Spanish banks in Spain don't have a good reputation among Expats. Your first challenge will be to find a bank that accepts you as a new client, and if the bank gives you a chance, be prepared to resist the high pressure of buying insurance, opening multiple accounts, and adding services to your account for a chance of winning a coffee machine. Once you succeed in opening an account, you can still expect turbulence along the way, such as exorbitant bank fees, frozen accounts, pending income source verification, etc... I've been a local bank customer in Spain for over 25 years. Every two years, I still need an in-person meeting with my banker to show my ID and tax return and answer many questions about my professional activity. If you prefer avoiding talking to a banker and are okay with only online banking, Revolut, Wise, and N26 are for you. They Offer low or no-fee services and present a significantly user-friendly choice, accommodating most of your financial needs in Spain. So why open an account with a traditional bank? Simply because those online financial entities don't give you access to
While online banks offer an attractive alternative, a local Spanish bank account is advantageous for specific services and financial obligations, ensuring a comprehensive and convenient financial experience in Spain.
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Spanish families love Christmas traditions, making it one of the most important and fun celebrations in the calendar. From festive markets to the renowned El Gordo lottery through to the Dia de los Reyes festivities, this is a time when family and friends come together to enjoy the traditions that have been enjoyed by many generations. 7 tips for a great Christmas wherever you are in Spain
2- The Christmas markets, or "mercadillo navideño," are festive open-air marketplaces, which typically take place from early December to January. These enchanting Christmas markets can be found in many city plazas all over Spain, and are lined with decorated stalls offering delicious seasonal treats, hand painted ornaments and traditional handmade crafts.
4-El Gordo, meaning "The Fat One," is Spain's famous Christmas Lottery. Broadcast live on national television for hours by children singing the lucky numbers on December 22nd, it's one of the world's largest and oldest lotteries. Weeks before the draw, people line up to eagerly purchase tickets, often sharing the cost and forming lottery syndicates with family and friends. The excitement builds as winning numbers are announced via singing children as everyone hopes to be part of the massive prize pool, worth over 2 billion euros!! 5-The tradition of eating 12 grapes on the 31st of December, known as "Las Doce Uvas de la Suerte" (The Twelve Grapes of Luck), is a popular and widespread custom in Spain. It is a New Year's Eve tradition where people eat one grape for each stroke of the clock at midnight. The goal is to consume all twelve grapes before the final stroke, symbolizing good luck for each month of the upcoming year. 6- Los Reyes On the eve of January 5th every year, Spanish towns and cities make way for the colorful parades of the Dia de los Reyes, or the Kings’ Day – a celebration of the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem after Jesus’ birth. Floats carrying these figures – or real-life versions of the wise men – make their way down major streets of each city. As they pass, they throw out handfuls of sweets that rain down on the crowds gathered to catch a glimpse of this fun festival. The sweets are supposedly just for kids, for whom this annual holiday is very popular. Still, strangely, you’ll see plenty of grannies with upturned umbrellas trying to catch as many as possible. After this celebration, children put their shoes under the Christmas tree so Melchor, Gaspar, and Baltasar can leave gifts for them. Since the three kings travel such a long distance and have a lot of work to do during the 5th and 6th of January, families traditionally leave water, turrón (a typical Christmas nougat), and milk out for the three kings and their camels to eat and drink. January 6th is the day Spanish families exchange gifts instead of receiving gifts from Santa on Christmas morning. 7- The delicious Roscón de Reyes, known as the Kings' cake, is also eaten on this day. It is sweet bread in the shape of a large donut. With a sweet cream inside and candied fruit adorning the top, giving off an appearance of a jeweled crown. Inside it hides two surprises, a bean and a figurine. Tradition says that whoever finds the figure will be crowned king, while whoever gets the bean will pay for the roscón. In Spain, Christmas is a celebration for all to enjoy, no matter your background, it's a season meant for togetherness with family, friends and loved ones. So what are you waiting for, grab your coat and a scarf and go out to enjoy the festivities in your neighborhood!
Feliz Navidad! Preparing the Girls for the Big Move: The decision to uproot our lives and relocate to Spain was not made overnight. We took the time to explain the move to our daughters well in advance. The goal was to normalize the idea, allowing the girls to process and discuss any concerns or questions they might have had. Looking back, we both reflect that it was challenging for the girls to grasp the full scope of the adventure awaiting them.
Language Transition: Bryn and Scout had exposure to the language through Spanish immersion classes at our US school. Still, we planned our trip to arrive in August, before the school year started, to help familiarize ourselves and the girls with our new surroundings. We enrolled the girls into a local language school, Castilla, to help them in the transition to learning in the Spanish school system and provide them with a confidence boost. Choosing the Right School: Relocating in the historic Albayzin in Granada, we were looking for a school that would offer a different experience from American education. We opted for total immersion in a local community, wanting to let the girls experience Spanish traditions and teaching methods. To be within walking distance of the family house was an essential aspect in making a final decision. We’re grateful we hired the “Your Year In Spain” team for all aspects of our move. Regarding the children, we had detailed discussions about their hopes and aspirations. YYIS identified Colegio Ave Maria as a school that met our requirements, ensuring the best educational fit. The First Day of School: The first day at school, we received a warm welcome from the counselor. We were reassured that the experience would be positive, nurturing, and, above all fun. We loved the schools’ more traditional methods, including limiting the use of iPads in class and instead focusing on a more interactive environment, which produced a positive experience for everyone. This is not to say that the school did not utilize technology. Instead, the girls had designated days to bring iPads, etc, and use them for specific research tasks. The girls eagerly anticipated their first day of school, which coincided with a festive welcome. Scout enjoyed a “Welcome to the Party” atmosphere, complete with school decorations with an air of celebrating the beginning of a new academic year. The overall experience for both girls was overwhelmingly positive. Adapting to a New Culture: A basic understanding of the language was advantageous. However, adapting to the pace at which the teachers were talking took some time for the girls as they adjusted to their new environment. The class’s interactive environment was very different to what they were used to and took a bit of getting used to, but the children took it all in their stride. Embracing Independence: We no longer rely on a car, enhancing the girls’ sense of autonomy. This liberating experience has not only allowed them to walk freely but also gain a sense of confidence and newfound independence as they explore the historic charm and allure of this picturesque Spanish neighborhood. They now embrace the freedom to wander through the neighborhood to buy pastries from the local panaderia. As parents, we have great joy seeing the girls happy and secure, fostering a strong sense of confidence in this charming town they now call home. Thriving in Spain and Transformative Changes: Our decision to enroll the girls in local soccer and basketball teams has played a pivotal role in their integration into Spanish culture. These activities have provided a physical outlet and served as a bridge, connecting them to the local community and making friends along the way. Together with their American roots and Spanish traditions, a unique and enriching experience has been created for the girls. The move to Spain has brought about transformative changes in the girls’ outlook. They now see the world through a different lens. An example is their recent trip to London, where they embraced the entire experience with a positive attitude, navigating new challenges. These experiences have undoubtedly shaped their worldview and instilled in them a resilience that will serve them well in the future. Staying Connected: Maintaining a connection with home is essential for any expatriate family. We recognized this and provided the children a phone to stay in touch with friends and family. They eagerly look forward to family visits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining connections with their life back home. Advice for Others For families contemplating a year in Spain, our advice is to resist the temptation of talking yourselves out of the unknown and get some help from experts on the ground. Once you step beyond your comfort zone, life becomes a thrilling journey; take that leap of faith with no regrets. Don’t let reasons dissuade you from embarking on this trip of a lifetime; you will undoubtedly create lasting memories. The supportive presence of Christine from “Your year in Spain” ensured we were never alone; there was always a helping hand or information when needed. We wholeheartedly endorse the experience! |
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