My introduction just before I move from Ireland

Welcome to the site and to Spain. Hope it all goes well for you.

Just one point, DGT and Spain gov sites says you can only exchange a foreign licence if it is current and before you move to Spain. Maybe get your old one renewed in Ireland before coming. 

Dump Sabadell !  I recommend La Caixa Bank, which I've used for nine years, and never had any problem with transfers of any kind, of any value.  Mostly the funds arrive within one to three days. Overall they are diligent and professional with English speaking staff.   Some years back I easily exchanged a very old and very out of date pink paper UK driving licence for a Spanish one.  All that was required was in-office testing (eyes, reflexes etc and questions about psyche medications, which is standard).  If you cannot renew your Irish licence, and I do know what a palaver these things can be in Ireland, they (every area has a walk-in Licensing Office) may quite possibly accept your out of date Irish licence with an in office test, and give you a Spanish one, if not it's better to redo the full test here than in Ireland, I think.   (They have English speaking examiners and tests are speedily available by comparison with Ireland).  Car insurance is very straight forward, and cheaper than in Ireland, but shop around once you have your sights on a car.  Brokers and tax accountants of all kinds you can locate once you've arrived. Don't forget you'll need a NIE number to get anything at alldone...info on that is online, but as you have an apartment I assume you already have that covered.  I think I saw an ad. for pet carriers/transporters on this site.......

Thanks Marina,

Very helpful indeed. Yes I have NIE so that was one good thing from, dealing with The "reputable" estate agent. Will sign up for the bank this week and close Sabadell.. 

Licence should be ok, I had some medical work completed on eyes etc. and it could be an ordeal in Ireland and was told to get a new licence here as it would be easier from scratch! Might discuss with a legal/tax advisor best approach with taxes etc. 

I contacted Dominic about Phlo and he is out of action for a while, and this would be the ideal time for her weatherwise etc. Will keep looking and would prefer ferry to air fright as advised by many. 

I believe if you both travel by ferry, you can visit Phlo in his cage from time to time, which is what I´ve seen people with pets do on the Balearics ferry from Denia to Mallorca.  Brittany has pet friendly cabins, so that's a much better option.

I was also going to suggest that you travel by ferry from Rosslare with Phlo and drive from Santander to La Zenia. 

Regarding banks, we cancelled our Spanish bank last year and are now using WISE only. My husband is extremely pleased with this set up as we found banking in Spain to be pricey and a pain!!   Transfer time of funds is in seconds. 

Furniture. Please don’t rush into buying furniture.  Take your time and make sure you love what you are buying. There are some lovely bed shops all over the town now but when we bought 21 years ago, we shipped our Kingsize divan over. If you are tall and your bedroom is big enough, you may decide to buy a SUPERKING bed otherwise go for a king. 
There’s a very smart bed store at the entrance of Zenia Boulevard near Leroy Merlin. 

Almoradi, not far away make and sell suites of furniture. Buy an L shaped settee as they make the narrow sitting rooms look bigger. We bought a beautiful one in Torrevieja. Shop called IRELSTUDIO   Beautiful modern styles. Google [email protected] 

Think they stock most of what you’ll need. All very modern and very much today’s styles. 

You’ll meet SO many dog lovers when out and about so you’ll make friends quickly. 

May I wish you and Phlo all the best for your new life in the sun. 

Please ask if you need some help. 

Grannyrose 

Hi Damian

Re banks - your Irish bank can be used to pay almost all bills in Spain, simply give your utility companies your Irish IBAN. However if you need to pay income tax, then unfortunately a Spanish bank is required. CaixaBank have an online-only  offering called "Imagin" which claims to be free of charges - I opened an account recently in the hope that it will be accepted for income tax, but I don't know yet!

https://www.imagin.com/ 

Re socialising - there is a very well known bar in La Zenia called "Paddy's Point". With the help of your blond babe I suspect you'll meet people very quickly there and find some with common interests. There is also (I believe) a dog-friendly beach nearby where I expect you will make doggy friends quickly.

Cheers

Steve

Re dog transportation. Air freight is probably the easiest  and quickest if you are not going to be accompanying the dog. By sea you will need somebody to accompany the dog so it is probably best if you are with the dog  as it is a long 30hrs by direct ferry and a 9hr drive down to Orihuela Costa.  The direct Ferry will cost in the region of €600 one-way.

Try these for an air freight quote

https://airsea.ie/contact/

https://pets-on-board.ie/

Bee

Thanks so much for this. I have contacted both so fingers crossed

Hi Damian

A few useful links containing a plethora of information:

https://www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/spain/

https://www.ireland.ie/en/spain/madrid/services/new-to-spain/

https://prolink.ie/moving-to-spain-from-ireland-the-ultimate-guide/

https://wtgspain.com/blog/moving-to-spain-from-ireland

https://n26.com/en-eu/blog/freelance-in-spain

https://www.immigrationspain.es/en/become-self-employed-in-spain/