Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

droopsnout

Not sure what the confusion is, gfplux. Care to elucidate a little?

I don't have my location displayed on the left, but everyone on this thread knows where I am. And for a newcomer, as in this latest topic, I restate in the body of the post where I am.

Sometimes, if I ever contribute to other threads, I don't feel that my location is relevant. And some folk, when they see you're an expat, suddenly take a dislike to you, whatever your point of view! It can sometimes look like bragging to advertise that you live abroad.So generally, I keep quiet about it, except on this thread.

But I'm quite willing to rethink if you find it awkward!

gfplux

Ok droopsnout, just one simple example. Anyone browsing these forums as either a new expat or just new to the site and or thinking about moving out of the country would have to know who is who and an example - post 3201 which is a very good and interesting post that adds to the collective knowledge but a Country would help the casual reader understand more.
Finally if you are reading or contributing to this forum you MUST have a common interest and therefore friendly.

TTC40

OH & I have a property on Costa Blanca. We had a horrendous water bill (over 300 Euros per quarter for 2 quarters). We think we have resolved what the cause of this was.

Whilst trying to investigate we were advised to contact Aquagest & ask for our supply to change from 20mm to 13mm. OH went to the local office & asked for this to happen - they said it would be done.

We have since been advised by a neighbour that there could be a charge of c250 euros for this. This wasn't mentioned at the time. We have phoned Aquagest to check & they advised we would need to ask at the local office as they didn't know. As we are back in the UK we can't do this.

Has anyone any experience of this? The savings are unlikely to give us a net benefit if this charge is levied.

donny-gal

Cannot help with the pipe change, but sound like you have a leak. It has happened near us. Do you live there all the time or just holiday home?

The pipe near the houses is very close to the ground, and easily damaged. Try switching off in the house and seeing if the meter moves in the meter box. If so there is a leak between the box and the house. Also make sure you have no meter movement when switched off in the box, else you have a duff meter.

Also switch off at the meter when going away. DG

TTC40

Thanks DG.

We don't live there all the time & we rent out as a holiday let.

We think we know the cause - broken toilet flush! This meant the water kept running.

The meter is switched off now the house is empty.

Savvy_Sue

Would one of the expats either in or formerly in Spain be kind enough to give someone some advice on the Death, Funerals and Probate board? It's this thread, about extracting funds from a Spanish bank a/c after death.

TIA ...

Savvy_Sue

And now I'm after droopsnout or a.n.other expat in or formerly in France to give us a clue on a French wills question here, if you'd be so kind ...

droopsnout

Hi, Sue. I've had a go!

seven-day-weekend

Just saying HI to all my friends on this thread and hoping you are all OK. Thread gone very quiet!

donny-gal

Hi 7DW & All
We are still UK residents driving backwards and forwards 3 times a year, fitting in a visit to our son in London in each direction. I am now an OAP, so it is nice to be paid by the Government, though still paying them via tax.
Happy to report that we are all fit & well, now have a small dog, a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel named Skye, who is keeping us active. DS is now engaged and they are to be married in April.
Hope everyone else are OK.
DG