Welcome to the vibrant and sunny lands of Alicante, Spain! If you have ever considered relocating to Spain, Alicante should be at the top of your list because of its welcoming atmosphere to both tourists and expatriates. As the statistics point out, Spain hosts around 5.6 million expats, with Alicante being a significant hub due to its laid-back lifestyle and the myriad opportunities that have arisen post-pandemic.
1. Why Alicante?
Alicante is highlighted as an appealing destination for both tourists and expatriates. Its attractive features include:
- Scenic Beaches and Landmarks: The city is well-known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and significant historical sites like Alicante Castle.
- Modern Yet Cozy Downtown: Alicante has a contemporary urban center that maintains a welcoming, small-town feel, making it comfortable for newcomers.
- Affordable Living: Compared to many other European cities, Alicante offers a lower cost of living, which is a big draw for people considering moving there for long-term living and work.
2. Navigating the Essentials:
When moving to Alicante, managing the basic administrative tasks is crucial:
- Getting Your NIE (Foreigner Identity Number): When you decide to stay in Spain for the long haul, obtaining your Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is crucial. This ID facilitates your legal stay in Spain enabling you to work, open a bank account, pay taxes, buy property, and access public services. Applications can be made at any Oficina de Extranjeros in Alicante either in person or online.
- Banking in Spain: Setting up a local bank account can help avoid international transaction fees and is necessary for managing day-to-day financial activities like receiving salary, paying rent, and handling utility payments. Banks like N26, WISE, and traditional banks such as Santander and Caixa offer easy solutions.
- N26 – https://n26.com/en-eu
- WISE – https://wise.com/
- Santander – https://www.santanderbank.com/
- Caixa – https://www.caixabank.es/particular/home/particulares_es.html
3. Spanish Health Insurance:
Healthcare access is a prime concern when moving to a new country.
Public health insurance is available once you have your census certificate, offering coverage at no cost but with longer wait times. Alternatively, private health insurers like Sanitas and AXA provide swift services for a monthly fee.
- AXA – https://www.axaglobalhealthcare.com/en/international-health-insurance/spain/
- Mysanitas – https://www.mysanitas.com/
4. Integration into Spanish Life:
Adapting to the local environment and integrating effectively is essential for a fulfilling life in Alicante.
- Connectivity: Getting a local SIM card from providers like Movistar or Orange ensures you can communicate affordably and effectively within Spain.
- Movistar – https://www.movistar.es/
- Orange – https://en.orange.es/
- Navigation Apps: Tools like Google Maps or Moovit can help you navigate Alicante’s streets and public transportation systems efficiently. These apps provide real-time updates on bus and train schedules, helping you get around the city like a local. Consider apps like Cabify or the local taxi app, which offer convenient and reliable transportation options within the city.
- Google Maps – https://www.google.com/maps
- Moovit – https://moovitapp.com/index/en/public_transit-Spain
- Cabify – https://cabify.com/es
- Event and Activities Apps: Apps like Meetup – Alicante Activities or Eventbrite can help you discover local events and activities, which is a great way to meet new people and integrate into the community.
- Meetup – Alicante Activities – https://www.meetup.com/alicanteactivities/
- Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.com/
- Learning Spanish: Understanding and speaking the local language is critical for full integration into Spanish society. Language schools in Alicante offer various courses that can help expatriates become proficient.
- Translation Apps: If your Spanish is still developing, translation apps such as Google Translate or Microsoft Translator can help bridge the language gap in everyday interactions, from reading restaurant menus to speaking with neighbors.
5. Employment and Housing:
Two of the biggest practicalities of moving involve securing a job and finding a place to live.
- Job Opportunities: Websites like Infojobs and Indeed are great starting points for job hunting in Spain. Knowing Spanish can significantly boost your job prospects, especially in local industries.
Infojobs – https://www.infojobs.net/
Indeed – https://es.indeed.com/ - Finding a Place to Live: It’s recommended to physically inspect potential homes to ensure they meet your expectations in terms of quality and neighborhood. Websites like Idealista and Fotocasa are valuable resources for apartment hunting.
- Idealista – https://www.idealista.com/en/
- Fotocasa – https://www.fotocasa.es/es/
Conclusion:
The blog captures the essentials of moving to Alicante, providing future digital nomads with a guide to the critical aspects of such a move, from legal and administrative requirements to social integration and practical tips for settling in.
