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Anyone lived & worked in Barcelona?
Posted: Fri Nov 05, 2010 10:51 pm
by Junkie
Hi all,
Prime opportunity to work over there for 6 months, if anyone has any practical advice (no kids coming as they've grown up and buggered off).
Areas to live (company paying so prefer house type domicile but apartment would suffice)
What did you do about UK home, garden, possessions, bills etc etc
Waddya think?
Re: Anyone lived & worked in Barcelona?
Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:38 am
by pvr
Just came back from a week's holiday there. Never been in a place with so many thieves, and yes - my wallet was stolen as well.
Security in apartments (we hired in the old town) was impressive, like walking in a bank. They do have a huge thieving problem so be prepared for living with the fact that you will be robbed at some stage (and in some areas in a violent way).
Lets put it this way, having worked in 68 countries world wide, this was the worst place for thieves I have ever been to.
Not knowing your background as to how much they are paying for it, I would get an apartment in the old town as that is the most interesting part of the city and you can walk anywhere. However, you can not have a car there so if you want a car, you will have to settle further away from the centre.
With regards to the UK side, just continue to pay your way as you do now. You are not out of the country long enough to qualify for non resident status and the associated tax break.
Re: Anyone lived & worked in Barcelona?
Posted: Sat Nov 06, 2010 12:22 pm
by 535dboy
[quote=""pvr""]Just came back from a week's holiday there. Never been in a place with so many thieves, and yes - my wallet was stolen as well.
[/quote]
Since when did Thieves like Moths and cobwebs!?!
Re: Anyone lived & worked in Barcelona?
Posted: Sun Nov 07, 2010 8:22 pm
by Junkie
[quote=""pvr""]Just came back from a week's holiday there. Never been in a place with so many thieves, and yes - my wallet was stolen as well.
Security in apartments (we hired in the old town) was impressive, like walking in a bank. They do have a huge thieving problem so be prepared for living with the fact that you will be robbed at some stage (and in some areas in a violent way).
Lets put it this way, having worked in 68 countries world wide, this was the worst place for thieves I have ever been to.
Not knowing your background as to how much they are paying for it, I would get an apartment in the old town as that is the most interesting part of the city and you can walk anywhere. However, you can not have a car there so if you want a car, you will have to settle further away from the centre.
With regards to the UK side, just continue to pay your way as you do now. You are not out of the country long enough to qualify for non resident status and the associated tax break.[/quote]
Slightly jaded view then, judging by your remarks.
Thanks for answering anyway

Re: Anyone lived & worked in Barcelona?
Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 9:11 am
by Chompers
Junkie, I'm afraid I would have to agree with all PVR Has stated above. I went to Barcelona for a long weekend back in 2003. I also had my wallet stolen, on a bus.
I have been to many European cities for long weekends & Barcelona was by far the worst, dirty, unfriendly & completely unhelpful in trying to sort out cancelling cards and getting emergency money. Will never go back there!!!