Moving to Barcelona

"Before moving to Barcelona, expats should familiarize themselves with the local language, Catalan. Although Spanish is widely spoken, Catalan is the official language of the region and is used in many everyday situations. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Barcelona, which is higher than in many other parts of Spain. Additionally, expats should research the city's public transportation system, which is an efficient and affordable way to get around. Finally, expats should be aware of the cultural norms in Barcelona, which are quite different from those in other parts of the world," said one expat in Barcelona.

"If they are coming from a prosperous Western European city or the States, I would say they should expect a much lower level of quality in customer services and professionalism in the working environment. Barcelona is great if you can party and sunbathe all the time and not worry about work and earning a good salary. Choosing a neighbourhood depends on the kind of lifestyle you want to live - Barcelona is one of the most densly populated cities in Europe so negative side is noise, pollution and small living spaces. Plus side is you can walk everywhere and always plenty of places to go out and eat and shop. Suburbs are quieter but more expensive, the wealthier Catalans choose to live in the hills looking down on the city (and the smog)," said one expat who made the move to Barcelona.

"Came over to look at properties to buy and having visited Barcelona all my life (my father is Spanish) pretty much knew where to look. Made up our minds after seeing 5 flats. We bought it through a wellknown local estate agency - too much red tape to try and do it privately, although many Spanish natives buy direct from sellers to cut out some of the (high) costs associated with buying property over here," said one expat in Barcelona.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Barcelona is to use online rental websites such as Idealista, Fotocasa, and Habitaclia. These websites allow you to search for rental properties in Barcelona by location, price, and other criteria. Additionally, you can contact local real estate agents who specialize in renting properties in Barcelona. They can provide you with more information about the rental market and help you find a place that meets your needs. Finally, you can also look for rental postings on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter," said one expat who made the move to Barcelona.

"Expat homes and apartments in Barcelona tend to be modern and stylish, with plenty of natural light and open spaces. Many apartments have balconies or terraces, offering stunning views of the city. Expats can also find homes with amenities such as air conditioning, high-speed internet, and modern appliances. Barcelona is known for its vibrant culture and art, so many expat homes and apartments feature unique and interesting decor," explained one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"We live in a flat on the top floor of a 160 year old block in a working class neighbourhood in the centre of the city (equivalent to Soho in London). It doesn't have a lift but we didn't want to have noise above us as well as below - Barcelona is the noisiest city in Europe (fact). Don't know about other expats as hardly know any - difficult to get to know people in this city," said one expat in Barcelona.

"To buy a similar property in London would be around double and rates in the UK are very high. However, the costs involved in buying a property here is very expensive compared to UK, for example, an estate agent here takes 10% commission compared to 1.5% in UK. Stamp duty here is 7%, in UK it is only payable on properties over a certain level and even then is only around 2%. Capital Gains Tax is also payable on selling property here, even if this is your only residence, unlike UK. Therefore buying and selling property in Spain is not a fast way to make money, unlike in UK. Otherwise, most other things here are cheaper, like utitilites (except telephone which is very expensive). Barcelona has become very fashionable in last few years and prices have risen dramatically, and cost of living is way out of balance with average salaries which are 50% - 75% lower than London," explained one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"The average cost of housing in Barcelona is generally quite high. Prices for apartments and houses in the city center can range from €1,500 to €3,000 per month, while prices for properties in the suburbs can range from €800 to €1,500 per month. Additionally, the cost of renting a room in a shared apartment can range from €400 to €800 per month," said one expat in Barcelona.

"Buying a home in Barcelona can be a great investment, as the city is a popular tourist destination and the real estate market is strong. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Barcelona, as well as the cost of purchasing a home, before making a decision. Renting a home in Barcelona can be a great option for those who are not ready to commit to buying a home, as it allows for more flexibility and can be more cost-effective in the short-term. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Barcelona should be based on individual needs and preferences," replied a member in Barcelona.

"The only thing I should have brought is my patience! Everything here (compared to the UK) seems to take forever, especially when it comes to business matters. There are queues everywhere and the Spanish seem to take it in their stride to stand around for hours just waiting - can be very stressful. I wish I'd left my espresso coffee maker behind as I have not used it since I arrived and always take my coffee out in a bar (Spanish style)," explained one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"When moving to Barcelona, it is important to pack clothing suitable for the Mediterranean climate. Lightweight, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen are ideal for the hot summers. For the cooler months, pack a few warmer items such as sweaters and a coat. It is also important to bring comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Additionally, it is a good idea to bring a few items to make your new home feel more like home, such as pictures, books, and other decorations. Finally, don't forget to pack any necessary documents such as your passport, visa, and other important paperwork," said one expat in Barcelona.

"It is important to be mindful of local customs when visiting Barcelona. It is considered rude to be late for social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Additionally, it is important to be respectful of the local language and to avoid speaking loudly in public. It is also important to be aware of the local laws and to avoid public displays of affection. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local culture and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people," remarked one expat who made the move to Barcelona.

"I am sure I have because Catalan is a complex language but people have been to nice to say anything to me ;~)," explained one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"Barcelona is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a rich cultural heritage, making it an attractive destination for expats. The city offers a great quality of life, with its Mediterranean climate, stunning architecture, and beautiful beaches. Barcelona is also a great place to work, with a thriving economy and plenty of job opportunities. The city is well-connected, with excellent public transport links, and is home to a diverse and welcoming international community. With its vibrant nightlife, world-class restaurants, and vibrant art and music scene, Barcelona is an ideal destination for expats looking for a new home," said one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.

"Barcelona offers a wide range of healthcare services to its citizens. The public healthcare system is provided by the Catalan Health Service (CatSalut), which is funded by the government and provides free healthcare to all residents. CatSalut operates a network of hospitals, clinics, and health centers throughout the city, offering a range of services including primary care, specialist care, emergency care, and mental health services. Private healthcare is also available in Barcelona, with a number of private hospitals and clinics offering a range of services. Private healthcare is generally more expensive than public healthcare, but may offer shorter waiting times and more personalized care. Barcelona also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as the Barcelona Institute for Global Health, which focuses on research and education in global health," wrote one expat living in Barcelona.

"Barcelona offers a wide range of medical services for both locals and visitors. The city has a number of public and private hospitals, clinics, and medical centers that provide a variety of medical services, including general practice, emergency care, and specialized treatments. Barcelona also has a number of specialized medical centers that offer treatments for specific conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and neurological disorders. Additionally, the city has a number of pharmacies that provide prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs," said one expat living in Barcelona, Spain.