Category: Living in Spain

Our Experience of travelling to Spain – June 2021

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We had to travel to Spain for business and to check on our 2nd home recently. This is briefly is our experience.

Airport – UK

Setting out for Spain we decided to  allow a little more time than usual to get through check in and security at Gatwick. We had completed the extra forms for travelling to Spain and the Easyjet staff were on hand to check these when were at the bag drop stage. The airport itself was very quiet for early June.

Airport – Spain

Arriving at Alicante airport we  passed through the automatic passport readers and then waited for the border control staff to check and date stamp the passport as well.

Out and About

The standard Covid protocols regarding washing hands, using hand sanitizers, social distancing and wearing masks in shops all applied and now seems like second nature and the norm.  Walking outside in Spain we were  also required to  wear a mask, however the good news from 26th June 2021 in the Alicante/Valencia region this is no longer required. From personal experience this was the most difficult restriction, particularly, in hot temperatures and if climbing up steep inclines or steps. So this felt a relief and it was quite liberating to walk in the sunshine without a mask.

Most of bars and restaurants are open and appreciate and welcome the business, visitors and residents alike. Although we travelled in Summer early June and stayed for 3 weeks, it felt more like early Spring with the amount of people in the area. The plus side of things was the beaches were less crowded. Water sports were available on some beaches, with life guards in evidence on the main beaches on Orihuela Costa in Alicante Province.

We took a coach trip as theses trips are now being offered and the programme of events are opening up now for the summer. Our trip took us to the old of Caravaca a holy town (the town of the Cross), followed by Calasparra with the River Segura flowing by and the stunning Sanctuary OUR LADY OF HOPE to see.

Our journey home

It was necessary to take a antigen test to return home to the UK. After speaking to our neighbours we had 2 venues to choose from and more may come on stream in the future. We choose IMED based in Torrevieja and decided to pre book appointments on line. The service was efficient and our results arrived with 30 mins.  We took the opportunity to walk into town and visit the marina and take some lunch. We then took a slow stroll along the coast for 1.5 hour walk back to Orihuela Costa stopping off for liquid refreshment at the Nautilus at Punta Prima on way home.

The 2 day and 8 day tests required were booked on line choosing from a list of providers on the government website http://www.gov.uk – Spain.  We completed the Passenger Locator Form as required to get back into the UK.  We needed our flight and passport details to complete this as well as the reference for the 2 and 8 day tests. 

Gatwick Aiport

Upon returning to the UK we passed through the automatic passport control gates and onto baggage reclaim. The data required is held on the passenger  locator form and avoids any further checks, it seems.

Our 2nd and 8th day tests had been delivered when we arrived home. We received the result of our 2nd day test by email 2 days after we posted it. We are due to take our 8th day test now and have both received calls each from NHS track and trace to check.we are doing them. 

It was a trip with lots of forms and tests. However, it was worth the extra effort.

New Development in Murcia

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Interested in a holiday home near the beach in San Pedro del Pinatar. Prices from €180,000.

Despite the pandemic, people across Europe are still looking to purchase property in southern Spain that they can enjoy when restrictions end. They are selecting homes using remote and virtual technology that they reserve and can confirm or otherwise when travel is possible. If you are interested in a new and modern house such as the one above click here to find out more about the development

To take it further, fill in the form below and we will contact you to discuss how you can pursue your interest.

Your information will only be used by us and the developer in support of your enquiry

Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain

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We like to keep our clients new and old up to date on matters relating to Spain. A tip and useful source of information is to visit Healthcare for UK nationals living in Spain – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The following is a short piece on healthcare

All residents in Spain need to register to access healthcare.

Once registered for healthcare, basic state services are free, but there are some things that patients need to pay for. For example, you usually have to pay something towards prescriptions – either a reduced price or the full price.

UK nationals usually access the Spanish national health system in one of these ways:

  • through entitlement to healthcare if they’re employed or self-employed in Spain
  • paying directly into the public health insurance scheme (Convenio Especial)
  • registering a UK-issued S1 form with the social security office
  • using a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for temporary stays
  • through entitlement to healthcare as a permanent resident if they’ve lived in Spain for 5 years

For more information click on this link https://propertiesoverseas.co.uk/home/contact-us/ or for a 121 phone consultation ring Sue 07940913206 or Paul 07710 808932

Why Use Properties Overseas?

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Want to buy a property abroad? How do you ensure you make the right choice?

Whilst the internet can find properties with the attributes you search for, identifying those that are in an area that would suit you is very hit and miss. What looks good on the screen, in reality, is a great disappointment in real life. Photos are taken to show off the properties as best they can; pylons, building sites, industrial and commercial neighbours are avoided.

The biggest problem most internet searchers experience is the sheer volume of properties their searches present. Properties Overseas helps its clients avoid overload and confusion. Its experienced people will save you time and help refine your property requirements so you can focus on what suits your needs and preferences. We will give you access to the most appropriate properties. You will save time when visiting Spain to view properties and ensure you get the most from your visit.

Here are a few of the reasons why you should contact Properties Overseas

  • Property Overseas provides an individual service tailored to your personal needs and requirements; 
  • You will benefit from the experience of its people and access over 20 years of knowledge accumulated;
  • Take advantage of their personal experience of researching and buying a property abroad; 
  • Properties Overseas has long standing relationships with its agents, nurtured over many years; 
  • You get step by step advice as and when required; 
  • Face to face meetings and accompanied viewing trips are available if required *;
  • Property Overseas is the gateway to a network of professionals to assist with all aspects of buying or selling; Benefit from a deep understanding of the market and the decision making process; 
  • You are kept informed of the progress of your purchase regularly; 
  • Properties Overseas is member of AIPP (Association of International Property Professionals). The association requires its members to adhere to robust professional standards.
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If you would like Properties Overseas to help you find your Spanish Property, call us on 0300 001 1247 or email us at info@propertiesoverseas.co.uk

Brexit – Changes to the rules on Financial Advice

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You take financial advice from the UK but live in Spain, France, Portugal, Cyprus, Malta or another EU country? Regulations are changing. What do you need to think about as full Brexit approaches?

Post Brexit

Reassuringly, even if there is a no-deal Brexit, citizens’ rights for UK nationals legally settled in an EU member state by 31 December 2020 are protected under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement. There are no such guarantees, however, in the area of financial services, which could affect whether you can continue to receive UK-based advice and services as an EU resident. 

You need to make sure you check that your financial planning – and your adviser – will stand up to the challenges that Brexit may bring. Here are four key considerations. 

The end of passporting

If you have a good relationship with your UK-based financial adviser, you may understandably wish to continue using them, despite now living in a different country. However, you need to make sure they can legally continue to advise you after the Brexit transition period. 

Want to now more see this article from Blevins Frank in full follow the link:

https://www.blevinsfranks.com/news/article/uk-financial-advisers-brexit-4-considerations?utm_source=NewZapp&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=885-WN-Oct20-ES-Benijofar

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