Thread: We hope to move in 09

Well we are looking to move around July of next yr. Looking at going to Valencia.
I am a UK citizen I am in a Civil Partnership with an American. She has UK residency visa. We were going to go to California but kids are growing up and moving out so is to far to come and visit. From what I have seen on the net she can apply for visa's while in Spain or is it better to do it from this side b4 we go?? We both work on the internet, so we are lucky in the respect our jobs come with us where ever we decide to go, as long as we get good internet service, which is my next question, who is about the best??
We are going to rent for first yr or so, and are taking our cats LOL..do they have to be micro chipped? I read dogs do, They have their regular jabs, they are house cats and dont get let out, other than their run.
Any information is much appreciated, I have found already lots on here that helped.
Last thing we have limited knowledge of Spanish, want to learn a lot more b4 the move, any1 know a good tape and book to learn the language?
Thankyou in advace for any help.

Hi Pringle,

I can't answer your questions about residency for your partner, but on the subject of cats, most places in Spain seem to require that both cats and dogs be microchipped, and the fine for not doing this can be high. Recently a lady in Ronda was fined 5,000€ for not microchipping her two cats.

There are of course exceptions to microchipping which sometimes depend on the law, and other times on looking the other way, but if you plan to settle in a big city and sign up at one of the vet surgeries you're going to get asked about it.

Hi Pringle

As elbandelero said, its best to get the cats microchipped ;-))

The internet connection at our place is not great (Costa Cálida), its still very primative (microwave). Things are improving.....and we are ever hopeful of getting a fixed line with broadband.......but still you may well find the level of service from the Telecoms industry in spain is not what you are used to in the UK......also its more expensive. We pay Euros 39 for a 1mb connection.

You should check out the Telefonica thread on this site for more comments and feedback Telecommunications: Over 1 million complaints in 10 years (there are also several other related threads under current affairs ;-))

BTW There is a great free language site called Babbel which advertises on this site ;-))

Hi Pringle,

Depending on where you move to in Spain you have better or worse chances at a decent internet connection.

In the big cities like Madrid or Barcelona you can easily get cable from a company like ONO. Although it's a bit more expensive than Telefonica it is well worth it!

Thankyou for all your help and advise sofar. We will off course be goin over a few months b4 the move on regular intervals to find a home etc. We are moving to Valencia, so hopefully internet is good there. Cats will be micro chipped b4 we go.