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Date of LAST edit: GMT 01/08/2008 11:23

GMT  17/04/2008 13:26
"Looks like you could be getting your money back" - Spanish lawyers are starting to take up the cases of non-residents who paid too much Capital Gains Tax when they sold their property in Spain.

It seems that the law (recently changed), that insisted that non-resident property owners pay CG tax at a rate of 35%, as opposed to residents  rate of 15%, was illegal - well fancy that - who would have guessed?

It has been calculated, based on property sales records, that the government could owe each non-resident house vendor up to €8000 + interest.

Sounds like another issue that the Spanish can wriggle around with for a few years to us.

Watch this space.

GMT 21/03/2008 13:03 UK
"Don't get screwed on your UK Mobile" - Have a look at the 3 network from Hutchison Whampoa in the UK.

The 3 (three.co.uk) network have launched a pay as you go service in the UK with a number of desirable features.  

They offer a number of top-up facilities between £10 and £50 via vouchers that can be purchased at many high street stores such as Tesco, or after registration via any credit card including AMEX.

Once your account is topped up you can use this money in a variety of ways.  

You can buy straight call time, or a mixture of calls and text messages, all calls, all texts, and/or a number of additional add-ons.

In addition to calls, texts and add-ons (more later), you get automatically 30 days, or 3000 minutes, (whichever happens sooner), of Skype calls.

For those of you un-acquainted with Skype, it is a system of allowing FREE computer to computer voice calls via a reasonably fast internet connection (broadband preferably).

The difference with this? - you don't need a computer, AND, because it's via your cellular phone - it's fully mobile.

OK - what's the catch?

Well you need a "Skype enabled phone", which start at around £50.  If you need to make frequent calls abroad, (back to Spain, or children in the USA, like us - it soon starts to pay for itself)

If you spend more on your phone, you start to get additional features - Internet connection for your PC or laptop for instance.

I bought a Nokia 6120, which as well as offering Skype facilities, allows a broadband connection to the internet (up to 2.8 mbits/sec in most parts of the UK by June 2008, and up to 750 kbits/sec before then, for my laptop).

Even at the slower speeds, it's still much, much faster than dial-up connections, and because it's mobile, it's more convenient.

The phone costs £100.  It offers lots of features available on higher quality cell phones.  It has a 2meg camera with built-in flash, video camera, bluetooth and USB connections as well as a number of 'office type' functions. 

Purchase a £10 credit voucher and as well as 30 days Skype calls you can purchase a very useful add-on.

Mobile broadband - £10 gives you up to 1 Gigabyte (about 3 hours browsing a day, plus your emails). 

If you spend £15 you get 3GB, which is probably more than adequate for all but the most ardent Internet TV watcher or games player!

You can connect your computer via bluetooth if your PC is thus enabled (or you have an adapter), or via the provided USB cable, and a free USB port.

It all works under Windows, including the latest Vista. (I believe an Apple version is also available, but check before you buy)

All in all ten quid a month for a pay as you go no-contract broadband connection for anyone spending short to medium periods of time in the UK is a definite plus, never mind the included 3000 Skype minutes.

Vodaphone offer a similar service in Spain.

It is via a USB modem at around £100, (which is an option available from 3).  

Unlike 3, it is not available as pay as you go, but requires signing up to an 18 month contract at around 37 euros a month!

Finally, if you travel to Italy, Austria, Hong Kong or Australia with your 3 system - you can use your top up credits in exactly the same way - with no further roaming charges.

Roaming? - Call costs are in-line with most other Pay as you go providers, BUT watch out for internet connecting which is £3 a megabyte if you use it OUTSIDE of the UK, or the areas mentioned above.

That being said, if you are like us, and spend a number of months in Spain, and in the UK, then a look here is certainly recommended.

A good idea, whilst you are in Spain, is to have a look around for a good "Cyber cafe", (most charge around a euro an hour), or even a free Wi-Fi connection, both of which, are starting to spring up all over the place.

In Antequera, for instance, the are a number of both.

I also heard that a number of local authorities are offering free broadband connections via Wi-Fi to residents.

Don't ask me - enquire at your local town hall.

GMT 26/07/2007 18.31 SPAIN
“Illegal Hotel” - painted on Caba de Gata hotel - GREENPEACE claim work is still going on at El Algarrobico.

Greenpeace used gallons of black paint to paint letters around 10 metres high and covering most of the front of the controversial El Algarrobico hotel.

Members of the environmental group scaled the 20-floor complex, built on land inside the protected Cabo de Gata Natural Park, and painted the words “Illegal Hotel” on its frontage.

Last May, the Junta de Andalucía regional government said steps had been taken to demolish the 411-bed hotel, built on protected land.

See more here

GMT 25/07/2007 14.38 SPAIN - (top of page)
Motril man latest in child porn crackdown

A MOTRIL man arrested as part of a police crackdown on paedophilia had 300 pornographic photos on his computer, according to police.

The man, was among 66 people detained throughout Spain during Operation Penalty.

See more here

GMT 24/07/2007 10.11 SPAIN - (top of page)
Deadly

Oleander, seen in many urbanisations, along motorway central reservations, as well as lots of private gardens in Spain, is an incredibly poisonous plant, with toxic components which can be deadly to people - especially young children. Oleandrin and neriine, which affect the heart, plus, the bark contains rosagenin, which acts in a similar way to strychnine.

The entire plant, as well as the sap is toxic. Even when dried, the leaves can still be lethal. One leaf holds enough poison to kill a small child.

Animals who mistake this plant, sweet to the taste, for food, often die within days. Clippings are particularly dangerous because of this.

See more here

GMT 02/07/2007 13.31 SPAIN - (top of page)
New Planning law came into force yesterday -  will it help reduce 'urban sprawl' in Spain as well as corrupt practices?

A new law entered the statute books un-opposed in Spain yesterday.  It is designed to 'clean up' the Spanish property industry, curb wild development and banish corruption from local administration.  It will make many contentious planning decisions, such as land re-classification from rural to urban status, more transparent by forcing local councils to identify the construction companies who benefit from these changes.  (Hope they identify the corrupt officials also?)

GMT 01/07/2007 13:56 SPAIN - (top of page)
Criticism of the Spanish Administration over "corrupt practice", and land grabbing in Valencia and Murcia.

The investigative visit to Spain by two MEP's with regard to the 'shady' practices in some provinces of snatching land from owners and 'giving' it to developers, has produced a damning report from the two (one British and one Polish MEP).

This happened after the European Parliament received a 15,000 signature petition from the affected people in Spain.  Typically, Spanish MEP's, (one from Valencia), have shrugged off the report, thinking it was a leftist plot, and saying it "undermines national competences". - Really? - what about the poor dispossessed owners of ALL nationalities?

see more here

GMT 29/06/2007 12.20 SPAIN - (top of page)
Alhaurin El Grande in Malaga province is the centre of the latest scandal on Mayoral corruption.

It looks like Mayor Francisco Escobedo is being spotlighted for his dubious, but profitable (for him?), dealings with developers - so what's new?

see more here

GMT 26/06/07 14.32 SPAIN - (top of page)
Albox, in Almeria province, is the latest area in Spain with 'building irregularity' problems.

It seems that builders were allowed to build illegal properties by bribing officials in power at the time, and now owners have been told their properties will be demolished, despite the fact they bought them in good faith and even lawyers were fooled into thinking they were legal.

see more here

GMT 13/06/2007 10:30 SPAIN - (top of page)
If you use the internet via your Telefonica line you need to read this!

It appears that not ALL local calls are equal under our prime telephone provider's rules and regulations.

It has recently come to our notice that people using dial-up modems, rather than broadband or ADSL to access their e-mail and browse the internet, could be paying almost double what they need to, depending on which ISP company they use to dial into.

For instance, most but not all numbers beginning with 901 are classed as standard local calls, rather than Internet access calls, for which the charging rate is lower.

Telefonica S.A consider only numbers starting with 908 to be Internet access numbers, and they quote the cost of these to be "0.02eurocents per minute normal time*, and 0.01eurocents per minute reduced time*, and calls to 901 numbers, which are considered to be metropolitan, can cost upto double"

This would be fine if it were consistent.

However Telefonica would not be Telefonica, if this were so.  In fact, what they appear to be doing, is trying to get users to switch to their - yes you guessed - 908 number!

For instance if you use Gonuts4free on 901929200 as your dial-up internet provider, not only will you get a fast connection, but you will pay a lot less than if you use Wanadoo on 901900109, and indeed the same as Telefonicas own 908 number!

Why do Wanadoo charge more? - well as they say, there is no such thing as free lunch.  The only way these "FREE access" dial-up connections can remain in business is by stipulating how much Telefonica should charge per connection and then per minute each time their access number is called.

They then get paid the difference between Telefonica's cost to them, and the charge to you.

It would seem obvious to us that some companies are 'greedier' than others, and unfortunately, this is not evident until you get the bill, and then only if you happen to check it closely.

So if you are using dial-up and it's not via Gonuts4free.com, then we advise to to scrutinise your Telefonica bills a little more closely - you may wish to change your provider?.

To add insult to injury however, as well as not making these differences clear, Telefonica choose not to itemise Metropolitan numbers on your bill, (unless you shell out an extra 6 euros a month for the privilege). - Dubious?

And yes, you guessed it 908 numbers (and some 901 numbers), are classed as Metropolitan numbers, which makes it very difficult to analyze your bills accurately. - 
Even more Dubious?

(Plus if bills only arrive every two to three months, these excess charges can have accrued mightily before you know it!)

Fortunately, like BT in the UK, Telefonica are now having to comply with European ruling and open their systems to competition who are taking over the local wires (and in many cases replacing them with fibre optics and internet speeds up to 20mbits a sec downline).

Unfortunately these competitors (such as Jazztel), are not viable suppliers in all areas throughout Spain.

After analysis of a recent Telefonica bill, the following companies' charges, based on similar 5 to 6+ minute duration call connections made between 12 noon and 1pm on Friday 11th May, AND after 8pm on Monday 16th May were:

P.S - Wanadoo now belongs to Orange the mobile phone group, who have been coming in for flak on their ADSL offering in the UK!, AND FINALLY if you feel like complaining to Telefonica their Complaints FAX line number is 900 506 580 which is free in Spain - it's the only FAX that Telefonica own, and often seems to be permanently engaged so just keep trying!

GMT 10/06/2007 18:15 SPAIN - (top of page)

If you are moving towards retirement - read this:

Recent changes to the government "old age pension" provisions could affect you.  For instance if you are below retirement age and still paying contributions, you may be over paying.  The qualifying period has been reduced.  You may find out that you are even due a refund!

Also, if you are parent who had time off work to bring up your children, you could be eligible for a reduction in the number of qualifying years, for this.

And finally, - did you know that if you defer taking your pension for a year or two, the Government will pay you 10% interest for each year on your deferred pension?

Check it all out here.  Whilst on this site complete form CA3638 and get estimates of the above and also a pension estimate based on your contributions to date!

GMT 19/05/2007 16:15 SPAIN - (top of page)

If you want ADSL Broadband in Spain - read this:

Jazztel are one of the many companies to offer broadband internet connection in Spain.  The difference with them is they take over the line, so you don't get bills from them and Telefonica.  Their current special is a 20mb broadband line with 24/7 access, all calls to Spanish mainland, and line rental for a good bit under €50 euros a month including IVA.

This is a similar cost to Telefonica's 1mb offering, AND, it's not a 12 month contract.  You can escape from Spain with 30 days notice.

If you don't have a telephone line installed, you will need Telefonica to install one before calling Jazztel, they will then take it over and ensure you are credited for any advance rentals charged by Telefonica. (see also Tele2)

Incidentally, speaking of my "favourite" (not) Spanish company Telefonica, it transpires that the  European Commission, slammed a 151.8 million Euro fine on Telefonica for its “very serious” and long-lasting abuse of its dominant market position. This hefty fine is surpassed only by Microsoft’s 2004 fine –  so bring it on I say.  Open up the market and watch clients of Telefonica vote with their feet!

GMT 12/05/2007 13:15 SPAIN - (top of page)

If you use your UK mobile in Spain under roaming options - read this:

Recent laws passed at the European parliament mean that from around July to August 2007, you should be able to use your UK mobile whilst 'roaming in Spain', (or the rest of Europe!), without being stung for the iniquitous charges made by many mobile companies.

These can be as high as £1.50 a minute.

The new charges will be governed by law, and will be as little as 0.15p a minute.

This will mean that many ex-pats can save themselves having to have a Spanish mobile phone contract or Pay as You Go phone costing upto 0.50 eurocents a minute.

GMT 10/05/2007 11:15 SPAIN - (top of page)

If you need a fixed line Telephone - You need to read this,(update 22/07)

DO NOT go to the Telefonica shop! or it will cost you upto €150, even if the lines and sockets are already in your property!

USE THEIR WEBSITE TO BOOK YOUR LINE! - Check this out: here

Choose Linea Individual Alta Gratis - contratar and get a line installed for free!

Yes, if you book your basic line 'on-line' and don't order their Domo2 phone you not only save a minimum €100 installation, but also the on-going rental for their Domo! - (most large Spanish supermarkets sell phones or ones from England work if you change the line cord).

You can order ADSL at the same time - though be aware they have a minimum 12 month contract and they are NOT the best value in Spain.
(see above)

If your Spanish is not brilliant, you may need someone to help you
(buy 'em a drink and still save a fortune)

You will need a passport or Tarjeta residencia number, and a contact telephone number (mobile is fine, though when the engineer contacts you he will usually speak ONLY Spanish, so you may wish to sweet talk a Spanish neighbour).

We were advised it would take upto a month - four days later the Alcatel man was knocking on our door, and 3 hours later we were on line, - ALL at no cost! (see below).

Do check your first invoice for any installation charges slipped in by Telefonica (they bunged us 12 euros for an internal socket, despite the fact we already had two in the house!).

If they try it on, simply ring 1004 and say "English" when the recorded announcement in Spanish pauses. You will be transferred to an English speaking agent, who will arrange a credit note off your next bill, (if you are lucky!).

Incidentally, speaking of my "favourite" (not) Spanish company Telefonica, it transpires that the  European Commission, slammed a 151.8 million Euro fine on Telefonica for its “very serious” and long-lasting abuse of its dominant market position. This hefty fine is surpassed only by Microsoft’s 2004 fine –  so bring it on I say.  Open up the market and watch clients of Telefonica vote with their feet!