from SA to Spain

scala · #1 (**permalink**) 7th April 2008, 06:21 PM

Hi All
My husband and I would like to move to Spain. We have 2 children (2 years-girl and 6 months- boy) My husband is portuguese but has lived all his life in South Africa and I am South African. We have been reading lots of books about moving to Spain (Spainsh Law, Starting and running a business etc...) and have started learning some Spainsh from CDs. We really need the opinions of people living in Spain: which are good areas to live in? how difficult is it to intergrate into a community? what is the cost of living?
I would really appreciate hearing about your experiences and any advice that you might have. Looking forward to hearing from you.

kaz101 · #2 (**permalink**) 7th April 2008, 09:27 PM

Hi Scala,

Welcome to the forum.

I've moved your post to the Spanish country forum where you'll get more replies.

Regards,
Karen

scala · #3 (**permalink**) 8th April 2008, 05:11 AM

Thanks Kaz... still figuring out how the forum works.

Zimtony · #4 (**permalink**) 28th June 2008, 09:02 AM

Howzit Scala,

I am a South African and have been living in Spain for 7 years now, having moved from Cape Town. Spain is a most wonderful, accommodating and friendly country in which to live. I have 2 kids (15 and 11) who were a bit overawed when we first moved, but they are now growing up in a safe environment and are having a childhood like I did when growing up in Africa - outdoors, fun, healthy and most importantly to us from SA - SAFE!!

Don't get me wrong, life in Spain is not easy and you have to be prepared to put in the effort to integrate, learn as much of the language as possible and find gainful employment.

If you want to email me with any questions, please feel free. Where are you living in SA?
Cheers
Tony

rjnpenang · #5 (**permalink**) 28th June 2008, 11:02 AM

Sorry, but I dont want to appear to be rude but if your husband is Portuguese why not move to Portugal, (does he speak Portuguese?). Spain is just entering its worse recession since the early 90s, maybe even more severe, there will be thousands more on the dole queue this coming winter. already people are being laid off & business´s closing.
I don´t know the situation in Portugal, try reading the Portuguese papers on the internet, anyway, good luck. Regards Rob.