of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) in, Utilities (studio), monthly for 1 person in 480 sqft in, Monthly rent - 85 m2 furnished accommodation in expensive area in. Copyright This Is My Happiness 2010-2019. The history, the architecture, the rich culture and the relaxed way of life has really opened our eyes to what really matters in life. By Akida Mashaka, the co-founder of BCN Life, the relocation expert for American expats moving to Barcelona from USA & British expats moving to Barcelona from UK Expat Barcelona Relocation Services - moving to barcelona stress-free That said, its still more affordable than many other places in western Europe. They offer a range of shipping solutions tailored to your needs. A nanny agency, a fish and chips shop, plus a few others. If youre moving from outside of the EU, and you plan to get a job and travel on a working visa, youll need to secure a job before you arrive. The worlds largest mobile technology conference, Mobile World Congress brings hundreds of thousands of people to Barcelona each year. Culture 8. Barcelona Areas and suburbs in Barcelona Moving Working Accommodation Schools Lifestyle Country info Each of the areas and suburbs in Barcelona offers different facilities and housing options. Watching a cockroach scuttle away from beneath your feet while you wait for the metro, or run across the wall in front of you in a bar at least once is a given. Depending on the area you can rent a 2-bedroom flat from approximately 600 and prices go up to approx. Nervous about relocating from the UK to Spain with young ones in tow? Grcia is another great area to live with children. Our short-term rentals are a perfect way to get all comfy and cozyand get acquainted with the city. 10 Best Value Cabernet Sauvignon from the U.S. Grcia is much more in the heart of the city than previous areas. Were Bryan & Dena welcome to our site. This podcast is an attempt to open our hearts and . MORE INFO. But using either one of them is WRONG and reveals to any local you dont really know anything about Barcelona. . We have never been to Spain. This will amount to an additional 10-12%. We also share travel tips, packing lists, and gear reviews. They offer a range of shipping solutions tailored to your needs. Living in the old, medieval town or next to the fantastic Sagrada Familia may sound romantic, but you definitely should ask yourself if youre willing to deal with thousands and thousands of people passing your front door each day. I had previously visited the city (but only for a day), so I cant pretend like I knew exactly what to expect. Learning Spanish has many advantages, but Spanish or Castellano is not the only official language in Barcelona. I moved to Barcelona with my then three-year-old. The best advice I can give it to tap into what you love and search for ways to get involved in those activities. Had I known we would still be here 15 years later (that she would be attending university here! Blundstones Review: Favorite Travel Boots for the Whole Family, The Best Swimsuits & Beach Gear for Travel, What to Pack for Lake Tahoe in Winter for the Whole Family, What to Pack for Brazil (From Beaches to Nightlife). Youll have a brilliant time, and we absolutely recommend it. They are very reliable. and sold both of our cars. It is like a small town within Barcelona, where everything is more relaxed, and where you can also find all a variety of stores, restaurants and services to meet all of your needs. To live comfortably, you have to expect a cost of living in Barcelona for 719 (without rent). Life in Barcelona is in many ways different than in other European countries or in the US. Gracia tranquility!!? I wish Id known how much fun my family and I were going to have living in Barcelona. Once youve sorted your visa and arrived in Spain, make sure you also apply for your TIE (the required identity card for non-EU foreign nationals living in Spain). Tips for staying with a host family - Before you come to Barcelona, it's a good idea to get a small gift for your host family that represents your home, whether its pictures of your favorite areas, chocolate or coffee that your city is famous for, or some other token. What neighborhood to choose in Barcelona? Nationalism is deeply rooted within Catalan society and its recommendable to be careful with what you say and to whom. Public transport is not expensive. On planning for an overseas move & expat life in Barcelona: It took a LOT of work. If youre moving to Spain with an employment contract normally your company will take care of this. Spains traditional schedule is different from those of most other countries. Although Barcelona is not a very large city (1.6 million inhabitants), especially the center, the beaches in summer and the areas with popular highlights outside the center, are packed with people most of the year. Youll also need to pay for dental care or arrange to visit a private practice. Living in Barcelona is an increasingly popular option for expats. With Eurosender, you can say adis to the stress of moving. This blog post is an interview (I dont live there), so please see above for how you might connect with her. The main reasons for that are the location and the tranquility. Sarri-Sant Gervasi: Exclusive living in Barcelona Quality of life She is passionate about the city and wrote numerous articles and books on Barcelona, the region Catalonia and Spain in general, for newspapers, magazines, and editorials in the Netherlands. Allbirds Review: The Most Comfortable Shoes I Own! Public transport is very cheap and common in Spain, as is the norm for most of Europe. Bara is short for FC Barcelona, the famous football club, and barca simply means boat. In Barcelona or Madrid the square meter costs between 4,000 and 6,000. What is it like to live in Barcelona, Spain? With its great climate and high quality of life, Barcelona is a popular destination for expats. By the end of that first year, I had fallen totally in love with Barcelona, and we settled in for the long haul. This costs about 50-100. If you speak Spanish, its also easier to use public transport, organize and understand bureaucratic stuff, and communicate with all local people. Barcelona offers a lot of free cultural activities, but once again, you can spend as much as you want. This was an interview with someone who lives there, so unfortunately I cant answer your question. Catalan society and its recommendable to be careful with what you say and to whom. All three have excellent schools with excellent reputations. Depending on the area you can rent a 2-bedroom flat from approximately 600 and prices go up to approx. 19 Galapagos Islands Animals [Travelers Guide] Facts, Photos, Videos, 18 Birds of Uganda: Birding in the Pearl of Africa (8 Top Birding Sites). Learning Spanish has many advantages, but Spanish or Castellano is not the only official language in Barcelona. We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. In most private clinics and hospitals in Barcelona, doctors and other staff speak very good English. The same counts for those who want to work in Spain or buy a house. But in short, yes, its absolutely possible to take your pet when youre moving to Barcelona. Currently she is an expat living her very best life abroad in Barcelona. Also,workschedules are different and generally speaking anything between 8am and 8pm is normal. Unless youre willing to speak Spanish well and even parlar una mica de catal, in the eyes of the locals youll never be anything but a guiri and no one wants to be a guiri. APPLY NOW. Many food ingredients that can be found in products from the States are prohibited here such as high fructose corn syrup, colors, additives and preservatives. If youre going to put your kids into a non-international school, be aware that most classes will probably be taught in Catalan (rather than Spanishand they definitely wont be taught in English). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Certainly you will impress the locals if you do! Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. Its a drastic change but one that weve gotten very used to and comfortable with. With Eurosender, you can arrange for your items to be picked up from your doorstep and delivered straight to your new address in Barcelona. The public bicycle system Bicing costs about 48 per year. Your email address will not be published. Of course, there are exceptions. This allows you to stay in Spain if you can prove you have enough money to live in the nation self-sufficiently (whether through a steady income stream, or via a large sum of money in your bank account). The vast majority of Barcelona natives speak both Spanish and Catalan. The main reasons for that are the location and the tranquility. Were long-time travelers and lived in South America for six years. We made more great friends from her school, which, for me, was a big surprise. There are no regulations covering home-schooling and Spanish law isnt clear about the legality of parents educating their kids at home. Have a question about life in Barcelona? You can access a complete real estate guide including costs & taxes associated with the process of buying a house here. With determination, you get there in the end! These are all great ways to cross the border from expat newbie to a fully immersed and richly rewarded Spanish family life. You could try contacting her (see the top of the article for her Instagram, etc.) We are very open minded but my kids dont speak Spanish very well. Grocery shopping is not too expensive and eating out doesnt have to cost a lot either, in many restaurants you can have a good meal (a la carte) for about 20-25 or even less. You will need at least 500 for a decent room in a shared apartment for a month, and a 1000 to live in a small place by yourself. many of Barcelonas residents have kids and canines, and there are lots of pet-friendly, family-friendly hangouts in the city. Storyteller.travel shares the best travel insights, facts, and photos. I personally cant imagine ever taking a trip alone with one of my brothers, but maybe thats just me. It is well worth investing time and energy when you first arrive to master Spanish and/or Catalan, as you will find it opens many doors that would otherwise remain closed to you. However, there are so many lovely plazas and restaurants here, where they welcome families. Everything youve heard is true: breakfasts are skimpy, lunch is a slow and sociable two hours, supper isnt served much before 9pm, and everyone comes to the feast. There are those who opt to make the Gothic Quarter their home and brave the crowds and the noise. As a result it means that accommodation is a scarce resource and everyone gladly operates in accordance with the golden rule of if asked for a quote, double your price. So dont feel disappointed if you dont get any dinner at home invitations, this is simply not part of their culture. Btw, if you want to know aboutEmpadronamiento in Barcelona, read our detailed guide. If you want to move to a district that has good proximity to all the best schools, head to Les Corts, Gracia, or Sarria. Join Annebeth in the comments below! If you dont have a job offer, you should instead apply for a Non-Lucrative Spanish Visa. Do not discuss the right to an independent state with an independentista, but also be careful to defend the nationalistic point of view when talking to locals who want the region to continue being part of Spain. 30+ Free Things to Do in Northern California, 30 Amazing Things to Do Mendocino Coast, California, 30 Things to Do in San Francisco with or without Kids. What will the kids do on the weekends? My husband is from Seville, so we're pretty immersed in Spanish culture. This article was especially helpful! Prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans). Click About Me to learn more. People are quite stressed back home and always pushing themselves to do more, be more. Barcelona is incredibly popular amongst tourists. , or civil registration. We also share stories and events on Facebook. We also have friends in their late 20s and 30s who happily go out with their siblings on weekends, and even travel with them. Julie Stephenson, co-founder of Esperana, from the UK, moved to Barcelona in 2001. Even though Barcelona is more expensive than other major Spanish cities, it is still much cheaper than London. I live in Barcelona, Spain with my husband Tony of 11 years and our three children Anthony (8), Autumn (6) and London (3). Another thing you need is your empadronamiento, or civil registration. More than a quarter of all of Spains private clinics and hospitals are found in Barcelona, so its the best destination in the entire nation for comprehensive and accessible private treatment. I'm an American who's been living in the beautiful city of Barcelona since 2008. But, as we mentioned, finding a long-term place to live can be tricky, especially if youre not yet located in the city. Im a traveler and photographer. The first thing you must take into account when you move to Barcelona is your nationality, as paperwork and how complex it is will vary depending on it: If you are a citizen of the European Union, the European Economic Area (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway) or Switzerland, the initial . Learn how your comment data is processed. People that are for the independence can be seen hanging Catalan flags outside their homes while those that are NOT will hang the traditional Spanish flag. Once youre registered for residencia and paying social security, you and your family will have free and unfettered access to a well-organised state health system. If you want to get in touch with ShBarcelona, please fill out the form. Overall wages are not very high in Barcelona, nor the rest of Spain. No. In Barcelona, you canit's one of the most diverse cities in Europe. It is very well connected with public transportation and has easy access to the highway. Cleaner, quieter, better amenities and closer to the beach. After that, who knows! Private hospitals have a higher quality of care, much shorter waiting times, and much more efficient services. We moved in August 2017 just shy of a year after our third child was born. First impressions of expat life in Barcelona: At first, I was overwhelmed by the size of Barcelona. The scene is totally different today. A Family Affair Jessica, journalist, from Boston, moved to Barcelona in 2011 Coming from the United States where a majority of families only get together for major holidays or really special occasions, I was pleasantly surprised by how family-oriented the culture is here. Yes! Required fields are marked *. 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Barcelona. Make sure you do your weekly grocery shopping on Saturday. okay, because youre reading this, youre probably gonna be a foreigner in Spain too. Les Cortsis another one of the classiest districts in the city, located close to Sarri-Sant Gervasi. . Having children and living as a family is one of them, and its so close to the Spanish heart that expat families have no difficulty integrating into the local community very quickly. Yes, its absolutely possible. Weve covered everything you need to know, including the pros and cons of living in Barcelona, and lots of practical information about housing, visas, jobs, and moving with kids and pets. In Barcelona, on Sunday most shops and supermarkets are closed, except for some in the more touristic areas. The term expat suggests something temporary. Not one id recommend for families looking for a place to live as suggested in the article. Some people work in, Barcelona is the capital of the Spanish northern eastern region Catalonia and many Catalonians consider their region to be a country and simply deny the fact that Catalonia is part of Spain. At the moment, my husband has accepted a new job here with a Barcelona based company and so we know for sure well remain here for at least another year. Youll soon get used to seeing three or four generations of the same family settling in at a long table to break bread, share tapas, and help themselves from a cartwheel-size paella dish. Is this area safe? Barcelona Metropolitan, What I Wish Id Known before Moving to Barcelona. Affordability (depending where you're coming from) 5. Here are 10 Pros & Cons to Consider When Starting a Business Abroad. ), 1 min. in Barcelona, temperatures never get very cold, and rain is relatively unusual. Which Barcelona Neighborhood Best Suits Your Family? Barcelona is the capital of the Spanish northern eastern region Catalonia and many Catalonians consider their region to be a country and simply deny the fact that Catalonia is part of Spain. But heres where things get a little more complicated. Its a more peaceful area to live in than other central districts, with less traffic and tourists. Show your library card for 20% off. The Spanish have a very different way of life compared to those in the U.S. and I certainly experienced some culture shock when we first moved here. And if youre planning a beach day youll prefer to get out of town and catch a train to Castelldefels or Montgat instead. the tranquility, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the many, many parks. Places such as Les Corts, El Clot, Sants or even Sarri are lively neighbourhoods with their own identity which can feel worlds apart from the city centre. I love this article so much. As a single parent, that support has meant the world to me. We decided to move abroad with only our personal items, toys, kitchen essentials and some dcor. Only major expense of living in Barcelona is rent. A 3-month ticket for metro, bus, or train within your area can cost 140-150. " Parents, take note of which areas to avoid in Barcelona. Locals go out for dinner, have a coffee together, meet each other in a bar, but hardly visit friends at home. Here you'll find my tips for sustainable travel and lifestyle: traveling responsibly, inspiration for traveling with kids, an appreciation for history and culture, & more. You can visit, tranquility, a family-friendly atmosphere, and. : Got a question or need some help? And on top of all that, you get world-famous food and drink, a great quality of life, and some beautiful nature. based on my experience living in Europe, Barcelona should be easy enough to adapt to because many people speak English, and your kids will likely pick up Spanish . Hence 1000 it will be a little bit extreme je. The safest and best places to live in Barcelona for families are: Sarri-Sant Gervasi Grcia Les Corts Sant Cugat Read on to find out about each of them in detail! Check your inbox or spam folder to confirm your subscription. Annebeth Vis is a Dutch journalist, historian and travel guide author, as well as a private tour guide based in Barcelona. I also should have done a Spanish intensive course from the beginning. Major cities all over the world, especially those in Europe, are true melting pots! Social life is very important to most Spaniards, but in a big city like Barcelona, its common not to know your neighbors. Overcrowded, rather dirty and not that scenic, youll rather go to the Bogatell beach near Poblenou if you want a couple of hours by the water. The large Parc de la Ciutadella is popular with runners, skateboarders and kids, and there's easy access to the beach. Normally electricity, water, gas and Wifi are not included in the price. : Whether youre sending a few boxes or relocating an entire household, Eurosender has a solution. Apart from your NIE you will need a social security number, for example, to receive social healthcare or apply for other benefits, but also in order to get a job. A post shared by The Expat Chronicle | Lauren (@theexpatchronicle) on Apr 26, 2020 at 5:59am PDT. Jessica, journalist, from Boston, moved to Barcelona in 2011. Now in Europe, I dont drive AT ALL, which means my daily errands and commute to school is done via train/bus. This site contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a small commission on affiliated websites at no additional cost to you. Dara Luskin, bassist in Los Stompers, from Ireland, moved to Barcelona in 1994. Thanks for reading, and well see you next time! . So if youre looking for a short-term flat in Barcelona or a short-term serviced apartment in Barcelona, our places are perfect. DSLR Basics for Travel Photography course, 10 Pros & Cons to Consider When Starting a Business Abroad, Ugly Animals! A one-way ticket costs 2.30. Living in Poblenou, you will have access to plenty of green spaces, as well as a variety of family-friendly restaurants and kid's clothing shops. Also birthday parties, both for adults and children, normally are celebrated outside, for example in a restaurant or a park. Sarri- Sant Gervasi is known as the "upper zone" of Barcelona, both in a geographic and economic sense, as it is the most expensive neighborhood to live in the city and it has the most exclusive services. Housing costs for a small, one-bedroom apartments in this area average around 1,000, with two-bedroom apartments averaging from 1,300-2,500. But you can reel in those dramatic misconceptions and rest assured that moving to Barcelona does not mean youll get pick-pocketed the moment you step onto the street, nor that youll be bombarded by ardent Catalans spouting on and on about independence. I wasnt aware that children start school so young in Spain. My husbands company offered him a position in their new Barcelona office and we simply couldnt turn down the opportunity! There are a massive number of reasons to move to Barcelona. Welcome to 'Gloria: Queer Stories', a celebration of life and diversity. Thanks, Lauren, for this fun peek into your family's new life in Spain! Eurosender has got you covered! There are SO many holidays throughout the year when schools are closed, half of them we arent even really sure whats being celebrated. The beauty of the city combined with the relaxed local lifestyle and the fact that Barcelona has a beach just a 15-minute walk away from the central Ramblas, makes the city a popular destination. Have a look at, Thanks for reading, and well see you next time! Grcia (Indie in the City) Of all the neighborhoods in Barcelona City, this is the most central. Traveler and blogger, Alix wrote about the cities of Amsterdam and Brussels before moving to Barcelona 9 years ago. If youre moving to Barcelona, youre in a good place for being all fit and healthy, and accessing excellent healthcare. . If you or someone you know has lived abroad, please let me know if youd like to share your story! In fact, Sarri-Sant Gervasi was the district best rated by its inhabitants until last year, when Les Corts dethroned it. Its certainly not one of the things I love about living here, but it has improved my patience. Sure, they miss the United States and some friends/family back home but have gained SO much from being abroad, like being able to travel in Europe! Where will your children go to school? Similar to the Republican/Democratic parties of American politics, there are two beliefs here in Catalunya as it relates to this region becoming an independent nation or continuing to be a part of Spain under the rule of the government in Madrid. a very developed country, so the nations healthcare is top-notch. That said, waiting times at public hospitals can often be pretty lengthy, and clinics can be very busyso if you can afford it, its a good idea to get some private health insurance while in Barcelona, which allows you to access private healthcare. Joey Cleary, photographer, from Ireland, moved to Barcelona in 2004. Nightlife 7. But they have really done fantastic and know that Barcelona has been a very special experience for our family. lol Its a bit run down and dirty. Try to bring a dash of Spanish flavours into the kitchen before you go, especially if you have a risk-averse or picky eater at the table who may take time to adjust. The very best resource that I direct people to when they ask about traveling to Barcelona is my blog! So unless your kids speak Catalan, or you want them to, you should seek out an international school, or a specific Spanish-speaking school. there are beaches right in the heart of the city, along with mountainous escapes just on the outskirts. Some attempt to learn both. To make these things as easy and stress-free as possible for English speakers moving to Barcelona, here are 10 of the most essential questions you need to have answered before you arrive. I had to get used to the foodit took me some time, but now I eat shellfish AND gazpacho!and how no one thinks to go out for a pint on cold nights. We could be here for a while! Joining one of the public gyms costs about 43, if you prefer a private one, you may pay up to 90, but running along the coast is free. And while that scene is certainly quintessential of downtown Barcelona, the bordering neighborhoods where we live are modern and bustling like any major city! : Peace of mind is part of the package when you ship with Eurosender. A Spanish woman told me that Europeans work to live, whereas Americans live to work, and its very true. It's a great place for families, and people with kids and dogs: many of Barcelona's residents have kids and canines, and there are lots of pet-friendly, family-friendly hangouts in the city. There, you can enjoy the tranquility, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the many, many parks. A high quality of life, exceptional architecture, some of which was designed by Antoni Gaud, and the fast-paced life are among the factors that make living in Barcelona such a special experience. Nationalism. Where do you want to go? or looking for YouTube videos of people who have moved therethere are usually some good expat videos on YT. Depending on which part of Spain youre moving to, the whole family will notice the difference in cuisine and the availability or absence of some familiar foods. Give the kids a grounding in the language before you go and brush up on your own skills at the same time; if you can find a native speaker offering tuition locally, its well worth signing up for some lessons. But no matter where youre moving from, you dont necessarily need to secure a job in advance, or even get a job at all. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you for your insight! Contrary to popular opinion, English is not spoken everywhere. There is a definitely political and social divide here that we did not expect. Children in Barcelona are welcomed and loved. You will need a NIE in order to be able to work legally, to open a bank account and a series of other things. You can find her on Instagramand her blogThe Expat Chronicle. Aside from the property costs, you will also have to pay taxes and various fees. Normally electricity, water, gas and Wifi are not included in the price. If youre moving from outside of the EU, you absolutely need a visa. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Book our small-group adventures here and explore the world, while being good to it. Its a misconception that upon moving here, youll while away the time on a sun-soaked terrace, with a caa and heaping plate of paella, day in and day out. Living abroad was something my husband and I had always talked about but never really thought would happen. What are the schools like? Its quite easy to get your registration done, normally you need to show your rental contract and identification. We put our home up for sale (it sold within one week!) On the other hand, Madrid is the pretty-yet-gritty capital city: world-class museums, restaurants galore and so much nightlife that occasionally going to work on less than an hour of sleep is a point of pride for locals. And as a handy bonus, you also get great international schools! We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special. In this next post in my living abroad series, Lauren talks about expat life in Barcelona, from adjusting to the routines in Spain to raising a family in a new culture.
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