Hi all,
My boyfriend and I are Canadians who are planning to move to Valencia, Spain for one year at the start of 2014. He speaks Spanish fluently and will be working remotley, while I will be learning Spanish and not working. I have a Polish passport and he will be getting a resident Visa. Our goal is to immerse ourselves in the culture, use Spain as a base to travel around Europe and for me to learn Spanish. We have sufficient savings to live for one year.
I have a few questions regarding the move:
What is the best way to find an apartment? When we get to the city or look online?
Can we buy health insurance in Spain, or should that be pre-purchased at home prior to departure?
Also, when it comes to banks, even though we are staying for one year, should we still set up a bank account in Spain? Is it possible to use travelers cheques instead, or is this not recommended? Basically what is the best way to access and maintain a bank account if we are only there for one year?
Any other tips or advice about moving to Spain or Valencia specifically would be greatly appreciated:)
Thank you
Mar 22, 2013 · ROB1305
Hi
You won't be able to arrange a rental until you are actually in Spain - but do online research.
You will need a Spanish bank account to pay utilities etc it is virtually compulsory.
Suggest you also arrange health cover here with a Spanish company.
So although I expect you are excited and anxious to get organised you need to be here to do most stuff. You will also need NIE numbers but with boyfriend speaking Spanish you will have a head start on most foreigners that arrive here.
Valencia is a great city - lots to see and do, although of course the economy is poor at the moment. It also has very good transport links with AVE (high speed train) to Madrid and good road networks so you can explore.
Good luck.
You won't be able to arrange a rental until you are actually in Spain - but do online research.
You will need a Spanish bank account to pay utilities etc it is virtually compulsory.
Suggest you also arrange health cover here with a Spanish company.
So although I expect you are excited and anxious to get organised you need to be here to do most stuff. You will also need NIE numbers but with boyfriend speaking Spanish you will have a head start on most foreigners that arrive here.
Valencia is a great city - lots to see and do, although of course the economy is poor at the moment. It also has very good transport links with AVE (high speed train) to Madrid and good road networks so you can explore.
Good luck.