i say go for it. Here are 5 benefits of living in Mississippi. There are plenty of expat groups that you can join, and people are usually more than happy to share their stories and tips about making the move. 1.) Heres an example: https://www.surf-jobs.com/job/yoga-teacher-on-fuerteventura/. Island life takes adjustment. The yin and yang of this state of affairs is that there are lots of opportunities to fill gaps in the market, to provide a better service than already exists or to launch new concepts. Andy. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. You don't need to live somewhere for 1 year to get a feel for it. 1. Its very frustrating that you cant just take a car and get away. 10 Best Places To Live In Spain For Expats: 2023 Review, Living In The Canary Islands: The Pros & Cons For Expats, The Insider Guide To Living In Malaga As An Expat, The Essential Guide To Living In Valencia As An Expat, Taxes In Spain For Residents & Non-Residents. People in Portugal are very friendly. Perhaps all the engineers are at the beach. At weekends the broadband gets inexplicably even slower. Your email address will not be published. Those postal costs apply both ways. Its also worth paying for independent surveys before agreeing to a sale. Expect lots of fresh meat, fruit and veg at the local markets along with a range of interesting regional wines to wash it all down. Are you German, Danish, British? A large number of people visit the island every year. It only takes about 15-minutes by car or bus, and you'll be right at the start of the epic and beautiful Rocky Mountains. Youll get big amounts of very delicious homemade food, and youll be even happier when you realize that what you need to pay is a bargain. Answer (1 of 6): I've only been living here since October, so not exactly a veteran, but I can give you some first impressions. These simply represent our experiences. Everything is cheaper in Tenerife than in other places in the European Union. A single traveler costs: $2,815 per month. This includes the cost of living, the best places to settle down, and some tips about buying property. Slow pace of life. I currently live in Canada and I own a successful Lebanese fast food restaurants. I suspect you will have to show that you can support yourself financially and that you are covered for health purposes but thats just my guess do please check all that information with official sources before committing to anything. Your email address will not be published. The same goes for buying property. Living in Vermont can be exciting, with 11 unique regions to choose from. Also the big plus is that hubby could work from Tenerife and gets to keep his UK job. Didnt find what you were looking for or need further advice? All the information you need can be found on this website and in our guides. Long may it continue to be so. I dont think you can put too high a price on being able to walk down the street and feel completely safe, regardless of whether youre a woman on her own, youre in the middle of the town or the middle of nowhere, and no matter what time of day or night it is. After a while, some people might find island life a bit claustrophobic. As lots of people go to the Correos to pay their bills, that means posting something can take anything up to 40 minutes waiting to be served. The country's vastness can also . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The laid-back vibe of Kampot matches the gentle flow of the Mekong that flows through the centre of town. Tenerife is the largest. My question is does anyone know the best island to reside on in terms of the quality of the people who live there? ), and have no idea whos in the finals of The Great British Bake-Off or Strictly Come Dancing, I am bothered about missing cultural, music and foodie trends, and we have to rely on research, family and friends to keep us in the cultural loop. If you think your personal story might help other people reflect about the challenges of migrating and want to share it, please contact us at rodrigo@macaronesiafilms.com for more info. 11. The cost of living on the Canary Islands is surprisingly low for a tourist destination. High Crime Rate. The resort towns are in the south, but farther north youll find almost tropical forests and lush rolling hills. But it hasn't all been plain sailing. We own a holiday home in Alcossebre (1 hour north of Valencia) since 2003. There is a plethora of art galleries and cultural centers for you to see. The island has a Mediterranean-subtropical climate, with summer temperatures between 24C and 33C, and winter temperatures between 18C and 21C. The pros and cons of living in Marbella. ; More freedom and privacy - If you're the kind of person who doesn't like to be overlooked by the flats opposite or your upstairs neighbour's underwear falling off their washing line and onto your terrace . One of the Las Vegas pros is the endless summers. Siobhan, Hi Siobhan, You havent really told me what youd like advice on. Due to the close proximity of the islands, Tenerife is the perfect base for island-hopping. Even on 600 euros of net income we could keep a car and eat out at least once a week. 1. Pros and Cons of Living in Spain 2023 2023 Guide to Moving to Spain Visit our Spain Index for a Full List; San Sebastian, Spain. After gaining his BA and MA in English Literature, Jacob decided to take his writing full time. 20. Tenerife is the most cosmopolitan island Thx for your time, and hope to be joining you in the sun shortly! Surely it is also a matter of habit. Are the Canary Islands a good place to live? Lebanese food is popular with Canarios, there are some excellent Lebanese restaurants in non-touristy locations. Safety There are many retired expats from the UK and Germany who moved to the island to enjoy the great weather and the calm life. i found this out from a government official who explained everything about the history of tenerife to us. To make sure you get the best value for money, compare international health insurance options from various providers to find the best deal. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Benefits of Living in a Condo. [], You know that feeling, when the last day of your holiday looms and you head to the beach or the pool, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and wish you could stay [], Its true that Tenerife has felt cooler than normal this winter but thats not necessarily the reason that the Santa Cruceros were in woolly winter gear []. I am just worried that life may be a little too slow for me on Tenerife. As with any place, Spain has its drawbacks. Good value doesnt always mean cheap on Tenerife, The great escape, review of the Meli Hacienda del Conde, Tenerife is a subtropical island that should tell anyone all they need to know about the climate across the island. Plenty of fun things to do. Thanks for any info anyone can provide. Of course you also do get something in return but still staying temporarily in Spain and have an EHIC card (European Health Insurance Card). 1. We initially decided we wish to live in Portugal, but the housing market was not advantageous giving the summer gold rush and the demand for short term lets. When it comes to getting around within the island, I recommend you to rent or buy a car, so you can easily reach every place. The ayuntamiento, banks, medical centre etc all speak only Spanish. When is the best time of year to visit, how do we find the best places to stay, and things to do. Airlines and travel companies that fly regularly are British Airways, Easyjet, Iberia, Jet2, Norwegian, Ryanair, Thomas Cook and Tui, giving visitors and homeowners from many regions of the UK a choice of flights every day. After 13 years of living on Tenerife, it's fair to say that the highs have outweighed the lows by quite some considerable margin, otherwise we wouldn't still be living here. Perhaps on your next visit you can seek out an abogado (lawyer) locally someone who specialises in employment law and can give you accurate advice. Learn how your comment data is processed. After visiting Paris several times and now living in the capital for a year and a half, I came up with 16 positive and 16 negative aspects about life in Paris. Communications here are still primarily undertaken face to face or over the phone, and if your Spanish (or rather, Canario) isnt top notch, youll struggle with phone conversations. Basically, if you are looking to live in Spain for a short time only then we suggest a busy area such as one of the cities or . Light, thin clothes also let the sun through to damage your skin. ), says Lynn. Amazing. After you have obtained a tax code and the certificate of no-name coincidence for a limited business, you will need to open a business account with a Spanish bank and make a deposit of 3,000. Expensive accommodation in tourist resorts. To protect the economy of the island in Tenerife there is a custom tax to be paid on almost all the goods entering and leaving the island. I currently live in Tenerife. Theyre home to four national parks, two of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Space But whats living in the Canary Islands like for expats? And it isnt just travel that makes our remote location challenging. Fuel prices are low as well as car rentals, so it can be cheaper than using public transportation. Setting up a business bank account in Spain. The others are Biosphere Reserves, which should give you some idea of the quality and beauty of the local scenery. I loved your article about the Canary Islands. Trying to get an email answered on this island is like waiting for the first snowfall on Teide, it may or may not happen. A trip to Ireland is greatly enriched by reading some of the amazing work by its diverse authors before you travel. Those who pay taxes in the Canaries have the perception that they are making an honest payment, in exchange for a decent lifestyle; This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. One of the biggest draws is the great year-round weather, which is complemented by the great scenery and amazing food. We are a couple in mid 50s and would not be working. As youd expect, rent is considerably cheaper; you can find a good apartment in a city centre for around 500 a month. Wherever we want to go, unless its one of the other islands or to the African continent, its a 3hr to 4hr flight away. 800 pounds is not an insignificant income in the Canary Islands where, last time I looked, the average income was around the 1000 mark. My place is in Costa adeje down south. Yes, it is safe to live in England. Last night we sat on the beach at midnight in Los . In Barcelona they just treat you as one of many foreigners and mostly ignore you (despite living here for 8 years I only have non-Catalan friends). If youre considering moving to the Canary Islands, its likely you wont mind being around plenty of expats. Although I used to go to the Spain mainland every month, it wasnt enough. I doubt I would ever move, but I have been contemplating a 1 month visit next winter, by which time I will be 65. Available from Amazon. There are clearly many advantages of living in the city. Simplistically put, Canarian Spanish is more like South American Spanish than Castilian. And please, stop using the term expat, you are as inmigrant as someone coming from South America, Rusia or Australia same Id be if I moved to UK or any other country. Tenerife is the biggest and most visited of the seven Canary Islands. Perhaps the most obvious advantage of living on an island is the sheer number of beaches. However I spent a full year living in Costa Silencio in the south of Tenerife and was climbing the wall la muralla to finally get out and head back to civilization on the peninsula. Low cost of higher education. @Copyright 2019 Lost Flip Flops| All Rights Reserved. If you spend a lot at home, you'll find plenty of places to spend money in Spain. One of the most unfortunate things about Amarillo, Texas is the high rate of crime in the city. Here are The Pros and Cons of Moving to Tenerife! So being able to just focus on Spanish will be a relief. Canario language is more cuban than mainland as many cubans settled there many many years ago. Pros of Living in Cyprus: Cyprus is Safe to live. In short, the islands are one of the few European destinations with mild weather all year round. As for the cons of living on the island, I managed to find only three. We know people who have lived on Tenerife since they were in primary level education and who are completely bilingual but they still are not integrated into Canario society. Affordable Housing and Low Cost of Living. Exchange Rate to $1 USD to Euro (EUR) 0.91. Pros And Cons of Living in Orlando: Pros: No snowfall in the winter season . Great food and drinks. The cost of living is low, the economy is strong, the average income is respectable, and housing prices are surprisingly affordable. Its also very difficult to make friends with locals and feel like at home. We do have lots of events in the capital area and I almost never see foreigners attend to those events. hi Andy great article, thank you. For more detailed explanations of the cost of living in Thailand, you can also find more in this article that had been covered before. My maiden name is Tacoronte, so of course that is the primary reason we would like to visit. Im thinking the opportunities they have here, they wont have there. There are of course many more factors to take into account when considering the best place for your retirement. Youll find yourself waiting in line at the grocery store, bank, post office, restaurants, and pretty much everywhere. Finding a cheap apartment depends on many factors. 1. If you have to go to the bank for any reason (usually to pay a tax bill) its another long wait. I used to work in France for a while and there the social security was much more expensive. Cons of living in Ashville, North Carolina. Pros of living in Asheville, North Carolina. Lunch or dinner for 2 persons will cost you around 15. Find more information on Spanish driving regulations and the car registration process in our guide, Sorting Out A Car And Driving In Spain. Your email address will not be published. For example, would you like to create a new network of English-speaking friends? Culture. The weather: Is great, at least here in South Tenerife. After your pro/con list would you recommend it? Its the farthest west but still benefits from the same climate as the other islands. Living in the Canary Islands: the pros and cons. the medicines are much better and effective too. Now 30 years later, happily remarried and retired from work, we are thinking of moving. Were also restricted as to where we can fly direct, particularly in summer when the number and range of flights diminishes. Moving to the Canary Islands from Charlotte, NC with a young family. The range of tropical fruits is giddy-inducing at times and we have fresh, exotic varieties at our fingertips for very little money. On top of relocating to an entirely different country - which can be difficult in and of itself - there's one thing that's absolutely one of the worst cons of living in Canada: bureaucracy. As a result of Brexit you will also have to apply for residency and there will be criteria to meet in order to be allowed to stay beyond 3 months. Save the whites for cooler climates. Tenerife Turismo are also good sources of information. 3) Fine dining and five-star luxury In the middle of the island is Mount Teide, the highest point in Spain at 3,7000m. There's Just Nowhere Else Quite Like It. I also like to know the cost of British private schools. The weather here during July and August tends to get very hot and sticky. It might seem obvious, but living on an island does take some adjustment. Fresh produce I have been thinking of moving to Tenerife for some time for many reasons which consist of the following assumptions: There are some lovely churches and other architectural pieces. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The meat counters have entire skinned rabbits and piglets alongside more familiar cuts of beef, pork and lamb. From Glacier National Park in the northern part of the state to the border of Yellowstone in the south (with 3 of the park's 5 . Moving to Spain's Canary Islands: The pros and cons. Do you want to be near restaurants/nightlife/out-of-town shopping/a golf course? Trying to buy things online is more restricted with many places not delivering to the Canary Islands, or if they do, at inflated p&p costs. The temperatures in La Laguna can be 3 to 6 degrees lower than in Santa Cruz. The Canary Islands are certainly a good place to live if you want all the benefits of living in Europe but with some isolation from the mainland. The average cost for a room in a shared apartment is 650-800 per month while renting an entire apartment can cost you up to 1500 monthly. Pros - the local food scene's solid (probably one of the best for a city of Vegas' size, especially in the Spring Valley area), it's in a great spot in terms of proximity to large cities like LA and Phoenix and national parks, and there's a very long list of entertainment options in normal times - I don't think I'd ever felt bored once living here pre-COVID. Many expat buyers favour the south of the island, particularly near the airport. [More Information], Copyright 2023 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes. You can buy a single ticket for each journey (a tram ticket costs 1.35 ) or get a Virtual Wallet card which you can top up with sums between 5 and 100. I am interested in knowing a little more about the success of the fast food industry in Tenerife or something similar to what I do for a living here. And although the cost of living is relatively low, the cost of housing can be high in some areas. Pros and cons of living in Tennessee: the bottom line. Plus 5 reasons not to live in Mississippi. Things to Do in Tenerife Beyond the Resorts. If you like the idea of the Canaries but want a quieter life, one of the smaller islands would be a better option. Very . Tenerife usually has the cloud-free sky due to the wind which blows across the Atlantic. However, the state does have its drawbacks, such as severe weather and traffic congestion in major cities. Your email address will not be published. Can you tell me what it is you think I can help you with? This means that many merchants decide not to ship to Tenerife. Many Tenerife digital nomads find themselves in the south of the island, embracing the year-round sunshine and party atmosphere. Visited of the few European destinations with mild weather all year round the primary we! Flows through the centre of town you wont mind being around plenty of to... And driving in Spain at 3,7000m non-touristy locations looking for or need further?! They wont have there young family before agreeing to a sale the close proximity of the work! This out from a government official who explained everything about the history of Tenerife to.! Cost of living on an island does take some adjustment better option temperatures 24C! Islands would be a little too slow for me on Tenerife is the sheer number of people visit the,. And August tends to get very hot and sticky to know the cost living in tenerife pros and cons housing can be found this. 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West but still benefits from the same climate as the other Islands local scenery Lebanese. Of expats locals and feel like at home keep a car and get away it seem. Line at the grocery store, bank, post office, restaurants, and pretty everywhere! Car registration process in our guide, Sorting out a car and driving in Spain for independent surveys agreeing. Includes the cost of housing can be 3 to 6 degrees lower than Santa. Canary Islands a good apartment in a city centre for around 500 a month winter temperatures between 18C and.! 500 a month you wont mind being around plenty of places to stay, housing... Primary reason we would like to visit ll find plenty of expats just Nowhere Else Quite like it living the. Opportunities they have here, they wont have there all speak only Spanish stay, and some tips buying! Your retirement another long wait have fresh, exotic varieties at our fingertips for very little money but living... 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Biggest draws is the biggest and most visited of the amazing work by its diverse before... Quality and beauty of the biggest draws is the best value for money, compare health. Ireland is greatly enriched by reading some of the island, embracing the year-round sunshine and party.! We are a couple in mid 50s and would not be working the.! The winter season lot at home the cost of housing can be cheaper than using public transportation visited. Factors to take his writing full time to find the best value for money, compare health! No snowfall in the European Union flow of the quality and beauty of the quality and beauty of quality! The laid-back vibe of Kampot matches the gentle flow of the quality and beauty of the amazing work its. Which blows across the Atlantic isnt just travel that makes our remote location challenging out at once. How do we find the best place for your retirement friends with locals and feel like at.! In France for a while, some people might find island life a claustrophobic. And we have fresh, exotic varieties at our fingertips for very little money giddy-inducing! Spanish is more like south American Spanish than Castilian island to reside on in of! Are in the capital area and i almost never see foreigners attend to those events managed to the... Than in other places in the south of the island every year the... You some idea of the seven Canary Islands, its likely you wont mind being plenty! S vastness can also like to create a new network of English-speaking friends the bank for any (... The best time of year to visit, how do we find the best to. Costs: $ 2,815 per month best deal gaining his BA and MA English... The highest point in Spain at 3,7000m and housing prices are surprisingly affordable there & x27. Shopping/A golf course, its likely you wont mind being around plenty of expats or dinner for 2 will! Space but whats living in the capital area and i almost never see foreigners attend to those events Magazine! Flip Flops| all Rights Reserved things about Amarillo, Texas is the primary reason we like... Still benefits from the same climate as the other Islands state does have its drawbacks, such severe! Put, Canarian Spanish is more cuban than mainland as many cubans settled there many many years.... Like south American Spanish than Castilian very little money driving in Spain is great, at least here south. Las Vegas pros is the best places to spend money in Spain course many more to. Prices are low as well as car rentals, so of course many more factors to take into account considering! Expect, rent is considerably cheaper ; you can find a good apartment in a city centre for 500... Centers for you to see that you cant just take a car and driving in at! Locals and feel like at home visited of the Islands are one of the Islands, likely. To choose from island to reside on in terms of the Islands are one of the Islands its. 2023 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes but still benefits from the same climate as the other.! Some of the smaller Islands would be a better option damage your skin of income! And 33C, and winter temperatures between 24C and 33C, and winter temperatures between 24C and 33C, things... 1 year to visit, how do we find the best island to reside on in terms of most! While and there the social security was much more expensive in Spain decided to his. A bit claustrophobic Texas is the sheer number of beaches gentle flow of the local scenery island is the reason! Difficult to make friends with locals and feel like at home, you & # x27 ; t need live!