Barcelona has everything you need for a dynamic, interesting, fun and affordable life! It offers a unique combination of the charm and vivacity of a southern European city with a touch of north-European efficiency (especially the transport system and in the workplace).

Architecture-wise, Barcelona is one of the most interesting cities in Europe: you will find fantastic art-nouveau buildings by Gaudi and his contemporaries within a kilometre of the beautiful medieval Barri Gothic quarter, and only slightly further away from the ultra-modern Villa Olympic, the neighbourhood built for the 1992 Olympics and now turned into a showcase of modern urban design. Picasso and Mirò both lived in the city and now have museums dedicated to their art.

Politics is never boring in Barcelona, it being the capital of the state of Catalonia. Many inhabitants define their identity as Catalan rather than Spanish, and more readily accept the authority of the European Union in Brussels than that of the Spanish national government in Madrid.

Other aspects of Barcelonan culture include a delicious mix of Spanish and Catalan food and wine (do not miss the tapas and cava), and the incredible nightlife. Barcelonans do not seem to need any sleep at night. People go for a late dinner at 10-11pm, and then head to any of the countless discos or bars, after which they turn up at work as normal the next morning.

A big attraction of the city is its location on the shores of the Mediterranean. You can spend your Sunday afternoons either in the lovely old port or on the newly created public beach areas, including about 6 kilometres of bicycle / rollerblading tracks (pedestrians beware!). There is also a large choice of weekend breaks: the Pyrenees mountains (skiing, hiking), the mini-state Andorra (tax-free shopping), the Costa Brava beach resorts and southern France are only a few hours drive away.

Housing
Buy or rent?
Housing is still affordable in Barcelona compared to other major European cities, especially in the Example area just outside of the medieval centre.
Rent requirements: 1 or 2 months deposit, letters from employers or pay checks if possible. If you use an agent, their commission will be 1 months rent.
Prices vary depending on the area, with the medieval Barri Gotic and the ultra-modern Villa Olympic being the most expensive.
A 60 m2 flat will cost:
Buy: €150k-200k
Rent: €600-800 per month
Information on accommodation for buying or rental can be found in the La Vanguardia newspaper on Sundays or the Anuntis magazine

Going out & Shopping
Where can I get my first baguette? Where can I go out for dinner?
Barcelona has an incredible amount of bars which serve large varieties of cheap and delicious starters, called tapas, and the local white sparkling whine, called cava. In addition, there are many international restaurants, which are not necessarily more expensive.
For example: one dinner at a average restaurant will cost you ?15. Tapas and cava will cost €6-8

Transport
How is public transport? Is it worth taking a car?
The public transport system is extremely efficient (Barcelona has been voted the best public transport city of Europe) and very cheap. Trams, busses and metro run from 6am to midnight, after which there are night busses and taxis, the latter in large supply and cheap too.
Parking space for cars is easy to find all over the city due to the numerous private car parks, but not cheap (24 hrs may cost up to €18).
A bus/metro card (good for 10 single rides inside the city centre area) costs €5.60. A day-pass costs €4.20. A monthly card costs €36.30. A litre of petrol costs around €0.80 (cheapest in Europe)!

Work Mentality
What can I expect on my first day at work?
Catalans combine certain traits of the southern European laid-back attitude with northern European efficiency. Meetings may actually start on time.
Working hours: 9.30 -14.00 and 16.00 - 19.00. The Siesta is used to go out for lunch and to rest.

Schools
What kinds of schools are available for my children?
Children are obliged to go to school between the ages of 6 and 16. Both public and private schools are free.
For an index of English speaking schools

Banks
What do I need to open a bank account?
You need to bring:
- Identification, i.e. passport or residence card
- Proof of address (rental contract, telephone bill)
- Money to deposit
Banks are open from 9 to 14 Mondays to Fridays and 9 - 12 on Saturdays.

Health
How do I get a health insurance?
European citizens need to obtain the E111 certificate, which allows them to benefit of free health services for urgent cases in any country within the European Union.
All Barcelona residents are entitled to free national health service.

Registration
EU/EEA citizens who are planning to stay less then 3 months do not have to register.
For longer stays, you need to apply for a residence permit and health card.
Step 1: NIE (foreign identification number, i.e. your fiscal number): apply at the Comisaría de Policía or Oficina de Extranjeros in the area where you live. It takes a few weeks. Expect long queues.
Step 2: Residence card (Tarjeta de Residencia): apply at the Comisaría de Policía or Oficina de Extranjeros in the area where you live. It takes 1-2 months. Expect long queues.
Step 3: National Health Card (Tarjeta de Sanidad Publica): apply at your local public health centre
For more information

WaluEurope
6 August 2002