Madrid, Spain Report of what it's like to live there - 04/20/12
Personal Experiences from Madrid, Spain
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
This is our third expat experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC.
3. How long have you lived here?
18 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
People either live in city apartments or in houses in the suburbs. I think the commute for those in the suburbs is around 30 minutes. We live in a nice city apartment. It's spacious, but old and not Renovated. We had many noise issues with the neighbors upstairs. We complained and luckily it got much better, but other embassy staff haven't had as much luck with accommodating neighbors. Other people have no noise problems. It's really just the luck of the draw. Spaniards don't take their shoes off inside, so it can drive you crazy if they walk around a lot on the hardwood floors. It can sound like constant hammering above your head and make you want to cry, no joke...especially when you have a baby that needs to sleep but can't.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are more expensive, but we manage. They're not as astronomical as in other places we've lived.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Rugs. We have a big apartment with lots of hard floors and I wish we had brought big area rugs with us. We really had no way of knowing until we saw our place, though.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, TGI Fridays, and others. They are a bit more expensive than in the States.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
There are some organic and gluten-free products at some grocery stores, but special foods like that aren't as plentiful here as in the States.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Not many. Our apartment building sprays for cockroaches and we've seen a couple of them (dead), but it's not a problem. And occasionally we'll see ants.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We use the DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We have a housekeeper that comes once a week for four hours and she charges 10 Euro an hour. She has worked with embassy staff for years and knows English.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy doesn't have any workout facilities. There are local gyms but they are pretty expensive.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
We have no problems using our American debit card. Some utilities you have to pay for from a Spanish bank account, but the embassy tell you how to set that up.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Yes, all sorts of English language churches for almost all religions and denominations.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We don't watch much TV. We used a sling box, but got rid of it because it was too expensive and not reliable enough for the amount we were paying.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Basic Spanish is a must. Madrid isn't nearly as touristy as Barcelona, so it's hard to find English speakers here. Don't take it personally if they don't seem patient with you, or they don't bother to repeat or slow their speech for your benefit. In most cases, when they repeat themselves, they just say it faster!
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
I don't think it's bad. There are ramps on most sidewalk corners. It's not as accessible as U.S. cities, but it's not as bad as other European cities I've been to.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Public transport here is pretty reliable, safe, and affordable. I don't use the metro because they are difficult to manage with a stroller (all stairs, hardly any escalators), but I get by using taxis and buses.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
I wouldn't bring a huge car. I see more SUVs and larger cars here than in other European countries, so you don't need a Smart Car by any means, but I would recommend a smaller car, especially for some really cramped parking garages. Don't bring a car that you want to protect from dings and scratches or that you have to baby. Many Spaniards park by feel.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
I think our Internet is very good and reliable, but it is pricey.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
We use a pay as you go phone. I wish we had gotten a cellphone contract soon after we got here.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No, but be prepared to have all your paperwork checked and rechecked. Getting our pet here was a nightmare because of the paperwork. Every person we asked gave different requirements.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
There is an American vet that comes to your house. Many people use her because she's convenient, but it's pretty expensive.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Unemployment is sky high, so I doubt it. And if so, you would need to have impeccable Spanish skills.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
More dressed up than in the States. The older Spaniards dress up more, the younger set is more casual and trendier.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
The only thing you have to be concerned with is pickpockets. Violent crime is really no concern.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The private medical care here is great. I had a baby here and the obstetrician was incredible. I got much more personal attention during my pregnancy than I did in the States, and an ultrasound every month during my checkups. The hospital where I gave birth was great. I had serious complications and the doctors saved my life.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Good.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
It's hot and dry in the summer and moderately cold in the winters. It hardly snows and when it does, it doesn't stick to the ground.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
I have no experience with them, but I've heard good things.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
I am not sure. I don't know of any daycare centers, but know many people that hire nannies. I don't know what they cost.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Rather large and pretty spread out.
2. Morale among expats:
Generally good. Some people don't like it here compared to other places they've been, and people complain about cultural annoyances, but overall it's not a bad place to live.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
This is Spain! A country known for it's nightlife. People eat dinner at 10pm and party all night!
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I think it's a great place for singles. It's alright for families. We've had some frustrations, but overall we like it.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
There are many gays in Spain, so I don't see it being a problem.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Spaniards are pretty prejudiced, especially toward Latinos and Africans. They really don't like anyone who is different.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
We have seen quite a bit of Spain. We loved Barcelona and Seville. We also like driving down to Rota Naval Base in Southern Spain, occasionally, to stock up on necessities. It's very relaxing down there.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
If you like art, there are tons of art museums and galleries here. For families, there is a zoo and an aquarium. There are also a few nice day trips to Toledo, Segovia, and Avila, among other places.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Seeing Spain and easy travel to the rest of Europe.
11. Can you save money?
Yes, if you make it a priority. We manage it, but things are expensive here.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, I'm glad we came here. I'm glad we're only here for 3 years, though. Some people hate it, but I honestly think they would hate every place they lived...there are much worse places to live out there. Trust me, I know. Overall, I like it and think it's a great opportunity to live here.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Desire to eat at a restaurant before 8:30pm. Also, the expectation that Spanish cuisine is exceptional. The worst disappointment for me was the food. It's not bad, but most of it is bland.
3. But don't forget your:
Patience with the Spaniards. Staring at strangers is not considered rude here, so don't take it personally.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
It's Not About the Tapas: A Spanish Adventure on Two Wheels
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Try to come and enjoy the opportunity to live here. Don't let the minor annoyances ruin your time here.
