Here is some useful information about Spain to help you settle in and get on your feet when you move to Spain.
Keeping In Touch: Spain’s Internet, Telephone and Television
When you move overseas it is important to be able to keep in touch with friends and family back home so getting your communication lines up and running is a task for sooner rather than later.
Getting a home phone line and internet in Spain is simple enough but with rising competition and falling prices it is a good idea to do your homework. Internet is widely available through dial-up, ADSL and cable and following a pledge by the Spanish government to provide internet access (at least 1MB) to the Spanish people by 2011 regardless of location you should be able to get connected no matter where you live in Spain.
WIFI is particularly popular in Spain and internet hot-spots are in abundance in public areas like cafes and bars.
The competition between Spanish mobile phone providers is fierce so shop around for a deal that suits you. A GSM system is in use in Spain.
Note that English language support is not universally provided across Spanish telecom companies so check with your provider before you sign a contract.
The Spanish TV channels dub programs and broadcast almost exclusively in Spanish so for those expats in Spain longing for some TV in their own language, you’ll need to switch to TV and radio programming through satellite or cable.
Information about Spain - Education in Spain
There are many education establishments that offer international schooling (International Baccalaureate (I.B) and British schooling for expats in Spain.
Expats in Spain may also choose to enter their children in to the local Spanish schooling system. Schools are private, public or mixed. Education is free in public schools from age 4 but the other two types of schooling include a parental fee. Education in Spain is compulsory until the age of 16, with secondary schooling beginning at 12.
Higher education is provided both publicly and privately and is open to international students.
Information about Spain -Spain’s Medical System
Free health care is available in Spain for those with a social security number – i.e. those who are (self-) employed. The Spanish health system has a good reputation and is well regarded.
Non-working expats will need to ensure they have medical insurance cover through other means. This means enquiring about reciprocal agreements (as a EU citizen you have automatic entitlement to free healthcare in Spain) or taking out a private medical insurance policy.
There are companies offering private medical insurance in Spain, or alternatively expats should look at international health care insurance
options.
Information about Spain - Banking in Spain
To open a bank account in Spain you will need your passport and proof of residence.
Banks in Spain are rarely open much past 2p.m. and are notorious for bank charges. Using cash is very popular in Spain and consequently you will pay more fees and charges for card and cheque transactions that you may be used to in your home country.
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