29 Dec 2018 8:08 AM:

We will be treated like any other non-EU immigrant in Spain unless anyone expects Spain to treat us differently (whether better or worse).  

Thread: Deal or no Deal

--------------------------------------

09 Dec 2018 11:23 AM:

Difficult one to call.  I know neither how many of the immigrants who enter Europe through Spain stay here, nor how many of those that do are employed.  I would have thought that if they have employment, there would be no need to enter illegally.   What I do know, especially in the light of the Marrakesh declaration being signed this month, is that unlimited illegal immigration from Africa into Europe is unsustainable.

Thread: How do you see VOX?

--------------------------------------

29 Aug 2015 6:54 PM:

If I had my time again, I'd have rented first - for at least 2 years.  Not so much because of the property market but because that's how long it takes to understand all the things that are different about life in Spain.  If you're working and have the opportunity to meet a lot of Spanish people, then that makes life easier but if retired, it's hard to make native friends here. Outside the major towns, socialising centres around the family not around an individual's friends.  If you have no family and do not work then it's virtually impossible to join a Spanish social group.

I've lived and worked in a lot of countries and this is the first one I've been to where I can honestly say I do not have one close friend who was born here.  Acquantances yes, but no-one close.  Met some great Dutch, German and French people though and I value them greatly.

I am also constantly taken aback by how difficult it is to get any form of justice over here.  The authorities seem to be able to do what they like and, if you want to fight, it will cost a fortune in lawyers' fees.  Guilty until proven innocent appears to be the rule of law.  Also don't expect any support from other expats - they will just be relieved it isn't happening to them.

And, never ever trust what an estate agent tells you - a lot of them lie.

I know a lot of expats are happy here but, for me, buying here has to be one of the biggest mistakes of my life.  As soon as I can sell up (if I can sell up) I'm off.

 

Thread: What would you do differently?

--------------------------------------

21 May 2015 6:33 PM:

Thank you very much!  I never knew this existed.

Thread: Paying SUMA on behalf of a UK resident

--------------------------------------

21 May 2015 11:45 AM:

Friends of mine have returned to the UK but have received a SUMA bill.  They're OK with paying it and have asked me to pay on their behalf.  Firstly, am  I allowed to do this and if so, secondly, would I need them to send me the original bill and would I need to take any identification with me? 

Thanks.

Thread: Paying SUMA on behalf of a UK resident

--------------------------------------