad and a very special city. If you are able, don't miss the northern. It is not as well known as the rest of the country but I assure everyone if go there for a vacation you are going to regret it.
The thing is salaries here normally include several taxes like public healthcare coverage so even if they are low you can usually live easily and save a little. That said, getting a job with higher salary is hard because almost everyone here has university studies because education is super afordable and it is needed cause competition is fierce.
Y 1 mes de vacaciones pagadas, cotización para jubilación, 14 festividades al año pagadas, absentismo por incapacidad médica cubierto, indemnización por despido para cpntratos fijos, permisos pagados para exámenes públicos o asuntos oficiales, etc., etc. Nada de eso se paga en USA.
In Spain they are not lower salaries. They are different ways of measuring. A policeman, a firefighter, a teacher, a sweeper and some 80 other professions earn around €1,800 to €2,500 per month in Spain. If we add to this the cost of a Universal Health Insurance in a good system similar to that of Spain, where there are no clauses or restrictions, it could cost about €1,700 more in the USA, if you add: Free University Education (or almost free, $2000 per year) 1 month of free vacation per year 4 months off when you have a child 5 days a year paid IMSERSO service, where retirees can travel for very little money to spas, islands, etc. Aid and subsidy services. Social Assistance grants from each municipality. Free nurseries in many cities (Madrid pays you €14,500 for each child you have) Subsidized quality public transport service. and many more things… the salary of €2,000 could be around €4,000 to €5,000 per month… ($4,400 to $5,500) and that is not earned by many people in the USA. If we add to this the cost of living in Spain, it is about 50% cheaper, in context it would be $8,800 to $11,000 per month, to compare RELATIVELY in a more real way. In the USA you can save if you stop receiving this quality of life guarantee system for a while, or risk your future by paying cheap insurance, or working 50 weeks a year.
@@famasus you can get all that in America but it’s covered by your employer not the state. Most corporate jobs will include healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, occupational accident insurance, paid time off (PTO), etc.
@@AidPast not all employers do that in USA. I heard that Walmart, MC Donald and other big employers are hiring people for halftime jobs only not to have to pay them health insurance. In EU Europe you are insured ( being able to get affordable insurance) just for being a citizen/ employee. in some countries, like the Netherlands, healt insurance is obligatory for everyone, and if your income is low, you can get insured for something around $100 a month. so, big difference, actually.
A great video and I wish you every success in your country of choice. My introduction to the Spanish people and their way of life was being based in our companies Madrid office and being involved in civil engineering work throughout the country. It was the most rewarding part of my entire career. It is the warmth of the Spanish people that won my heart. Enjoy
Ask a Spaniard to show you how to cook a Spanish omelet and make a video of your 10 favourite dishes/meals. Please. Unfortunately salaries are relatively lower, but healthcare is free at the point of need as British people put it.
Really liked this post, subscribed right away, The chill yet active editing really superb seriously, calm real voice and no loud music as filler! Like the aesthetic. Looking to move to Spain to study classical painting in a year max two, Lived in Uruguay for years, I'm currently in the USA . Blessings! Like your work.
Thank you, Martin! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the nice comments. Wish you luck in your big move, that's very exciting. I think you'll like Spain.
Excellent reasons and very relatable video! We retired to Spain at the beginning of the Covid outbreak and it was very stressful at first. We live in Oviedo and have just renewed our visas. I agree with all of your reasons and I share the need to improve my Spanish. Because Asturias has so few Americans or Brits, very few people speak English here so I have to use the Spanish I have and hopefully improve. You chose an excellent city. We recently visited Valencia and enjoyed it very much, especially the Mercat Central and the Calatrava architecture at the science museum. Buena suerte desde Asturias.
I’m so glad you mentioned gun culture. It’s probably my number one reason for wanting to leave America (along with higher quality of life and work/life balance plus healthcare)
Oh my gosh you are from Denver? I live in Aurora. We are trying to move to Spain too . I applied for Spanish Citizenship in 2019 under the Sephardic law for reparation. Still waiting for my passport. So happy for you! These are reasons why I love Espana. Live a good life and have strong relationships. La familia es muy importante.
I just watched this again. I love your reasons for moving to Spain and your willinginess to share them. I am also a dual US/EU citizen (Italian), and my husband and I are looking seriously at Spain. We are older with pensions, so the work issues will not be an impendiment to us. Thanks again!
Hello, I enjoyed your video and will tell you why. You sound like a cool person, you were honest and real in the video, open minded, extrovert, down to earth, willing to accept other cultures. Me, Im a Cuban exile of Spanish descent who travel to Spain as a kid then landed in New Jersey, now in Texas. You know very well that many or perhaps most people in the U.S.A don,t share your views and way of life, I remembered an article on a Miami newspaper talking about Americans not accepting Panaminian culture around the Canal in Panama. You will do fine in Spain, you got the attitude needed to do well in any country, enjoy Spain, Adios y buena suerte.
Regarding the work of a receptionist, you must take into account that by law there are 14 pays (there are two double pays, one at Christmas and another in summer), and you also have 30 days of paid vacation per year. You don't need medical insurance either, the university is very cheap or even free if you pass the subjects every year, etc.
Si te gusta el jazz, te recomiendo en Valencia "le dancing pepa swing band", "the domisol sisters" y la escuela de Lindy hop "Black bottom". Enjoy VLC!
You know I watch ppl like u and it's so inspiring. I just wish I knew how to make this a reality. I'm only 20, and don't have anything or any money. No college education. I have a passion for music but other than that I'm so confused on what to do in order to go out in the world and live a life like you are. I'm not a person who would be happy with working on computers for a living. And of course I could save money like you did, but I just get so worried about never being able to save up enough and living my whole life paycheck to paycheck. I just wanna live a life where I get to see and experience and do things. I feel trapped in this town I've been in most of my life with other ppl who have been here most of their life. Idk how to get out it's so depressing. But ppl like u inspire me tht somehow I can do it, I just don't have a clue on how I'll escape this rat race that is the US.
Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry you’re feeling trapped. But you’re soooo young and you’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish over time if you work on it day by day.
Great video Erica! Honest and real. Your comment about your brother was really, really touching. My wife and I are considering retirement in Spain for all of the reasons you mentioned except the first one. I speak Spanish but my wife does not. I fear she might not learn enough Spanish and feel frustrated by not understanding things happening around her. I enjoyed seeing Valencia, didn’t mind the shakiness at all. Another reason I believe Spain would be good for us is that there seems to be a bit more kindness and respect shown towards older individuals. In the US it seems older people do not fit in, in social pubic settings. We’re not that old but we’ll get there soon enough. We’re caring for an older parent currently. Aging can be hard enough without being a social outcast. So it seems, for now at least, Spain is a place where being older is not looked down upon as much as in the states. I was curious if you see it that way as well? Or is it just rose colored glasses on my part? Keep up the good work and your experiences in Valencia specially in the summer. Your natural style will appeal to a broad audience. Btw, we’re headed to Madrid this weekend and then to Malaga - looking at possible places to live.
Thank you for the kind comments, David! There are plenty of English-speaking communities in Spain (sometimes too many for someone like me trying to practice Spanish). Lots of retired people from Europe and North America. I'm not sure if the experience of aging is different here compared to the US. I have noticed that older and elderly people are always out and about - walking, at the bars, on the beach. I even see some people with air tanks (breathing apparatus?) hanging out on the bar terrazas. I'd say life in Spain is very social and often happens out on the streets - and no age will stop people. One thing I'd do if I were you is check my potential tax obligations if moving to Spain - especially as an American. Best of luck!
@@tootz1950 I get my pension here in Spain....and they never taxed me . I know many Europeans living here on their old age pension and they also are not taxed by the government. Where did you hear about that ?
@@fastnbulbouss I was going to live in Spain in my last years and so did research. At first the most daunting task was the myriad of paperwork, tight time-lines and flights to and from the Spanish consulate several times from Tucson, Arizona. Then a woman who retired to Valencia from the US, she has a UA-cam channel, mentioned the amount of tax the Spanish government required. So I did the research on that, including contacting the Spanish Consulate. In the US my Social Security and military pension are not taxed, but to the Spanish government it's just another income and would be taxed at 25%. As my Social Security is enough to satisfy the income requirements, it would be difficult losing a whole quarter of my income. I'm now retiring to a country that has less stringent taxes on my money.
@@tootz1950 I understand....you don't have a european passport, you were coming here on a US passport. I admit that dealing with the Spanish government can be a big pain in the ass, I was lucky to be able to avoid all that, and the administration that I had to deal with was the Catalan government...and they are nothing like the administration in Madrid. Was nice talkin to you, and wish you the best .
Nice vlog. I’m with you 100%! I’m in Valencian community, 70 minutes north. You acted on your dream way before I did. It’s way cheaper here than Valencia but everything you said applies here. I can’t walk anywhere here without beautiful Mediterranean Sea views or some kid’s saying hi to me (work at public elementary school). I’ll be working here next school year and after that, I might stay on non lucrative visa.
I bet it's beautiful up there! I imagine it would be hard for me to leave this place, too. non lucrative visa is an option. Also the digital nomad visa is around the corner.
Thank you for your video. I lived in the States and I can relate to that feeling of having a foreign country in your heart, I treasure wonderful memories. Although I love living in Spain now (I have a permanent job, beautiful home, family and friends) sometimes I miss the States. I guess what I really miss is constantly being on the move, learning new things every single day! I wish you the best in Spain 🤗
Very cool! I spent a semester of college in Valencia so it was nice to see the streets again! I was there before the Aquarium was built. 97:) beautiful culture. Curious what part of the city you’re in?
Born in Northeast tri-state NYC, CT and Jersey area. The culture in US seems like it’s all about making money, everything else goes out the window. Spain has a true deep culture that I would love to be part of. My parents are from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico a previous colony of Spain. When I retire in about 15-20 years would rather move to Spain then the island of Puerto Rico feels like I belong there. Some day would love to visit Spain.
I moved to Madrid in 1992. One way I look at it is as if I had won big in the life lottery. When I was 8 y.o. I told my mom that I was European and that I needed to live in Europe. My mom just smiled and said "no honey you were born in Detroit, Michigan and now you are growing up on a small island off the coast of Georgia" I told her that I will never fit in in the U.S. Well 24 years later my dream came true and my family stopped asking me long ago when was I moving back. I have so many reasons for why moving to Spain was one of, if not the, best decisions I've ever taken in my life. The current political and social environment in the U.S. just got added to the list. When the call came from my brother's crazy ex gf who was living in Madrid at the time I jumped at the invitation to come here. I had never felt so alive flying by the seat of my pants with no work, 2,500 bucks in my pocket but with a tremendous feeling of self satisfaction of taking the bull by the horns and living a life I had always dreamed of having. Work came quickly and love a couple of years later. Sometimes I have to convince myself that my life is not a dream. Was the transition easy? Nope not at all. Was it worth it? Yep totally. I will always be the "extranjero or el Americano" here but I do not mind at all. Matthew or Mateo. Whatever. Da igual.
Great story, good for you. You see, lately, since Im getting old, Ive watched tons of videos of people living abroad. Is obvious most people doing well abroad have lots of things in common, good attitude, open minded, acceptable, open to new cultures, I would imagine most are extroverts, in general, most of them sound like cool people. If I get lucky, I might end up in Spain, I think my move would be way easier than most foreigners living in Spain. Im a Cuban of Spanish descent, lived in Spain as a boy, now living in the States, Spanish is my first language, very familiar with the country and I look like them. Adios Mateo, buena suerte en Espana.
@@Tech-vn1jv Muchas gracias hombre. My father and grandfather used to use the expression "s*** or get off the pot". As kids we laughed a lot when we heard this but as an adult I made it my objective. Far too many go to their graves saying "I wish I wish I wish". My parents told us as kids not to say "I wish" but just go ahead and do it.
Hola, Erica. Eres luxemburguesa pues. España tiene esas leyes también. La utilizan muchos cubanos o argentinos: si un abuelo (o por supuesto un padre) era español, pueden solicitar la nacionalidad española. Sobre lo de que se cobra menos que en eeuu. Tienes razón . Pero piensa que hay derecho a vacaciones (1 mes al año el trabajo que menos tiene) y no tienes que arruinarte si te enfermas porque la sanidad es pública. Eso para las clases trabajadoras como tú o yo supone una grandísima ventaja . No hay que pagar seguros privados y no hay que estar desprotegido como una persona fel tercer mundo o de otra época.
Hi Erica, I saw this video a couple of months ago. and really liked it. Then I went to have dinner with a couple that I know, Miguel and Alicia, and I commented that I had seen an interesting video (yours) and they said "We know her!" You and Alicia were attending some class together. They said they would see you again but I guess you stopped going to that class.
Wow, what a coincidence! Thanks for watching my video. Yes, Alicia and Miguel are great. I had to change my class time because of work, but yes, we were doing n the same Spanish class for a while.
I like your spontaneous energy! I am from Los Angeles, used to live in Italy for 7 years so I completely understand what your saying about “bug” living in abroad😂 I am planning to come stay 3 months in Valencia, Spain. I think I would rent a place for 3 months and see how it goes, I would appreciate your suggestion which part of neighborhood in Valencia etc.. 🎉😊
1100 euros per month is not "normal", is actually the legal minimum salary in Spain. Most people in Spain earn substantially more than that. On the other hand, when comparing salaries with the US you have to adjust for the cost of living but also for many expenses that are already covered in Spain but are out of pocket expenses in the US, such as health insurance, retirement pension or University cost. In my experience, I would say that a 45k salary in Madrid would be equivalent easily to a 90k salary in the Frisco/Bay area.
We moved to Madrid in September and are from the US. The not having guns and safety is a really big thing for us too! It's so great working in schools and not having to do active shooter skills! We're so jealous of your EU passport though! We're trying to find out how we can get one...
Hey! I'm glad you're enjoying your time in Spain. Yes, I got very lucky with the citizenship. Definitely look into your family histories. I have friends who got Irish and Italian citizenship.
Just imagine if you had an EU passport and it was ripped away from you in a corrupt unconstitutional referendum? ¡Asi es la vida para nosotros, los britanicas
Hi Erica! You vlog was excellent!! Walking was great! No need for you to be stationary. Movies use a lot of 'steadicam' shots where the camera person has a steadicam camera attached to them to move with the actor while they are moving. I loved the footage of your friend's family get together and dancing! I look forward to your next vlog!!
Camino de Santiago? This is 3rd most important pilgrimage rout in Christianity, People where traveling it since IX century. You must be Catholic? Anyway now when You are in Spain You should totally do this, at least final stage.
A great country. I remember many years ago I saw a picture of a "White Villiage" in Spain. I said to myself, I don't know where that is but I'm going there. It turned out to be Casares in Andalucia, lol. Since that time, visited Spain 5 times. After Taiwan, Spain would be my country of choice to live. Btw, how long did you live in China??? You must have picked up some Mandarin. A side note: I've lived in California most of my life. Of course, we have a lot of Spanish speakers, however, I had no interest in studying Spainish until I went to Spain and heard Castellano, beautiful Spanish. Enjoy your life there. Never may it to Velencia.
Thank you, Julien. Becoming a doctor is a big undertaking. Keep in mind that medical professionals can have a harder time transferring their credentials to another country. Just something to look into.
My area of Spain is much more diverse than it was 20 years ago when I first bought my property. There are hardly any Spanish people left, but besides from that it still has the sun and the beach. Cheers.
Hello from Minnesota (a.k.a."the russia of the US"). Enjoyed your video and really can't argue your assessment of MN winters. This one has been a real toughie... My wife and I are planning an early retirement in warm Portugal (Lisbon or south). We love Spain too!
I love Spain...and although I would prefer to hear what life is like in Spain from a local, it's the other cultures that move there and experience so many different things than a local. Thank you for your presentation.
@@EricaBizfunk I appreciate your perspective. I am Portuguese and Spanish dependent, and have visited family in Tenerife, and my desire is to live in Spain at least 2 to 3 months.
Subscribed. Because you're in a journey to learn Spanish... which I am too. Also, as a Sagittarius, I would love to follow your journey exploring a foreign culture. Because I can't.
Wellcome to Spain, Erica. Its awesome to hear you speaking so nicely about the country. Just a simple idea: if you manage to find in the US a work from home position, you'll get the best of both worlds.
great video and you have new subscriber. i think it would help the viewer if maybe you did your monologue from a sitting position interspersed with images of Valencia, as the shaky camera movements while your walking can be a bit much.
Yes I thought it was quite shaky, too. Only at the end did I realize I didn't have the stabilizing feature on : ( But I think people still like seeing the city.
That thing you said about being able to mimic the accent is so true. I can say words properly with an accent but I don’t speak well because I can’t form sentences properly sometimes. But people hear the accent and assume I’m a native speaker and just speak super fast and I’m like ahhhh!!!
I totally agree. I can compare living in Barcelona and New York, and I preferred Spain, cause I felt much safer there, I enjoyed pace of life and beauty of the culture. The level of life is a bit lower in Spain, if you have ordinary job or just a student, but somehow people enjoy living in this country. Moreover, you will be fine, working for IT or medicine industries or having s good business.
Sounds like you've gotten to live in some very cool cities! Yes, for making a lot of money Spain is not the best option. But the quality of life, the people, the weather, and the culture are what us foreigners stay for!
Beautiful. Bravo. Stay happy madam! Life in North America is too oooooo fast and stressful... No thank you :) For me, its better to live by the Mediterranean sea even with a low income than being the richest in states o am.
So cool good luck in Spain. I plan on moving to Spain. Can you tell me more about how you got EU citizenship. I live in North Carolina but have ancestors from Europe. Thanks again for the cool video.
Thank you! Well my mom's cousin did the hard work of tracking down old documents from our ancestors. We also used the Luxembourg American Society to help us through the process. It depends on which country you have ancestors from. I have friends who did it through Italy and Ireland, too.
You obtain the EU nationality automatically when you have nationality of some EU member country. Imagine that you have Irish nationality or Italian. If it happens, you have European nationality automatically. For example, we the Spaniards have the EU nationality automatically, because we are nationals of a member country...
I would not mind moving in Spain too because I can be a citizen in 2 years but I've been told about the scarcity of jobs. Without savings, not possible. LOL.
Hello, how far in the linage were you from your European ancestor? I ask this because my great great grandfather was a Spaniard and I am hoping that I could qualify for citizenship. 😊
@Raúl Sal thank you, i will do so. I just found out that my great grandfather was also born in Spain but gave up his citizenship when he immigrated to Cuba :-(
I think it was my great great great grandmother?? I'm actually going to interview a relative who knows waaaay more than I do and post a video of it. I know lots of latin americans end up getting Spanish citizenship through lineage. I'd say start your research!
@@EricaBizfunk the laws for Italian citizenship must be different then. I emailed the Spanish embassy and they told me great grandchildren don’t qualify 😅
Although there are no subtitles, she has a very understandable english, I'm a native spanish speaker and I understood almost everything she said. Good video about your personal experience in Spain, cheers from Argentina.
@@tootz1950 you get a lot in return in EU for your 25% tax. when it comes to the common people's real needs, EU countries ( ex new members) governments are, in providing the solutions, at the top in the world.
Que lastima!!!!!,si vienen en un n° moderado bien,pero si vienen en gran n°destrozaran Valencia poniéndola mucho más caro para los Valencianos y el resto de españoles,ya se vio en Mallorca,debemos protegernos.
Es verdad, está pasando en muchos lados. También vienen muchos holandeses y alemanes con salarios más altos y pueden comprar casas fácilmente. Es un problema si tienes un salario español (que tengo yo ahora). Hay que controlarlo de alguna forma
Hey hi Erica, Im spanish from Alicante, coffee at home really, my lady? nahh, best coffee is at the cafeterias! hehe ahh the smell of coffee in the morning, ain't nothing better to start the day with nostrils full of caffeine!! :) Nice video, i am happy that you decided to stay with us. Stay safe and have a great day!
I agree, coffee in the cafés is better! But I am a bit cheap, soy una rata? Haha! Or at least I am living from my savings so have to be careful with money...for now! I hope to visit Alicante some day, it sounds lovely. Thanks for watching!
@@EricaBizfunk LoL Yeh, you gotta visit those beautiful beaches down south Valencia, if you like to see something very cool, go and visit Moraira! ( Not too far from Valencia ) Small fishing town, very peaceful and gorgeous beach. Calpe and Denia are crowded with tourist, Moraira is nice. Have a great day Erica!
@@EricaBizfunk En el area de Valencia deben haber muchas bandas, orquestas y grupos musicales,porque no contactas alguna y te soluciona el problema de trabajo?
El problema de la llegada de tanto norteamericano a España es que van a acabar desplazando a la población local, dado que hay una gran diferencia de poder adquisitivo. Y eso no puede ser. Creo que lo que deben hacer los norteamericanos es luchar porque en EEUU se logré una sanidad universal accesible. Y no trasladar el problema a otro país.
Welcome to my country. I hope you have a nice life here. BTW the minimum salary is not great. Receptionist at a hotel, for minimum salary? Really? I think that's not good enough.
I lived in Mexico for 3 years back in 2008-2011. This next time, I'm leaving for good. Eastern Europe looks good. And as for the US being expensive....it's gotten downright ridiculous when it comes to housing.
Well come to Spain, Valencia .....How much do you pay in USA for medical insurrence??? Spain is free?? do you know in Spain in july and December you will receive the double salary?? your friend 1.100 will receive 2.200, you know than for the first year you are allow to have one month holidays and full salary.....you know normal salary in Spain is about 2.250 euros per month 14 times a year!!,,, average!!
Thank you! Health insurance in the US can be $100 per month (low) and up (my mom pays $1,500 per month because she is 64). Most people get health insurance through their job, but then it's a problem if you lose or change your job. Spain is not free, but I pay about 60 euros per month for private insurance. And I have heard that about the double salary months. That's exciting!
Nothing is "free", you are taxed more, that's where the money comes from. But when you're accustomed to that, your perception maybe that it's free. And 2250 still is only 14 bucks an hour. That's relatively low. When people compare the price of things in Spain vs the US, remember the values are different. Right now 10 euros is the equivalent to 11.18 in US dollars. I love Spain, I have family there and it's one of my favorite places. I also love the US... like everywhere, it's all about where you live in a country, as far as feeling safe and feeling happy. I can afford to do more by living and working in the US right now. (And I have guns but I'm former military, have shot competitively, and am a law abiding citizen... in other words, they don't scare me.) Great video by the way, Salud!
I moved to Barcelona 21 years ago....from North America. Best thing I ever did. I also have two passports, one being from Europe, so I can legally live here . Plus, they have a fantastic health care system.
Hi when can non citizens obtain health care out there? My husband and I are planning to move and obtain visas to start. Thank you!
@@jenivettebigham7060 they wont leave you unatendded
Barcelona is ruined now.. lots of crime from the migrants.. one almost robbed me.. much more expensive and touristy..
@@jenivettebigham7060 yes, if you have legal residence you will either be included in the public social insurance system or get very reasonable prized insurance, essentially for free when compared with how much would it cost in the US.
Such a beautiful video of arriving. Like a tender literary essay. Like a walk with a friend.
What a nice comment, thank you so much!
I totally get feeling the urge to live abroad. I have always been like that my whole life. My daughter calls it being a tumbleweed. I think it opens up so much that people that are rooted in one place miss.
do u happen to know ur moon sign??
I born in Spain. The best nation in the all world to live. You only need 2000 usd for a family. Now the problem is for local people as salaries are 1200 euros, not enough. But if both couple works then is ok. My family live in Granada, Spain. I went alone to work in Germany for double salary as a truck driver but living in Spain is better in all sense.
Ok prices are same in Germany but life in Germany is more a sad life. Going home to work, just it. Spain you finish work and still can spend time with the family going out, it is more fun. So my point if you have a income more than 2000 usd and want to enjoy life, Spain is the best. North of Spain is very relaxing. South if you want to go out frecuently.
Thank you for sharing!
I'm an American who has lived in Stockholm, Sweden, since 2011 coming up on 11 years. Originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota and I also lived in Seattle, Washington 5 years (2005 - 2011). I left Minnesota for for a number of reasons, including the weather. Sweden is a great place, yet the winters take their toll. The social climate is quite different compared to Spain, Greece and maybe the UK. As of now I'm gearing up for a move to Gran Canaria. The last time I visited the Island was 2015.
And up till Dec 2021 I was planning on moving back to the States (Tucson, Arizona). Complications renewing my passport got me to rethink things. I said to myself "dude you live in Europe, you're here, relish that!!" Plus the move back to the States would've been massively costly. So I dropped the plan. Ding!!! My time in Gran Canaria popped in head, while navigating Google Maps. I had an amazing time there, and miss it. The climate and the people was refreshing compared to here in Stockholm. I still have no friends in Sweden. States, complete opposite. I'm a musician/ D.J. (Techno, Hard Techno, Psy-Trance, Disco House), Dancer and visual artist., since living here I've fallen behind. I'm starting to gain some ground again with production, but I've had enough of where I'm at. To be fair I've had some great experiences here and it's a privileged to be here, it's better than being stuck in the States. The Spanish, Canary Islands culture and weather would be a breakthrough plus a healing win for me. Thank you Erica for this inspirational Vlog, glad I found your channel. Great work!! 👍😀👏
I was just in Tucson. OMG did you dodge a bullet. What a nightmare city, it's so hood, the entire city is one big ghetto. Seriously I've lived in Brazil and Peru and even Venezuela after the communist takeover and it was nicer than Tucson. Arizona has other nice cities like Sedona though so i'm not shitting on the state as a whole
I'm leaving Sweden as well, raised here and I feel. Like I've had and seen enough. I have no friends and iv disowned my family. I'm moving to Costa del sol, I speak Portuguese, hopefully I can pick Spanish quick
I moved from Denver as well! To Granada Spain :) now I am thinking about moving to Valencia
In relation to the economy, I could say that although it seems that salaries in Spain are lower than in the USA, I can explain some things.
They are different ways of measuring. In the USA they speak of GROSS salary, and not NET.
That is to say that from there you have to remove fees, health insurance and other things.
There are also many other differences:
In the USA a car INSURANCE costs about $300 a MONTH. In Europe €350 per YEAR.
In the USA, public transport service is basic or non-existent, so you need 1 car for each person in the family. In Europe the public transport service is excellent and you can perfectly live without a car.
In the USA, a health insurance that gives you a service similar to the health insurance in Spain can cost $1,800 per month. (Spain has the third best health system in the world)
In the USA, medicines can be up to 10 times more expensive than in Spain
ua-cam.com/video/HLDQbf9ea0U/v-deo.html
In the USA, studying a degree does not go below $50,000 and up to $200,000, while in Europe it is free or, like in Spain, €2,000 per year (paying off the investment made, you should take a good part of the salary in the first years of work)
A plane trip in the USA is no less than $300 when in Europe traveling between countries can cost €30 to €100, either by plane or high-speed train.
In the USA, just as a professional earns a lot, when he hires another professional he pays him a lot. In the USA a lawyer can cost $200 an hour... and in Spain €50 an hour.
In the USA rents are much more expensive.
In the USA there are no public parks like there are in Spain (only the Malls are public)
In the USA the cost of food can be twice as high as in Spain
In the USA, official protection houses are unlivable neighbourhoods, and in Europe many are of very good quality.
In the USA vacations are not paid, and in Europe we have a month of paid vacations and more paid holidays.
In the USA there are no paid paternity leaves, and in Europe they pay you 4 months of salary to take care of your children.
In the USA there is no childcare service, and in regions like Madrid you have free nurseries until the child is 3 years old when he enters school.
Also, now Madrid gives you €14,500 for each baby you have.
There is support for days off, help for children with problems, people with few resources, free services, subsidies, work-life balance, social integration, etc. that does not exist in the USA.
www.telemadrid.es/programas/buenos-dias-madrid/Comunidad-gratuidad-escuelas-infantiles-publicas-2-2111208859--20190409073245.html
In Spain there is a subsidized system for older people to travel and enjoy spas with very low subsidized prices. (IMSERSO)
www.20minutos.es/noticia/3566652/0/que-es-el-imserso/
In Spain, a teacher earns around €2,000 per month.
ua-cam.com/video/cN0oVi1A4Mw/v-deo.html
Another difference is that retirement in Spain for a teacher with 35 years of work would be 100% of salary and with ALL the Social rights mentioned above and in the USA he would retire with 50% of her salary.
And so we could be explaining the differences for a long time.
In the USA, two people working, with two children, two vehicles, could need a minimum of $6,000 per month to live.
Taking their children to a nursery, the expenses of the two cars, trips, rent, expenses, loans to pay for the race, etc.
In Spain you could have the same quality of life for €2,000, everything else is provided by the State. Vacations, health insurance, subsidized travel, subsidized medicines, university studies, free childcare, etc. The state would contribute between €2,500 and €4,000 more per month in the form of all this amount of aid and subsidies.
If we had to measure a salary in Spain the way it is measured in the USA, we could say that a street sweeper who earns €1,900 a month in Spain, working 35 hours a week and with 4 extra annual payments, would receive another €2,000 to €3,000 in form of state aid. With which his real salary would be between €4,000 and €5,000 per month ($4,500 to $5,600 per month) but also the costs of living would be ALMOST HALF (With which in relation to purchasing power the salary would double)
This is called "welfare state" and it is an interventionist policy of the Government, which works more in Europe compared to a totally Liberal policy of the USA, where they put all the money in your pocket and there you manage if problems arise in life .
es.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_of_Wellbeing
Thank you for the thorough comparison between the US and Spanish economies. They are really quite different. I could use your comment as an outline for a whole video : )
Thank you so much for the explanation. Very interesting!! As a non citizen do we qualify for the benefits of having a child and getting paid? I would only hold a visa if I get approved
Right on. It all depends what you look at and if you really get the full picture, of which salary is just a part of.
@@jenivettebigham7060No lol, it's only for citizens. What a nerve lol
Hi Erica, I just want to say that me and my wife watched this video yesterday and we both thought you made the right decision! We also liked your style of vlogging, that is very warm and personal. You did well with finding the flat, despite a few inconveniences in terms of public transport. It's good to walk or cycle anyway. Spain is a much safer country than most for walking around town, although you have to keep an eye out for the odd drunk or crazy person just like anywhere else.
I'm from the UK originally, and my wife is from The Netherlands, so we can fully appreciate your experience of coming to Spain to live for the first time. My mother was born in Spain, so I've been coming to Spain to visit family since the 60s! I've seen many changes over the years. My wife and I love Valencia, but we live in Madrid because of work. I have a sister that lives on the Costa Tropical, between Málaga and Almería. Our Spanish side of the family are from near Villafranca-del-Bierzo, on the Camino de Santiago - which I walked in 2018. We also have relatives living in Ponferrada and Barcelona.
Valencia is very hot in the summer, but at least you have the sea nearby, here in Madrid the summer is a beast, so many people try to escape to somewhere cooler for July and August. The north of Spain is a fabulous place to explore in the late summer, as August and July can be very expensive and crowded. Extremadura is a beautiful place to visit in late Spring, before the start of the summer heat. Galicia, País Vasco, Cataluña, Asturias and Cantabria are wonderful places to get to know too.
If you want to explore more beautiful beaches in Andalucía that are off the main tourist trail, then the Cabo de Gata (near Almeria) and Tarifa (near Cádiz) are two places that come to mind. The north coast, the Costa Brava and Galicia have stunning coastlines that are worth visiting too. Spain is easily accessible and distances are nothing compared to where you come from in the US. The AVE rail network is very affordable and a fast service.
We wish you all the best in your new adventure here in beautiful Spain - olé 😊
Thank you so much for the kind comment and the great suggestions, Mark!
My mother is from Almería and I’ve been spending all the augusts of my life in Cabo de Gata. I can assure you it is a beatiful place. Also, I’ m from Valencia.
Good for you! I fell in love w/ Spain 20yrs ago. If I had EU citizenship I would move in a heartbeat. I'm hoping to be in Valencia later this year. Can't wait! Have a great time!
Love to see you happy here. I can tell you've made a great choice living in Valencia. Well connected to Madrid and Barcelona, on the shore, lots of people from abroad and a very special city. If you are able, don't miss the northern. It is not as well known as the rest of the country but I assure everyone if go there for a vacation you are going to regret it.
I'd like to explore the north more. I've only been to Santander.
Necesitamos a más extranjeros como tú. Buenas personas que aportan a la sociedad. Nice!
The thing is salaries here normally include several taxes like public healthcare coverage so even if they are low you can usually live easily and save a little. That said, getting a job with higher salary is hard because almost everyone here has university studies because education is super afordable and it is needed cause competition is fierce.
Y 1 mes de vacaciones pagadas, cotización para jubilación, 14 festividades al año pagadas, absentismo por incapacidad médica cubierto, indemnización por despido para cpntratos fijos, permisos pagados para exámenes públicos o asuntos oficiales, etc., etc.
Nada de eso se paga en USA.
In Spain they are not lower salaries. They are different ways of measuring.
A policeman, a firefighter, a teacher, a sweeper and some 80 other professions earn around €1,800 to €2,500 per month in Spain.
If we add to this the cost of a Universal Health Insurance in a good system similar to that of Spain, where there are no clauses or restrictions, it could cost about €1,700 more in the USA, if you add:
Free University Education (or almost free, $2000 per year)
1 month of free vacation per year
4 months off when you have a child
5 days a year paid
IMSERSO service, where retirees can travel for very little money to spas, islands, etc.
Aid and subsidy services.
Social Assistance grants from each municipality.
Free nurseries in many cities (Madrid pays you €14,500 for each child you have)
Subsidized quality public transport service.
and many more things… the salary of €2,000 could be around €4,000 to €5,000 per month… ($4,400 to $5,500) and that is not earned by many people in the USA.
If we add to this the cost of living in Spain, it is about 50% cheaper, in context it would be $8,800 to $11,000 per month, to compare RELATIVELY in a more real way.
In the USA you can save if you stop receiving this quality of life guarantee system for a while, or risk your future by paying cheap insurance, or working 50 weeks a year.
@@famasus you can get all that in America but it’s covered by your employer not the state. Most corporate jobs will include healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, occupational accident insurance, paid time off (PTO), etc.
@@AidPast not all employers do that in USA. I heard that Walmart, MC Donald and other big employers are hiring people for halftime jobs only not to have to pay them health insurance. In EU Europe you are insured ( being able to get affordable insurance) just for being a citizen/ employee. in some countries, like the Netherlands, healt insurance is obligatory for everyone, and if your income is low, you can get insured for something around $100 a month.
so, big difference, actually.
Nice video, nice comments, welcome to Spain, and regards from Barcelona.
A great video and I wish you every success in your country of choice.
My introduction to the Spanish people and their way of life was being based in our companies Madrid office and being involved in civil engineering work throughout the country. It was the most rewarding part of my entire career. It is the warmth of the Spanish people that won my heart. Enjoy
Wish you the best in my country
Thank you so much for sharing! I'm considering moving there, especially to Valencia!
You should! It's a great city. Thanks for watching and best of luck.
Great video! I’m going to Spain for the first time in September. I’m definitely considering moving there in the near future. Thanks for the info!
That's great! Hope you get to see a lot of different places in Spain, it's quite the varied country. Have fun planning the trip.
Ask a Spaniard to show you how to cook a Spanish omelet and make a video of your 10 favourite dishes/meals. Please.
Unfortunately salaries are relatively lower, but healthcare is free at the point of need as British people put it.
Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure!
Really liked this post, subscribed right away, The chill yet active editing really superb seriously, calm real voice and no loud music as filler! Like the aesthetic. Looking to move to Spain to study classical painting in a year max two, Lived in Uruguay for years, I'm currently in the USA . Blessings! Like your work.
Thank you, Martin! I'm glad you enjoyed the video, thanks for the nice comments. Wish you luck in your big move, that's very exciting. I think you'll like Spain.
Loved the video 💕✌🏼 short & sweet!
Excellent reasons and very relatable video! We retired to Spain at the beginning of the Covid outbreak and it was very stressful at first. We live in Oviedo and have just renewed our visas. I agree with all of your reasons and I share the need to improve my Spanish. Because Asturias has so few Americans or Brits, very few people speak English here so I have to use the Spanish I have and hopefully improve. You chose an excellent city. We recently visited Valencia and enjoyed it very much, especially the Mercat Central and the Calatrava architecture at the science museum. Buena suerte desde Asturias.
Oh man, it's very stressful the first few months. I can't imagine in the beginning of Covid! Best of luck improving your Spanish, poco a poco!
Congrats on the move, enjoyed hearing about your adventure.
Thanks so much!
Thank you for making this video
My pleasure!
I’m so glad you mentioned gun culture. It’s probably my number one reason for wanting to leave America (along with higher quality of life and work/life balance plus healthcare)
Yes, it's incredibly sad and embarrassing that guns are now the number one killer of children in the US...even more than cars. Thank you for watching!
Oh my gosh you are from Denver? I live in Aurora. We are trying to move to Spain too . I applied for Spanish Citizenship in 2019 under the Sephardic law for reparation. Still waiting for my passport. So happy for you! These are reasons why I love Espana. Live a good life and have strong relationships. La familia es muy importante.
Hi! Well I'm from Minnesota originally but lived in Denver for 6 years before moving to Spain. Congrats on you citizenship!
I just watched this again. I love your reasons for moving to Spain and your willinginess to share them. I am also a dual US/EU citizen (Italian), and my husband and I are looking seriously at Spain. We are older with pensions, so the work issues will not be an impendiment to us. Thanks again!
Spain is a great place to retire, because of the prices and the weather (if you're coming from the US)
Hello, I enjoyed your video and will tell you why. You sound like a cool person, you were honest and real in the video, open minded, extrovert, down to earth, willing to accept other cultures.
Me, Im a Cuban exile of Spanish descent who travel to Spain as a kid then landed in New Jersey, now in Texas. You know very well that many or perhaps most people in the U.S.A don,t share your views and way of life, I remembered an article on a Miami newspaper talking about Americans not accepting Panaminian culture around the Canal in Panama. You will do fine in Spain, you got the attitude needed to do well in any country, enjoy Spain, Adios y buena suerte.
Bienvenida a España. Espero que sea muy feliz aquí. Se nota que nos trae lo mejor de Usted. Gracias.
Guess you needed to go north and east instead. Hope you are well
Regarding the work of a receptionist, you must take into account that by law there are 14 pays (there are two double pays, one at Christmas and another in summer), and you also have 30 days of paid vacation per year.
You don't need medical insurance either, the university is very cheap or even free if you pass the subjects every year, etc.
That's true, the jobs come with lots of benefits that one can enjoy
Si te gusta el jazz, te recomiendo en Valencia "le dancing pepa swing band", "the domisol sisters" y la escuela de Lindy hop "Black bottom". Enjoy VLC!
Gracias por la recomendacion!
@@EricaBizfunk De nada!. Ah! olvide hablarte del festival de jazz de Valencia - Palau de la música. Y También de la " Sedajazz kids band".👍
So glad for your new chapter of your life, I miss making music with you though.
Thanks, Mark! I miss playing with you, too. Hope all is well and you have even more cats now.
You know I watch ppl like u and it's so inspiring. I just wish I knew how to make this a reality. I'm only 20, and don't have anything or any money. No college education. I have a passion for music but other than that I'm so confused on what to do in order to go out in the world and live a life like you are. I'm not a person who would be happy with working on computers for a living. And of course I could save money like you did, but I just get so worried about never being able to save up enough and living my whole life paycheck to paycheck. I just wanna live a life where I get to see and experience and do things. I feel trapped in this town I've been in most of my life with other ppl who have been here most of their life. Idk how to get out it's so depressing. But ppl like u inspire me tht somehow I can do it, I just don't have a clue on how I'll escape this rat race that is the US.
Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry you’re feeling trapped. But you’re soooo young and you’d be surprised at how much you can accomplish over time if you work on it day by day.
I say just go for it stop waiting to go, do whatever your greatest passion your greatest excitement otherwise you will live you're life as slave.
Love Valencia! Good info.
Thanks for watching! Glad it was useful.
Great video Erica! Honest and real. Your comment about your brother was really, really touching. My wife and I are considering retirement in Spain for all of the reasons you mentioned except the first one. I speak Spanish but my wife does not. I fear she might not learn enough Spanish and feel frustrated by not understanding things happening around her. I enjoyed seeing Valencia, didn’t mind the shakiness at all. Another reason I believe Spain would be good for us is that there seems to be a bit more kindness and respect shown towards older individuals. In the US it seems older people do not fit in, in social pubic settings. We’re not that old but we’ll get there soon enough. We’re caring for an older parent currently. Aging can be hard enough without being a social outcast. So it seems, for now at least, Spain is a place where being older is not looked down upon as much as in the states. I was curious if you see it that way as well? Or is it just rose colored glasses on my part? Keep up the good work and your experiences in Valencia specially in the summer. Your natural style will appeal to a broad audience. Btw, we’re headed to Madrid this weekend and then to Malaga - looking at possible places to live.
Thank you for the kind comments, David! There are plenty of English-speaking communities in Spain (sometimes too many for someone like me trying to practice Spanish). Lots of retired people from Europe and North America. I'm not sure if the experience of aging is different here compared to the US. I have noticed that older and elderly people are always out and about - walking, at the bars, on the beach. I even see some people with air tanks (breathing apparatus?) hanging out on the bar terrazas. I'd say life in Spain is very social and often happens out on the streets - and no age will stop people. One thing I'd do if I were you is check my potential tax obligations if moving to Spain - especially as an American. Best of luck!
Check out the 25% income tax the Spanish government charges on your Social Security and any pension or income that is not taxed in the US.
@@tootz1950
I get my pension here in Spain....and they never taxed me . I know many Europeans living here on their old age pension and they also are not taxed by the government. Where did you hear about that ?
@@fastnbulbouss I was going to live in Spain in my last years and so did research. At first the most daunting task was the myriad of paperwork, tight time-lines and flights to and from the Spanish consulate several times from Tucson, Arizona. Then a woman who retired to Valencia from the US, she has a UA-cam channel, mentioned the amount of tax the Spanish government required. So I did the research on that, including contacting the Spanish Consulate. In the US my Social Security and military pension are not taxed, but to the Spanish government it's just another income and would be taxed at 25%. As my Social Security is enough to satisfy the income requirements, it would be difficult losing a whole quarter of my income. I'm now retiring to a country that has less stringent taxes on my money.
@@tootz1950
I understand....you don't have a european passport, you were coming here on a US passport. I admit that dealing with the Spanish government can be a big pain in the ass, I was lucky to be able to avoid all that, and the administration that I had to deal with was the Catalan government...and they are nothing like the administration in Madrid. Was nice talkin to you, and wish you the best .
Nice watching your video lady !
👍
Nice vlog. I’m with you 100%! I’m in Valencian community, 70 minutes north. You acted on your dream way before I did. It’s way cheaper here than Valencia but everything you said applies here. I can’t walk anywhere here without beautiful Mediterranean Sea views or some kid’s saying hi to me (work at public elementary school). I’ll be working here next school year and after that, I might stay on non lucrative visa.
I bet it's beautiful up there! I imagine it would be hard for me to leave this place, too. non lucrative visa is an option. Also the digital nomad visa is around the corner.
Thank you for your video. I lived in the States and I can relate to that feeling of having a foreign country in your heart, I treasure wonderful memories. Although I love living in Spain now (I have a permanent job, beautiful home, family and friends) sometimes I miss the States. I guess what I really miss is constantly being on the move, learning new things every single day! I wish you the best in Spain 🤗
Thank you for your vlog. I'm a jazz pianist and dabble in vocals. Are you gigging in Valencia?
Thank you for watching. I'm not gigging yet but I would like to.
Very cool! I spent a semester of college in Valencia so it was nice to see the streets again! I was there before the Aquarium was built. 97:) beautiful culture. Curious what part of the city you’re in?
Born in Northeast tri-state NYC, CT and Jersey area. The culture in US seems like it’s all about making money, everything else goes out the window. Spain has a true deep culture that I would love to be part of. My parents are from the Caribbean island of Puerto Rico a previous colony of Spain. When I retire in about 15-20 years would rather move to Spain then the island of Puerto Rico feels like I belong there. Some day would love to visit Spain.
Great! You should definitely visit Spain if you can
I moved to Madrid in 1992. One way I look at it is as if I had won big in the life lottery. When I was 8 y.o. I told my mom that I was European and that I needed to live in Europe. My mom just smiled and said "no honey you were born in Detroit, Michigan and now you are growing up on a small island off the coast of Georgia" I told her that I will never fit in in the U.S. Well 24 years later my dream came true and my family stopped asking me long ago when was I moving back. I have so many reasons for why moving to Spain was one of, if not the, best decisions I've ever taken in my life. The current political and social environment in the U.S. just got added to the list. When the call came from my brother's crazy ex gf who was living in Madrid at the time I jumped at the invitation to come here. I had never felt so alive flying by the seat of my pants with no work, 2,500 bucks in my pocket but with a tremendous feeling of self satisfaction of taking the bull by the horns and living a life I had always dreamed of having. Work came quickly and love a couple of years later. Sometimes I have to convince myself that my life is not a dream. Was the transition easy? Nope not at all. Was it worth it? Yep totally. I will always be the "extranjero or el Americano" here but I do not mind at all. Matthew or Mateo. Whatever. Da igual.
Great story, good for you. You see, lately, since Im getting old, Ive watched tons of videos of people living abroad. Is obvious most people doing well abroad have lots of things in common, good attitude, open minded, acceptable, open to new cultures, I would imagine most are extroverts, in general, most of them sound like cool people. If I get lucky, I might end up in Spain, I think my move would be way easier than most foreigners living in Spain. Im a Cuban of Spanish descent, lived in Spain as a boy, now living in the States, Spanish is my first language, very familiar with the country and I look like them. Adios Mateo, buena suerte en Espana.
@@Tech-vn1jv Muchas gracias hombre. My father and grandfather used to use the expression "s*** or get off the pot". As kids we laughed a lot when we heard this but as an adult I made it my objective. Far too many go to their graves saying "I wish I wish I wish". My parents told us as kids not to say "I wish" but just go ahead and do it.
Hola, Erica.
Eres luxemburguesa pues. España tiene esas leyes también. La utilizan muchos cubanos o argentinos: si un abuelo (o por supuesto un padre) era español, pueden solicitar la nacionalidad española.
Sobre lo de que se cobra menos que en eeuu. Tienes razón . Pero piensa que hay derecho a vacaciones (1 mes al año el trabajo que menos tiene) y no tienes que arruinarte si te enfermas porque la sanidad es pública. Eso para las clases trabajadoras como tú o yo supone una grandísima ventaja . No hay que pagar seguros privados y no hay que estar desprotegido como una persona fel tercer mundo o de otra época.
Hi Erica, I saw this video a couple of months ago. and really liked it. Then I went to have dinner with a couple that I know, Miguel and Alicia, and I commented that I had seen an interesting video (yours) and they said "We know her!" You and Alicia were attending some class together. They said they would see you again but I guess you stopped going to that class.
Wow, what a coincidence! Thanks for watching my video. Yes, Alicia and Miguel are great. I had to change my class time because of work, but yes, we were doing n the same Spanish class for a while.
Nice and relaxing video....
I like your spontaneous energy! I am from Los Angeles, used to live in Italy for 7 years so I completely understand what your saying about “bug” living in abroad😂
I am planning to come stay 3 months in Valencia, Spain.
I think I would rent a place for 3 months and see how it goes, I would appreciate your suggestion which part of neighborhood in Valencia etc..
🎉😊
Sorry responding late. For neighborhoods the popular ones are Russafa, El Carmen, and Cabanyal. If you want cheaper check Saiada and Benimaclet.
As a recent transplant myself, I can relate to these reasons.
1100 euros per month is not "normal", is actually the legal minimum salary in Spain. Most people in Spain earn substantially more than that. On the other hand, when comparing salaries with the US you have to adjust for the cost of living but also for many expenses that are already covered in Spain but are out of pocket expenses in the US, such as health insurance, retirement pension or University cost. In my experience, I would say that a 45k salary in Madrid would be equivalent easily to a 90k salary in the Frisco/Bay area.
We moved to Madrid in September and are from the US. The not having guns and safety is a really big thing for us too! It's so great working in schools and not having to do active shooter skills! We're so jealous of your EU passport though! We're trying to find out how we can get one...
2 year,
Hey! I'm glad you're enjoying your time in Spain. Yes, I got very lucky with the citizenship. Definitely look into your family histories. I have friends who got Irish and Italian citizenship.
@@lorenzomartinez3155, ten.
Just imagine if you had an EU passport and it was ripped away from you in a corrupt unconstitutional referendum? ¡Asi es la vida para nosotros, los britanicas
@@robertmurray1157 We can’t even imagine. That would be so terrible!
Hi Erica! You vlog was excellent!! Walking was great! No need for you to be stationary. Movies use a lot of 'steadicam' shots where the camera person has a steadicam camera attached to them to move with the actor while they are moving. I loved the footage of your friend's family get together and dancing! I look forward to your next vlog!!
Thank you Fern!
Awesome!!!!
Camino de Santiago? This is 3rd most important pilgrimage rout in Christianity, People where traveling it since IX century. You must be Catholic? Anyway now when You are in Spain You should totally do this, at least final stage.
A great country. I remember many years ago I saw a picture of a "White Villiage" in Spain. I said to myself, I don't know where that is but I'm going there. It turned out to be Casares in Andalucia, lol. Since that time, visited Spain 5 times. After Taiwan, Spain would be my country of choice to live. Btw, how long did you live in China??? You must have picked up some Mandarin. A side note: I've lived in California most of my life. Of course, we have a lot of Spanish speakers, however, I had no interest in studying Spainish until I went to Spain and heard Castellano, beautiful Spanish. Enjoy your life there. Never may it to Velencia.
Yes I've heard of that village in Andalucia, sounds beautiful. I lived in China a total of 2.5 years. I love Taiwan, too. Thanks for watching!
I love it!
I'm working on moving to Spain. definitely need to visit. I want to become a doctor first though
Thank you, Julien. Becoming a doctor is a big undertaking. Keep in mind that medical professionals can have a harder time transferring their credentials to another country. Just something to look into.
My area of Spain is much more diverse than it was 20 years ago when I first bought my property.
There are hardly any Spanish people left, but besides from that it still has the sun and the beach.
Cheers.
I moved here at Madrid because of fantastic Health System and Weather!
That's so cool that you got citizenship through your family lineage!!!!
Yes, I'm really lucky to get the opportunity
heyyy... that was my neighbourhood!!! see you around!!! :):):)
No way!
1100 euros es un sueldo de currante, pero se puede vivir bien una persona sola con ese dinero. Ánimo y bienvenida.
Discrepo amigo Angel, imagínate que una persona deba pagar un alquiler de por ejemplo 600 euros mes
@@alfa51301 siempre hay la opción de compartir el piso
@@alfa51301 vivo a 5km de la Coruña Galicia ganó 1300e en la obra y pago 270e de alquiler. No me quejo.
@@ramonoutesrivera7845 En la ciudad Donde yo vivo-piso de propiedad-los alquileres son mucho más altos y los sueldos son como el tuyo o mucho peores
Hello from Minnesota (a.k.a."the russia of the US"). Enjoyed your video and really can't argue your assessment of MN winters. This one has been a real toughie... My wife and I are planning an early retirement in warm Portugal (Lisbon or south). We love Spain too!
Hello fellow Minnesotan! Thank you for saying hi
Saludos desde el sureste del Chubut, Patagonia (Argentina)
Just found you. I’m binge watching lol Wondering if you ever tried pursuing playing music in a band again in Spain?
actually yes I joined a band a month or so ago. A bunch of guys in their 50's, hahaha. It's fun singing in Spanish
@@EricaBizfunk ¡Es maravilloso
Erica Bizfunk te așteptăm să vizitezi și România!
I don't understand, but thanks : )
@@EricaBizfunk maybe visit România!
I liked it so much!👏
Thank you for watching!
I love Spain...and although I would prefer to hear what life is like in Spain from a local, it's the other cultures that move there and experience so many different things than a local. Thank you for your presentation.
Thank you for watching, Amelia. I'm no Spain expert, just like to share my own experience. Cheers!
@@EricaBizfunk I appreciate your perspective. I am Portuguese and Spanish dependent, and have visited family in Tenerife, and my desire is to live in Spain at least 2 to 3 months.
Great reasons. 🎉
Glad you think so!
Subscribed. Because you're in a journey to learn Spanish... which I am too. Also, as a Sagittarius, I would love to follow your journey exploring a foreign culture. Because I can't.
That's great you're learning Spanish, too! Animo!
Amazing! What is the name of that music in the ending?
Wellcome to Spain, Erica.
Its awesome to hear you speaking so nicely about the country.
Just a simple idea: if you manage to find in the US a work from home position, you'll get the best of both worlds.
HOLLA Erica, Great Video👍Just Subscribed👌
Thanks so much!!
great video and you have new subscriber. i think it would help the viewer if maybe you did your monologue from a sitting position interspersed with images of Valencia, as the shaky camera movements while your walking can be a bit much.
Yes I thought it was quite shaky, too. Only at the end did I realize I didn't have the stabilizing feature on : ( But I think people still like seeing the city.
That thing you said about being able to mimic the accent is so true. I can say words properly with an accent but I don’t speak well because I can’t form sentences properly sometimes. But people hear the accent and assume I’m a native speaker and just speak super fast and I’m like ahhhh!!!
❤️Successful journey, God willing Good luck and success
nice video
I totally agree. I can compare living in Barcelona and New York, and I preferred Spain, cause I felt much safer there, I enjoyed pace of life and beauty of the culture. The level of life is a bit lower in Spain, if you have ordinary job or just a student, but somehow people enjoy living in this country. Moreover, you will be fine, working for IT or medicine industries or having s good business.
Sounds like you've gotten to live in some very cool cities! Yes, for making a lot of money Spain is not the best option. But the quality of life, the people, the weather, and the culture are what us foreigners stay for!
Beautiful. Bravo. Stay happy madam!
Life in North America is too oooooo fast and stressful... No thank you :)
For me, its better to live by the Mediterranean sea even with a low income than being the richest in states o am.
Yes I agree!
So cool good luck in Spain. I plan on moving to Spain. Can you tell me more about how you got EU citizenship. I live in North Carolina but have ancestors from Europe. Thanks again for the cool video.
Thank you! Well my mom's cousin did the hard work of tracking down old documents from our ancestors. We also used the Luxembourg American Society to help us through the process. It depends on which country you have ancestors from. I have friends who did it through Italy and Ireland, too.
You obtain the EU nationality automatically when you have nationality of some EU member country. Imagine that you have Irish nationality or Italian. If it happens, you have European nationality automatically. For example, we the Spaniards have the EU nationality automatically, because we are nationals of a member country...
How far in the lineage are you from your European ancestors?
Welcome! Bienvenida! Benvinguda! Benvinda! Ongi etorri! Planvenguda!
How does paying taxes work? As a US citizen we have to pay taxes for both the US and Spain? Do the taxes get deducted from your paycheck?
I'm not an expert! But there's not double taxation. If you pay a lower tax percentage in the US, then you pay the difference to Spain.
This was a good video. All great reasons! The top two are the friendly people and no f-ing guns!
I would not mind moving in Spain too because I can be a citizen in 2 years but I've been told about the scarcity of jobs. Without savings, not possible. LOL.
There are definitely jobs, but if you come from the US or northern Europe be prepared to make less.
welcome to my city :)
Is it nice in Valencia ?have you tried Malaga .
I haven't been there yet, but would love to go.
It’s really great it’s the most diverse part of Spain I would say and also the most English speaking friendly .You’d love it 😊
How can a find a job as a comic artist in Madrid?
I have no idea. Maybe indeed.com or networking on instagram
8:58 *except for bankers and bureaucrats (funcionarios)
Hello, how far in the linage were you from your European ancestor? I ask this because my great great grandfather was a Spaniard and I am hoping that I could qualify for citizenship. 😊
@Raúl Sal thank you, i will do so. I just found out that my great grandfather was also born in Spain but gave up his citizenship when he immigrated to Cuba :-(
I think it was my great great great grandmother?? I'm actually going to interview a relative who knows waaaay more than I do and post a video of it. I know lots of latin americans end up getting Spanish citizenship through lineage. I'd say start your research!
@@EricaBizfunk the laws for Italian citizenship must be different then. I emailed the Spanish embassy and they told me great grandchildren don’t qualify 😅
Sorry not Italian :-(
@Raúl Sal yes, just need to find a way to get a work permit
How long do you plan to stay there?
At least through this year, but it's open-ended!
What do you do for a living in spain?
I teach English currently.
¿ eres Janis Joplin ?
Jaja! Reincarnated
PORQ NO HAY SUBTÍTULOS EN ESPAÑOL ???
hmmm no sé. Debería haber.
@@EricaBizfunk A veces cuesta un poco que UA-cam los genere.
Although there are no subtitles, she has a very understandable english, I'm a native spanish speaker and I understood almost everything she said. Good video about your personal experience in Spain, cheers from Argentina.
What about the 25% income tax?
25% income tax isn't that high, maybe a little higher than what I pay in the US. But waaay lower health care and education costs than the US.
@@EricaBizfunk I highly doubt that you paid 25% tax, or even close to that, on your total income to the US government.
Creo que es un 19%
@@alfredosanchezsanchez9478 No en el Estado Unidos. Es mucho menos.
@@tootz1950 you get a lot in return in EU for your 25% tax.
when it comes to the common people's real needs, EU countries ( ex new members) governments are, in providing the solutions, at the top in the world.
Que lastima!!!!!,si vienen en un n° moderado bien,pero si vienen en gran n°destrozaran Valencia poniéndola mucho más caro para los Valencianos y el resto de españoles,ya se vio en Mallorca,debemos protegernos.
Es verdad, está pasando en muchos lados. También vienen muchos holandeses y alemanes con salarios más altos y pueden comprar casas fácilmente. Es un problema si tienes un salario español (que tengo yo ahora). Hay que controlarlo de alguna forma
Hey hi Erica, Im spanish from Alicante, coffee at home really, my lady? nahh, best coffee is at the cafeterias! hehe ahh the smell of coffee in the morning, ain't nothing better to start the day with nostrils full of caffeine!! :) Nice video, i am happy that you decided to stay with us. Stay safe and have a great day!
I agree, coffee in the cafés is better! But I am a bit cheap, soy una rata? Haha! Or at least I am living from my savings so have to be careful with money...for now! I hope to visit Alicante some day, it sounds lovely. Thanks for watching!
@@EricaBizfunk LoL Yeh, you gotta visit those beautiful beaches down south Valencia, if you like to see something very cool, go and visit Moraira! ( Not too far from Valencia ) Small fishing town, very peaceful and gorgeous beach. Calpe and Denia are crowded with tourist, Moraira is nice. Have a great day Erica!
@@EricaBizfunk soy una rata......hahahahahahaha, pero muy divertida
@@EricaBizfunk En el area de Valencia deben haber muchas bandas, orquestas y grupos musicales,porque no contactas alguna y te soluciona el problema de trabajo?
El problema de la llegada de tanto norteamericano a España es que van a acabar desplazando a la población local, dado que hay una gran diferencia de poder adquisitivo. Y eso no puede ser. Creo que lo que deben hacer los norteamericanos es luchar porque en EEUU se logré una sanidad universal accesible. Y no trasladar el problema a otro país.
Hi am I able to get in touch with you about some advice for moving to Valencia? Thanks
Welcome to my country. I hope you have a nice life here.
BTW the minimum salary is not great. Receptionist at a hotel, for minimum salary? Really? I think that's not good enough.
Gracias! And yes, I think it’s low. I’ll look for other opportunities 😊
I lived in Mexico for 3 years back in 2008-2011. This next time, I'm leaving for good. Eastern Europe looks good. And as for the US being expensive....it's gotten downright ridiculous when it comes to housing.
Imagine thinking guns are the problem and not the "types" of people that uses them in crimes.
yes, but you remained US citizens, and more you have the opportunity to return back always
Well come to Spain, Valencia .....How much do you pay in USA for medical insurrence??? Spain is free?? do you know in Spain in july and December you will receive the double salary?? your friend 1.100 will receive 2.200, you know than for the first year you are allow to have one month holidays and full salary.....you know normal salary in Spain is about 2.250 euros per month 14 times a year!!,,, average!!
Thank you! Health insurance in the US can be $100 per month (low) and up (my mom pays $1,500 per month because she is 64). Most people get health insurance through their job, but then it's a problem if you lose or change your job. Spain is not free, but I pay about 60 euros per month for private insurance. And I have heard that about the double salary months. That's exciting!
Nothing is "free", you are taxed more, that's where the money comes from. But when you're accustomed to that, your perception maybe that it's free. And 2250 still is only 14 bucks an hour. That's relatively low. When people compare the price of things in Spain vs the US, remember the values are different. Right now 10 euros is the equivalent to 11.18 in US dollars. I love Spain, I have family there and it's one of my favorite places. I also love the US... like everywhere, it's all about where you live in a country, as far as feeling safe and feeling happy. I can afford to do more by living and working in the US right now. (And I have guns but I'm former military, have shot competitively, and am a law abiding citizen... in other words, they don't scare me.) Great video by the way, Salud!