Spain tops the list of expat destinations for Britons because it offers excellent weather, delicious food, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Data released by the Office for National Statistics last year found that a staggering 557,000 UK nationals emigrated to the European hotspot in 2022.
Relocating to a new country requires thorough preparation, however, and one expat has alerted expats to a couple of traps.
Stephanie Saint Remy, a content creator on YouTube, says there are two things she wishes she’d known before moving to Spain; how bank holidays work and how to choose the right home.
Relocating to Spain requires thorough preparation
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The expat, who relocated to the Valencian community from the UK, claims both elements caused her great frustration because she was ill-prepared.
“Bank holidays are not always on a Monday,” Stephanie explained. “In the UK they are always on a Monday, with the exception of Good Friday, but in general, it tends to be a Monday.
“In Spain, it can be any day of the week, so the amount of times I’ve gone into a supermarket on a Wednesday only to find that it was closed, is incredible.”
The expat noted that bank holiday dates also differ depending on the region you’re located in.
“It can be really complex because the [says one thing], and [sometimes] the whole country celebrates [a bank holiday] except your community.”
The best way to avoid confusion is to visit local supermarkets and check their monthly timetable every month, says Stephanie.
“I wish I had clocked that one sooner, it would have saved me,” she said, adding that property hunting also caused her a great deal of stress.
“When I was home-hunting here in Spain my thoughts were that I was going to buy a holiday home, not to live in,” she explained.
“I absolutely love my flat, however, there is one thing that I can’t stand. Living here these past four years, it has grown to really really irritate me.”
While choosing a home, Stephanie prioritised a swimming pool over a view, eventually regretting her decision.
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Valencia is an expat hotspot
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“I would have cut the swimming pool to have a view,” she said.
“If you’re thinking of moving to Spain and you’re thinking of doing some property hunting, really think in advance of what you want that place to be and if it will evolve with you.”
She urges carefully considering if you will be using the property as a holiday home or primary residence.
Relocation experts also recommend sorting out paperwork well in advance and sorting out bank accounts to help settle in smoothly.
