Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

droopsnout

missile wrote: »

Sometimes it is just common sense which appears to be lacking?

Indeed, but also I think the dream is so strong that it dominates.

Remember when you were little, you may have imagined that you could fly, and it really would happen one day?

Such things happen to me even now when I have in my mind an image of how a DIY job will look when finished. Usually, it doesn't!

seven-day-weekend

I have a funny story, relayed to me by another expat.

When he and his wife first moved to Spain three years ago, and were not as fluent in Spanish as they are now, they ordered a cooker (cochina), a car (coche) and a curtain (cortina). All these words are similar sounding.

A few days later they had a phone call saying their 'cortina' was ready. They went to the local equivalent of Curry's to collect their cooker and were mystified when they were told no one had called them.

A few days later, they were called again, to be told their cortina was ready. This time they heard the word 'cortina', but said to the person on the phone 'Cortina? I ordered a Renault Kangoo!' , then went to the Renault dealer to complain, only again to be met with puzzlement.

When they got home, they realised that the 'cortina' was in fact their curtain. So they went and collected their curtain.

A few days later, another phone call told them their 'cochina' was ready. So off they went to collect their car! Puzzlement again from the Renault dealer, - at that point our friends realised they should have been collecting their cooker.

They didn't get their car until three weeks later.

seven-day-weekend

I also have done similar tricks - I once told a mechanic that my garage had no power - mixing up coche (car) and cochera (garage).

I also thought the cashpoint was telling me to 'hope' I got my money. 'espere' is hope in French and wait in Spanish.

I also though it was strange that even the tiniest village had a cement works until I realised that 'cementerio' means cemetery!

ManAtHome

Some good points about "living the dream" (and particurlarly the "guaranteed rent" thing which is usually just a 15-20% discount in disguise).

Biggest problem is the property !!!!!!/new lifestyle scam-TV - gave up after watching 2 or 3 where poeple moved somewhere (anywhere) overseas where they didn't know language or customs to start up some sort of business which they knew absolutely nothing about and everything turned out Ok in part 4.

Sounds like the best move is to either do a lot of research or approach one of the ITV channels with an idea like opening a penguin sanctuary in Marrakesh (I'm on for 10% if they go for it...).

lizzielie

Thanks to all for a very interesting thread :T

My husband and I are moving to Spain in June (if all goes well after a last inspection tour). As we are youngish (32 and 36), we will need to work. Our plan is to live near Gib, and work in Gib.

Having already moved from one country to another, we know how hard it can be. But we both believe it is a risk worth taking. As we do not have property in the UK (the unlucky ones out priced), we feel there is nothing to lose from chasing(?) a better/different life than what we have in London.


Sorry for rambling on a bit:o

missile

Not sure why you have chosen to work in Gibralter, it would not be my first choice, but I guess you have done your homework and wish you success. If you need any specific advice - just ask.

lizzielie

Thanks Missile, I am sure the questins will come thick and fast over the coming months:)

Gib was chosen purely on the language factor, but also because we both love it there.

LondonDiva

:eek:Lots of useful ideas about living abroad, not not much on health and medical provision.:eek:

droopsnout

Not sure what you're referring to, LondonDiva. This thread? Which country/ies?

What do you want to know?

seven-day-weekend

LondonDiva wrote: »

:eek:Lots of useful ideas about living abroad, not not much on health and medical provision.:eek:

I don't know whether I've mentioned this elsewhere in the thread.

If you come to Spain under retirement age and you have paid enough NI contributions, you can ask for a Form E106 (from the UK) which will cover you for free Spanish Healthcare for around two years.

After that, you have to either pay into the Spanish system if you are working, or take out private medical insurance if you are not.

Once you reach State Pension age, or if you are on Long-term Incapacity Benefit, you are entitled to Form E121 which covers you permanently, or for as long as you are on IB.

The Spanish Health Service is excellent.