This is a guest post by Maxine Raynor, a fellow Madrid expat, who launched Money Saver Spain to help us spend less !

For most people being a savvy shopper on their home ground and in their native tongue is second nature. However, moving to another country where you no longer speak the lingo means you often rely on the major department stores for shopping and the advice of well meaning friends regarding which companies to use for phones and utilities contracts.

Last year MoneySaverSpain.com was launched in order to help expats and long-term visitors save money in Spain, with info in English updated every week on the latest offers as well as more in-depth articles which give advice on a variety of areas, such as requesting grants from local authorities, how to deal with rogue salespeople and a lot more. Also we try to find new and innovative products or services in Spain that might be of interest, such as a website for creating your own fancy dress costumes – really useful for the many fiestas in Spain.

The most popular info is normally on meal deals at major Spanish restaurant chains and fashion and beauty discounts. Most offers are short-lived and so there’s an active presence on Twitter too (@moneysaverspain). Also for those who speak some Spanish we give occasional cheeky tips on how to save a few euros (such as asking for “muestras” in perfume shops – great for when you’re travelling with hand luggage only!)

This year saw the introduction of a weekly newsletter, out every Thursday, with a round-up of consumer news in Spain and deals & offers still on. The site is still in its early days, so feedback on what you’d like to see included is appreciated, just drop us an email to contact@moneysaverspain.com.

Here are a few tips on how to save in Madrid:

-       Most hotel lobbies will have a selection of MiniCards – these are aimed at tourists but some have great discounts for restaurants, leisure activities and more. So just pop into any hotel when you’re around town and pick some up.

-       Before you visit a museum, check out the conditions for free entrance. For example, at the Prado Museum it’s free if you’re a student under 25 years old, unemployed (need proof) or you’re under 31 and have a Youth Card (see the article on the Money Saver Spain website on youth cards and how to get them). And if you don’t fall under any of these categories, Monday to Saturday from 18:00 to 20:00 and Sundays & holidays from 17:00 to 19:00 h it’s free for everyone.

-       Sign up to sites such as oportunista.com, put in your email and you’ll be informed of offers in the Madrid area. No prepayments, only discount coupons mainly for restaurants and beauty treatments.

-       And if you really want to buy something in El Corte Inglés, don’t forget to take your passport and request your 10% tourist discount – it’s available on items in plenty of departments.

How can I find this perfect apartment to buy in Madrid ?

Real estate market trends for 2012 reveal that average home prices in Madrid will fall another 20 percent, at least between 2012 and 2014, after having already dropped by an average of 20 percent since 2007.

The market being full of risk and opportunities, I recommend you follow these 5 tips – a short summary of what I would recommend to clients and friends:

1)   Beware of the market variations in Madrid, and buy now only if you plan to hold the property for more than a minimum of five years.

2)   On top of the purchase price, you will have to spend 10 to 15% in taxes, commissions and fees.

3)   Real estate agents in Madrid usually charge commission to the seller: 6 percent is the average. This is different to other parts of Spain. However, some agencies, such as Red Pisos, charge 3 percent to each party, the seller and the buyer. Just be aware that, in most cases, you will not have to pay commission, but it may occur.

4)   Negotiate with patience and preparation. All real estate professionals know that average advertised prices are 20 to 30 percent higher than the final sale price. To negotiate well in Madrid, you need to be patient, have alternatives and be prepared.

5)   Get help, you will need support, and keep in mind that real estate agents payed by the seller are not your friends. It’s recommended that expats use the services of a flathunter: a professional who can help get the best property at the best price.

If you want more advice, do check my website Moving2Madrid with the detailed version of this post, all the interactive maps to choose the best neighborhoods and more advice.

If you have a specific questions, do not hesitate to send me an e-mail – I will come back to you within 48 hours.

Yours Madridly,
+Pierre-Alban Waters

Well here it is: today, I want to present my favorite tapas place for inviting a group of friends to gather. This place has quality food and drinks, located right next to Sol and Santa Ana Square, great prices, always space to gather with a large group of friends sitting or standing, very friendly waiters.

"The tapas of the day" board ! As it states, just ask for one for any beer you order !

"Caña y Tapa"

Well, at “El Lacón”, you get “cazuelitas” (small plates) with fresh tasty dishes, such as Fish Omelette (see photo on the left), Callos (typical Madrid dish), Gazpacho (refreshing tomato soup from South of Spain)… And you can choose within the 4 fresh recipes of the day they write on the board (see photo on the right), and the asortment changes throughout the year. No fixed menu for these tapas, it’s all fresh and cooked the very same day.

And did I mention the price ? 1,35 € the “caña” beer with this quality tapa – amazing !

One unique thing they have is their meat or fish “Tablas” to share, or boards (see menu for photos and prices). If you’re hungry for more after some tapas, I really recommend sharing with another person a Fish or Meat” tabla for 21,50 € – great value for money, perfect to share and always fresh and quality products. I also love the “Chipirones a la Plancha” (squid), “Pulpo a la Gallega” (octopus) and “Morcilla de Sotopalacios” (black-pudding) (see menu). By the way, for desserts, I recommend the Chocolate Filloas (Spanish pancakes), or the “Sorbete de Limón” if you’re already full !

El Lacón – http://www.mesonellacon.com/
C/ MANUEL FERNÁNDEZ Y GONZÁLEZ, 8
28014 Madrid – 914 296 042[/box]

Do not hesitate to comment and/or send me an e-mail if you have any kind of question.

Here was my post for GuiriGuide. For complete “how-to” guides to make your move to Madrid easy, have a look at my blog Moving2Madrid.com !

Madridly yours,
+Pierre-Alban Waters – Moving2Madrid.com – Google+ – Twitter – Linkedin – Newsletter

"Los Sobrinos del Capitán Grant": a very entertaining Zarzuela

Saturday night, instead of watching the most sacred thing on television in Spain (Madrid vs Barcelona for those who live on Mars), I went to see my second zarzuela.

“Zarze….what?” might you say. No, not the fish stew which also has the same name – good try. No, this zarzuela is a traditional and popular Spanish music theatre, in between theatre and opera.

Really entertaining and funny – and so authentic. Lots of Spanish jokes, but they do put the subtitles on a screen when the actors sing. Even without understanding it all, every Spanish trait and stereotype is exagerated. This zarzuela also includes a song all guiris will find very interesting: a Spanish and a Scottish woman fight over a man, and compare how lovers demostrate passion to each other in their respective country.

All in all, I had a great night, enjoying authentic Spanish art, so I recommend to all guiris !

C/ JOVELLANOS, 4, 28014 Madrid

Do not hesitate to comment and/or send me an e-mail if you have any kind of question.

Here was my post for GuiriGuide. For complete “how-to” guides to make your move to Madrid easy, have a look at my blog Moving2Madrid.com !

Madridly yours,
+Pierre-Alban Waters – Moving2Madrid.com – Google+ – Twitter – Linkedin – Newsletter

PS: Thanks to the guys at WM Madrid de Calidad for choosing me as the winner of the free tickets. Do have a look at their sites where they give free tickets everyweek !