8 Things to Consider Before You Move to Spain
Making the life-changing decision to move to Spain will be the best decision you ever make. However, before you can lap up the culture and settle into your new home, you’ll need to know the ins and outs of moving away from the UK and onto the continent. Here, Chappell’s Removals covers everything you can expect when moving to Spain, from belongings to Brexit.
1.Moving your belongings to Spain
Exporting your personal possessions and furniture can be worrisome, what with the cost, packing and practicality of a long haul move. You’ll need to decide what belongings are important and which can be decluttered. Thankfully, many people find it a rewarding experience to cull their material goods. On top of this, you’ll need a reliable and friendly removals company who are experts in European shipping.
Chappell’s Removals can help sidestep the stress of moving day and make your move to Spain much simpler. With our 40 years of experience, fully qualified staff, free quotes and comprehensive insurance, we’re ready to take on any size of move, especially to Spain. We provide a comprehensive service to see your belongings safely to your chosen destination and deliver right to the door. We’ll even pack your things so you can focus on enjoying your move.
2.Customs
Officially speaking, there are no restrictions on the quantities of alcohol and tobacco that can be brought into Spain from other EU countries. However, it’s widely known that large amounts of either of these products will be cause for concern to the authorities. If this is the case, Customs will seize the products on suspicion of intended use for commercial sale. As a rule of thumb, take no more than 800 cigarettes and 10 litres of alcohol into the country at any one time.
3.Prohibited Goods
Before we jump into the topic of transporting your pets to Spain, let’s address a simpler matter. These are the goods which are expressly prohibited from entering Spain:
- Meat and dairy products
- Protected animal species
- Coral
- Ivory
- Reptile skins
- Tortoiseshell
- Protected wood species
4.Relocating domestic pets to Spain
If you’re worried about the complications of moving a beloved family pet to Spain, then fret not. You’ll be glad to know: it’s never been easier. Your pet will need:
- A microchip or identity tattoo
- Proof of tapeworm treatment (dogs only)
- Proof of rabies vaccination
- Pet passport
All of the above can be easily arranged with your trusted veterinary practice. Though official arrangements for your pet’s travel are simple, choosing the right way to travel for your pet is not as easy. The journey to Spain will be a long one for your pet and potentially stressful, it is worth having him/her checked over by a vet to ensure they are healthy enough to make the journey. If you have any queries about pet travel arrangements, make sure to get in touch with your trusted international removals experts, such as Chappell’s Removals.
5.Visas and Brexit
At the time of posting (Jul 2017), British citizens do not require a visa to live or work in Spain. However, this comes with a caveat – the Brexit negotiations (Britain’s exit from the European Union) are ongoing and the current visa status could change in the next few years. On the one hand, there could be tighter restrictions in place after a deal is struck, and on the other, it is likely that Spain and the UK will mutually agree to a system that’s similar to the current one. The trick is to keep up to date with future developments.
6.Language
It’s good manners – especially when moving to an area with few English speakers – to learn some basic phrases. Even if you mix in a little English, most Spaniards will applaud your effort. Please, thank you, good morning/afternoon and evening will go a long way to bridging the cultural gap between you and the locals. So, put in a bit of effort and you’ll be amazed at what you can learn when immersed in the culture.
7.Renting or buying a home?
Renting versus buying a home in Spain follows much the same rules as in Britain, only with the Euro (EUR, €) as currency. A one-bedroom city centre apartment costs on average €560.00 per month, whereas a three-bedroom house in the suburbs, can average €690.00 per month.
8.Daily Routines
You’ll want to get your head around the differences in routine in Spain, which are mainly dictated by the fantastic, though thirsty, weather. A majority of businesses open at 10:00 am until 2:00 pm, when people will traditionally nap (known as a ‘siesta’). These shops and services will reopen around 5:00 pm and then close for the day at 9:00 pm.
In non-tourist areas, restaurants will also not seat you before 8:30 pm in many places. This is so customers can eat during the cooler temperatures of the evening, rather than the blistering heat of the day.
For more information about moving to Spain, see the gov.uk site, or to learn more about Chappell’s Removals premier European moving service, head to our dedicated page on European Removals.
Chappell’s Removals are the number one removals experts for commercial and domestic customers in Weybridge, Woking and the wider Surrey areas. For over 40 years we have made international moves throughout the world that bit easier for every aspiring expat. Our services are comprehensive, so we can take care of all needs when moving abroad, from the initial packing of personal and valuable items to arranging shipment to your door, in the region and country of your choice. Don’t worry about the logistics; make the move and do so with the right team for the job. For more information or to arrange your free quote, contact our friendly team today.
European Removals
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