Madrid, Spain Report of what it's like to live there - 11/28/11
Personal Experiences from Madrid, Spain
Madrid, Spain
11/28/11
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
Yes.
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?
Portland, Oregon.
3. How long have you lived here?
Three years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Federal government employee.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Live in a townhouse in Aravaca, which is very quiet. Downtown Madrid is noisy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Expensive.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
American food.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Yes. Expensive.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Spaniards are meat eaters.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
None.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
10-11 euros an hour. Many are available.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Yes.
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?
Easily accessible.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Digital plus - US$60 per month.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
I get by fine. Have a vocabulary of 200 or so words.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Unknown. Probably not.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes.
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 have a Honda CRV and it works. Don't bring a big car.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. US$50 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Expensive.
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.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
American vet in Aravaca.
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?
Probably not.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business casual.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
No.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
None.
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?
Decent.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Warm and sunny.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Through American School.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
The American Club is huge.
2. Morale among expats:
High.
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?
Good.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Yes.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Spainards don't seem to like Latin Americans/Mexicans.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Travel.
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 all of Spain and Europe.
11. Can you save money?
No way.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Definitely.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Big car, American appliances and king size bed.
3. But don't forget your:
Coat. It can get very cold at night
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Love living in Madrid, and particularly in Aravaca. I find the people to be nice and helpful.
