Living abroad tips and hints for money savers

asea

It was only really the news that I missed so not sure I will be subscribing to anything. I'm ploughing through all the books that I've been meaning to read but haven't so pleased that I don't waste much time watching TV - it's too much of a temptation! If you send me your email by PM I shall send you an invite for internations

Merrywidow

Well, well Asea - only just tuned in - so Holland beckons. You know Amsterdam well so that should help. As I told you before I lived there for more than 25 years. The one help line I can tell you about is that Holland has BBC1 and 2 these days!!!! I had been waiting for years, most of Holland had it installed in 1989 and our village in the sticks was last in line. We moved out just one week before our village was hitched up. Boy was I mad.

My husband was transferred to the London office and after all those years I was not pleased. However, we settled after a few years and life went on when his Boss decided that Munich was going to be the new HQ. We too had shelled out buckets of money above what the company offered and the thought that we had to go thru it all again was enough. After 30 years my husband took voluntary redundancy and we stayed in England. Because of his language skills he soon got a another job and life went on.

Having said that you are much younger than we were and upheavals can be better endured. I am pleased to hear that you only want to support your husband - that is what marriage is all about.

Holland is a lovely country - shame about the weather tho!

asea

Brilliant - I am hoping that if we are relocated it's to Amsterdam. Have just heard that it could now be another (unknown) European city. Oh, the uncertainty (although I suppose I should be thinking that it's exciting!).

It's good to know that others have been through the upheaval as well & come out the other side happy.

I went to a party hosted by the US consulate for the elections last night - it was so moving seeing people so passionate about politics & so involved with the election process. It made me sad that there are no really genuine & inspiring politicians in the UK & that there's so much apathy. Anyway, just waffling on, quite tired after getting home at 7am after so much emotion!

droopsnout

Agreed 100%. Especially with your comment about the failure of UK politicians to inspire the people. I hope Senator Obama is allowed to change America's direction as he wants.

If there is a downside, it may be that the UK turns once more (or perhaps, yet further) towards the States instead of towards its closer allies in Europe.

droopsnout

Does anyone out there know of a company offering a free 0845 number through which folks in the UK can pay a local rate for calls then routed to the EU?

I'm aware of Martin's article about cheap calls to abroad, and those who need to know are aware of the 0.5p per minute suppliers.

It's an 0845 or 0844 number I'm after.

donny-gal

Hi droopsnout

I use Europa Network in Spain which does that for me and gives me cheap calls to the UK from here.

I am on good terms with the guy there due to internet connection problems )telefonica) and they tell me they use France Telecom for their calls so maybe they can help you. If you want a name and a number then let me know.

Just out of interest, none of my "resident" neighbours use this method they keep buying the cards which they lose minutes each time they connect.

DG

droopsnout

Thanks, d-g. But I'm a bit confused. (Goes with the age ...)

I get free calls to the UK from home here through my ISP. Are you saying that Europa Network provide you with an 0845 number for people to use in the UK to ring you in Spain?

donny-gal

Yes, exactly. See this.

If you would like me to speak to the guy here and see if they have a outlet in France, then just let me know, no problem.

Regards.
DG

droopsnout

Well, now, that's just cracking! And the thought of having "Juicy Points" as well!!!

Yes, please, d-g, I'd be very grateful if you could make an enquiry about a similar service for France.

Thank you very much for your help.

donny-gal

We have celebrated our 35th WA today, we went down the coast to the Mar Menor and had a Menu del Dia at the side of it, and then a nice stroll in the sun, so will give him a call in the morning.

DG