MINISTER URGES BRITS TO GET THE MOST OUT OF LIVING IN SPAIN

Register on the Padrón to gain access to social services and cash savings
Take time to learn some Spanish, volunteer to help others
Tell visiting friends and family to take out travel insurance and avoid a potential headache

British residents can get even more out of living in Spain by taking a number of simple steps,  said Consular Minister Jeremy Browne MP.

Speaking at a roadshow for British citizens in Malaga, he underlined the importance of British Nationals registering on the Padrón system when they become resident in Spain, saying:

‘Registering on the Padrón gives you access to some benefits and social care, and can mean significant savings on certain community charges and inheritance tax. Unfortunately, if you don’t register, you can’t expect the Spanish authorities to provide social services or other help when you may need it in the future’, said Mr Browne.

Up to a million British citizens live in Spain for part or all of the year, and the experience is easier and more enjoyable if they can speak at least some of the language. ‘We don’t expect doctors or the police to speak Spanish in Britain, so we shouldn’t necessarily expect them to speak English here in Spain’, said Mr Browne. ‘Learning some Spanish can go a long way in making it easier to communicate.’

Many who move to Spain find they have some spare time on their hands, and volunteering is a good way of integrating further into Spanish society and helping others..  Mr Browne said: ‘Volunteers working with Age Concern, the Royal British Legion and many other organisations are making a big difference to some of the most vulnerable in the British community.  I am delighted that British Consulates are working in partnership with a range of charities to help those with health, financial and other problems.’

Malaga Consul Steve Jones led the roadshow at Alhaurin el Grande, where more than 100 British residents sought advice from consular staff and partners including the Royal British Legion, Age Concern Acción Social and the Pensions Benefits & Healthcare team. 

Residents were also urged to encourage visiting friends and family to take out travel insurance. Many fail to do so, making themselves a burden on their hosts when things go wrong. ‘Travel insurance costs about the same as a meal in a restaurant, but the bill can be far bigger when things go wrong.

Ask your visitors to take out a policy, and make sure a welcome guest doesn’t become an unwelcome one ’, said Mr Browne.

theleader.info Original source

Spanish Revolution - No words

How is the Prison in Spain??

Long time ago when I was enjoying some days of holidays along Spanish coast I read an article about the life in prison aimed to foreign people, at the begining I didn't understand but after a while reading several newspapers always found many news about foreign people arrested because fake money, drugs, robbery or assault.

Here you have some advise for those who has a friend or relative locked up in a Spanish jail.

• Each prison has its own regulations which you can find out by calling the prison directly.
• Prisoners are allowed one visit per week and you communicate as movies though glass and by phone.
• Vis a Vis, you already know what that's mean.
• For all prison visits you are obliged to walk through a scanner. (you wouldn't be the first one who goes for a visit and you stay there for a while)
• Prisoners are allowed to make five telephone calls per week, previous buying a phone card.
• Letters may be sent home, all letters are opened and checked.
• Prisoners are allowed 60€ per week, this must be deposited in to the prison bank account.
• Prisoner have to order televisions and trainers direct from the prison
• Parcels are allowed, 2 per month.

Today a weird post, isn't it??? but who knows if somebody will need in the future

New season, First case of 'English balconing'

Last Sunday a British youth (19 year old) jumped from a fourth balcony trying to reach the swimming pool. He was very drunk so he had to be taken to his apartment by the Guardia Civil after causing a disturbance in the street.

He has become the first victim of ‘balconing’ of the season on the Baleares.

Last year there were some 20 youngsters (most of them British and some German tourists), "how many youth will be in 2011?"

Please, don't do it!! Just chill out, enjoy your holidays!!! you are not an heroe you are a kamikaze