uSwitch.com have issued its latest quality of life survey bringing some long awaited good news for those hoping to make the move to Spain….
After examining major European nations to determine which offered its citizens the best quality of life, Spain came top of the list – “Overall, Spain fares well in most categories, with low taxation and cheaper essential goods such as petrol, energy and food. The quality of life in Spain is boosted further by higher than average life expectancy, the most hours of sunshine and a generous holiday allowance.” states uSwitch.com.
The UK and Ireland however, ranked a very poor 9th and 10th respectively, showing higher prices for fuel and other essential goods, shorter holidays, later retirement and below average government spending on health and education.
To read the full article on Spain topping the list of quality of life click here and to view property in Valencia, Spain click here.
Wednesday 30 July 2008
Monday 28 July 2008
Using Credit Cards Abroad
Credit Cards abroad – The dangers to be aware of!
Exerts from:
Patrick Collinson
The Guardian,
Saturday July 12 2008
Millions of British holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer will be mugged at the cash machine - by the banks, not robbers. Spanish banks are introducing confusing new messages on ATMs which will direct users into pressing "yes" for something called dynamic currency conversion, known as DCC, that will nearly always leave them out of pocket.
Guardian Money carried out a test in Barcelona. We used a Lloyds TSB card to withdraw cash from a Santander ATM. We took €70 out and pressed the no button. Back in the UK, the cost came out as £56.94. Then we withdrew €70 and pressed yes, knowing that as it was a Sunday, there would be no changes to the exchange rate.
This time, we were charged £57.11. We asked Lloyds TSB who took the additional money. "Santander made the additional revenue in this case. We always advise our customers not to convert their transactions into sterling. So, in this case we would advise our customer to press no," a spokesman says. "Our own analysis has shown, and as proven in this example, that using your card in this way is generally more beneficial, although we cannot guarantee this will always be the case."
So what should holidaymakers do?
· When using a chip and pin card, if the transaction is priced in sterling, ask for it to be changed into euros.
· If the assistant says they don't know how to override the DCC system, ask for the transaction to be voided.
· DCC is only one of the add-on charges at ATMs. Avoid other ATM charges by using a Nationwide Flex debit card or an Abbey Zero credit card, which have no foreign exchange fees.
Read the full article on Credit cards here
Exerts from:
Patrick Collinson
The Guardian,
Saturday July 12 2008
Millions of British holidaymakers heading to Spain this summer will be mugged at the cash machine - by the banks, not robbers. Spanish banks are introducing confusing new messages on ATMs which will direct users into pressing "yes" for something called dynamic currency conversion, known as DCC, that will nearly always leave them out of pocket.
Guardian Money carried out a test in Barcelona. We used a Lloyds TSB card to withdraw cash from a Santander ATM. We took €70 out and pressed the no button. Back in the UK, the cost came out as £56.94. Then we withdrew €70 and pressed yes, knowing that as it was a Sunday, there would be no changes to the exchange rate.
This time, we were charged £57.11. We asked Lloyds TSB who took the additional money. "Santander made the additional revenue in this case. We always advise our customers not to convert their transactions into sterling. So, in this case we would advise our customer to press no," a spokesman says. "Our own analysis has shown, and as proven in this example, that using your card in this way is generally more beneficial, although we cannot guarantee this will always be the case."
So what should holidaymakers do?
· When using a chip and pin card, if the transaction is priced in sterling, ask for it to be changed into euros.
· If the assistant says they don't know how to override the DCC system, ask for the transaction to be voided.
· DCC is only one of the add-on charges at ATMs. Avoid other ATM charges by using a Nationwide Flex debit card or an Abbey Zero credit card, which have no foreign exchange fees.
Read the full article on Credit cards here
Wednesday 9 July 2008
More Sailing in Valencia
The 10th – 13th of July 2008 marks the anniversary of the Trofeo SM La Reina, a regatta which was set up in 1988 as a tribute to the Spanish Navy, and specifically Admiral Sánchez-Barcaiztegui who worked to spread the word about the joys of sailing.
In the 10 year existence the trophy has gained strength and importance and is now one of the most important fixtures on the racing calendar.
The best crews will be coming together in the waters around Valencia for three days, giving a magnificent show for all fans of sailing. In the 2007 edition, over 140 boats from 12 countries unfurled their sails around the three racing grounds set up for the event, and also welcomed a new class to the race: GP 42.
In 2008, the organisers are expecting a good turnout once again as the world of international sailing turns its gaze to Valencia and its Royal Sailing Club.
Tuesday 8 July 2008
GP2 Series, Formula BMW, Porsche Cup and Formula 3 Spanish Championship will support Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe in Valencia
The Valencia Street Circuit will hold Formula 3 races twice, in July and in August.
Valencia (04/07/2008).- Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe will arrive to Valencia Street Circuit from 22th to 24th of August. During the weekend, the circuit will hold other races such us GP2 Series, Formula BMW, Porsche Cup and Formula 3 Spanish Championship.
GP2 Series are the first step to participate in Formula 1 races and, combined Formula BMW and Porsche Cup, are the previous competitions in the F1 events. However, Formula 3 Spanish Championship is different because it will be in a Grand Prix program for the first time.
Formula and Tourisms
GP2 Series races are synonym of spectacle. Since 2005 this academy of gift young people has let drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Timo Glock or Nelson Piquet participate in Formula 1, thanks to exhibitions which impress spectators. GP2 program includes Spanish drivers such as Javier Villa, Andy Soucek, Roldán Rodríguez and Adrián Vallés, this one from Alicante, as well as three Spanish teams: Racing Engineering, Campos Grand Prix and BCN Competition. GP2 events are divided in two races, one of them more long which will be celebrated on Saturday and the last one which will take place on Sunday, just before Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Formula BMW is a way to promote young drivers from the entire world. The last two years, BMW has chosen the Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo's Circuit in order to celebrate the world-wide finals where people could enjoy seeing the best races of BMW Formula from United States, Asia and Europe. The German driver Sebastian Vettel competed in these events. Since 1993 Porsche Cup has been racing together with Formula 1 grand prix. It is one of the most important cups in the world where drivers and teams compete with identical Porsche 911 GT3 with the same technical conditions. The 2008 program is composed by 11 races; 10 of them are celebrated with Formula 1 events.
You can read the full article and more about the European Formula 1 in Valencia and the Valencia Stree Circuit here.
The Valencia Street Circuit will hold Formula 3 races twice, in July and in August.
Valencia (04/07/2008).- Formula 1 Grand Prix of Europe will arrive to Valencia Street Circuit from 22th to 24th of August. During the weekend, the circuit will hold other races such us GP2 Series, Formula BMW, Porsche Cup and Formula 3 Spanish Championship.
GP2 Series are the first step to participate in Formula 1 races and, combined Formula BMW and Porsche Cup, are the previous competitions in the F1 events. However, Formula 3 Spanish Championship is different because it will be in a Grand Prix program for the first time.
Formula and Tourisms
GP2 Series races are synonym of spectacle. Since 2005 this academy of gift young people has let drivers such as Lewis Hamilton, Timo Glock or Nelson Piquet participate in Formula 1, thanks to exhibitions which impress spectators. GP2 program includes Spanish drivers such as Javier Villa, Andy Soucek, Roldán Rodríguez and Adrián Vallés, this one from Alicante, as well as three Spanish teams: Racing Engineering, Campos Grand Prix and BCN Competition. GP2 events are divided in two races, one of them more long which will be celebrated on Saturday and the last one which will take place on Sunday, just before Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Formula BMW is a way to promote young drivers from the entire world. The last two years, BMW has chosen the Comunitat Valenciana Ricardo Tormo's Circuit in order to celebrate the world-wide finals where people could enjoy seeing the best races of BMW Formula from United States, Asia and Europe. The German driver Sebastian Vettel competed in these events. Since 1993 Porsche Cup has been racing together with Formula 1 grand prix. It is one of the most important cups in the world where drivers and teams compete with identical Porsche 911 GT3 with the same technical conditions. The 2008 program is composed by 11 races; 10 of them are celebrated with Formula 1 events.
You can read the full article and more about the European Formula 1 in Valencia and the Valencia Stree Circuit here.
Beautiful Villa in Catadau, Valencia
I would like to show you this lovely new build villa in Catadau, having lived just next door to this I can definately recommend the neighbourhood. The views are absolutely breathtaking, the best I have seen from any of our properties, in fact it was what made me buy my house there. You can see over 12 villages to the Sea at Cullera, the mountain range never looks the same with the changing light and haze, the sun and moon rise over them too making for spectacular mornings and nights. Any excuse for a firework display here in Valencia and the position of this villa is perfect to enjoy them all from the various villages. It is set above acres of orange groves and peach orchards making it a great area for walks and nature lovers. The neighbourhood are very friendly and welcoming, when I first moved in they all came and visited offering wares from their gardens and inviting me to their houses for paella with the family. A walk with the dog always ended in returning home laiden with bags of fresh produce the neighbours insist you take with you.
The village itself is also very welcoming, very traditional and with 2 other towns very close by the fiestas last for 3 weeks of summer!
The villa is set in a 850m/2 plot and has 220m/2 built area: spacious fitted kitchen of 35m/2 with island, lounge of 40m/2 with modern log burner and fireplace, 4 bedrooms with fitted wardrobes, 2 bathrooms 1 with hydromassage shower and sauna, terrace with magnificent views, garden, PVC double glazing, Ornate Roth Iron rejas on all windows. Mains water and Electricity. You can view more photos of this new construction villa in Catadau Valencia here.
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