Uncover The Critical Insights Before Deciding To Move To Spain — Here’s What You Need To Know!
These facts apply to any nation overseas, but it is especially true in Spain — and soon you will discover why.
Disclaimer: I describe my experiences from Andalucia, Spain. It may differ from the other Spanish regions.
When I moved to America in 2002, it was totally different from what I’d seen on television. Even with all my apprehension and fear, nothing could have prepared me for living abroad; it truly is an incredible experience!
Nevertheless, back in 2000, there were no blogs to be found online since the Internet was still in its infancy.
However, today if someone is thinking of relocating abroad, they will discover hundreds of fascinating real-life stories from individuals who have done so.
The more you read, the more well-informed decisions you’ll be able to make. You will also encounter fewer surprises because of your reading.
That is why I’m delighted to be on Medium and share my experience with others who are making the transition from one country to another. If you’ve never lived outside of your native country, a move abroad is quite an upheaval.
Know the good and the bad to be better prepared.
Every country has advantages and disadvantages, which are determined by your values, priorities, and way of life.
Let me tell you one thing first: Spain has a lot of wonderful qualities. It’s a lovely country with kind and helpful people. And, as I stated in my previous stories many times.
Of course, there are some less positive reasons why you shouldn’t move to Spain. And I am sure, you will find more reasons when you move.
The qualities described in this article may apply to any country abroad, but they are true, especially in Spain, and I will tell you why.
I’m a Slovakian (from Eastern Europe) who’s lived outside of Slovakia since I was 18 years old and moved to the United States when I was 22. As a result, I found it simple to settle in Spain.
That is why I understand the European mentality since I was raised in the same way. However, Spain is a unique nation in its own right, and it differs significantly from other EU nations.
That is why you need these three qualities before moving to have an easier transition and settle.
A RIGHT MINDSET
You need to remember to be flexible and open. Nothing will go as planned.
European mentality is different. People are more honest with each other in everyday encounters, sometimes too honest, which may seem harsh or unfriendly. Some may look unprofessional. Nobody has a fake smile here. If they smile, it is because they mean it.
Some bus drivers may take a smoke break during the trip. If you come to a cell company, the sales lady may have her kids at work, or grandpa stops by to say hello. The server will not welcome you, but ask you what you want. If you find yourself in the queue, you need to shout; you are the next or the last.
Life is slow here and you will need to adjust.
Everything is different, such as a lawyer, realtors, schools, and the healthcare system.
The lawyer will ask you for a retainer without giving you a receipt and you need to trust him. He won’t scam you. Many still consider oral contracts valid. People trust each other and that is how business is done in Spain.
The realtor usually charges double for the first month of the payment. For example, if the rent is 1000 Euros, you need to give him 3000 Euros the first month: the rent, deposit, and non-refundable fee for the realtor.
BEING CREATIVE
You need to know how you are going to earn a living. The traditional way will not get you far or what you are used to. It is really difficult to find work in Spain; unemployment is high, and the pay is low.
That is why you need to think along lines of self-employment such as digital nomads, working online, creating handmade art, or cryptocurrency.
If you have a non-lucrative visa and want to work legally in Spain, you may not do so. Spain is working on allowing non-EU folks to work there. A Digital Nomad visa is going to be one way for digital nomads to live and work in Spain.
But at least you won’t need as much money to get by in Spain. For me, $1,000 is enough.
BEING RESOURCEFUL
In America, everything is simple to comprehend, since you will find instructions on virtually every product, at school, or at work.
Not in Spain. You need to be resourceful.
Nothing is given in the instructions and many things you just need to figure out. Also, keep in mind that nothing is set in stone and that rules are frequently broken.
Start learning the language, and learn how to cook.
Especially if you are used to spicy, flavorful meals. In Andalusia, the food in the restaurants is home-cooked, but the flavor is bland. Especially for Americans. Spanish cuisine is not Mexican. Spaniards don’t like Picante.
Even the steak here is chewy than soft, as it is in the US. For me, the food tastes better, but I grew up in Europe and I am used to it.
The cuisine in America was for me overly spicy, sugary, or salty. In Spain, the food has a distinctive flavor that does not demand to be over-spiced.
The healthcare system is unique in Spain and you need to learn how to navigate it for yourself. For example, if you get a referral, you need to find and make an appointment with the doctor, but your primary care physician doesn’t do it.
However, if you visit the pharmacy because you have some symptoms, the pharmacist will assist you. As a result, you may forego seeing your physician for common health issues.
For insurance (car or health), if you ever will need to change your policy or anything, you’ll have to go in person to do so — not once or twice but multiple times until something is changed or canceled.
Accept nothing less than a receipt with the policy stamp for any adjustments to your coverage. Nothing is efficient here the first time around.
You need to know which heating system is the best and cheapest. The electric or gas-oil ones are pricey. I use a wood stove at my apartment in the village. In the city, they may have a propane heater or the gas-oil. Also, some apartments may have central heating.
Here, the school system differs from in the United States. Children are given written and oral examinations with open-ended questions rather than multiple-choice options.
Many teachers want their students to memorize the material or to be able to analyze it in depth. There aren’t a lot of essays or projects.
Your kids may have to be resourceful as well, because the homework is vaguely explained, not step-by-step like in the US.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a move to Spain, these qualities will help make your transition smoother. You should be resourceful and have the right mindset and creativity before moving abroad.
By reading about what awaits you in Spain, you’ll know what to expect when venturing into the unknown. The more prepared you are for all aspects of life in Spain — from language barriers to cultural differences — the better off your experience will be!
I can’t promise everything about living abroad is going to be easy or without challenges but I can promise it’s an adventure worth taking if only just once in a lifetime.