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Cost of Living
Prices vary greatly by area, with the cost of living much higher in the urban centers of Madrid and Barcelona than in the rural Spanish villages and towns.
The cost of housing in the urban centers is high relative to other costs of living. Spaniards in the larger cities pay on average 50% of their income on housing. On the other hand, a good cup of "cafe con leche" (similar to a latte) can be had in many cafes for around a €1, and the cost of fresh fruits and vegetables can be a bargain.
Electricity: For two people bills are about €30 to €45 per month; however, it depends on your usage.
Telephone: Flat-fee of about €30 per month plus the calls made. Generally land lines aren't necessary if you have a mobile/cell phone unless, of course, you need the Internet.
Food: For two people bills are about €300-400 per month. An average restaurant meal is €10-15 (generally, much cheaper at lunch), with a glass of beer or wine €1-2.
Spanish Healthcare
Spanish Hospitals: As in most countries, the larger cities have the best facilities. Follow the big white 'H' or look in the Yellow Pages website (only in Spanish) under hospitals. For non-emergency hospitalization, it is necessary to present either a social security card, evidence of private health insurance or proof of ability to pay the bills. If the insurance company does not pay the hospital directly, pay them yourself (credit cards are generally accepted) and then submit a claim to your insurance company.
The Spanish Health Care System: Spain has a public health system making health care either free or low cost for those who pay social security. However, the public health service has waiting lists for specialists and also for non-emergency surgery.
Doctors: There are a number of English-speaking doctors throughout Spain, especially in cities and resort areas. Granada is no exception. Embassies and consulates will be able to provide names of English-speaking doctors. Public health care patients are usually assigned a local general practitioner when they receive a social security card. With insurance, you will be able to select a primary care doctor from those affiliated with your plan.
Chemist Shops/Pharmacies: A farmacia in Spain is denoted by a lighted green cross prominently displayed on their building. Many drugs, including antibiotics may be obtained directly from Spanish farmacias without a prescription. Most are open from 0900 until 1330 and from 1730 until 2000, Monday to Saturday. For a 24 hour chemist, look for a green cross sign with a red cross inside; other chemists post the name and address of the nearest one that's open 24-hours.
Spanish Work and Residence Permits
EU residents don't need a work permit for Spain. However, a residence card is necessary. They are initially issued for five years.
A non-EU national who carries out an activity for money in Spain requires a work permit and a residence card. A work permit (permiso de trabajo) for a non-EU national is initially valid for one year. Following this, a five-year permit may be issued; however, it restricts the holder to a certain region, activity, employer or industry.
An EU national can enter Spain as a tourist and register with the Spanish national employment office (Instituto Nacional de Empleo/INEM) as a job-seeker (demandante de empleo). You have 90 days in which to find employment, although if you enter as a visitor you can obtain an extension after 90 days or leave Spain and re-enter for a further 90 days. When offered a job, you should obtain an employment contract (contrato de trabajo), which is necessary when applying for your residence card.
Bringing Pets to Spain
Your pet must have an International Vaccination Health Certificate or Pet Passport showing they can be imported into Spain without quarantine. This will show they are inoculated and free from the diseases listed by Spanish authorities. The health certificate must be issued no more than 15 days prior to bringing your pet into the country.
The International Health certificate must include:
- That your pet shows no signs of disease and has been examined before leaving the country;
- The identification and origin of your pet;
- That your pet has been vaccinated against rabies.
Animals must be accompanied by either the owners or a representative and must have written certification that the animal has been under the owners' supervision for at least 3 months before entering Spain.
If you are flying to Spain, you should check with your air carrier before planning when and how to transport your pet. Some carriers will not transport pets in the luggage compartment during the summer due to the risk of harm to the pet.
If you are flying to Madrid, Dr. Elizabeth Nave, an American trained, English and Spanish speaking veterinarian, can handle the Spanish end of the transaction for a fee. Click here for her website.
Nightlife
All Spanish cities have a vibrant nightlife which usually involves social gatherings, food, music, lots of people talking and staying up late; Granada is no exception. When people first arrive in Spain they naturally enjoy their newfound freedom and stay out late (and then try to get to class the next day!). We suggest moderation while on the intensive course or you may get burned-out. Plan to come early or stay longer after the course and really enjoy the culture and environment.
There are two main zones full of restaurants, coffee shops and bars. Pedro Alarc?n attracts generally younger college students, ages 18-25 and the area around Plaza Nueva maybe a bit older. Candela at Calle Santa Escolastica 9, is popular with thirty-something's. If in doubt, check out the posters in the Tel?n or the Pata Palo just off the Gran Via. Otherwise, just ask - Granadienos are friendly. For great jazz and flamenco with no cover charges, try the Eshavira in the Calle Elvira.
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