Barcelona, Spain Report of what it's like to live there - 07/14/08
Personal Experiences from Barcelona, Spain
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Vienna and Rio de Janeiro.
2. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
I am a U.S. Diplomat.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Well connected to major European cities. Direct flights to some North and Latin American destinations (around 10 hours).
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Extremely expensive for what you get. Housing is the most pressing problem in Spain now and specially in Catalonia.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
A bit lower than in some other European countries but not cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Most American fast food chains are available. Food is really good. There are many trendy (and expensive!) restaurants in the city.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Expensive (12-13 euros an hour).
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
ATM's are ubiquitous.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
A lot. Catalan people speak only Catalan among themselves. Spanish is spoken by everyone. Theaters show American movies dubbed into Castilian Spanish (this is some of a shock if you have been before to other Spanish speaking countries). There is a large English speaking community though.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Not everything has been adapted. Department buildings (in the Eixample for example) do not have elevators, for example.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
They're safe but you should be cautious using the subway downtown. Lots (and I mean LOTS) of pickpockets and bag snatchers. Everyone has been robbed here at least once, even the locals!
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Don't bring a car. You won't really need it if you stay most of the time in the city. Bus service, urban trains and subway are ok.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
Pre-paid phone cards you can buy at every newspaper stand.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Lots of foreign companies. Get a salary in Euros and you'll be OK.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Mostly formal but in summer people tend to dress accordingly since the heat and humidity sometimes can be unbeareable.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Pickpockets are everywhere, particularly downtown and in heavy touristic areas. Crime has increased also in the most recent years but it is not as bad as in other cities this size.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Excellent health care.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Annoyingly hot and humid in summer. OK the rest of the year.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Many Europeans expats. Barcelona has become sort of a
2. Morale among expats:
It depends on your expectations. If you come to party and have a good time, this is the place to be. If you come to live a decent life on a moderate income, you may face trouble. Catalans are not the most friendly people in the world either and it takes time to get to know them.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
This is party central.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
If you can afford it, it's OK for everyone.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes. Barcelona is the gay capital of the Mediterranean.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Not really, unless you are Latin American. Some Spaniards tend to look down at them.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Some decent beaches nearby, skiing in winter not far from Barcelona or you can go hiking to the mountains. Everything is costly, though.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
9. Can you save money?
No, if your salary is in U.S. dollars.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, if it is for work. I would come back to retire on a good monthly budget.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Expectations of quick, perfect and friendly customer service. Everything here is slow. There is a daily three-hour siesta time. The city is closed on Sunday.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience.
