Is living in Spain as bad as this?
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 лют 2025
- In this vlog I take a look at an article that is quite critical of Spain and see if living in Spain is as bad as the article says.
Great mobile plans for English speakers: www.lobster.es...
Thinking of moving to Spain but are worried about bureaucracy? These guys can help you get everything done: www.bureaucrac...
If you want to support the channel and help me make more videos you can:
Buy me a beer or a coffee: www.buymeacoff...
Become a Patron: / spainspeaks
Buy some merch: spain-speaks.c...
Simple donation: www.paypal.com...
Here's the original article: www.quora.com/...
I film my videos with #lumix cameras.
Please comment and subscribe to this channel.
I also create content for curious.com. Take my lessons +20,000 more @Curious on anything from tennis, to test prep, to tango. As my student, get 20% OFF! curious.com?coupon=curiousteacher20&ref=iGRfmw4X6Wg
Never understood English speaking people not wanting to learn the language of the country they go to livw in.
Not true, some do. I've been running a language tuition business for 12 years and teaching French for 25 years in London. I meet all these people wanting to learn. It's not easy but some are really determined and do well. I also teach about the culture, which is very important for holidays but even more for people moving to the country. But something are often see is that people confuse "wanting to learn a language" and 'wanting to speak a language' (without learning it...).
@@alguedemer No one can deny that there's an awful lot of English speaking people who don't feel it's necessary to speak another language and a lot of British people who have settled in Spain or even go on holiday there do not speak Spanish. I'm not talking about the one's who do want to learn another language. My brother lives in Spain speaks fluent Spanish and teaches English to Spanish people. This country doesn't encourage children to take orher languages seriously.
@@icilmaa Yes, that's true. Language learning in England is a joke. The curriculum is so boring. I used to have to teach it.
Never understood how Spanish speaking people move to the US and never learn English
icilmaa yea try this my first language is American English where I have lived all my life in the USA but I also speak
I don't know why anyone would settle in Spain(or any other country) without speaking the language to some degree.
Jean Bethencourt i I lived in the south of france for a year did not speak French but kissed a lot of French girls and even fell in love with a girl with the most beautiful of smiles, it was fun
Because they have the confident and as English is an Internatioanl language many think it helps out a great deal. I have experiences to live in different countries, I am Hungarian and can speak English, have a degree as well and actually now I am an English teacher in France. I know, English only is not enough of course. But to start a new life in most European or even Asian, Middle East countries it`s enough.
But some dear Brits think Spaniards should speak English,seen any of those progs where they go open a bar etc..its embarrassing 🥴
@@omom29344 As long as you enjoyed..Idioma de Amour 🤗helped me in the past!
@@suzannaszarka4290 that's a poor excuse and it's not like Spanish is an obscure language like French lol.
Lol don't pay anything upfront? My buddy works in the fraud police in Scotland and I assure you, you shouldn't pay upfront in the u.k either.
Sounds backwards.
Si es muy malo , ruego no vengan más, principalmente aquellos que no se adptan.
I am Spanish and I like to travel by motorcycle, when I have left Spain for France or England I have really felt that they were robbing me of entering bars, hotels, gas stations etc as an example a coffee can cost you several euros more in England than in Spain and That's the way most things are
As they are all more expensive, I suppose the difference is that Spain is cheap
Spain is not CHEAP, and as for PAYING several euros more for coffee in the UK 🤣😂 What UTTER NONSENSE, Britain's have lost billions there over the years!!!!
@@robertday8619 Oh so you think London costs are the same as Madrid is it??? rubbish
The salaries in these countries are also different. If someone traveled from the US to spain they would share how inexpensive it it, its all relative
So in short.. Spain is a 'hell' because the Spain is not England...
And a bit of "Spain is a 'hell' because I didn't do my homework sufficiently before I moved there"
You say it's not england, but the Anglo Boomer Conquest of Andalusia is all but complete. And then there's Gibraltar...
He's Australian
@@Muzakman37 if you treat Spain as a foreign country and accept the way they do things🙄, you will have no problem. I’ve lived here 7 years and adopted that mindset, I have no problems👍🏻😎
@@Muzakman37 😄😁😆😅🤣😂
I lived and worked in Spain for four years based in Moraria and have worked all over the east coast.
My work was essentially holiday and residential property maintenance. My comments are based on this film.
Common sense if you have none you are doomed. Get involved with the Spanish- language and all, they are
hilarious, warm and will help. Beat siesta by getting what you want in the morning early if you can. In summer
work with the sun ie shade for as long as possible. Stay away from main tourist areas at any time if you can
it keeps the muppet factor down. Socialise (evening) as much as you can with the Spanish and eat where they
say you should eat. KEEP THE RIGHT COMPANY if you don't know what that means you are on the losing side.
Winters can be bleak and "British cold". Be polite.
I would never live on the Spanish south coast just because of the type of thing the article points out. I guess I am weird because I would live in a place like Cáceres, Plascencia, or Mérida, where I can speak Spanish (a language I love), pay little for rent and not have to put up with other expats. I would even be able to fit into such a place as Coria, that beautiful little town in Extremadura that you visited on one of your trips.
plascencia?what do u mean?
@@ashenone3050 I should have spelled it Plasencia. Plascencia is in Italy. My natural tendency was to put a c in the word. I have been there several times. Not the one in Italy unfortunately.
@@rayvogensen2983 Plasencia is a beautiful town indeed
Spanish coastal and historic towns are being ruined by expat communities and air bnb.
@Gazpacho Suave Spain is doing way better than Italy. Not that the UK is any better either, just look at the biggest city in Europe(London). It looks like a giant toilet.
I do not recognise the country some people is describing here, the most of the people I know in Spain work more than the standard european, where workers leave their offices at 17.00 hours.
because he is talking to British people who are used to a different life so a little change from the government is "chaotic" lol
Yeah that myth of spanish being lazy is plain bullshit.
I’ve lived here 7 years, have a good job and great companeros.👍🏻😎
I love my country (spain) and I would never change it, we enjoy life at maximun, I can’t imagine myself living on another place
Good for You.
Jennifer Lorence 😊😊
You really dont know what enjoy life is
Well said marcos i love your country too. Greetings from england.
Typical Spanish.
Why a Spanish person in the UK is called an immigrant, while British job seeker in Spain is referred to as an ex-pat?
MARC CALAM because economic migrants don’t go to Spain, mr language police
@ Migran is a person who cuts his or her economic relationship with the country of origin and establishes economic relation with the country of the new settlement.
In 2015 Spanish authorities complained that British immigrants cost them Euro 600 000 000 in medical expenses. Yes, the Spanish government called Brits immigrants.
The beginning of wisdom is to call things by its name, sir.
I've noticed most English speakers refuse to call themselves immigrants for some reason. I wonder if it has to do with the fear of being seen the same way they see immigrants.
If you figure out the situation in reverse, it couldn't be more hilarous...think if € 600.000.000 a year in UK would be spent in 300.000 Spanish oldies who couldn't get back home...think of UA-cam channels devoted to Spanish ex-pats who complain about dealing with English lack of empathy, or any other alleged shit you can find anywhere as an immigrant...here in Argentina, my country, there are also -believe it or not- 'British ex-pats' who are reluctant to assume that: 1) they are immigrants; 2) They enjoy a far better life than in the UK. 3) They are uninvited guests, even well treated. 4) There is not a life there back in the UK, but never stop complaining of the "Spanish stuff".
Evidently, some features belong to the group...
@@clorox1676 They also call the time of the greatest robbery the world has ever seen, a glorious time of colonialism.
Brits went to occupy foreign lands in order to steal and kill. Yet they call this crime against humanity a "colonialism"
The same applies to their immigration status, they cant take "those other nations" which caught on them without resulting in robbing other nations. So they invented the way to spit at others, as that's all they are capable of today.
For this reason, they say I am an ex-pat, I am better than you, and I will defend my take no matter what.
You can not put lipstick on a... and expect dignity.
I started watching your very informative videos over 3 yrs ago before moving to Andalucía, Spain from CA, US. I, with my daughter will be living in Spain for 3 yrs this month. It’s been up and down but mostly amazing! I followed your suggestions from the beginning to be legal here, learned the language quickly and integrated 100% with the Spanish community. We got ourselves a good lawyer though, and we don’t need to work in Spain to survive. Any bad experiences we’ve had came from both Spanish and extranjeros. I recommend living here if you are not afraid to make Spanish friends, immerse yourself into the culture and don’t rely on earning an income in the Spanish economy.
I am from Alicante (coast place) and living in UK, thanks for explain this post in a objective way. we have good things and bad things like in any other country and the cultural shock can be hard at the beginin.... I know this by experience.... but with time you will understand better the culture, rules and hopefully native people so you feel more and more confortable in the new country.
I've always been working as waitress in Spain and I met hundreds of English people, usually retired people speaking a little Spanish (which is enough, really, we love to listening just few words and we will help you as much we can with the rest) they are always happy and relax, trying to make contact with locals and really enjoying life.
Of course I encountered other English people angry becouse my English was not very good or just becouse we have baguette bread for the toasts and not sandwich bread.... But we are intelligent enough to know that not all English people is like that and these people exist in every country.
If someone wants my advice, please don't come with preconceptions about Spain or its people or thinking that your life and costumes or rules going to be exactly the same as uk, if you enjoy Spain and their people we will not consider you a foreigner but one of us 😉♥️
Que bonita Elisa buen dicho amiga
@elisaseller, Esperanto mi palabras son correctamente. Gracias para tu palabras amable. Yo Espero yo conocer personas como tu. You soy vieja 66 y viuda. Yo espero yo soy estar sano , Estoy solo. Yo me gusta esperando mi espeñol es “okay”. Por favor, la mejor ciudad para solo viuda/66 vivir…y no es caro. Gracias, amiga , muchas gracias 🙏. Carrie
PS mi espańol no es correctar, yo intento 😂.
Well put good luck be happy
Having lived in Spain since 2006, I love it. I don't live on the Costas. I know what can happen to live on the Costas. I live in a small village about 3 hours from the coast. I am the only Brit in the village and the rest of the areas. I have worked as a cleaner, then taught English. You must integrate with the Spanish people. Before you live in Spain, you must do your homework about Spain. When you come for a holiday, you fall in love with the country, but if you do decide to live in Spain, don't come with your holiday head-on. I have no regrets whatsoever making the decision to live in Spain.
I have a strong suspicion you can actually speak Spanish...
Hi Anne, can you share what you mean by "I know what can happen to live on the Costas"? I plan on retiring in Alicante in the next year or two.
@@angelgil1750 Alicante is a beautiful place. Living on the Costas, everything is so much expensive, and you tend to fall into little Britain. Now I don't know what you want to do. If you were to live maybe 40k away from the coast, it should be cheaper, and the plus side to this is that you will mix with other nationalities. You will find that people are friendly. Now going back to the coast, you get more break-ins, and robberies with could to violence. I know that these things happen all over, but you want to feel safe and happy. I could walk down my village in the early hours, and I would feel safe. Do your homework, and don't dismiss other places. Good luck, hope you find somewhere safe
Critiquando siempre nuestro pais pues vivir en el vuestro !
Que critiquen el suyo que tampoco es para echar cohetes, no te fastidia.
@@lauteilatu5325 justo, es lo que hacemos, pero los otros hablan mucho del nuestro, porque sera ?
Como si los españoles no criticaran otros países.
@@playerone6995 pues muestrame videos o pruebas de ello ? muy raras veces !
@@pinagarofalo9392 No tengo que mostrarte nada. Y tu tampoco proporciones pruebas de nada. Aparte, he conocido más de un español en el extranjero que no paraba de criticarlo todo.
I recommend, when you go abroad to live, do it yourself a favor and learn the local language 😉
That solves many problems but not all. If you go somewhere speaking perfect Spanish they can still tell you are not local and can treat you like crap. It happens a lot.
Neil Mo that’s mainly in the cities. Barcelona particularly bad for apartment hotel crisis.
I'll be glad to stay home Pepito, glad to stay home.
I TOTALLY AGREE!! Its a must to LEARN ESPANOL if you live in Spain
I think learning the language is good manners apart from anything else - my cousin has lived in Spain for many years (we're English) and gets along very well, but he speaks pretty good Spanish and has mixed mostly with local Spanish people. What is the point of moving to Spain and expecting it to be just like England but with nicer weather?
I'm from Finland and have lived in Mallorca since April 2000.
Some of the things he says are true, the job market is still in a very poor state, getting a full time job is a miracle, rent is high here in Mallorca.
Don't come here unless you have everything really figured out economically!
@Philip Arvanitidis Pretty much...
I live in Madrid. I’m a bit weird - I prefer spending time by myself than with others, it can difficult to get decent food unless you know what you know where to go - I like brown rice and tomato soup (not together). It’s very difficult to find a flat as an autónomo - most people wanted a year’s money upfront. But it’s great here. So much life, so easy to get around - a monthly pass for the bus and metro is just €55.40 - Unbelievable - I actually look forward to paying for my monthly ticket because it fills me with such a sense gratitude and value for money. I bought a patinete (electric) scooter and because there are so many great cycling lanes here, you can literally whizz around the city. The bureaucracy is a little frustrating and of course the political infighting is mind numbing if you read the papers each day. I will never get used to the Spanish eating hours - I’d starve to death but it’s nice to know you can get dinner at 9 or 10 at night when needed. As many have said, LEARN THE LANGUAGE, smile, be nice and you’ll find Spain brings out the best in you.
isn't a years month upfront illegal ? the most they can ask for is 2 or 3 months I believe.
legally it is one monrh, but I do agree it may not cover enough in case of angry renters, so I agreed on 2 months, even if I am not an angry person ,😁
@@alfrredd Correct, the can also ask for month's deposit, a month's 'fianza' - god knows what the difference is. However, they can also stpulate other criteria such as having a fixed contract or a guarantor. If you are self employed or have recently arrived, its almost impossible to meet the criteria. I spoke to others in a similar situation who started off staying in hotels, using AirBnb or opting for flat shares. One agency told me they would not consider letting to an autonomo with less than 5 years of receipts! If you can get a deposit together, it's easier and way more cost effective to buy at least in Madrid).
@Yelaa Bob Are you kidding? You can do 4 minute miles on brown rice and tomatoes.
Sooooo many Brits (especially) have holidays in Spain, Portugal etc and take back with them all the memories of the locations, weather, fun times and the like, then consider living in these places with those holiday thoughts as the driving force. Many that I've met (I live in PT) over the years seem almost incapable of differentiating between what they experienced 'on holiday' and what they would come to find as a 'resident' in such places. Brits often want 'little England' in the sun with beaches and are not happy unless there are lots of British style pubs, 'all day breakfast' cafes, and English TV! Assimilation is rarely talked about or attempted.
My feeling about the article is that this guy ended up working/living with some known shady crew and that's why the police were on top of them all the time, plus all the other things he says.
I can't understand how anyone expects to come live and work here without being able to speak spanish or have at least a minimum of interest on learning it. Let's see this the other way around. What would British people think if a spaniard wanted to work there without speaking your language? And complaining about that! It's insane!
People in Spain usually have no interest in learning another language to help their economy and themselves. it's those who come from outside who love Spanish, speak it, trying to learn more while on vacation. Spain doesn't do a good job at catering to tourism and some day they might not come. I would like to live in Spain, but the government doesn't want me to come, I will go on vacation but not to live there. No matter how good it may be and the food, smoking and drinking isn't my style of good life anymore. It is a place where they dump their children to party and throw up everywhere, and meet women. Like they do in Mallorca.
@@MrFernanrc what the f...
@@MrFernanrc I'm spanish, and I'd studied english. It's nota perfecto, bit st least, I try. My parents emigrated to Switzerland and they speak german and italian.
What the fuck are you talking about?
Obviously not all spaniards speak english, the same way not all British speak spanish. However, if you want to move to another country and live there, it's you who must learn the lenguage, not the other way around.
Spain is Europe when it come to pay taxes, but when it comes to get good salaries, Spain is still Spain
Indeed, because it's a massively inflated bureaucracy run with mafia tactics. The hacienda behaves worse than the mafia in fact. Full access to bank accounts, power to freeze bank accounts.
@@dannyhendy in that point I totally agree with you, they tell us that we are free but we are under a dictatorship
@@ndres839 Finally, someone wakes up........but you are too late.
I heard the average is 1000 € a month
@@anairenemartinez165 that can't be the average, because the minimum is over 1100 xD
Go to Spain , dont learn the language, mix only with british people and eat healthy british food...on the "costas".
Typical immigrant's attitude . They won't try to blend in in a slightest bit,bcs of their narcissist ego. Why don't they stay tf in original country if they like it so much? Imay emigrate one day ,and prior to that i wanna get at least get the basic language skills and have a general idea of their culture ,norms and stuff. My country actually made that obligatory if you want to emigrate.
Visit Cornalheira /Portugal
@@knkjkjnI live in Italy. Speak English. People here want to learn English, more useful for them than me speaking Italian. The basics is enough. Birra, Cafe, Pizza.
Personally I think that British people should stop going to Spain on holiday. Then you'll have the Spanish begging then to come back to stop the Spanish economy dropping through the floor.
@@jimkyle8008
This is not about people going on holidays.
This is about people moving to another country and dont even try to learn the language
I’ve been through many living and working experiences all around Europe and I’m pretty sure to state that, the number one rule for anyone wanting to live abroad is, “LEARN THE LANGUAGE AND THE CULTURE” period. If you’re not willing to do so, stay in your country. Everywhere I go (even if it’s temporarily) I try to learn the basics (hello, thank you, nice to meet you, how much it costs, please, etc.) in their language and read a bit about their overall character and culture. It’s magical how those simple silly things can open that land and its ppl to you.
Oh so i have question for what is the best place to work and live for i experience worker in europe in your subiection view?
I lived and worked over 30 years in Spain, due to my job (advertisinfg /TV) I lived in Zaragoza, Ibiza, Mallorca, Canarian Islands, Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga...! 1st) learn the language! 2nd) adapt to local rules and culture! 3th) evitate at all costs Tourist Spots, especially between June-September 4th) if you are not a complete Idiot ;-)), the best country to live on earth, ...in 6 months I will retire living in the Andalusian Backland, +- 300 € renting/month (or buying a simple village house +- 100.000 €, 50km from Malaga airport!
I would say that a person, who lives in Spain permanently, is a masochist, if said person voluntary stays in Spain in the summer months.
@@charonstyxferryman hmm..as I said, I live in Andalusian backland the whole year trough, 50km from the sea! No heating in winter, no air condition in Summer, only local food and my garden, I don't feel like a maso, in contrary I feel free and very healthy compared to my life in northern EU! If you want to fully adapt wherever you want to live, if you live in rural areas, you must live like the local people, if not they will never accept and respect you, (this is true for any country on this planet). It takes some time (2-3years) to adapt to the tremendous hot weather in Summer and the very cold nights in winter...However that's what I call integration, I see myself as a guest in Spain, not as a walking Wallet, nor an arrogant "conquistador" ;-)))
@@XIIDEXXII you are a boss, sir
Raym, quality response mate, me too👍🏻😎
I caught the Aussie accent straight away but was surprised your spanish is so good!! I'm Uruguayan but have grown up in Australia, our spanish is a little different to that of Spain but got to say it- you're speaking like a local! Well done!!
I would like to thank you for your many posts. I have found them to be very helpful. My partner and I live in Malaga (we are from the USA and retired) and have had for the most part a relatively easy adjustment to living in Spain. We are currently in the process of renewing our Residency for the first time. The easiest way to handle this was to hire this out. We are fortunate in that my partner is fairly fluent in Spanish. She was born in Peru and lived here early years in various Latin American countries. (She is not a Latin, her father was American and her mother was Canadian). I am taking Spanish Courses to improve my limited Spanish. Just as you said, the one thing that takes a while to get use to is all the paperwork. But, if you are patient things work out. We are quite lucky in that we have many Spanish friends and have been adopted into two Spanish families. It is as you said if you make Spanish friends life can be very enjoyable. The one negative we have faced is shipping our car from the US. The shipping cost were reasonable, but the added costs for taxes, inspections, and the cost of converting our car to meet Spanish and EU standards is quite expensive. This was our fault, not anything that was related to the Spanish government. We did not do our due diligence in that aspect of our research prior to moving here. So, I guess if I have one recommendation it would be do not ship a car to Spain if you are from outside the EU. Again, thanks for the posts. Keep them coming as you are a valued additional source for information about living in this beautiful country. Mike & Jerry
We welcome you in spain and i wish you a nice retirement i lived in the best country in the world America
What was the mandatory fee he was talking about? Do you know? 283 euros? For people who are self-employed in the country, right?
Thanks. My wife and I are heading to Spain to check it out. Almost retirement age.
I'm a North American expat living here in Spain (Cataluyna) for going on 24 years now. Been married to a Catalan national since 1998 and we own 25 ha of vineyard property in Tarragona. I love it here. Yeah, I hate the autonomo tax bs and the 21% IVA nonsense, but living here is orders of magnitude better than the states. Hell, we have Universal Heathcare and almost no one is walking around with firearms (yes, I understand the narco traficantes and russian gangsters are armed, but overall?). Just love it here tbh, but I DO NOT think I could have been successful here without my Catalan wife!
No one walks around with firearms, only criminals, this is why we need a mild type of "the right to bear arms " law here in Europe.
@@stiannobelisto573 You're wrong, Sparky. I give you the annual death rate by firearms of the U.S. as Exhibit A.
So you like Universal Healthcare but you hate paying for it?
Splendido Splendente That’s not what I said, dude. Of course I expect to pay my fair share. But autonomos are hit disproportionately hard, and the 21% IVA is nothing short of a regressive tax which hits low-wage income people the hardest. What the hell is the matter with you, or are you just trolling?
@Dias06 I can not believe what I am reading, people actually think that with U.S gun laws in Europe, we will have the same mass shootings.. Americans are way more aggressive and confrontational, plus Europeans have lost their patriotism unfortunately, plus I did say "mild" gun laws.
En España como en cualquier otro país hay gente que vive mejor y peor. Yo conozco autónomos que se han jubilado así.
I'll never understand why people don't want to learn the language when they decide to emigrate to another country. Things getting easier when you can speak the local language.
I am German and when I would emigrate to Spain of course I would learn Spanish. Bueno, ya sé hablar un poco español ahora. Pero no es el punto importante. ;)
And in my opinion is a bit simple-hearted going to Spain without knowledge about the state of the economy. Of course there is a hard competition in the tourism area.
Recently I was at the Islands of Canarias. You only have to open your eyes to see what's going there. Same as I was in Valencia. I talked with people in Sevilla and Teneriffa about that topic. One told me he has to go to Madrid for work because it was hard for him to find work in his town. Don't get me wrong. I like Spain a lot. But when you are going to Spain for business reasons you should inform you sufficiently.
Por cierto, conozco la calle al principio del vídeo, pero no estoy seguro de dónde está en Madrid. Debería ser la Calle de Raimundo Fernández , ¿verdad? Estuve alguna vez una semana muy cerca de este lugar.
As a Bulgarian considering moving to Spain it's really hard for me to comprehend this guy's decision to move from Spain to Bulgaria. I'm guessing it's something personal that drove him to do that, or perhaps he's only interested in cheap rent and living costs. But there's a lot more to your way of life than these two considerations.
I assume maybe it's easier for English native speaker to make it in Bulgaria, less competition etc. Or perhaps he has extra income from abroad and it's enough for him to afford to live in Bulgaria, but not enough in Spain
Here's one example: BG has a flat tax of 10%. No one can tell me what the income tax in Spain amounts to, especially if you free lance because you never get a straight answer as to what's tax deductible. Too many rules and just as many exemptions.
@@stefaniekumaran563 Anything that would be deductible for a big company, I've gotten deducted as self-employed, with one exception. Apparently national Hacienda accepts food from restaurants as a deductible; I'm under Navarrese Hacienda and these say they don't accept it unless you can justify why that was an expense you would not have incurred on any non-working day. No problem with that, I find tracking all those little papers an enormous pain when I have a customer that insists I must expense them.
So, for example: normally, a rental flat would not be a deductible unless it's your primary residence and the rent is a sizable chunk of your income. But if you're on location, it's a deductible.
Nowadays the tables for income tax are set by each region; Navarre has the simplest tax structures and paperwork, but we're not necessarily the cheapest. You can download IRPF simulators, look for "programa PADRE" (does not include Navarre or Euskadi).
Don't rely on Spanish economy, rely on Bulgarian economy.
I agree that electricity rates are higher in Spain than many other parts of EU. I am retired and live in La Palma (Canarias), I have private health insurance from DKV, its €114/month which I dont consider terribly expensive (and it includes dental check and hygienist once per year). Food and wine/beer as well as dining out is very reasonable, as is petrol and auto insurance.
I spent ten years in London, I bought and refurbished a flat and then a house. Both experiences were fairly unpleasant (all workers were British) and horrendously expensive. I have been living in the Canary islands for a few years and, while the mañana attitude is evident, especially in the Public Administration, getting things done is not that much worse than in northern European countries. Two things are definitely correct and noteworthy: the economy is not booming, so you have to have some differentiating skills to make it; and the Social Security charges for autonomous workers are amongst the highest in Europe.
Bueno,pero te gusta mi tierra o no?
After living here in 5 years around Malaga, employing a lot of handymen trying to fix up a property, I can categorically state that MANANA is alive and well. Try to get something done on time is just not possible.
It’s ridiculous to argue that the mañana culture doesn’t exist. There’s no need to be rude about it (not saying you are) but it’s real. Sometimes it’s fine but sometimes you’ll burst a blood vessel.
It seems to me that this "MANANA" thing is also prevalent in Greece & Italy.
Why not move to Londonistan and hope you don't get sexually assaulted by a majority-minority migrant?
@@baybydilly742 it is I can tell 😂😂
@@baybydilly742 Also in Mexico
Bueno, es el primer vídeo que veo en tu canal y me esperaba el típico conjunto de esteriotipos y fatalidades de la vida en España. Me alegro de ver que eres neutral y realista. Viví cinco años en EEUU y las cosas no son blancas o negras, existen los grises en todos los países. I could have written in English, but felt like doing it in Spanish to make sure people knew the comment came from a native.
Lucía García Son diferentes eso es todo. Cada cual tiene sus pros and cons. Llevo tres años en España y cada día es una experiencia cultural. Me encanta la belleza de España, mucha cultura, excelente gastronomía en fin la madre patria es maravillosa. 🇵🇷🇪🇸
I speak some Spanish and I could understand your entire comment!
I didnt like that coment of "manana is not a myth" from the video. Also hate the comments about "siestas" because i am spaniard and never took a nap in my life; the only people in Spain taking naps are children and old people... There could be little exceptions but thats the end of the story.
Well, i have lived in four different countries and delays can happen everywhere. I still remember when i arrived germany and hired a moving company (i am speaking about a GERMAN company).
They were more than two hours late, when they finally arrived they realized that they needed tools, so they went back to their headquarters and come back with the bloody tools, which meant another hour of delay.
At the end they made me paid for ALL the time they consumed, including the explained delays above.
When i hired internet company, they sent the router to my home and they just left the package in front of the door under the rain (thank godness it was just a light rain and it didn get wet that bad).
With the taxes i can say that the german tax authorithis are slow and terrible predator. I paid almost 50% of my rent in taxes and they took almost two years to give me my tax return.
So, as you say, it depends. All countries have problems, and if you are expecting to have a "dream life" or a "bed of roses" in Spain or wherever is the place you are commited to live in, you will find all kind of problems. Its normal and its a part of the culture adaptation.
I have to say that in spain is not that bad. When i needed to receive something by post mail, the service is fast and didnt have any problem with only little exceptions.
When i had an appointment with a company, the schedule was respected most of the times, and in general when i ordered some product it was delivered more or less in time (maybe some delay like the day after and so... but no more).
If you're not relying on the Spanish economy and can generate good revenue. Spain is the best option to live in the world not only in Europe.
I lived in Spain and didn't rely on it. It was one of the worst places I've ever lived for all the reasons the guy mentions in this video.
Hi Imad Mejdoub, I live in Norway, Spain is ok for a holiday, the wages are low, internet is really really turtle slow, and according to Europol, Spain is the most corrupt country in the EU, they are more corrupt than Bulgaria.
I mean living in the West and moving to another country because you want the best paycheck is why people do not manage to "fit in" because they don't have any interest in the culture of that country in the first place
@@winstontalbot3707 don't forget Italy for corruption..........plus mafia!!!! From a Italian!!!🇮🇹🇮🇹
@@winstontalbot3707 More corrupt than Bulgaria?! NO FUCKING WAY! What are you even saying?
Self-employed freelance living in Spain here. The fee is indeed 283€/month. First two years are heavily discounted though (50€/month). You, however need to be a resident to opt for that.
So this guy lives in Spain long time, 17 years he said? but it is not a legal resident ?
@@anairenemartinez165 He should be, after 2/3 years depending on your country of origin you can claim residency. Maybe he just doesn't want it and the social safety tax can be paid by a foreigner freelancer declaring their income somewhere else. I don't know the specifics.
I bought a place in the Costas as well as a car on the day we voted leave. Too many negatives by this guy. Suggest he takes more time researching and surround himself with good Spanish people and companies. I have a Spanish lawyer who is brilliant and deals with all my SUMA (tax) returns etc. Car insurance companies are good to deal with, including breakdown. I will say this for Spain the UK or anywhere, for that £20/€20 you wish to save in price could also be the difference in reduced quality. Poor quality, pay twice! Simple really...
My dad f*ed off to the Costas and spent his last twenty years there. He died a few years back and boy do I have horror stories about traversing that slow and confusing web of red tape one has to deal with for every single little affair. Paying someone to stand in the first leg of your all day queue for a temp NIE no was definetly a new experience. I've spent a lot of time in Spain and the costas but I'm pretty done with the place for now.
You are totally right
You and many others documents documents and untold ?????
I am so pleased to find these comments of real life in Spain. I so want to live in Spain, now I have a better understanding of what it is like to live there. I need to go back to the drawing board.
We was in parcent above la nucia 2 years ago, and we was out and wanted to eat in the evening. It was one place that was Open or so they Said. It was a English couple running a hotel and restaurant. I have never seen such bad service, food and attitude. We paid 1/3 and left without having eaten any good food, only drinks and some bread. Left a realy bad review online, as they deserve. My grandfather from Valencia, I'm part Spanish and I lived here when I was little, soon I'm permanently moving back. Spain is always been in my heart, I feel more at home when I'm there than here in Norway. I just Love Spain, the culture and the food. If u want to eat in Spain eat locally!
283 Euro per month to an accountant doesn’t say what for.After that he implies it’s toward a pension.Not clear reporting is it.
283 payment per month for being self employed Plus accountant fees
When you go first to a country to live there you'll be low on the ladder than in your own country. Later on you can climb on the ladder and get higher. But your always a foreigner.
If you are low on the ladder in your home country it can be a step up
I disagree.
You can be part of any society with time and a bit of initial effort, at certain point you won't be a foreigner. Technically yes, you're a foreigner but on a social and personal scale you can be perfectly from another country with time living there. Being "From somewhere" is more than just being born there, is being part of their socciety, share habits, ways of thinking, etc. It is not just a label on your ID ( Out of the technically foreigner).
People so desperate to stay there Turn to Conning people, To survive.
We Had an ex-Pat in Tenerife Who Did the Airport run, So he knew when owners were coming out & would Rent Out your Apartment / Villa to His own Clients Behind your back.
It didn't take long to change our locks.
You Have to Watch out for EVERY Con trick Possible.
According to your name you support brexit,so why the hell are you on my island?
Jj Gf is a misunderstanding to think that people that voted in favour of Brexit hate their fellow Europeans . The European Union is a corrupt system milking their countries off and taking away all their independence . No wonder they want out .
@@jjgf8412
Dad sometimes Said He had Sent People to Search for Jesus.
It's only When You are older you Realise What that Actually Meant.
Someone Was Taking Good care of Issues & those Who Acted in a Bent / corrupt Manner.
Very balanced. I would say that the key to moving anywhere is to speak the language competently, not just enough to shop with. Beyond that is to realise that every country is different, and that somewhere like Spain will be more different in the way that it operates than the differences between English-speaking countries. Furthermore, it is important to get your head around the reality that different cultures view the world differently, they even have different concepts of truth, and in particular, different understandings of logic and facts, which I think for Anglos is very difficult to get their heads around.
Of course, judicial systems are also different, not just for the criminal sphere, but also in the civil area. For instance, you may be used to the need for proof before an independent court to prove debts, initiate seizure of property or bank accounts, etc, and that only the tax dept can easily seize your bank accounts. In some/many? countries various institutions like banks and local councils are given extrajudicial powers to seize bank accounts and assets to pay debts that they say are owed to them. They are their own judges and disputes can be very difficult to resolve, because in such scenarios you become the plaintiff/appellant rather than the respondent/defendent, which has many negatives, including difficulties just getting a case before the courts let alone heard in any concept of a reasonable timeframe, and that the respondent/defendant gets the benefit of speaking/submitting last. Try operating anything anywhere if you have no access to a bank account. You may even be prevented from leaving the country. Resolving things can take many months, even years. And if you don't speak the language, not only can it be much much much more difficult, but you are at a very very very great disadvantage in court.
And don't think that everyone speaks English or all professional people do, and even if someone is able to speak English that they will make it easy for you and actually speak English.
I lived in Spain on the Costa del Sol 25 years ago and it seems that it hasn't changed that much in terms of how life works there, other than I hadn't personally heard of the 'Russian' aspect rasied in this video before.
I think it is also important to stress the differences between just living somewhere and working there as well. Working can add whole new elements beyond the obvious. Many Anglos wouldn't believe the restrictions on your freedom that working in the Middle East can place upon you and in particular upon your freedom to leave. You may need written permission from your employer, your bank, your landlord, etc.
Don't expect/assume that everywhere, even everywhere in Europe, is going to be similar enough to what you know to essentially make no difference to you.
And don't assume that just because you have never had any dealings with the police in your home country that you won't become rather familiar with them somewhere else.
Remember that becoming a citizen of a country after many years of residence also means you are no longer entitled to consular assistance from the other country/countries you may be a citizen of in that country, even if you aren't well assimilated. It should be obvious, but sometimes people don't think of the obvious and don't readily see the negatives alongside the positives.
FWIW, my experience of living in Spain, although largely positive, informed me that even living there without working isn't all it's often cooked up to be, and that there can be more negative aspects than one might find acceptable.
For sure, weather isn't enough to make up for everything, and believe me it isn't always warm and sunny, even on the Costa del Sol. In winter it can be gloomy, windy and cold. Of course, not like in the UK, but you can still be rather cold.
And in all the supposed hot countries I've lived in, in none of them was your average house up to the task of keeping you sufficiently warm in winter. In the UK, you have central heating, which many people set so hot that you can sweat inside in winter.
I've been very cold inside in winter in every supposed hot country I've lived in, in Spain, the Middle East, and Down Under. Often very cold!
The grass isn't always greener, just a different shade of green.
Wow, you've taken a lot of time to write all that. Thank you for sharing your perspective:)
Nigel W Beautifully written post. Never assume, even though you are living in Europe, that you have Constitutional rights similar to the US.
For example, if your wife or girlfriend alleges that you were “cruel to her or stuck her, you can go to jail WITHOUT any Constitutional protections. The females can also expropriate your money without your permission.
NEVER get involved with ANY female in Spain! As a male you have no rights. Many Spanish males are LEAVING Spain permanently because of this.
Their birth rate is cratering...in fact all through Europe.
Sanjosemike (no longer in CA)
Absolutely spot on.
I definitely don't understand people, whether ritish, French, or whatever going to a foreign country for living without any interest in the local people, life, economy and culture, refusing to learn the local language (except for ordering a drink), just considering the low costs and the wheather.
@J Mansfield Apparently being "highly well-educated" does not bring any wisdom, either. All I could read from you is shallow and deeply arrogant. Travelling is a rich experience that tells you that the human essence is not that different despite the colour of the skin, the creed, the customs or the food. The British ruled India, with a far richer and deeper culture than yours, but what did you learn from such a millenary culture? Nothing, I suppose. The British just left a civil war behind. This is just an example. If you were a wise person you wouldn't make such irrelevant comments, you wouldn't even care for UA-cam or the like.
@J Mansfield There is plenty to dislike in the UK, in the USA or in any other country in the world. As many British are, you seem to be tedious and bland. You'd better stay home.
Yo soy aleman y vivo desde 2 años en Catalunya sin problemas. Para mi es como un paraiso.
Looks like you learned the language, rather than yelling loudly at the locals in your mother tongue like most brits. Is it a coincidence that you are happier than other commentators on this site?
besten Wünsche für Sie
@@MrMartibobs
That is it. I live in a garden plot with 20 gardens. The neighbors are from Andalucia, Catalunya, Extremadura and others provincias in Spain. No germans living here.
Yo soy alemana y vivo en Valencia. La gente se pone muy contenta si le hablas en su idioma aunque no hables bien, no pasa nada. Yo he encontrado curro y una nueva familia aqui. Es solo cuestion de adaptarse lo que no les gusta a los ingleses jajajaj
@@sarad.2016 wishing you every happiness. I can pretty much understand this because I'm learning Portugese - not so very different.
best wishes
@@sarad.2016 ¡¡Olé tu!!
I don't know. I can't comment. I don't live there. I can't comment. I live in Madrid. I can't comment. I got an email from someone. I will read it, and make a UA-cam video reading it. I don't know if electricity is most expensive. I don't know anything. I am just making a video.
Exactly!
I was OK with the Video, why Watch it if you are going to Criticize it?? He was Clear from the beginning what the video was about. So, What's Your issue with this Man??
@@jenniferlorence185 He doesn`t like his pair of glasses that`s all !
It was better than that. He gave credibility to what the other bloke wrote but shared his own experience and provided valid explanations for the discrepancies. I gleaned a lot of insight from this video.
I broadly agree with what you you say. Just discovered that you have a series of videos on this topic.
I have been living in Madrid since 1992. Working in financial markets has ensured that my finances are fine, and I have had no issues, in general, as you affirm.
However, getting divorced 7 years ago, and fighting for my basic rights as a divorced father has presented a new series of challenges in a country with where Neo-feminism has skewed logical assumptions to exterme bounds, as supported by mainstream legal and administrative structures, not to mention all media outlets and many aspects of society., fuelling a gender war as a main priority, heads and shoulders above other significant issues. Indeed, ou will know that automatic legal protocols exists for mothers, yet children are left undefended, this is extraordinary. Basic parental rights of divorced men which are well established in the UK, and all developed countries, are simply unrecognised here, to the point that I have read lies in judicial resolutions, contradicting facts and evidence, and thereby supporting positive prejudices.
If you do well, or are retired, you live well. The moment you are involved in the nonsensical political-administrative infrastructure , you discover the complexities of a country which further, unfortunately, is still not a cosmopolitan society and does shun people from backgrounds or ethnic origins.
MGTOW for life brother... pump and dump the only way to go
i'm sorry you had to live that hell. Hopefully VOX will start swinging the pendulum to the other side and getting rid of all the feminazi laws.
I lived and worked in Spain for 20 years. Loved it and miss it; Ok! you have to keep your wits about you when dealing with people and learn the language properly, if you want to get on! What buggered me up , in a way, was the introduction off the €uro, in 2,002.; Most of my clients were retired expats and their UK pensions went a long way in Pesetas and at the start of the €uro ( £1 = 1.66€) times were ok! When the exchange rate started nearing parity however, ( £1 = 1.09 € was as low as it got I think) that all changed! My clients had 1/3 less spending power every month, with their UK funds and pensions. Result.....They started cleaning their own pools and gardens and stopped having building work done. Stick the 'Crisis' on top of all that in 2008 and our lives just melted down! We took advantage of a governement amnesty for all parents of young children, stuck in 'Toxic' credit situations, to just hand the keys of the house back to the bank and walk away with 0 debt . They had to do that as too many young parents were commiting suicide at he thought of not being able to pay their mortgage, having their house taken away and sold for a pittance at auction and being left homeless and unemployed with a massive debt. My last two years in Spain were an absolute nightmare..
I'm now living in Northern France, in the middle of a General Strike, floods and chaos with yellow vests everywhere
Life eh?..On the plus side.. I retain many contacts in Spain whom I can visit at will.. To befriend a Spanish person involves befriending their whole family. Going back to visit is just like going home!
as a spaniard, thanks for your kind words, yeah we had to eat a lot of shit when the 2008 crisis hit pretty much everywhere, and the management of it was shitty as hell (we are not Iceland, you know).
@@aitortilla721 As an Irishman, I can identify with you having to eat a lot of s... We did too. I have been involved with Spain in some manner or means pretty well my whole life (I speak Spanish) and I think it is a magnificent country with a great depth of culture.
Oh wow, glad things are better. I'm from the North of France (now londoner), where abouts are you?
@@alguedemer Southern Brittany near Nantes How about you? So happy to be out of the UK during the election. Lost my right to vote in UK elections 10 yrs ago, as I'd lived out of the UK for over 15 yrs
I’m sorry that things ended up do badly. The euro currency s as the 2008 crisis did a lot of damage to Spaniards too. Come back anytime. This is yours place as it is ours. Greetings from Pamplona!
I've been living in madrid almost 4 years now and I absolutely love living in Spain in general, the weather and the relaxed fun lifestyle and I love the city. HOWEVER...the reality of living here of a foreigner really is difficult. The paper work is an absolute fucking nightmare. If you are not bilingual you really have to teach English which generally has terrible conditions. The 'average pay' of 1000 euros a month for an English teacher was made over 10 years ago whereas since then the living costs have risen by literally hundreds of euros yet the pay doesn't change. There is really high competition for living in the city, landlords these days do whatever the fuck they like...don't give back your deposit. I've experienced them and there family coming to try and live in your flat several times. I adore the positive side s of Spain, my Spanish is pretty good now and I've tried hard to live here but unfortunately I do think it's time to leave to the U.K. soon as some aspects of trying to live here are just a mess.
Hello! A jaded essay from Quora to say the least. I do not live in Spain, but we do have a property near Granada. It is beautiful, the natives appear to be also very kind. We do not have many foreigners in our valley, but there are some, usually wealthy, namely; Dutch, British, French, Scandinavians and some south Americans. In the pueblos blancos dotted around Andalusia you'll find mostly Spanish (ageing) natives.. Granada itself will have more 'diversity' as it's a student city.
We are saving enough to make the one way trip in two Christmas' time. This is a must for any move, surely? That way lies security! By then we will have a generous (hopefully) safety net, whilst we get our bearings and become used to the realities of Spain, which obviously differ from some lovey dovey holiday. In fact we've found people, both native and long term foreigners, to be pleased, surprised and impressed that we were way more inclined to live where we do rather than the costas.
Yes, learn the language. Wherever we are from we will always expect (sometimes arrogantly) that others must speak our language, be it English or Spanish or Mandarin. This is not easy, but it is not impossible. So learn whichever language for whichever country, even if it means being there and feeling lost. The feelings of timidity and shame will soon force you to learn from your mistakes and learn more and more! Learn a language despite where you settle, it's actually really funny and enjoyable.
Not only will the locals be flattered, but also it makes life so much richer. If you want a less stressful life in a country, speak the language - don't be willfully ignorant.
The culture in Spain is very good. History, music, food, art - you - name - it, they've got it. However, some of the cultural practices are quite strange, but not exactly a negative. I'm an Atheist so although I can appreciate the art and history of Catholicism, I can't say I am used to witnessing the Saint's days and whatnot, though they are beautiful and it's always funny to see people show off their sunday best and gossip.
Spain isn't perfect, it's relatively liberal toward, for example; cannabis, to gays, to foreigners, but it has a gender violence issue, particularly in Andalusia with men beating their wives. Spain is, perhaps like anywhere else, a bit racist and it also has quite clear roles for men and women, but all of this is in flux. The religious aspect shouldn't be a problem either, though it is never a plus in my opinion, rather than a minus it's more an ellipsis...
All of this is pending, we don't live there, but we're close to doing so. I have teaching and barbering to fall back on, but we plan to have plenty to get us by should we encounter any blips.
Thanks for reading!
Make the move!
A gender violence issue??? no more problem than in most European countries... e.g. a press article among several appearing, drawn at random:
www.idealista.com/news/inmobiliario/internacional/2018/11/28/770186-imagen-del-dia-la-lacra-del-machismo-en-europa?amp=1 and, as you speak of Catholic heritage...
gaceta.es/noticias/mapa-maltrato-europa-catolica-17012016-1931/
Spain is one of the countries that has the least gender violence in Europe, but one that has the most tabloid and yellow press, reporting all the murders; in other countries there are more but they are silenced...
You don’t know what you say about gender violence in Spain: or you don’t know the subject or you do it to insult or hurt.... learn and speak more rigorously, you moron!!!!
Your right, its still a male oriented country, although some of the Spanish ladies scare the bejesus out of me.. Especially Maria next door.!.
It can be difficult to separate the holiday from actually living here and you have to work at it... I've lived in Adra for 8 years and love it.. Good luck to you...
Well that opened up a can of worms! To each of you: We all love the country, no? So let's not use ad hominems.
Thanks for the articles, however, I never said that Spain has, for example, the most violence toward women, I simply mentioned it's existence. An observation or criticism of a country one wants to live in, is usually a form of patriotism. Who wouldn't want better for their country?
Thanks for the Tu quoque strawman. You too would be hard pressed to find a northern european who thinks their country is perfect. Partly because of some strange colonial guilt and mainly because it's impossible to perfectly lead by example, especially in this rapidly changing and globalised world.
Congrats on the 8 years. I suppose holiday mode and reality are never going to be easy distinctions, but having the opportunity and welcome that I've had, as a perfect moron, is really flattering. Here's to 8 more!
@@jonayz8655 Again, I never mentioned the size of the problem, I simply mentioned there is one, we agree on that. Why are we arguing?
Sure, we have problems, life is fraught with problems. But seeing as Spain has the least of them, I will live there.
I'm an atheist as well, Spain is one of the countries at the world with most atheist people.
Spain is one of the only two countries at the world to have a specific law to fight domestic violence. Northern European countries like Finland or Norway can only dream being half as good as us on this issue, including violence rates and rapes against women.
Spain was declared by UN one of the best countries at the world to be a woman, please inform yourself much better before spreading bad information.
Great talk thro. As a retiree I would not buy property on the costas. .the bubble is about to burst imo. As you say you need to learn Spanish. That's where a lot of expats fail..." can you say that in English etc" .
Come to Glasgow Scotland every day is cloudy rainy darke and windy every day
every day
surprisingly the worst weather sites have better economic conditions and vice versa
I live in Scotland which I made my home. And the weather is ok. I live by the sea and I grew my first watermelon so not too bad ;-) . Love going to Spain or Spanish islands for holiday, only.
yes true, but what a great city to live in and socialise on the weekends.
I Will be gladly living in Scotland, changing my name and my surname to Scottish ones if they give me a real job that makes me proud of myself.
If you have to stay unemployed, with no future expectations, lots of money spend in taxes, corruption, bourocracy so big and expensive that you cannot start your own bussines... And you have to choose between Scotland or Spain: yeah, I choose Spain.
Obviously That’s the summer! How are the winters?
Well it wasn’t ‘mañana’ when they were building their empire.
The Sun Never Sets On the Spanish Empire, according to Francis Bacon.
@sablin the one on which the sun never sets.
You mean when they were stealing The Gold of the Maya, the Inca and the Aztec, right ?!
@@AdamSahr-cj4kf other Indian tribes were already stealing the gold of natives that lived next to the mines and sacrificing them for strange rituals.
@@jeanbethencourt1506 Yeah, but the Spaniards were supposed to be civilized, righteous and on a godly mission...
Y lo del clima es relativo, él vivía en la costa sur, que venga a vivir donde vivo yo, y después me diga si el clima es mejor o peor que en Inglaterra. A -15°C
Interesting topic and inside info 👍🏼 thanks for sharing Stu.
Wow! London is hell, Spain is much better to llive.
@chemical smile you find Madrid Boring? The craziest thing i 've never hear
@master konwongson You dont know Madrid.
@master konwongson Haven't visited many places... have you?
I've lived in spain for 8 years and planning on living here permanently because I love it.. Living in rural Spain I've avoided some of the problems of the costa's. The reality of living here is there is no safety net. If you don't earn money, you starve, its as simple as that..There are no food banks here... Going out is super cheap and because the sun shines 320 days a year, you can get by on minimal heating. My average bills are about €120 per month... When I moved there I owned my own house already, and bought enough cash to last me the first year.
When it comes to work its patchy at best. I work for myself and don't rely on the Spanish economy.. Expat work is mainly in the construction industry and mainly for other expats... Like anywhere, if your good at your job, you get the work.
One thing its really worth pointing out is 'beware of living the dream'. The sun might shine but you will be restricted in all you activities if you don't speak Spanish and have Spanish friends.
"The reality of living here is there is no safety net" It depends on where you live in Spain. Basque Country has a network of aid at the best level in Europe.
If the Basque country were one of the 16 German Federal States, it would be the 6th richest state.
This is a great, insightful channel Steve, from a Spaniard living in Australia .
Learn the language already. It's a good experience.
makes me Laugh how british people go to Spain and expect it to be the same as the UK it's their culture!! deal with it don't expect them to change
tom freeman probably because so many people come to Britain and do not adjust to British culture
@@solidbanjobanjo9367 are you sure you compare the same situations?
@@solidbanjobanjo9367 Well, it is the same type of nasty attitude. I don't know why you're saying it, though.
As a happy English immigrant retiree I find the people here very supportive of my efforts to learn the language, and very good - humoured.
I´m 20 miles inland from the Costa del Sol, and tend to avoid the coast, which is a different world.
I was 16 years old and saved Money before i went to greece. (I was that clever) Enough to survive 3 month and money to buy a t Ticket home. Nowadays I recommend people to save €20.000 so you can survive for a year. Learn the language.
First thing you need to understand is that Spain is EXPENSIVE, as opposed to cheap as most people think. Food and alcohol are cheap sure but that is pretty much it. Compared to what the monthly salaries are most things you will spend money on is significantly more expensive than most places in Europe, including places like Sweden.
Jon F ? you must be in rich expat areas..
80 million turist to Spain every year, what they would know.
Vs the Birthis that are incapable of learning other languages even if their lives depend on it.
I came to live in the Alicante province in 2001 after a serious motorcycle accident in London, I've learnt the language by various mediums and can now feel confident in going anywhere in Spain or South America, most things that are expensive in Spain are offset by things that are cheap, so its swings and roundabouts, ( English phrase), I live in an agricultural area and am always getting free vegetables from my Spanish neighbours, things are good and bad - same as anywhere !!!
From the few spanish words you say, I can tell you speak an excellent spanish; excellent last advises as well. Never rely on any country's economy, only on you own resources. Spain is great if you are self sufficient, as we have plenty of healthy sunshine and lots of organic food.
@Yelaa Bob Yes, virtually ALL supermarkets here, except for Mercadona, have Organic options, adding more and more products each day, as there is a demand for it.
We lived in the Valencian region for 2 years. I fell for all the 'Place in the Sun' nonsense. Buying property in Spain is a complicated business and it's very easy to get screwed out of many 1000s of Euros if you are not careful. You will also find that all the friends and family who you thought would never be off your doorstep , only regularly visit in peak holiday times. Unless you make friends in Spain you will have long quiet winters . Dont whatever you dont buy a 'rural' property. You will be more isolated and unless you have good guard dogs your house will be robbed. There is a lot of crime along all of the coast. There are many out of work desperate people; Spanish, English ,North African, East European who will literally steal the metal from your pipes as well as your possessions. In 2 years we were burgled 4 times. The last time we went out for lunch. When we returned the criminals hadnt been able to get through the security screens , so they smashed a hole through an outside wall of the house into the kitchen. Its far better to live in a town or a gated community. If you cant afford that villa by the sea , dont get talked into a rural property, an apartment would be a lot safer place to be. We thought we'd learn the language and be able to make friends with locals. Its not easy. We took regular lessons , but a lot of Spanish people not only speak very fast, but speak in very strong regional dialects which are almost 2nd languages ie Valenciano. Even after 2 years it was almost impossible for us to properly joke or understand jokes in Spanish, which makes it difficult for people to properly become friends. I disgaree about the Manana comments. The Spanish work very hard and they work very long days, although they have a couple of hours off at lunch. They are more relaxed about keeping deadlines than Northern Europeans, but that isnt just a Spanish thing.
The worst thing of all Im afraid to say are the English ex pats. Im sure this is not universally true , but unfortunately we found that well over half of the expats were arrogant and ignorant. The most common topic was; that they had to come to Spain to get away from all the immigrants in the UK. When it was suggested that this might be a bit ironic, given that they were immigrants themselves, the answer was, 'well we are not scrounger immigrants'. Even though most of them paid no tax, constantly used the healthy service and often had mysterious sources of income from the UK , that the DWP , inland revenue or Fraud squad teams in the UK would have serious words about , if they knew the score. Spain's a great country, enjoy your holidays there , but don't get drawn into trying to live there, you will probably regret it
I have never had a problem fitting in, in the 25 plus years living in Valencia (and its out-skirt villages), but I think I have quite a high level of Spanish.
However if you have had a less warming experience I am sorry to hear it. But I don't think this wouldn't be indicative of any particular region of a particular country, you could get the same treatment from a village in the UK if you came from abroad.
Its sounds as if you didn't have a clear idea of what property you wanted if you were persuaded on something you didn't like in a place you didn't expect? Time to evaluate your options and requirements and maybe try before you buy...
Totally agree regarding comments on property ownership and the regional dialects.
My God, I would hate to rely on a state pension for retirement.
You're absolutely right!
yaimavol You probably will. You’re not going to retire rich.
Really enjoying your videos. I much prefer to listen to a “balanced” view point than listen to the views of (as you say), someone who probably didn’t properly prepare for a move to another country. I’ve recently retired and thinking of moving abroad (possibly Spain). At present, and due to many economic uncertainties as a consequence of the war in Ukraine, I’m slightly in favour of buying a relatively cheap apartment near the coast and using this as a base for 2 x 90 day visits. Have you previously touched on this subject / would you consider doing so? Thank you for your informative videos.👍
Spain is not only the seaside.., come on...
F A most of the biggest cities are though..
Ocean* side
@@gu3sswh075 3 out of 5 biggest ones are not in the seaside: Madrid, Sevilla, Zaragoza.
In your video you mention a "self employment" tax that must be paid monthly. I am an IT consultant and have worked from home for myself for about 12 years. I have a few regular monthly customers, so I am quite self sufficient. At least for the initial time in Spain I would be a US citizen working for my US based company. I would not be employed by anyone in Spain nor doing work in Spain specifically. In that situation, would I be required to pay this "self employment" tax as well, or is this for someone doing work in Spain - but "self employed"? For example, if I was a pool cleaner in Spain rather and doing computer work remotely? I guess I am looking for possible "hidden costs" before we even consider relocating...but Spain is on our list for sure.
Once you live in possibly any European country, and definitely Spain, for 6 months, you have to register as tax resident. If you work remotely, salaried at foreign company, you can avoid double taxation if there is agreement between two countries (where you reside and where you are hired). Insurance is something you have to get though. It's quite normal - I'm checking several countries to move to and Spanish do not have anything extraordinary - especially when compared to other EU countries but also Asian or in South America - when it comes to taxation and social security.
you will find out just how bad Spain is when something goes wrong and you need to go through the "justice" system. I have not seen my son for months, I don't know where he lives or what school he goes to but apparently its not a crime in Spain for the other parent to deny access to the other parent, regardless of a current custodial sentence. What a joke. And good luck hiring a lawyer who will actually fight your cause, almost all of them are corrupt and will just take your money and do nothing for you. Its literally a hell if anything goes wrong legally. Lawyers will be corrupt and pay judges cash to gain advantage.
Sarah Jayne Scott wishing you justice sarah
Sarah Jayne Scott very estrange that your ex got custody in Spain... it is a feminist paradise , women get everything while the guy nothing .
@@verucasalt9182 yeah but I wanted to leave Spain and go to my home country.
Sarah Jayne Scott I agree about the corruption.
So you wanted to basically grab your son and leave to your country, ignoring the rights his father has? And your sons's rights? something smells fishy here...
En España ,cuando yo estudiaba ,el francés era la segunda lengua que aprendimos. Seria por la proximidad.
Tengo una sobrina política escocesa que después de 10 años no es capaz de mantener una mínima conversación con nosotros en español.Me parece impresentable que pretende que seamos nosotros los que aprendamos inglés.Si pensáramos ir al algún país de habla inglesa lo haríamos. Lo que tendrían que hacer las que vengan al España es saber español
I agree, but am shocked at the amount of English words used in everyday life in Spain these days.
Or when you put on the local radio it's virtually all music from English speaking countries.
I preferred Spain 30 years ago for its unique culture.
It reminds me of a mini USA Wannabe these days.
Unemployment is at an all time high, kids are leaving Spain to go to England to get jobs, the education system in place is an absolute joke, and mañana is definitely not a myth, there is absolutely no urgency, but other than that people seem to be very dismissive, no service with a smile, they get paid whether the job gets done properly or not seems to be the attitude, especially those employed by the government. And paying autónomo is bloody impossible to do, and if the bank somehow doesn't register the payment, even though you have made it, they will fine you.
N Cahill according to this, we, Spaniards have a lot more talent and hard working attitude that any of those worthless and decadent English guys that are unable to do anything of value outside of their worthless and decadent island. Great to hear that they are leaving EU. Hope that start to get charged for Health Public Services the soonest possible
I’ve worked both in UK and Spain. You all go home at 5 pm. That’s impossible in Spain. And we start at the same time in the mornings. So don’t fuck with your pathetic superiority feelings. UK is in a non stop decay. All you have to do is contemplate the sad and uneducated people coming to Spain from your little world.
@@carlossantamariapico1571 Actually, I live in Spain, don't attack me, my friend, I have lived in both countries and do happen to know the difference, I am not saying the UK is perfect in any sense of the word, but Spain is not perfect either, you still live in a country fresh out of a horrid civil war, wounds wide open, and yes, I'm sorry if this offends you but their work ethic is quite lazy. Not to mention the absolute internet monopoly certain companies have in this country, in England service providers compete with one another, that doesn't happen here because Telefonica owns all the fucking cables, they were the first to put them up. Everyone else either catches up, or rents it out.
Oh and just to add, I went to a Spanish school from the age of six years old, I consider myself a nice mix of both, and I love both very dearly, but just because you love a country and a culture doesn't mean you can blind yourself to its faults. Nothing is perfect.
N Cahill this is great, I work for a British telco operator in Spain. Your comment about who owns the cables only prove that you are not only ignorant but extremely bold. Sad combination. I’ve worked and lived, as said in UK, but also in the US, Argentina and Egypt. And I can absolutely keep my opinion about your insane and patronizing comments. I would never say things like the ones you say. I am so grateful and proud of having lived and experienced those wonderful societies. Of course, everybody has problems, who doesn’t? And again, you might have studied wherever you want, but they obviously didn’t teach you the humility and respect for the different are two of the most important virtues in life.
Great video and commentary! Too often these visceral pieces get floated out there on the internet and are given a lot of credence. I am living on the coast here and I’ve also not noticed this stuff, but I’m not in the trades either, perhaps it’s limited to this area of business?
As you said at the end, if you’re moving to a new country you need to try to be aware and careful, learn the language, make local friends, and if you’re not enjoying it, then maybe it’s not for you.
Dude is 100% right!!! Just live in Spain only if you have cash flow from somewhere.
I have loved along the costa del sol for the last 6 years, i think the points you made about the scams and gangsters etc, however a bit over pedantic, its like any other place if you keep yourself to your self you find no trouble. Alot of brits come to here to open bars, but its over saturated, specifically in touristy areas such as fuengirola, torremolinos, benalmadena etc far too many brit bars doing the same thing, 80% of them open in the summer and are closed by winter time. Working spain is a bit of a hit and miss, realistically as an expat coming to work in spain its tough, during the summer you can get a job as in hospitality (restaurants, bars etc) but in the winter when the bars close its tough the fact of the matter is, the only jobs available are sales or hospitality, if you are coming to spain to kick start a different career path..forget it
Spain is big, why to generalize ?
Most English speaking people head to the south coast where they live in English speaking communities. Most people can't speak any Spanish so they want to be with other people who speak their language.
I live in Australia, originally from Spain, and I can say that Spain is not big.
@@internetapocalypse4885 it is from the different kind of experience perspective. Valencia has nothing to do with Madrid, or Bilbao with Malaga.
@@internetapocalypse4885 not technically big (like Australia) but culturally immense (every 100km there is a new town with a different culture and language almost) a country doesn't have to be geographically large to be diverse, although Spain is the 2nd largest country in the EU.
@@alfrredd I agree, Spain is very culturally diverse. There is no argument there. The town where my parents were born is very different to the town just 20 kms away. I was just replying to the original comment.
I suppose in Australia we can travel around the bush for a week without seeing another soul. In Spain I can travel from one coast to another in a day.
Hallo! I am a retired uni- teacher from Lithuania. It's my native country, but I'm not very happy with it. People in Lithuania are to great part very reserved, cold, carering only for their families and not noticing other people. second reason - Lithuania is getting very expensive and climat not a friendly one. Should I go to Spain? I visited once for a week Alicante and I liked it.
Spain is a beautiful country
@carl smith Here in brazil people hate blonde men. I don't quite get where this passive aggressive rage comes from, bunch of insecure bastards I say =D
Where ? It's dry and barron
@Bellatrix Ishit onyoutube censhorship except I've travelled all over Spain several times
@Bellatrix Ishit onyoutube censhorship it's a shit hole..why would I want to bother ?
OMG!! I think we should invite this person to come stay in San Sebastian for a while-I bet he would have a very different experience!!! I know people who had awful experiences in England, but I had never ever had one myself!!! I guess it also depends on your own personal attitude too....
Wikichris I think they are fine on the roads in Andalusia they stop instantly when someone steps into the street. What do you want from people?
Honesty
Excellent video and useful.Muchas Gracias.Its a gamble to live in any country..we all need luck and knowledge 🤗
I wouldn't mind living in Spain. After living in Albuquerque for 20 years I definitely know plenty of Spanish. I am also working toward my Bachelor's in Political Science but I am looking to start a career in Medical Billing and Coding. I understand health care is also a big industry in Spain.
Albuquerque was founded by the Spanish, and it's named after a town in Extremadura. We have plenty of politicians here, but we do need some doctors and coders, the national health service covers the entire population and is completely free so people use it a lot, but the wages are pretty average, don't expect to earn more than €70k as a surgeon or any other kind of specialist.
Health care is big, it's also state run... and run very well. The US medical billing and coding system is not really a thing here since the both the state run and private insurances are not micromanaged to the point of the US. They typically use a single code for an entire procedure instead of itemizing sponges and equipment.
Stay in Albuquerque.
Great video ! Greetings from Marbella, I have been living here for over 30 years ! Take care...
Hi, I am watching the series of El ministerio de tiempo en Netflix, I think it shows an interesting picture about Spanish people and their mentality in the present and in the past. I think Spain is the best place to live in Europe if you can afford it. ❤️🇪🇸💖
Renáta Szabó kivanok minden jot.
I moved to Spain and settled on the Orihuela Costa back in February this year. Whilst I have not seen or heard of any of the scams mentioned in the article I dare say that they do exist. With regards to relying on the Spanish economy and working in Spain I have to agree with the article and you that is a rollercoaster ride. Many bar jobs for instance pay their staff very low wages that can be as low as 5 euros an hour and avoid giving the staff contracts or just don't ever give them one. Other bars and restaurants that do give contracts only give 10 hour contracts and the working hours can either be very very long or virtually nothing depending on the trade that day. As for the other trades here it's mainly real estate agents and related services or cleaning etc as mentioned in the article. As for property rentals here trying to get an actual long term property to rent can be a nightmare as most of the property adverts that say long term are actually only winter rentals and you have to leave when the summer comes and find somewhere else to live. We are learning the Spanish language and getting by but it's not easy here. I wish anyone who thinks of moving to Spain all the best with your move but my advice is try it out for a while first. If you decide it's for you then learn the Spanish language and bring extra money for backup to help you get by for a while and if possible don't depend on the Spanish economy for a living wage or if you have to then work as much as you can in the Summer months and save money for the winter months when the costas turn into ghost towns compared to the Summer
As a spaniard I don't agree with most of the stuff said in this video, i live in the "costas" and it is actually really good and definitely not as bad as the crybaby from the article says. I'm down to discuss tho
@@kdkhgdldfl i have lived in britain for two years, and it is civilised as spain. Obviously there is people who try to take advantage of foreigners but there are just as many as there is in spain
pablo carbonell ... the UK is way more, way way more civilised than Spain. How can you even put them in the same sentence. UK has by far better institutions, infrastructure, less corruption, more career opportunities. The 5th biggest economy in the world and with Brexit now happening we can push further on. Also, better work ethics, no sleeping siestas during midday, better educational system, better military, permanent member of the United Nations, influence on the world stage which will increase more after Brexit. UK is a G7 member. A more open hospitality to people coming to the country either on holiday or emigrating. I could go on and on but I won’t. Spain has weather going for it though, I give you that.
Lots of questions come to mind regarding the tax and accountant fee you mentioned. Must research this! I'm trying to study abroad in Spain but I'd like to extend my stay for a while.
Almost all countries in the developed world have better internet than Australia
NBN 😂😂😭😭
Fixed line maybe, but Australia has the 7th fasted mobile internet in the world, and that is where the market is heading. I spend a lot of time in the US, UK, and AU, and AU is always the fastest with mobile.
Australia has been too busy building third-world-standard apartments for the Chinese and the Indians...
Parece escrito por alguien que vino a vivir en la zona más cani de la costa del sol y dijo 'a pues todas las costas de España son así' y se fue a escribir. Cuando en realidad llevo 10 años viviendo en un pueblo grande y mayoritariamente español de la costa blanca y no lo describiría así. Por supuesto que hay algún pueblo más 'ingles' dominado por turismo e inmigrantes por aquí cerca que es más como lo que describe, pero describir a toda España o toda la costa de la misma forma es ridículo.
Atleast they have health insurance! Being self employed in the US is not easy either nor is it anywhere in the world. When I ran a transport business I had to pay $800 per month just for health insurance. It tough everywhere people!
I'd love to see your city review of Santander!
Monthly income should be at least 1,600€ Ideal monthly income 2,300€ for a couple. One bedroom apartment with swimming pool at least 675€ in Madrid. If you like baking get ready not to find an oven in small apartments. Salamanca has cheaper rentals. I like both cities. 100€ round train trip for two.
We have been to Spain, several times, over the last four years, living in a Caravan, sometimes on a site, sometimes parked up, on the road. We are now going to return to Spain, indefinitely, and live in a Motor Home, on the road, as a campsite, is getting just too expensive, even in low season!
What will be your source of income?
Your show is amazing I’m in Florida an American citizen and a spanish citizen, I think if you do your show more like a podcast, the way you are doing it now, it would be so much better, thank you for all the info, is there a way to donate to you? I know it’s not easy compiling all this info for those of us who want to move to Europe of Spain, thanks
I think the article doesn't cover loads of other important issues about everyday life in Spain. Like a very bad quality of tap water, very high prices of groceries(the same Spanish oranges may cost less in Lidl in London than in the Lidl in Madrid!); extremely dodgy banking system, where they will be milking you each step of the way!; anyone can use your bank account to pay their own bills!!; majority of houses in coastal areas have thin walls, mould and they are very cold in winter!; car repair services are very bad and overpriced ...etc etc The person who wrote this article is right that Spain is very good only for those who have loads of money! Otherwise it is a constant survival race for most people….But where else you can really enjoy life in Europe?? Yes, you cannot make loads of money in Spain, but despite all these problems you can have very good quality of life if you structure it wisely! Like having two bank accounts for example,-one is only for paying bills and one for salaries.
I stopped reading at bad quality of tap water.
Bad quality of tap water, thats funy you have never been to Madrid, better tap water than any brit place
Tap water may be not very good on coastal areas, but have you tried Navarre's or Madrid's water?
@@cesarvallejolopez Didn't try Madrid, but tapwater in Barcelona is particularly bad! Malaga's tapwater is better, but nothing close to the tapwater from London or Manchester!!! And I was told that just outside of the boundaries of Madrid the tapwater is very-very bad and you can get sick by drinking it! All my freinds who live in Barcelona, Torrevieja and Benidorm use only bottled water even for cooking!
Tap water is good if you're far away from the coast and closer to a mountain range.
I lived in the UK for 5 years and my experience is that they have a very tomorrow attitude too and some times a no can do attitude too. I live in the USA now and everything is usually done quite fast, but the quality of the job and the drive for quick profit is ridiculous.
I've been living here in Madrid for the last 8 years and what's changed the most, in my opinion, is the level of street crime; it's a BIG problem. Young, North African lads everywhere!! GO OUT ON YOUR OWN AFTER 10PM AT YOUR PERIL!
Street crime in Madrid??? It is so much lower than in Liverpool, Manchester, Blackpool, London, Cardiff...so wtf. Check the rates, common, google it.
@@Danielincreible Do you live here in Madrid? I've also got a lot of Policía Nacional friends who tell me all about the statistics (although I can see for myself how bad it's got here).
@@Danielincreible what has that to do with anything? He simply said the rate has gone up
What?! Maybe in some barrios-and maybe depends on personal demographics-but at least my time living in Salamanca, Guindalera and Ventas areas - and routinely being out late in the Centro districts like Latina, Letras, and Chueca - that walking about late was never stressful for me. And speaking in the total, Madrid has low crime stats for the metropolitan size.
@@bryanjensen355 You were one of the lucky ones (Salamanca is one of the most affluent districts in Madrid, so it's an exception). It's no secret what's been going on here in Madrid these last few years regarding rising levels of street crime carried out by groups of North Africans (that's without mentioning the hundreds of victims of pickpockets which occur daily); it's not a myth (admittedly, it's worse in Barcelona). Like I say, if you're out in Madrid on your own after 10pm, BE ON YOUR GUARD!!!!