Moving abroad is often seen as dreams come true with the perfect mix of sunlight, new cultures, and slower paces of life. But for a foreigner who has moved to Spain, the reality is that there are some unexpected challenges that many people don't talk about when moving from the British Isles.
Alex, a content creator known on Tiktok as @Alex.Jastravel, shares insights about his life in Spain, and has a refreshing and honest view of both the high and low values of Expat's life. He acknowledges many benefits, including beautiful scenery, relaxed lifestyle and warm climate, but he speaks openly about the shortcomings that caught him off guard.
According to Alex, one of the biggest issues is the cultural approach to time and urgency. “The way Manyana thinks that things are constantly pushed to tomorrow can be very frustrating,” he said.
“Sometimes, tomorrow never comes. The management process is painfully slow.”
Customer service is another area where he is experiencing difficulties. Alex pointed out that although this is not endemic to Spain, the generally low service levels are more common in many parts of Europe, compared to what he is used to in the UK in particular.
Housing has also proven to be more complicated than expected. He described many Spanish property as lacking maintenance, oddly designed, and sometimes lacking basic comfort.
“There may be windows facing brick walls and some strange smells wafting from the street,” he said. “It's not something that many people expect.”
Perhaps the most surprising challenge is the squatting law. Alex stressed that in some parts of Spain, legal protections for squatters can make it very difficult for owners to reclaim their occupied homes.
“Homeowners pass so many checks before renting their place,” he said. “To me, that system doesn't make sense.”
And while Spain is known for its hot summers, Alex warns that the lack of proper heating in many homes can make winter uncomfortable, especially in southern regions where temperature swings can be extreme.
Finally, he pointed out the high tax burden as a drawback for foreigners making money abroad. “If possible, it's better to become a tax resident elsewhere and earn an income online,” he advised.
Despite the challenges, Alex has not amortized his life in Spain, but says that moving abroad isn't all about the Sun and Siesta. For those considering similar moves, it can be prepared for both attractiveness and chaos.
