E x pat g u i d e : S pa i n i n c lu d e s b a r c e lo n a c i t y g u i d e This guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Spain. Click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights. You can also read our city guide to Madrid.
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Moving to Spain Expats moving to Spain will find a country steeped in a rich and eventful history. The westernmost peninsula of Europe and the landmass closest to Africa has hosted the meeting of some of the world’s largest and most influential civilizations.
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The Iberian Peninsula has witnessed the rise and fall of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors and the gold-flush empire born of that Christian sailor who in 1492 famously took Europe to the Americas. The Spanish Miracle of the 70s launched Spain into the modern era. One of the last countries in Europe to see the fall
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of fascism, Spain has become a resurgent economic force and is now the 8th largest economy in Europe, famous for its fashion, food, architecture, music and arts.
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A popular expat destination While salaries in Spain are low, so is the cost of living. It is the unhurried lifestyle and cheap beachside property which attracts many expats to spend their days on the Spanish coasts. With its vast coastline, Spanish beaches are amongst the most beautiful in the world. It is also the land of opportunity for many South Americans, whose historical colonial
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connection to Spain means their visa requirements are less stringent. Shipping and removals
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The most important thing to note when moving to Spain is that you may be subject to a 16% tax on the value of all the goods you are bringing into the country. However, if you move with a Spanish citizen and conduct the whole business in their name, or if you are moving to Spain for good, the rules are different. As always, it is worth contacting the local Spanish consulate for paperwork to avoid any potential bureaucratic hiccups. While the removal company will have to deal with much of the bureaucracy on your behalf, it always pays to make sure there are no surprises. Compare movers before hiring as delays and lost goods can occur. Bringing pets to Spain Bringing pets into Spain is a relatively painless experience as long as you follow procedure. First of all, the animal needs a regulation tattoo or microchip. You will also be required to produce a veterinarian certificate detailing the breed, origin, description, identification of owner and rabies compliance.
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Working in Spain Below you will find information about: • Visa and work permits
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• Banking and money • Public holidays • Taxes
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• Business culture
It can be difficult to get a visa for Spain. One of the reasons is that the contracts offered in Spain offer a lot more to the
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worker than most other places in the world. The labour unions hold a lot of power, which makes it difficult to fire people. There may be provision for siesta in your
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contract, which defines the time of the longer lunch breaks. There are also a number of small bonuses that are paid to workers for the public holidays. Furthermore, severance pay in Spain is high with six weeks pay due at the end of a contract for every year worked. Like everything in Spain there is a lot of paper work to fill out for most jobs. If you work a trade, your certificates have to be translated and sent to the Ministry of Education. If you are a chef or a bartender, you have to take an exam showing that you know how to handle food. Visa and work permits It can be difficult to get a working visa in Spain, meaning that a short visit may just not be worth the hassle. However, if you are a member of the European Union or another Schengen country, then you don’t need a visa for Spain. Getting a visa and work permit is easy, if and when a job is lined up. However, getting a job is difficult without already having a visa or work permit. Due to the high levels of unemployment, getting a visa can be tricky as Spain does not wish to have their labour market flooded by foreign nationals.
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The best document to have when applying for a visa is a signed contract of more than 10 months with a potential employer. For the full list of required documents it is worth contacting the local Spanish consulate.
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When arriving in Spain it is important to quickly register for a social security number. Being registered provides access to
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Identificación de Extranjer) is a number issued by the Spanish immigration service when you get hold of your residency
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the banking system and general bureaucracy and is the means by which taxes are levied. The NIE (Número de Identidad/ permit. It is an important tool that allows you to open a bank account.
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Banking and money The NIE (Número de Identidad/Identificación de Extranjer) is important when opening a bank account. Generally a resident’s account has fewer charges at lower rates. It can be very useful to get the NIE card before you arrive. You can apply for the card at your local Spanish embassy, but this can only be done after you have obtained a social security
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number. The queues in Spain can be long, and it is more efficient to do this outside of the country. Banking fees are high in Spain so it is worth shopping around. The variety of charges include debit card transaction fees,
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correspondence fees (when the bank communicates with you) and money transfer fees for transfers between accounts. Public holidays
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New Year’s Day Epiphany Maundy Thursday Good Friday Labour Day Feast of the Assumption All Saints’ Day Constitution Day Immaculate Conception Christmas Day
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Taxes It’s important to check what tax treaties and negations your home country has with Spain and the European Union. This is predominantly to ensure that you are not double taxed at any point. Income taxes must be paid for any year that the resident spends 183 days in the country. There is a 25% flat tax available for expats for the first five years you are in the country. If you are working for a company, then the company usually deducts the tax from your salary. If you are freelancing or running a business it is worth hiring a tax assessor to help navigate the complex Spanish system — remember you must register as an autonomo with the local government. Non-Europeans should keep all receipts, as value added tax is paid back when one leaves the country or the Euro zone. Business culture
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Spain has a conservative business culture and it is advised that expats behave and dress accordingly; formal attire and punctuality are considered very important. When greeting or being introduced to someone a handshake is customary. Also remember to use the titles Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) when addressing business associates. It is the norm to exchange business cards, printed in both English and Spanish. Meetings are often held over lunch or dinner but
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normal business hours are usually from 8am to 5pm.
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Living and culture Below you will find information about: • Spanish bureaucracy? • Cost of living • Local customs • Where to live?
living
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• Language • Weather in Spain The Spanish are renowned for both their relaxed attitude to life and their exuberant social personalities. It is common in Spain to be interrupted while speaking, which in contrast to the English way, is a sign of interest. The Spanish tend to be unhurried in their activities, and do not readily hurry for anyone else’s urgency.
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Siesta: There are many places that still observe the siesta, which is a long break between 2pm and 5pm in which many people sleep or return home for lunch. For restaurants and other members of the service industry the siesta, if taken, runs at a different time. Larger cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, tend not to observe the siesta as the Spanish businessmen
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cannot afford to take this time off, and many workers find that a shorter lunch gives them more time to spend with their families in the evening. Politeness: Politeness in Spain does not rely on the “pleases” and “thank yous” that the English world is used to. Expect to be spoken to with short and sharp requests for either action or information. For most purposes the Spanish word for please, ‘“por favour”, is either overly formal or a sign of exasperation. Spanish shopkeepers will acknowledge one with little more than a quick “Si?” and an expectant facial expression. Gender roles: The major cities are essentially modern, but rural Spain still holds onto some of its patriarchal thinking. Staring and commenting on passing women is something of a national pastime for many groups of men. While times are changing, it’s not for nothing that the word Machismo originated in the Spanish-speaking world. However, there are few legal, educational or even cultural impediments to female advancement in the workplace and the law protects female equality. Religion: The Spanish are a Roman Catholic nation. While the church is not state backed, the evidence of its reach can
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be seen everywhere. In many towns the largest building is the church, and the cathedrals and shrines of Spain are not to be missed when sightseeing. Condoms can only be bought on request and are not sold openly as they are elsewhere in the world. Abortions can only be carried out for rapes and for maternal health concerns. That said, Spain has set a liberal standard for itself by legalising homosexual marriage in 2005.
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The Spanish regions: The structure of the Spanish government means that a high degree of autonomy is given to each of its 17 political regions. Both laws and culture can vary extensively from one part of Spain to another. Bureaucracy: The bureaucracy in Spain is particularly painful. This is a reflection of the Spanish attitudes to contracts. The Spanish will take a lot of time negotiating any deal, running over each section until it is clear that both sides understand what is required of them, and once signed it is expected that the contract is carried out to the letter. Spanish bureaucracy? To a foreigner it may seem that the Spanish are obsessed with bureaucracy. Almost every significant action you take will require a form of some sort to be filled out and there is a lot of paper work to be done before departing and on arrival. Every contract should be supervised by a Spanish lawyer. When in doubt, contact the consulates and city halls.
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Cost of living The cost of living in Spain is highly variable. Rural Spain can be very inexpensive which makes holidaying a lot more fun. Barcelona is considered the most expensive city in the country, with Madrid a close second and Seville and Valencia following after. When renting accommodation with an agency you will have to pay a month’s rent in fees. Furnished
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apartments are available in many places, but the Spanish have a habit of leaving furniture out on the street for others to take, so keep a watch out. Long-term rentals are always cheaper than short-term. After the first year in a property you have the right to extend for another five years, unless the landlord needs to move into the apartment. After those five
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years the landlord is no longer obligated to retain his tenants. The financial crisis has changed things, and if you have any money to invest, it might be the right time to buy. If you want to buy property in Spain it is highly advisable that you use an agent, because the law in Spain can be complex and it often
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requires an expert to sort out transfer issues. Electricity is expensive in Spain, especially as most apartments do not have central heating and cooling. The houses are
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not designed to resist the cold, so a winter in a cold part of Spain can feel colder than a winter in northern Europe. Local customs Smoking in public places is prohibited and fines can be issued if you break the rules. Drinking alcohol in the streets of
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Madrid is also against the law. Where to live? Barcelona has long been regarded as the Spanish cultural capital. Madrid is the financial and commercial hub, so if you are working in a high-paying industry there will probably be more opportunities in Madrid. Rural Spain is good to expats, and if you can find a decent job you can enjoy a very high level of comfort. Language The dominant language of the country is Castilian (which you would think of as Spanish), but the use of Catalan, Basque and Galician all define important social groupings. The Basque region has such a distinct national identity that part of its population wants the region to form an independent state. Weather in Spain Expats often imagine weather in Spain to be marked by magnificent sunny skies, Mediterranean temperatures and cool ocean breezes. Though this certainly happens to be the case in certain parts of the country, the nation has its fair share of
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geographic diversity, and as a result, weather in Spain varies tremendously. Most of the country does see hot, sunny summers, but winter weather behaviour changes depending on locale.
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The Spanish east coast typically enjoys mild winters with some rainfall and dry summers with abundant sunshine. Spain’s southern region, Andalusia, is considerably hotter and expats might find the peak summer months of July and August uncomfortably hot. The northern part of Spain experiences moderate summers and mild winters, but is prone to a large amount of rainfall. The Spanish mountain region is subject to harsh winds, cold winters and mild summers.
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living Education and schools Education and schools in Barcelona
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Schooling in Barcelona is free but classes are taught in Catalan. While this can be an opportunity for younger expat children to learn the language, most older students will need instruction in their native language with slow immersion into Spanish and Catalan. This is typically done at international schools in Barcelona. Some of these insist on enrolling
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percentages of local students, students from the country of the curricula (Americans from the Benjamin Franklin School), and other international students. Even public schools are difficult to be accepted into because of overcrowding and a lottery system is often the only
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means of admitting your children. It is also important for parents to understand or be able to translate Catalan for completing paperwork for admitting children into public school. International schools can also continue in the curricula from overseas while local Barcelona schools will have a difficult time accommodating or placing foreign students. Some international schools follow Spanish curricula in a foreign language although many of the students in these schools are local. Education and schools in Madrid Most local students attend free public school in Madrid. This can be a good option for young expat children learning to adjust to life in Spain, but difficult for older students as classes are in Spanish. Another option is private Catholic schooling which is subsidised by the government and a popular option for local students. Tuition is much less expensive than European private schools. However, subsidised schools teach Spanish curricula in Spanish and can be difficult for expat children. Only independent and international schools teach in English and both are more expensive in Madrid than in other cities
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in Spain. Some independent schools in Spain refer to themselves as international schools although they teach Spanish curricula in a foreign language. These are popular for local students. Many expat children attend international schools, although there typically is a waiting lists. Therefore expat families are encouraged to enlist their children well before the school year begins. International schools are more experienced in accommodating students who have previously studied different curricula. School links (Barcelona) • American School of Barcelona: www.a-s-b.com • British School of Barcelona: www.britishschoolbarcelona.com • School information: www.mumabroad.com School info (Madrid) • List of international schools in Madrid: www.mumabroad.com • British international school: www.internationalschoolofmadrid.com • The American school of Madrid: www.asmadrid.org
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Useful information Below you will find: • Nice to know • Embassy contact details • Useful links
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Nice to know Standard time: GMT + 1 hour (GMT + 2 hours from the end of March to the end of October). Currency: The euro (EUR, €) is the official currency of Spain. It is divided into 100 cents. You can check the latest exchange rates http://www.xe.com/ Electricity: 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. Standard Spanish plugs are European two-pins.
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Safety Information: Passport theft is becoming more common in Spain, since demand from potential illegal immigrants in Africa has fuelled the creation of a lucrative passport black-market. If your passport is stolen then you should immediately
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report it to the local embassy and have the passport reissued. Very few people need to see your passport, so don’t show it to anyone unless they are employed in an official government capacity. Tourists are targets for crime in Spain, and pick-pocketing is rife in the some crowded areas of Madrid and Barcelona. Keep your valuables in front of your body or locked securely away. If someone bumps into you, it is worth paying attention to where their hands are wandering, as they may be searching for valuables. You should check about the price before you get into a taxi. Some of the locals take a pride in ripping off tourists. Communications: The international access code for Spain is +34. To make international calls from Spain, dial 00 followed by the relevant country code (eg 44 for the United Kingdom). There are city and area codes used internally — Barcelona’s is (0)93 and for Madrid it’s (0)91. Phone cards and coins can be used in public phones throughout Spain; phone cards can be purchased from post offices, tobacconists and newsagents. Local mobile phone operators provide GSM 900/1800 coverage throughout Spain. Broadband internet connection at home and in internet cafés is available in all but the smallest of Spanish towns.
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Emergencies: Dial 112 or 061 for emergency assistance in Spain. Climate: Spain gets very hot in mid-summer (July and August) but for the rest of the year expats will find it quite pleasant.
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The climate is generally temperate in the north and warmer in the south. Weather-wise, the best time of year in most parts of Spain tends to be in either spring or autumn, but along the Atlantic coast there is heavy rainfall during October and November. Winter can get quite cold, especially in Madrid and the high central region.
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Embassy contact details Spanish embassies: • Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100 • Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5555
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• Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252 • Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555 • Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 0123
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• Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900 • Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (04) 802 5665 Foreign Embassies in Spain:
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• United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200 • British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 524 9700 • Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250
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• South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780 • Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093 • New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226
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Useful links • Wordtravels.com has an extensive travel guide to Spain: http://wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Spain
Working in Spain: • Job information and job listings: http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/index.html • Job information: www.thinkspain.com • Job information: www.loquo.com
Visa and Work Permits for Spain: • Work permit information: www.workpermit.com/spain/spain.htm • Work visa information: www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/work_visa_in_spain
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Shipping and Removals in Spain: • International movers comparisons: compare-international-movers.com
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This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information. Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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E x pat g u i d e : B a r c e l o n a This guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Barcelona. Click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.
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Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA, Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia. We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.
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Moving to Barcelona The beautiful surroundings and cityscape make life appear paradisiacal in Barcelona. Yet while the city has these alluring aspects, relocating expats have difficulty making Barcelona their new home. Low wages, language barriers, schooling and
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high costs of life can be initial drawbacks. A city in flux The city’s architecture is indicative of its long and unique history. Low and ornate Spanish influenced buildings are
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decorated between by skeletal structures of Gaudi and vie for attention with the ultra modernist downtown high-rise buildings. The push and pull between modern and old, Spanish and Catalan influences define the city in flux. As Spain’s second largest city and the capital of the autonomous region of Catalonia, Barcelona is a prominent city which is increasingly asserting itself in the world stage. Businesses can enjoy the city’s new economy that betrays its image as an historic tourist destination. It now receives foreign businesses and relocating expats gladly in tow.
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Shipping and removals Barcelona has a major shipping port making removals to and from abroad easier than other locations in Spain. Unless expats can convince customs they are moving permanently to Barcelona they are liable to a 16% tax on shipped goods.
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Often the insured amount is used as an indicator by custom agents on how much to tax. It is still a good idea to insure shipped goods and to do so with a company other than the one used for transport. This ensures reliable coverage if anything goes wrong. Bringing pets to Barcelona Pets shipped to Barcelona must comply with Spanish custom laws. Animals must be tattooed or microchipped and be accompanied by official veterinary certificates. The APHIS form 7001 must be received and the Veterinary Certificate for non-commercial movements — for domestic dogs, cat and ferrets entering the European community — must be filled out.
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Working in Barcelona Traditionally Barcelona was both a major port and trading destination, and a manufacturing hub. Many manufacturing companies continue to prosper today, particularly automotive assembly plants. However, the city has increasingly become
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a centre for high-tech industry with tourism also being a huge section of the city’s economy.The city continues to attract large businesses because of its charm and nearby industrial zones. Many expats find the job market less favourable than Madrid although wages tend to be on a par. However, wages in
Living
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both cities are still lower than many expats are accustomed to in other European cities. There is a strong work ethic in Barcelona and late hours are normal although most take a long break at mid-day. For information about banking, taxes, and work permits go to our Spain profile and click on the Working tab. Language and business It is important to speak Spanish or Catalan. Although much of the population is accustomed to English-speaking tourists,
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business is not usually in English. Speaking both Spanish and English is a large advantage for international companies and tourism jobs based in Barcelona.
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Living and culture Below you will find information about: • Climate • Accommodation • Language • Do I need a car?
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Accommodation There are many short-term housing options for expats who first arrive in Barcelona so it is not necessary to secure long-term leases before visiting the city. Longer term accommodation expenses are comparable to major cities in other European countries but are more expensive than in the US. It is mostly necessary to speak Spanish when searching
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for accommodation and when arranging leases with landlords. Many expats favour hiring an estate agent to do the groundwork.
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While property prices in Barcelona can be cheaper than in other European cities there are unexpected extra costs. Estate agents charge ten percent of the purchase price. Gava Mar is a popular neighbourhood in south Barcelona among expats. Others are Barrio Gotico and Raval which both look toward the water and have trendy and busy streets. Eixample and Gracia are located centrally but lack some of the frenetic nightlife of other districts. Some expats, especially with families, move to suburbs such as Sitges and Llobregat for cheaper housing and more space.
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Language The official language is Catalan, a language the locals have worked hard to make relevant in modern life. Schools are taught in Catalan and it is the local dialect. Most locals can also speak Spanish and many, especially in tourist areas, speak English as well.
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Do I need a car? Public transportation is cheap and reliable. Parking can be extremely difficult to find and makes driving more frustrating
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than liberating.
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See and do Below you will find about:
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• Shopping • Attractions for kids • Restaurants
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• Attractions
There are plenty of things to see and do for expats in Barcelona. The city has several beaches to enjoy, as well as vast
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municipal parklands. The views from the Montjuic and Tibidabo hills take in the entire city, including the tree-lined La Ramblas pedestrian mall that stretches from the city centre to Port Vella, Barcelona’s oldest harbour. There is a wealth of ancient and modern architecture to explore, with many of the local buildings designed by Antoni Gaudi having been
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declared World Heritage Sites. There are also a number of museums and galleries in Barcelona worth visiting. Shopping For the best in Barcelona shopping, head for the pedestrianised streets of Las Ramblas, Placa de Catalunya, Passeig de
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Gràcia and Avenue Diagonal. There is also a bus from Catalonia Square that stops at retail centres throughout the city. Most shops are open from 9am to 8pm with a siesta between 2pm and 4pm. Attractions for kids Children who have an interest in ships will find plenty of old and modern vessels docked at the waterfront. From there you can enjoy a ride on the cable car across the harbour. There are also gorgeous beaches nearby where kids can play and take a swim in the clear Mediterranean shallows. The Barcelona Aquarium has thousands of brightly coloured and exotic fish for kids to see, and taking a cable car to Montjuïc Castle is another popular adventure. Restaurants Awarded the title of leading gourmet city in Europe in 2002 by Le Guide des Gourmands, Barcelona has excellent venues to dine at. Local restaurants specialise in Catalan cuisine, which is rich on garlic, olive oil and fish. You will find that many dishes are accompanied by pa amb tomàquet (bread with tomato, olive oil and salt). Tapas are also a local favourite.
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People usually make lunch and dinner reservations. Places usually open for lunch from 1 or 2 pm until 4 pm and for dinner at 8 or 9 pm. The earlier you arrive, the easier to get a last-minute reservation, or a table without reservation.
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Attractions Las Ramblas: A pedestrian avenue in Barcelona’s “old city”, La Ramblas is home to numerous cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Picasso Museum: Two 15th century palaces have been converted into the Picasso Museum, housing a comprehensive collection of the great artist’s work. www.museupicasso.bcn.es / Telephone: 932 563 000 Guell Park: Discover the delightful designs of architect Antoni Gaudi in the fascinating gardens of Parc Guell, the city’s most popular recreational park. La Sagrada Família: Known as the Church of the Holy Family in English, this is an unfinished but intriguing Art Nouveau structure designed by Gaudi in the late 19th century. www.sagradafamilia.org / Telephone: 932 073 031
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Montjuic Hill: Overlooking Barcelona’s city centre, Montjuic Hill is an excellent viewing point from where expats can see many of the local landmarks and stroll in the fountain-rich parks.
Living
Tibidabo: Tibidabo is another Barcelona hill worth climbing. Here you will also find the Parc d’Atracciones amusement park. www.tibidabo.es Barri Gòtic: Dating back to the Roman era, Barri Gòtic is the oldest district in the city and home to many Gothic buildings
see and do
and cathedrals worth exploring FC Barcelona museum and stadium: Camp Nou is one of the world’s greatest football stadiums. Its museum contains a
E d u c at i o n
collection of photographs, trophies, memorabilia and documents celebrating the city’s beloved football team, FC Barcelona. http://www.fcbarcelona.com/web/index_idiomes.html / Telephone: 934 96 36 00 Joan Miró Foundation: The Joan Miró Foundation celebrates the surrealist sculptor and painter’s life and works with a
s pa i n
display of his sculptures, paintings, drawings and textiles. Telephone: 934 439 470 Museum of Contemporary Art: The Museum of Contemporary Art was designed to make the most of natural light and has a spacious interior filled with modern art by the likes of Basquiat, Klee and Barcelò. www.macba.es / Telephone: 934 120 810
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M ov i n g
Wo r k i n g
Education and schools Schooling in Barcelona is free but classes are taught in Catalan. While this can be an opportunity for younger expat children to learn the language, most older students will need instruction in their native language with slow immersion into Spanish and Catalan. This is typically done at international schools in Barcelona. Some of these insist on enrolling
Living
percentages of local students and students from the country of the curricula. Even public schools are difficult to be accepted into because of overcrowding and a lottery system is often the only means
see and do
of admitting your children. Furthermore, it’s necessary to understand Catalan in order to fill in the school admittance paperwork correctly. Links
e d u c at i o n
• American School of Barcelona: www.a-s-b.com • British School of Barcelona: www.britishschoolbarcelona.com • School information: www.mumabroad.com
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This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information. Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.
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