11 Apr 2012 20:29:

Yes, the scenery en route from the CB to Gib. is very good, also you can drive on the N92 and not see another vehicle for miles.

Out of 10 times through the border, I have been stopped 6 and asked for cigs. bad luck Guardia, I don't smoke.

 

 

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11 Apr 2012 18:19:

Gibraltar is 573 km from the CB, and a long but easy ride by car, driving is the only feasable way to get there.

Flying to Gib. will mean arriving at Seville or Malaga and a expensive taxi down to the border. Going by train will also be a difficult journey with many changes. You may get a bus as far as La Linea, not sure about this though.

Driving to Gib. takes about 5 1/2 hours with stops, I have done it many times not for pleasure though. There are some good hotels in Gib. but expensive, avoid the Bristol. Avoid getting there mid morning as the wait at the border can be long.

Gib. is worth a visit if you have never been there before, it has not changed for the 35 years since I first worked there. One day with an over night stay will be long enough.

Tell you friends, not to go mad with the cheap cigs. and the Guardia will have them crossing back into Spain.

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17 Feb 2012 20:34:

I believe I am correct in saying you will not get free drugs in Spain until you or your spouse are receiving your pension, however you may be able to get health care for a period if you have paid your social in the UK, but this is for a maximum of two years and this depends on your payments. Drugs will still have to be purchased but are cheaper with a SIP health card.

Once you or your wife become retired, you will be able to get a permanent SIP card and free drugs.

My wife is older than I and just turned 60, she is having to wait until she is 61 and 3/4 before she gets her pension and then her SIP card and then I can get one as a dependent, so you may be able to get free health care via your wife depending on her circumstances.

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19 Jan 2012 20:16:

Most pharmacia by us on the costa blanca will give drugs without a prescription, speak to the head guy in there and explain your situation and you will probably get what you want if you can't get it over the counter.

It is better if you know the generic name of the drug, it is often cheaper than the branded version.

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19 Jan 2012 20:10:

I live in Albatera, I can see Orihuela from where I live.

I have a 1.9 metre dish, SKY box and freesat card, I also have a generic box which gives better reception but of course won't give the one or two extra free channels that the SKY box gives.

Most of the time we have good reception, we only lose it during storms.

I have a friend with  2.4 dish and he gets about the same as we do.

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