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Expat gu idE : Spain

this guide offers information and advice if you are moving to spain.

click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.

You can also read our city guide to Barcelona.

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA,

Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia.We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.

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Moving to SpainExpats moving to Spain will find a country steeped in a rich and eventful history. The westernmost peninsula of Europe

and the landmass closest to Africa has hosted the meeting of some of the world’s largest and most influential civilizations.

The Iberian Peninsula has witnessed the rise and fall of the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Moors and the gold-flush

empire born of that Christian sailor who in 1492 famously took Europe to the Americas.

The Spanish Miracle of the 70s launched Spain into the modern era. One of the last countries in Europe to see the fall

of fascism, Spain has become a resurgent economic force and is now the 8th largest economy in Europe, famous for its

fashion, food, architecture, music and arts.

A popular expat destinationWhile salaries in Spain are low, so is the cost of living. It is the unhurried lifestyle and cheap beachside property which

attracts many expats to spend their days on the Spanish coasts. With its vast coastline, Spanish beaches are amongst

the most beautiful in the world. It is also the land of opportunity for many South Americans, whose historical colonial

connection to Spain means their visa requirements are less stringent.

Shipping and removalsThe most important thing to note when moving to Spain is that you may be subject to a 16% tax on the value of all the

goods you are bringing into the country. However, if you move with a Spanish citizen and conduct the whole business

in their name, or if you are moving to Spain for good, the rules are different. As always, it is worth contacting the local

Spanish consulate for paperwork to avoid any potential bureaucratic hiccups. While the removal company will have to deal

with much of the bureaucracy on your behalf, it always pays to make sure there are no surprises. Compare movers before

hiring as delays and lost goods can occur.

Bringing pets to SpainBringing pets into Spain is a relatively painless experience as long as you follow procedure. First of all, the animal needs a

regulation tattoo or microchip. You will also be required to produce a veterinarian certificate detailing the breed, origin,

description, identification of owner and rabies compliance.

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Working in SpainBelow you will find information about:

• Visa and work permits

• Banking and money

• Public holidays

• Taxes

• Business culture

It can be difficult to get a visa for Spain. One of the reasons is that the contracts offered in Spain offer a lot more to the

worker than most other places in the world.

The labour unions hold a lot of power, which makes it difficult to fire people. There may be provision for siesta in your

contract, which defines the time of the longer lunch breaks. There are also a number of small bonuses that are paid

to workers for the public holidays. Furthermore, severance pay in Spain is high with six weeks pay due at the end of a

contract for every year worked.

Like everything in Spain there is a lot of paper work to fill out for most jobs. If you work a trade, your certificates have to

be translated and sent to the Ministry of Education. If you are a chef or a bartender, you have to take an exam showing

that you know how to handle food.

Visa and work permitsIt can be difficult to get a working visa in Spain, meaning that a short visit may just not be worth the hassle. However,

if you are a member of the European Union or another Schengen country, then you don’t need a visa for Spain.

Getting a visa and work permit is easy, if and when a job is lined up. However, getting a job is difficult without already

having a visa or work permit. Due to the high levels of unemployment, getting a visa can be tricky as Spain does not wish

to have their labour market flooded by foreign nationals.

The best document to have when applying for a visa is a signed contract of more than 10 months with a potential

employer. For the full list of required documents it is worth contacting the local Spanish consulate.

When arriving in Spain it is important to quickly register for a social security number. Being registered provides access to

the banking system and general bureaucracy and is the means by which taxes are levied. The NIE (Número de Identidad/

Identificación de Extranjer) is a number issued by the Spanish immigration service when you get hold of your residency

permit. It is an important tool that allows you to open a bank account.

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Banking and moneyThe NIE (Número de Identidad/Identificación de Extranjer) is important when opening a bank account. Generally a

resident’s account has fewer charges at lower rates. It can be very useful to get the NIE card before you arrive. You can

apply for the card at your local Spanish embassy, but this can only be done after you have obtained a social security

number. The queues in Spain can be long, and it is more efficient to do this outside of the country.

Banking fees are high in Spain so it is worth shopping around. The variety of charges include debit card transaction fees,

correspondence fees (when the bank communicates with you) and money transfer fees for transfers between accounts.

Public holidays

2011 2012

New Year’s Day 1 Jan 1 Jan Epiphany 5 Jan 5 JanMaundy Thursday 21 Apr 5 AprGood Friday 22 Apr 6 Apr Labour Day 1 May 1 May Feast of the Assumption 15 Aug 15 Aug All Saints Day 1 Nov 1 Nov Constitution Day 6 Dec 6 Dec Immaculate Conception 8 Dec 8 Dec Christmas Day 25 Dec 25 Dec

TaxesIt’s important to check what tax treaties and negations your home country has with Spain and the European Union.

This is predominantly to ensure that you are not double taxed at any point. Income taxes must be paid for any year

that the resident spends 183 days in the country. There is a 25% flat tax available for expats for the first five years you

are in the country. If you are working for a company, then the company usually deducts the tax from your salary. If you

are freelancing or running a business it is worth hiring a tax assessor to help navigate the complex Spanish system —

remember you must register as an autonomo with the local government.

Non-Europeans should keep all receipts, as value added tax is paid back when one leaves the country or the Euro zone.

Business cultureSpain has a conservative business culture and it is advised that expats behave and dress accordingly; formal attire and

punctuality are considered very important. When greeting or being introduced to someone a handshake is customary.

Also remember to use the titles Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) when addressing business associates. It is the

norm to exchange business cards, printed in both English and Spanish. Meetings are often held over lunch or dinner but

normal business hours are usually from 8am to 5pm.

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Living and cultureBelow you will find information about:

• Spanish bureaucracy?

• Cost of living

• Local customs

• Where to live?

• Language

• Weather in Spain

The Spanish are renowned for both their relaxed attitude to life and their exuberant social personalities. It is common in

Spain to be interrupted while speaking, which in contrast to the English way, is a sign of interest. The Spanish tend to be

unhurried in their activities, and do not readily hurry for anyone else’s urgency.

Siesta: There are many places that still observe the siesta, which is a long break between 2pm and 5pm in which many

people sleep or return home for lunch. For restaurants and other members of the service industry the siesta, if taken, runs

at a different time. Larger cities, such as Madrid and Barcelona, tend not to observe the siesta as the Spanish businessmen

cannot afford to take this time off, and many workers find that a shorter lunch gives them more time to spend with their

families in the evening.

Politeness: Politeness in Spain does not rely on the “pleases” and “thank yous” that the English world is used to. Expect

to be spoken to with short and sharp requests for either action or information. For most purposes the Spanish word for

please, ‘“por favour”, is either overly formal or a sign of exasperation. Spanish shopkeepers will acknowledge one with little

more than a quick “Si?” and an expectant facial expression.

Gender roles: The major cities are essentially modern, but rural Spain still holds onto some of its patriarchal thinking.

Staring and commenting on passing women is something of a national pastime for many groups of men. While times are

changing, it’s not for nothing that the word Machismo originated in the Spanish-speaking world. However, there are few

legal, educational or even cultural impediments to female advancement in the workplace and the law protects female

equality.

Religion: The Spanish are a Roman Catholic nation. While the church is not state backed, the evidence of its reach can

be seen everywhere. In many towns the largest building is the church, and the cathedrals and shrines of Spain are not to

be missed when sightseeing. Condoms can only be bought on request and are not sold openly as they are elsewhere in

the world. Abortions can only be carried out for rapes and for maternal health concerns. That said, Spain has set a liberal

standard for itself by legalising homosexual marriage in 2005.

The Spanish regions: The structure of the Spanish government means that a high degree of autonomy is given to each of

its 17 political regions. Both laws and culture can vary extensively from one part of Spain to another.

Bureaucracy: The bureaucracy in Spain is particularly painful. This is a reflection of the Spanish attitudes to contracts. The

Spanish will take a lot of time negotiating any deal, running over each section until it is clear that both sides understand

what is required of them, and once signed it is expected that the contract is carried out to the letter.

Spanish bureaucracy?To a foreigner it may seem that the Spanish are obsessed with bureaucracy. Almost every significant action you take will

require a form of some sort to be filled out and there is a lot of paper work to be done before departing and on arrival.

Every contract should be supervised by a Spanish lawyer. When in doubt, contact the consulates and city halls.

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Cost of livingThe cost of living in Spain is highly variable. Rural Spain can be very inexpensive which makes holidaying a lot more fun.

Barcelona is considered the most expensive city in the country, with Madrid a close second and Seville and Valencia

following after. When renting accommodation with an agency you will have to pay a month’s rent in fees. Furnished

apartments are available in many places, but the Spanish have a habit of leaving furniture out on the street for others to

take, so keep a watch out. Long-term rentals are always cheaper than short-term. After the first year in a property you

have the right to extend for another five years, unless the landlord needs to move into the apartment. After those five

years the landlord is no longer obligated to retain his tenants.

The financial crisis has changed things, and if you have any money to invest, it might be the right time to buy. If you want

to buy property in Spain it is highly advisable that you use an agent, because the law in Spain can be complex and it often

requires an expert to sort out transfer issues.

Electricity is expensive in Spain, especially as most apartments do not have central heating and cooling. The houses are

not designed to resist the cold, so a winter in a cold part of Spain can feel colder than a winter in northern Europe.

Local customsSmoking in public places is prohibited and fines can be issued if you break the rules. Drinking alcohol in the streets of

Madrid is also against the law.

Where to live?Barcelona has long been regarded as the Spanish cultural capital. Madrid is the financial and commercial hub, so if you

are working in a high-paying industry there will probably be more opportunities in Madrid. Rural Spain is good to expats,

and if you can find a decent job you can enjoy a very high level of comfort.

LanguageThe dominant language of the country is Castilian (which you would think of as Spanish), but the use of Catalan, Basque

and Galician all define important social groupings. The Basque region has such a distinct national identity that part of its

population wants the region to form an independent state.

Weather in SpainExpats often imagine weather in Spain to be marked by magnificent sunny skies, Mediterranean temperatures and cool

ocean breezes. Though this certainly happens to be the case in certain parts of the country, the nation has its fair share of

geographic diversity, and as a result, weather in Spain varies tremendously.

Most of the country does see hot, sunny summers, but winter weather behaviour changes depending on locale.

The Spanish east coast typically enjoys mild winters with some rainfall and dry summers with abundant sunshine. Spain’s

southern region, Andalusia, is considerably hotter and expats might find the peak summer months of July and August

uncomfortably hot. The northern part of Spain experiences moderate summers and mild winters, but is prone to a large

amount of rainfall. The Spanish mountain region is subject to harsh winds, cold winters and mild summers.

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Education and schoolsEducation and schools in BarcelonaSchooling in Barcelona is free but classes are taught in Catalan. While this can be an opportunity for younger expat

children to learn the language, most older students will need instruction in their native language with slow immersion

into Spanish and Catalan. This is typically done at international schools in Barcelona. Some of these insist on enrolling

percentages of local students, students from the country of the curricula (Americans from the Benjamin Franklin School),

and other international students.

Even public schools are difficult to be accepted into because of overcrowding and a lottery system is often the only

means of admitting your children. It is also important for parents to understand or be able to translate Catalan for

completing paperwork for admitting children into public school.

International schools can also continue in the curricula from overseas while local Barcelona schools will have a difficult

time accommodating or placing foreign students. Some international schools follow Spanish curricula in a foreign

language although many of the students in these schools are local.

Education and schools in MadridMost local students attend free public school in Madrid. This can be a good option for young expat children learning to

adjust to life in Spain, but difficult for older students as classes are in Spanish. Another option is private Catholic schooling

which is subsidised by the government and a popular option for local students. Tuition is much less expensive than

European private schools. However, subsidised schools teach Spanish curricula in Spanish and can be difficult for expat

children.

Only independent and international schools teach in English and both are more expensive in Madrid than in other cities

in Spain. Some independent schools in Spain refer to themselves as international schools although they teach Spanish

curricula in a foreign language. These are popular for local students.

Many expat children attend international schools, although there typically is a waiting lists. Therefore expat families are

encouraged to enlist their children well before the school year begins. International schools are more experienced in

accommodating students who have previously studied different curricula.

School links (Barcelona)• American School of Barcelona: www.a-s-b.com

• British School of Barcelona: www.britishschoolbarcelona.com

• School information: www.mumabroad.com

School info (Madrid)• List of international schools in Madrid: www.mumabroad.com

• British international school: www.internationalschoolofmadrid.com

• The American school of Madrid: www.asmadrid.org

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Useful informationBelow you will find:

• Nice to know

• Embassy contact details

• Useful links

Nice to knowStandard time: GMT + 1 hour (GMT + 2 hours from the end of March to the end of October).

Currency: The euro (EUR, €) is the official currency of Spain. It is divided into 100 cents. You can check the latest

exchange rates http://www.xe.com/

Electricity: 220 or 225 volts, 50Hz. Standard Spanish plugs are European two-pins.

Safety Information: Passport theft is becoming more common in Spain, since demand from potential illegal immigrants in

Africa has fuelled the creation of a lucrative passport black-market. If your passport is stolen then you should immediately

report it to the local embassy and have the passport reissued. Very few people need to see your passport, so don’t show

it to anyone unless they are employed in an official government capacity.

Tourists are targets for crime in Spain, and pick-pocketing is rife in the some crowded areas of Madrid and Barcelona.

Keep your valuables in front of your body or locked securely away. If someone bumps into you, it is worth paying

attention to where their hands are wandering, as they may be searching for valuables.

You should check about the price before you get into a taxi. Some of the locals take a pride in ripping off tourists.

Communications: The international access code for Spain is +34. To make international calls from Spain, dial 00 followed

by the relevant country code (eg 44 for the United Kingdom). There are city and area codes used internally — Barcelona’s

is (0)93 and for Madrid it’s (0)91. Phone cards and coins can be used in public phones throughout Spain; phone

cards can be purchased from post offices, tobacconists and newsagents. Local mobile phone operators provide GSM

900/1800 coverage throughout Spain. Broadband internet connection at home and in internet cafés is available in all

but the smallest of Spanish towns.

Emergencies: Dial 112 or 061 for emergency assistance in Spain.

Climate: Spain gets very hot in mid-summer (July and August) but for the rest of the year expats will find it quite pleasant.

The climate is generally temperate in the north and warmer in the south. Weather-wise, the best time of year in most

parts of Spain tends to be in either spring or autumn, but along the Atlantic coast there is heavy rainfall during October

and November. Winter can get quite cold, especially in Madrid and the high central region.

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Embassy contact details Spanish embassies:

• Spanish Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 452 0100

• Spanish Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7235 5555

• Spanish Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 747 2252

• Spanish Embassy, Canberra, Australia: +61 (0)2 6273 3555

• Spanish Embassy, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 (0)12 460 0123

• Spanish Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 283 9900

• Spanish Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (04) 802 5665

Foreign Embassies in Spain:

• United States Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 587 2200

• British Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 524 9700

• Canadian Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 423 3250

• South African Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 3780

• Irish Embassy, Madrid: +34 91 436 4093

• New Zealand Embassy, Madrid: +34 915 230 226

Useful links• Wordtravels.com has an extensive travel guide to Spain:

http://wordtravels.com/Travelguide/Countries/Spain

Working in Spain:

• Job information and job listings: http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/index.html

• Job information: www.thinkspain.com

• Job information: www.loquo.com

Visa and Work Permits for Spain:

• Work permit information: www.workpermit.com/spain/spain.htm

• Work visa information: www.spainexpat.com/spain/information/work_visa_in_spain

Shipping and Removals in Spain:

• International movers comparisons: www.compare-international-movers.com

This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities.Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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Expat gu idE : MaDRiD

this guide offers information and advice if you are moving to Madrid.

click on the different tabs to find out about anything from tax rules and banking to education and cultural highlights.

Bupa International is the specialist international division of Bupa, and we have operations in UK, Denmark, USA,

Spain, France, Hong Kong, Egypt, UAE and Australia.We care for the lives in our hands, and are dedicated to providing all the insurance services, help and advice you need to keep yourself and your family in the best of health. Our dedicated team respects everyone’s individuality, culture, privacy and dignity, and aims to provide a personal service you can rely on throughout your Bupa International membership.

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1 1 / 17

Moving to MadridMadrid is the capital and centre of Spain. It is a large tourist destination and is also emerging as a city with international

economic importance. As a result, the city is attracting waves of emigrating Spaniards from other corners of the country,

and an increasing amount of expats from around the world.

More than four million people live in culturally distinct barrios influenced by Spanish, Arabian and European culture.

Another distinction is the difference in old and new barrios, making the city both historic and traditional, as well as

modern and edgy.

The dense city and labyrinth feel of downtown neighbourhoods can make sections of Madrid seem cramped.

However, the beautiful city squares and historic places will help melt away any built up tensions.

Shipping and removalsThere are many shipping and removal companies that offer door to door service from abroad to Madrid. Expats’ cargo

shipped to Spain will be taxed 16% of the total value. The insured amount of the cargo is often an indicator to customs of

the cargo’s total worth and subsequent tax amount.

Pets shipped to Madrid must comply with Spanish custom laws. Animals must be tattooed or microchipped and be

accompanied by official veterinary certificates. You have to fill out the APHIS form 7001 and a veterinary certificate for

domestic dogs and cats entering the European community for non-commercial movements.

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Working in MadridMadrid is the business centre of Spain and the economy draws from diverse industries. These include engineering,

chemicals and pharmaceuticals as well as a growing financial sector. All of these industries attract expat employees and

many international companies have major offices in Madrid.

Employees of larger companies often favour long lunch breaks and late working hours. Wages in Madrid are higher than

most of Spain, except Barcelona, although the city is substantially more expensive. However, even the higher wages in

Madrid are often low in comparison to wages in other western European countries.

It is important to speak some level of Spanish, although certain affairs of international business may be conducted in

English. Knowing both Spanish and English is a large advantage, particularly for international business and in the tourism

industry.

For information about banking, taxes, and work permits go to our Spain guide and click on the Working tab.

Useful linksJobs:

• Madrid Chamber of Commerce: www.camaramadrid.es

• Expat job listings: http://spainexpat.jobthread.com/

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AccommodationDowntown Madrid is separated into barrios (or neighbourhoods) that are often packed tight with small apartments and alleys.

Finding a barrio to fit one’s lifestyle is often the first mission when moving to the city.

Property prices are disproportionately high in Madrid compared to other cities in Spain. The locations are also notoriously

difficult to find. Expats can stay in temporary housing before finding longer term accommodation. It is often necessary to

speak Spanish to negotiate rental agreements. Therefore, hiring a realtor is unfortunately the most realistic means of finding

an apartment. Realtors usually charge the equivalent of one month’s rent.

Apartment leases are usually for one-year terms and often require a deposit of two or three months’ rent. You need a Spanish

bank to rent an apartment.

The barrios divide downtown in a geography more akin to a Picasso painting than traditional residential streets. A popular

expat area is Chamartín, a residential neighbourhood with larger apartments favoured with expat families. Smaller apartments

can be found in Lavapies, a dense and lively section of the old quarter that packs together an amalgamation of expats,

restaurants and shops. Despite being close to the city centre Lavapies has relatively low rent. Gran Via is another option in the

heart of the city. Latina is the oldest section of the city and its accommodation is set amid old world charm and architecture.

Increasingly expats are settling in Madrid suburbs. These are well connected to the city with public transportation.

Weather Madrid generally has a pleasantly warm and dry climate but there is a broad variation in winter and summer temperatures

due to its altitude and proximity to the mountains. The summer heat can get very intense around lunchtime whereas the

evenings cool down nicely. Winter temperatures can drop as low as 32°F (0°C). Rainfall is low and occurs mainly in late

October and occasionally in spring.

Madrid

Rainfall

Max Temp

Min Temp

Tem

pera

ture

(˚C)

Rain

fall

(mm

)

70

56

42

28

14

0Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

50

38

26

14

2

-10

Useful linksAccommodation

• Housing market information: www.strongabogados.com

• Apartment listings: www.apartinmadrid.com

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See and doBelow you will find about:

• Attractions

• Shopping

• Nightlife

• Kids in Madrid

• Restaurants

• Annual events

AttractionsSome of the key attractions in Madrid include the “Golden Triangle” of art museums on Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) — Prado,

Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza. Stop at Puerto del Sol to admire the equestrian statue of King Carlos III, and see

Goya’s tomb at the Panteon de Goya. The essence of medieval Madrid can still be felt in areas such as Calle and Plaza

Mayor.

The Prado: The Prado Museum is one of the world’s principal art galleries, housing more than 7,000 paintings by artists

including Botticelli, Titian and Rembrandt.

Telephone: 91 330 2800

Thyssen-Bornemisza Museum: Located in the 18th century Palacio de Villahermosa and home to a vast collection of

paintings, sculptures, carvings and tapestries by artists such as Renoir, Durer and Van Eyck.

www.museothyssen.org / Telephone: 91 369 0151

Reina Sofia National Art Centre Museum: The Reina Sofia museum, designed to rival London’s Tate Gallery, has a great

collection of 20th century Spanish art.

www.museoreinasofia.es / Telephone: 91 774 1000

Plaza Mayor: Dating back to 1619, the Plaza Mayor square is a must-see for any expat in Madrid. Once the scene of

knights’ tournaments and medieval rituals, there are now cafés and spontaneous music performances here to enjoy.

Panteon de Goya: Referred to as Goya’s Sistine Chapel, the Panteon de Goya is decorated with a fresco by the artist and

is also the location of his tomb.

Telephone: 91 542 0722

Parque del Buen Retiro: Originally the private garden of Philip IV, this central park is now a wonderful spot to enjoy the

fountains, lakes and play areas, or relax at one of the many outdoor cafés.

Corral de la Moreria Flamenco: To get a true taste of Madrid expats should head to Corral de la Moreria, the world-

renown tablao flamenco (flamenco show restaurant).

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www.corraldelamoreria.com / Telephone: 91 365 8446, 365 1137

Puerta del Sol: The Puerta del Sol plaza is a pivotal Madrid attraction for expats and home to iconic landmarks such as the

Spanish clock tower that heralds the New Year, and the symbolic El Oso y El Madroño bear statue.

National Archaeological Museum of Spain: Founded in 1867, the National Archaeological Museum of Spain is a must-

see attraction for any history-loving expat in Madrid.

Telephone: 91 577 7912

Sorolla Museum: Joaquín Sorolla was a celebrated Impressionist painter and today his former home is a museum

exhibiting a fantastic collection of his work, as well as paintbrushes, furniture and other personal belongings.

Telephone: 91 310 1584

ShoppingSalamanca is referred to as “the golden mile” and is a very trendy shopping location, as is Chueca. For high-street fashions

and regional foods try El Corte Ingles, and for antiques and jewellery the Rastro market is good. Most shops are closed for

siesta and are open again from 4.30pm till late.

NightlifeSome of the most popular nightlife venues include the Viva Madrid and Los Gabrieles bars, as well as traditional tavernas

in Los Austrias. Lope de Vega theatre has some great shows, and expats can see flamenco performances at Casa Patas.

The Room, Joy Eslava Disco and Lavapiés are some of the popular Madrid nightclubs.

Kids in MadridThe Palacio Real palace has a great collection of treasures for kids to discover, and the Santiago Bernabéu stadium — home

to the Real Madrid football team — is also a favourite attraction. A wonderful adventure for children in Madrid is a trip on

the Teleférico cable car from Paseo del Pintor Rosales to the Casa de Campo.

At the Safari Park you will find giraffes, camels, zebra and rhinos. Another popular place is the Madrid Zoo and Aquarium.

Kids will also love the Parque de Atracciones amusement park with its rides and Virtual Cinema. The Cine Aventura Agüí is

a fun play centre complete with ball pools, slides and trampolines.

RestaurantsMadrileño cuisine has been strongly influenced by the many foreigners that have settled in this cosmopolitan city over the

years. You will find local dishes range from pig’s ears and sweetbread to more familiar tasting Cocido (beef, pork, chicken

and vegetable stew). And of course, loads of tapas. Plaza Mayor and Sol are some of the more established restaurant

areas. Expats should be aware that lunch and dinner are eaten much later than in other countries.

Annual eventsMadrid Carnaval: A traditional medieval event held in February each year, the Madrid Carnival features parades, fancy

dress and a concert in the Plaza Mayor. It’s a wonderful showcase of Madrid culture.

International Gourmet Fair: Foodies living in Madrid will love the International Gourmet Fair, held in March annually to

celebrate the heritage of Spain’s fine food and wine.

Festimad: Festimad is a rock music event in Madrid held over two days in April each year, showcasing both well-known and

new rock bands.

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Education and schoolsMost local students attend free public school in Madrid. This can be a good option for young expat children learning to

adjust to life in Spain, but difficult for older students as classes are in Spanish. Another option is private Catholic schooling

which is subsidised by the government. Tuition is much less expensive than European private schools. However, subsidised

schools teach Spanish curricula in the Spanish language and can be similarly difficult for newly arrived expat children.

Only independent and international schools teach in English and both are more expensive in Madrid than in other cities

in Spain. Some independent schools in Spain refer to themselves as international schools although they teach Spanish

curricula in a foreign language.

Many expat children attend international schools, although you will often have to be on a waiting list. Therefore, expat

families are encouraged to enlist their children well before the school year begins.

Useful linksSchools:

• List of international schools in Madrid: www.mumabroad.com

• British international school: www.internationalschoolofmadrid.com

• The American school of Madrid: www.asmadrid.org/guests/index.htm

This content is provided by www.expatarrivals.com, copyright © 2011 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this expat guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they’re relying with the relevant authorities.Neither Globe Media nor Bupa International can be held liable for any errors or omissions, or any loss, damage, illness and/or injury that may occur as a result of this information.Bupa International is not responsible for the content of external websites.

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