moving to madrid Archives - Guiri Guide to Madrid

The top 5 things to do when moving to Madrid

June 18, 2015 guiriguide Comments 2 comments

Moving to a new country/city is a pretty big deal, and it can be difficult to figure out what to do first in the face of a giant to do list. With this in mind, I’ve put together a list of some of the most important things to get out of the way, (abono, NIE, Spanish classes, etc), all of which will make life a little easier while you figure out the details. So, with a title in honor of High Fidelity, here are The top 5 things you should do when moving to Madrid:

1. Get your Abono (transport card)

Obtaining your metro card is, fortunately, quite easy in Madrid. There are some great detailed abono guides out there, but the easiest way is to go the office in Sol or the tobacco shop on Fuencarral (next to the metro Tribunal) with your passport. Once there, you can fill out the application form and take your picture. During this process, you will need to choose your metro zone (Madrid metro is organized by zones, radiating out from Zone A in the center): if you study or work in the center, you only need Zone A (the cheapest) but be sure to check what zone you need before you go get your abono!

Once you have this little red card, the world is your oyster and you can top up every 30 days using the machines in any metro station (just put your abono in the machine and it will tell you how much to pay). You can use it on the bus, metro and cercanias lines, and it will save you quite a lot of money. If you’re here for less than three months, it’s still worth it!

2. Make an appointment to get your NIE card

Even if you’re from a country in the EU, you need a NIE card to open a bank account and various other legal matters (or, if you’re American, for any stay longer than 3 months). It’s also the most recognizable form of ID in Spain, making it easier to use throughout the city. To get your NIE appointment, see our earlier post or ask your school/company for the details related to your nationality.

3. Sign up for Spanish classes

Now that you’ve worked out the legal details, time to get started on becoming a Madrileño! The best place to start is with Spanish classes or an intercambio with a native partner. My fellow guiris and I have tried many different Spanish academies, but the overall winner for quality vs price is AIL Madrid Spanish Language School. All their teachers are native (and super caring and enthusiastic), and I have had a great experience in all the courses I’ve taken there. They offer tons of different kinds of courses, so you’re sure to be able to find the right one to fit your schedule/ needs. In addition, the school has a great sense of community and you’re likely to make tons of new friends!

4. Register with your embassy

Most countries have Smart Traveler programs, which allow you to register with the embassy for the amount of time you’ll be in Madrid (I know the US embassy does this for sure). Visit the website of your embassy in Spain and register online (all you need is your passport number). They will send you any important updates regarding your country, as well as holding parties for national holidays etc. This is not a necessity, but can help you feel comfortable and up to date.

5. Have a glass of Spanish wine

The best way to gain confidence while practicing your new Spanish skills is to loosen up with a glass of wine! You’ve moved to a country with some of the best wine in the world, so make the most of it: hit the winding streets of this ancient city, sit on a warm terraza in the sun, and soak it all in! Your Spanish adventure has begun.

Moving to Madrid: The Ultimate Checklist

April 21, 2015 guiriguide Comments 0 Comment

Hey Guiris! I’ve decided to take a minute to get back to the very basics of Moving to Madrid: The Ultimate Checklist! This list applies to anyone and everyone, despite the duration of your stay, so read on and feel free to add additional items you seasoned guiri’s have found helpful in the comments.

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The following essentials have been discussed and hashed out among numerous guiris here in the city, so you can feel confident when you’re preparing your suitcase that you’ll be ready for any adventure that Madrid may bring you! Let’s get started:

1. Your passport!

You might be thinking, “this is obvious,” but that doesn’t make it any less important! Even if you’re from a European country, this vital ID is necessary to complete visa processes, take weekend trips to Morocco, and even to check into the occasional hostel.

2. Smart Phone (unlocked)

This is the easiest way to bridge the gap between your home country and your new life here in Madrid. With all your original contacts, photos, apps and more, your smart phone is a great tool to help you navigate your new home. Grab a new SIM card at one of the many stores in Madrid (Orange and Vodafone offer pay as you go SIM cards, and Movistar offers monthly contracts if you already own the phone), or pick one up at your Spanish or teacher training academy. I know AIL Madrid offers them at the front desk and rents smart phones as well, all you need to do is ask!

3. Some sweet shades

In a city that’s sunny 65% of the year, a good pair of sunglasses will take you far. You’ll find them perfect for days in the park, walking to class or work, or a weekend lunch on one of Madrid’s many terraces.

4. You favorite bathing suit

This item is easily purchased here, but make sure you have one either way. Madrid’s warm seasons (spring, summer, and winter) bring access to all the city’s public pools, as well as many private ones (motivation to make new Spanish friends!) In addition, the beach is less than a two hour train ride away, just waiting for you and your long weekend!

5. Light, simple layers

You can ski or hit the beach within just a few hours of Madrid, so flexibility and layering are your best friends in the varied climates of this beautiful country. A scarf to throw over your shoulders is invaluable when visiting a church or visiting the mountains, as is the ability to take it off and bask in the warm rays in the park or at the beach.

6. A secure purse/bag

I want to take a moment here to say I’ve never felt unsafe in Madrid. Be it dusk or 5am, my personal safety (as a young foreign woman) has never caused me a moment of worry or distress and I couldn’t be more grateful to have that feeling of security. That said, like any big city, the center has a few pickpockets. The easiest way to combat this is to have a purse with a zipper/magnet or, for the gents, to keep your wallet in your front pocket: yes, it’s that easy!

7. A practical pair of shoes

The first day I arrived in Madrid I was given a copy of Hidden Madrid, a book full of walking tours and historical information about the nooks and crannies of this expansive city. This book, combined with a good pair of walking shoes, has exemplified more than anything what almost everyone who visits Madrid says: “the best way to get to know the city is by foot!”

8. Converter

If you arrive in Madrid without the ability to plug in your electronics, don’t worry: just stop by a ferreteria and they’ll set you up with what you need. But it’s definitely easier to arrive with at least one converter so that you can stay charged and in touch throughout your arrival and have one less thing to think about.

9. A camera/phone

For those of you who have already lived here for a while, I’m guessing you feel the same as I do: some of my most cherished memories now belong to Madrid and I have the photographic evidence to prove it! Even if you don’t consider yourself to be a photographer, you’ll want something to start documenting your new life and adventures in Madrid.

10. A kindle (or whatever form of book you prefer)

I recommend a kindle simply for easy transportation: when you’re traveling or commuting, having a compact entertainment source with a variety of books can be hugely helpful! I joined the hundreds of readers on the metro right after my move here and have never looked back. It can also be the perfect companion for a sunny afternoon in the park or at a café, or lend a helping hand when it comes to practicing your Spanish: try reading a book you’re familiar with in your native language, but in Spanish!I started with Pride and Prejudice; the translation is simple and the vocabulary is useful in everyday life.

11. A weekend bag

Madrid is one of the best connected cities in Europe, with high speed trains reaching every desired destination within the country and cheap flights available to all the neighboring countries. Whether you want to hit the beach in Malaga, walk the streets of Avila, or take a quick weekend trip to Paris or Rome, having an overnight bag can make the decision to go that much easier (and help you avoid problems with RyanAir baggage regulations!)

12. Something to share from home

Bringing a small treat, a style of music or dance, or even new mindset to share with others is one of the best ways to make new friends and expand your new life in Madrid! Every time I visit home, I come back to Madrid with a bag full of maple candies, chocolates, and various arts and crafts to distribute among madrileños and guiris alike. What’s your country or state known for?

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My final note regarding packing is this: don’t over think it and pack light! Madrid has great shopping opportunities for all budgets, and you’ll be able to find anything you meant to bring but forgot. Whether you want to avoid baggage fees or feel like discovering what all the Spaniards are wearing before selecting your own wardrobe, going light is always the best option!

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So, get packing and come to Madrid: we’ll be waiting for you!

Armishaw’s Top 10 Tips and Facts About Moving To Spain

January 14, 2012 Jodie Comments 0 Comment

Armishaws are a leading removals companies in the UK who regularly move worldwide to most locations, including Spain, so have given their top ten tips and facts about moving to Madrid:

1) British families who move to Spain with school-age or pre-school children should register at their town hall, who will advise about schools.

2) Spanish families place high priority on giving their children a good education; consequently places at private schools are filled well in advance, and there are waiting lists.

3) Upon successfully completion of four years of secondary education they are awarded their ESO (certificate of secondary education, Educación Secundaria Obligatoria). This may take more than four years since failure to make satisfactory progress can mean repeating the year.

4) Some fiestas are location-specific, based on a local legend or a real historical event. A good example of this is San Sebastian, in the Basque country, which holds a festival each January to celebrate their liberation from French rule by Lord Wellington in 1812.

5) Many aspects of the Spanish lifestyle are extremely easy to get used to: the sunshine, the wine and the sangria, the paella, the tortilla and the tapas, and the uplifting rhythms of the bossa nova and the flamenco as the sun goes down and nightlife begins.

6) Spectacular fireworks are a popular feature at fiestas, and probably the most spectacular of all are the ones that light up the skies at the Summer Solstice, when bonfires are lit to celebrate the longest day. This tradition is especially strong in the south of Spain

7) The Spanish healthcare system works well, and it is often even possible to find English speaking medical staff. However, before moving to Spain you need to be sure that the costs of future medical treatment will be covered.

8) Spanish healthcare is not free, but individuals who are covered by the State system pay only a small contribution towards the cost, depending on their personal circumstances.

9) For those looking to embrace a traditional Spanish lifestyle, inland Spain has plenty of attractive villages where life is not seasonal, property prices are lower, and you will be able to join in local community life.

10) A common pattern is for people to move from the UK initially to their Spanish holiday home, and to relocate to a different part of Spain a few years later after exploring the country in greater depth. There is probably a richer variation in regional cultures in Spain than in any other European country. Each region has its own history and its own traditions, and regions such as Galicia, the Basque country and Catalunya still retain their own languages alongside Spanish.

Gluten Free Guiri: Living with Dietary Restrictions in Madrid

August 6, 2011 JMurphy Comments 1 comment

When moving to Madrid, or any new place for that matter, everyone has a long list of to-do’s once they arrive and a variety of concerns about their new home city. For those of us with specific dietary needs, it can be daunting not knowing what food will be available – especially when the traditional foods clash with our requirements. Coming from New York City where absolutely everything seems available within walking distance at any time of day, I wondered how Madrid would stack up and if indeed its famous hospitality would extend to accommodating people with special diets. Luckily, with very little exploration I found a variety of options with the city center.

I have been gluten free for a year now and packed my carryon with gluten-free crackers for my flight over, but I definitely didn’t have enough to last me long after my arrival. My first trip to the supermercado at Cortes Ingles brought a wave of relief … a large “Sin Gluten” (without gluten) section sat right up front. In fact, Cortes Ingles has a large variety of gluten-free, lactose-free, and health food products. The selection varies based on which store you visit, but both the shops between Callao and Sol metro stops have good sized special foods sections. The shop at Nuevos Ministerios is the largest and most diverse I have found so far. Other supermarket options for celiacs and those with gluten sensitivities are OpenCor, who have a similar but smaller selection than Cortes Ingles, and Mercadona, who have shops all over Spain.

If you’re looking for a more intimate shopping experience, Nature and Clark is a gourmet market located just south of Calle de Fernando VI on Hortaleza (on the border between Malasaña and Chueca). I wandered in recently and was surprised at the variety of dietary needs the small store covers. While the selection of gluten free products is quite small, they also sell Kosher and macrobiotic supplies.

So those should keep you covered for dining at home, but what about eating out? Spanish tapas are world-renowned and tapas restaurants are scattered all over Madrid. Figuring out what tapas dishes you can or cannot eat takes a few questions and some trial and error. If you’re gluten-free, stay away from croquettas (even the filling contains flour), empanadas and the tostas but feel free to dig into tortilla española or tortilla de patatas as it is called in some parts of the country (people have had to re-assure me over and over again that it’s just eggs and potatoes), patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), gambas (shrimp), pimientos del padrón (peppers) and of course the jamon (ham)! And if you’re craving a little taste of America, don’t fear … McDonalds has gluten free bread available for their hamburgers!

Having to skip the pan and empanadas is frustrating at times; however, I think our vegetarian friends have a tougher go of it in the land of jamon! Some suggestions for vegetarians can be found in Alison’s post Viva la Vida – Vegetarian Style.

I would love to hear any other great restaurants or shops that you have found. Feel free to share in the comments!

Kitting out su casa

July 30, 2011 JMurphy Comments 2 comments

Some purchases from A loja do gato preto

When moving to Madrid, it’s impossible to bring everything you need for your new home along with you plus it’s fun to mix things up a bit for each new place. When looking for home supplies and decorations, it’s easy to hit up one of the many Cortes Ingles mega-markets for a one-stop shopping experience; however, there are lots of great home stores scattered around Madrid. I recently found a few in the Salamanca barrio and the prices are great at the moment during the season of rebajas!

A loja do gato preto was a wonderful find during a stroll one afternoon down c/ Velázquez. They have a wide selection of home decorations and are a great choice if you like bright colours. I saw some yellow, blue and purple buddha statues, intricately painted lanterns and a wide selection of photo frames. They also have useful but good-looking tools like dishracks, spoon holders and trivets and quirky japanese geisha soap dispensers. The prices are right too … I snagged a couple of medium bowls for €2.50 and placemats for just €1.90 each (the bright buddha heads were €24.90 and I was really tempted!). I will definitely be going back to and will try my best not to buy everything in the shop!

Just around the corner on Calle de Hermosilla (just a block north of the Serrano metro stop) are some other well-known shops such as Habitat, which sells contemporary furnishings and decorations. They had a wonderful display setup downstairs with ideas for your outdoor space … I love the orange folding chairs, they would be perfect for a little Madrid terraza! Continue a bit further down the road and you will find outposts of Zara Home and Zara Home – Kids. A slightly cheaper option is Butlers who had a wide selection of games and kid-friendly decorations along with a wide selection of nautical themed decor … perfect for decorating a beach house!

It’s exciting moving into a new home and I am pleased to find such fun shops here in Madrid!

A loja do gato preto: C/ Velázquez, 24 – 28001 Madrid / 34 91 577 16 07

Habitat: C/ Hermosilla, 18 – 28001 Madrid / 911812600 OR Paseo de la Castellana 79 – 28046 Madrid / 917 705 442

Zara Home & Zara Home Kids: C/ Hermosilla, 16 – 28001 Madrid / +34 915776445 (check their website for other locations)

Butlers: Calle de Hermosilla, 13, 28001 Madrid

Guiri Guide to Madrid

Honest Advice from Expats Living in the Spanish Capital

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