Madrid is an amazing city, with plenty of cultural and modern highlights. If you see yourself living here in the future, then this helpful guide will tell you everything that you need to know.
Settling into the Country
As you move to Madrid, you will probably have some paperwork to take care of. Part of this is to sort out your NIE tax number, which will allow you to work in the country. While this may not be the most glamorous of processes, it can take a bit of time so you’re better off getting things started early. You may need this to open a bank account here too.
You’ll also need to sort out a new SIM card and phone contract, so you don’t run up large bills using one from another country. Find your perfect accommodation and you’re ready to move in! There are some top notch properties for students to rent over at Collegiate AC, so do check these out if you’re in need of more information.
Don’t be Afraid to Talk
If you come from a culture in which people don’t talk to strangers much, you might start to feel a bit isolated. Generally speaking, the people of this city love to chat about the weather, food and generally pass the time with one another. Put yourself out there and before you know it, you’ll be talking to your neighbours every day.
Travel Around
There are a lot of towns and cities within easy commuting distance of Madrid. This means that you don’t have to be limited if you want to go for a quick day trip. Just research the towns and cities around you to find interesting places to explore. You may find that some of these don’t have very much to offer, but others will be right up your alley.
Think about your Cost of Living
Depending on where you live at the moment, living in Madrid could be cheaper or more expensive. You don’t want to move to this city, only to find that you can’t sustain yourself. Think about the amount of food you eat, your accommodation costs and travel too to calculate what you will regularly spend. This kind of preparation can be boring but it will save you from financial disaster later on!
Learn Conversational Phrases
Most people find Spanish to be an easy language to pick up. If you’ve not got enough time to become fully fluent, a few simple phrases will serve you well. Most people in the country don’t have a problem with speaking English to others, but it’s always good to make an effort. These phrases might be the difference between OK service in a restaurant and being treated like one of the family.
As you embark on your adventure to live in Madrid, you might feel a bit apprehensive. Just ensure that you take care of the paperwork and boring stuff, then you can focus on having fun and making friends.
