An expat in Spain warns why Britons may 'not get the time of day' from locals when living abroad

An expat in Spain warns why Britons may 'not get the time of day' from locals when living abroad

Expats had problems with their pensions

GB NEWS
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 10/01/2024

- 14:27

An expat in Spain shared a warning for those moving to the country

Spain is a great place for expats to move to with its golden beaches and sunny weather.

However, an expat who has lived in the country for 25 years shared what those moving should consider.


The expat explained his many years living in Spain had been positive overall.

But there are some obstacles to living abroad and knowing the Spanish language is "fundamental".

Spain beach

An expat shared a warning for those looking to move

GETTY

Even for those who do speak Spanish, he shared some of the reasons why "moving to Spain might not be for you".

"[A reason] why you should consider not coming to live in this country is related to language," he said on YouTube Spain Speaks.

Despite speaking and understanding the language well, it still causes some difficulties for the expat.

"Language is still a barrier because every now and then you're going to find people that... are not going to give you the time of day because you don't speak Spanish like them," he continued.

He added he had come across some people who did not communicate with him because he doesn't have the "same accent or regionalism".

"[They] just don't want to have anything to do with you because you're not a local," the expat explained.

Despite having some problems with the language, he added most people he had met had been friendly.

Moving abroad can be daunting and an expat who relocated to the Netherlands shared some advice.

Beach Spain

He shared some difficulties of living in Spain

PA

Jonathan Williams moved from London to The Hague and shared tips for anyone looking to leave Britain.

He said it is important to understand how the financial system works in the country you are moving to.

The cost of removals is also important to note. He told GB News: "Consider the costs of removal.

"If you are taking things with you there could be import costs, local taxes and substantial transportation costs."

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