British expat in Spain shares ‘FRONG’ that everyone makes before they move

A British expat that has lived Spain For 38 years a common ‘mistake’ revealed that people made before they moved – while he shares his top tips for those who hope to step in his footsteps.

Daniel Efford, who is located in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol, regularly shares his love for the sunny weather of the region, beautiful mountainous landscapes and local cuisine on social media.

In a recent video Posted on his Tap Page, @Danielefford23, the Operations Manager gave his insights about what he could really expect when moving to Spain.

Although he described the general daily life in Spain as ‘brilliant’, he admitted that the move is ‘not easy’.

He said: ‘I think one of the biggest stumbling blocks that people have is that when they come to Spain, they come as holidaymakers.

‘They don’t really take into account what happens behind the scenes. They come for a week, see the way of life and going “I could do that!” It’s just a mistake. ‘

Efford spending a few ‘words’, urged potential expats to mix and talk to the locals before they move to get a real sense of the Spanish tradition.

He said: ‘Do a little homework, talk to the locals. I’m not talking about the British in your favorite bar … Talk to local Spanish people who speak English or with whom you have been able to build a bond.

Daniel Efford, who is located in La Cala de Mijas on the Costa del Sol, revealed a ‘mistake’ that people made before they moved – while he shares his top tips for those who hope to follow in his footsteps

Although he described the general daily life in Spain as ‘brilliant’, he admitted that the move is ‘not easy’ (depicted: Estepona Beach on Costa del Sol)

“Discover them what they propose to do you where you should be … Let them help you.”

He also recommended ‘going online’ and listening to expats’ personal experiences about moving to Spain on platforms such as YouTube.

Efford added: ‘We have this problem that the tourist display takes on common sense. It tells it because we see a lifestyle that we like because we are a tourist. ‘

He concluded the video by encouraging people to consider ‘listening to as many people as possible, because there will be some scary stories’ before I add:’ I can share a few. You just have to find the right ingredients to be livable that life. ‘

In the comments, hundreds of viewers shared a similar sentiment, as one person wrote: ‘We moved to Lanzarote 2020 and did our homework. One thing is certain that you don’t want to live in tourist areas. ‘

Another said: ‘Really good advice. I have been to Italy for 35 years and it is absolutely not the dream that people have in mind.

“I love Spain and visit regularly, but I should say that our food and wine here in Italy is the best.”

A third advised: ‘The best person can do is learn the language. A large number of doors will open for you as an English speaker with Spanish! And you will make friends who will help you establish you. ‘

In the comments, hundreds of viewers shared a similar sentiment with Efford

Finally, another warned: ‘I think if you have your own house and especially nowadays an online job, you can easily adjust everywhere.

‘But if you look for a job and you don’t even know their language … of course it is difficult. It is not like a week on vacation. ‘

It comes after one Mother of two who dumped the UK to move to Spain revealed why she does not regret the decision.

Sophie Marnick, her husband Jake and two sons, Oscar, Nine and Ruben, five, packed their lives in Staffordshire to move to Cadiz earlier this month.

When Jake received a job as a specialized engineer in Spain at the end of 2023, the family decided to sell their house in the UK and move abroad.