The Word on the Street - News and Information from Spain

News and Information from Spain

International Edition - May 2018

Welcome to the May issue of 'The Word on the Street'. This is your monthly news and information from Spain provided by Ábaco Advisers. We hope to keep you in touch with the news, events and just a little bit of gossip.

Should I have an executor for my Spanish will?

Should I have an executor for my Spanish will?

It is possible to have an executor for your will in Spain. However, there are some different requirements surrounding it and it may not be the best action to take. In this article our legal department explain why you should think twice about appointing an executor:

Executors in Spain

Do you have a property to rent in Spain?

Do you have a property to rent in Spain?

If you do, then make sure that you are on the right side of the tax man and fulfil your Spanish tax obligations. If you rent your property in Spain then you must pay rental tax. There is good news though as you can claim expenses against your income. For more information about what you can claim for and what the procedure for paying this taxcan be read our article:

Renting in Spain - the tax implications

Ten steps to buying property in Spain

Ten steps to buying property in Spain

If you’ve been thinking about buying a house in Spain then this article explains what the process is in ten clear steps. From starting out and looking around for the property that’s right for you to signing the Title Deed and enjoying your new property. Read this to understand what to expect:

Ten steps to buying a house in Spain

An easier way to do your shopping

An easier way to do your shopping

If you do your weekly shopping at Mercadona then you might want to try this phone App for ordering groceries online. You can receive your groceries anytime between 7am and 10pm from Monday to Saturday but your minimum purchase must be €50. Think Spain tells us more about it:

Mercadona launches home delivery mobile phone App

It’s the season for Spanish First Communion

It’s the season for Spanish First Communion

And you probably are already aware of this if you have dined out in any Spanish restaurants recently. It’s a very important celebration and one which is accompanied by as much tradition (and expense!) as your average wedding.

This article provides advice on what to expect if you attend one:

What to expect at a first communion in Spain

Wedding etiquette

Wedding etiquette

Whilst we are on the subject of elaborate ceremonies then you might want to take a look at the Local’s ‘The ultimate guide to Spanish wedding etiquette’. They provide us with ten tips just in case you are invited to one whilst you’re in Spain:

The ultimate guide to Spanish wedding etiquette

Book your visit to Horrorland

Book your visit to Horrorland

It’s advertised as the new ‘Scream Park’ and is scheduled to openfor15 days for Hallowe’en. According to the website it’s where your nightmares will become reality but you can only be scared to death over the period 11th October until the 17th November. 

There’s a ScareZone, Haunted Houses, Escape Room and Extreme House. The website gives a taste of what to expect and you can buy your tickets from there too. The park is in Barcelona and advertises itself as the scariest in southern Europe. Try it if you dare...

http://www.horrorlandpark.com

Save money and practise your Spanish

Save money and practise your Spanish

If you want to improve your Spanish and like to grab a bargain then you should take a look at this article from Money Saver Spain. They’ve listed 10 essential Spanish phrases that might help you in that awkward ‘how much does it cost?’ conversation:

10 Essential Spanish Phrases to Help You Save

Does your espantapájaros need a make over?

Does your espantapájaros need a make over?

In case you don’t know, an espantapájaros is the Spanish word for scarecrow and in this article we hear all about Gonzales and his need for an annual makeover. Gonzales is the scarecrow responsable for his owner’s allotment in Andalucía. It’s a nice little account of rural life and creativity: 

El ‘Look’ de primavera 2018 – the annual Andalusian scarecrow style update

Civil war memorial

Civil war memorial

The Ciudad de Barcelona was a ship that never reached its Spanish destination during the civil war. It was carrying 300 International Brigadistas when it was torpedoed by a submarine and sank off the coast of Catalonia.

Now in its honour a memorial is to be built in Malgrat de Mar by a British-born sculptor. The sculpture will consist of 60 figures carved in local limestone and these will represent the brigadistas. The Project is expected to be created by the end of May next year:

UK artist carves a tribute to Spain’s civil war heroes

Spain’s number one fan?

Spain’s number one fan?

The concert pianist James Rhodes has received a huge amount of publicity over his outpouring of love for Spain. In an article published in El País in English he explains how he has discovered the true meaning of the word ‘home’ and found the well-being that had eluded him in the UK.

Amongst his enthusiastic praise there will be many comments shared by fellow foreigners and those who have made Spain their regular holiday destination. He acknowledges that there are some problems but shares his love in a way that only the most cynical can take issue with:

“I have no reason to lie when I tell you that everything is better in Spain”

Changes to ITV

Changes to ITV

Just a reminder that if you do have a car in Spain that isn’t new and requires an ITV (MOT) then the legislation surrounding these changed on 20th May. A few articles have more details about this and you should check the requirements before turning up at your ITV station:

New Itv Roadworthiness Testing Requirements Come Into Force

The N332 provide a useful article about it:

ITV Changes to Start in May

Health care in Spain

Health care in Spain

The subject of healthcare continues to be one of the most importantones for those moving out to live here. This article from Expatica provides a good summary of most aspects of the health service: 

The healthcare system in Spain

Kate Middleton loves Zara too

Kate Middleton loves Zara too

Kate Middleton’s perhaps becoming one of the more frugal members of the British royal family. At the royal wedding she apparently wore a dress she’d worn before and now she’s been seen in a Zara dress that didn’t exactly break the bank. 

Kate Middleton wears cheap and cheerful Zara dress on a day out with her children

This isn’t the first time she’s been seen wearing Zara clothes or other items from high street stores:

Kate Middleton high street outfits: The Duchess of Cambridge’s best bargain ensembles from Topshop blazer to Zara dress

What interests you?

 What interests you?

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!