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Tiekom | Communication & Internet services for foreigners residents in Spain

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How to call UK from Spain?

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Whether you live in Spain or are traveling to our countrie you may need to make an international phone call while you’re there. Calling across the sea to the UK is relatively straightforward as long as you know the proper international and area codes. Take into account the cost of international calling plans to choose the best calling option for your situation.

In addition to this quick guide to calling the UK, we recommend that you read this related blog previously published.

HOW TO CALL UK FROM SPAIN?

Dial 00 to route the call internationally. This exit code works for Spain and most of Europe. No matter where you are, the exit code routes your call outside of the country you are in.

A basic UK number looks like 00+XX+XX+XXXX-XXXX. The first digits, 00, are the exit code and have to be dialed whenever you wish to connect to a number outside of Spain.

WHAT IS THE DIALLING CODE FROM SPAIN TO ENGLAND?

Dial 44 to route the call to the UK. Every country has its own code, so dialing 44 always connects you to a UK number. The UK’s country code covers England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

Your calling number will look something like 00+44+XX+XXXX-XXXX.

HOW DO I CALL A UK LANDLINE?

Include the area code for a UK city if you’re calling a landline. Besides using the international codes, reaching a UK number is like dialing a friend or local business. The area code comes next and it routes the call to a specific region in the UK. The area code you need depends on which part of the UK you wish to call.

For example, the area code for London is 20, so you type in 00+44+20+XXXX-XXXX.

If you see an area code with a 0 in front of it, don’t input the 0. It’s only for domestic calls in the UK. For example, a 0141 area code for Glasgow becomes 141 when you’re abroad.

HOW DO I CALL A UK CELL PHONE?

Calling a mobile phone is the same as calling a landline except for the area code. In the UK, each mobile number gets a 4-digit code starting with 7. The code you need depends on the phone carrier. Use this number instead of a city area code

For example, a mobile number might look something like 00+40+71XX+XXX-XXX.

THE CURRENT TIME TO CALL UK FROM SPAIN

Also remind you that although it seems obvious, you should take into account the time change between Spain (Iberian Peninsula) and the UK. There is an hour difference but if you call from the Canary Islands it will be the same time.

TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON YOUR TELEPHONE CALLS

Purchase a Spanish SIM card to reduce the costs of the call. It is essential to have a suitable mobile plan for your needs, this can help you save on your calls to the UK. A mobile plan that includes minutes for international calls and that allows you to make these calls without additional costs and if you also have national calls (between Spanish phones) included and GB to connect to the internet, see your emails, WhatsApp messages, etc… it will be perfect.

To have one of these plans and avoid surprises you may want to consider switching to Tiekom, see our mobile plans here.

Why Tiekom?

1.- It is the only telecommunications company, content and other services designed to suit you, depending on your needs and in your language.

2.- Tailored attention, in your language and with a vocation to help and service our customers.

3.- We are specialists in expats and their needs and concerns.

4.- With Tiekom you will not find closed packages, so you can choose the combination you want.

5.- Finally, also mention that the registration process is easy, clear, fast, and simple.

You can find all the information about our company and our services on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you!

Spanish healthcare for expats: what do you need to know

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Spain has one of the longest life expectancies in the world, and it looks set to keep on improving. Spanish people traditionally follow the Mediterranean diet. This diet has been strongly linked to excellent health outcomes.

Spain also has one of the most effective health systems in the world. There is a public health service, and all citizens have access to free healthcare. In addition, expats who pay into social security can also use this system.

Main features of Spanish healthcare system

Spain has a high quality healthcare system, guaranteeing universal coverage for all residents. Healthcare in Spain consists of both private and public healthcare, with some hospitals (hospitales) and healthcare centres (centros de salud) offering both private (privado) and state healthcare services (asistencia sanitaria pública).

Around 90% of Spaniards use the public healthcare system, which is called the National Health System. However, it is very decentralized with service delivery organized at regional level. The system is overseen by the Spanish Ministry of Health, which develops policy and oversees the national health budget.

How Spanish healthcare works for expats?

Who can access healthcare in Spain? State healthcare is free of charge to anyone living and working in Spain. However, on some of the Spanish islands, you may have to travel to find a state healthcare provider. As the Spanish healthcare system is decentralized, you will need to check the conditions in your own area for using healthcare services.

As an expat, you can get free state healthcare if you are:

•          A resident in Spain and work in employment or self-employment and pay social security contributions

•          Living in Spain and receiving certain state benefits

•          A resident in Spain and recently divorced or separated from a partner registered with social security

•          A child resident in Spain

•          A pregnant woman who is a resident in Spain

•          Under 26 and studying in Spain

•          A state pensioner

•          Staying temporarily in Spain and have an EHIC card

Spain has bilateral agreements with some countries, that allow citizens from these countries visiting Spain, for short periods of time, to obtain free emergency medical treatment. Check with your local Spanish embassy to see if any agreements are in place between Spain and your home country. If you don’t have the right to state healthcare, you will have to organize private health cover.

Healthcare costs in Spain

Spanish health care spending accounts for around 9% of annual GDP, making Spain the 13th biggest healthcare spender out of EU/EFTA nations. Spending works out at just over €2,000 per person.

Despite this, most public healthcare in Spain remains free. Residents only need to pay a proportion of prescription charges if they are making regular public health insurance payments in Spain. They also have to pay for certain specialist medical procedures and may need additional private insurance coverage.

Social security contributions fund the Spanish state healthcare system. Each region of Spain takes individual responsibility for a health budget, which is ultimately allocated by the central government.

Many expats choose to add optional private health insurance to their budget. The benefits of this include greater choice and shorter waiting times.

In addition to this, private insurance may also give you more access to English-speaking medical professionals.

Should I get a private health insurance in Spain?

Health insurance in Spain is covered by Spanish social security payments, which are made by all employees and self-employed workers. Spouses and children of workers also receive coverage.

Certain other groups such as pensioners and those receiving benefits can also register for healthcare if they are residents. They can do this even if they haven’t paid into the health insurance scheme. There is also a discount state contribution scheme for low earners and those out of work called the convenio especial.

Those not covered by state insurance or the EHIC card will need to take out private medical insurance. See our Tiekom health insurance

How to register for Spain’s public healthcare

First of all, you must register with Spanish social security (Dirección General de la Tesorería General de la Seguridad Social or TGSS), which has offices throughout Spain, to get a social security number.

To register for social security, you will need to provide:

•          a valid passport or ID card

•          your residency certificate

•          proof that you have registered your address at your local town hall

Once you have registered with the TGSS you will be given a Spanish social security number and a certificate stating that you are entitled to medical help. You can then register for medical treatment and apply for a health card (tarjeta sanitaria individual or TSI).

Private healthcare in Spain

Private healthcare provision in Spain runs alongside the public system, with some providers offering both public and private provision. Anyone not eligible for state healthcare will need to take out private health insurance or pay the full amount for any medical costs.

Many people also choose to cover themselves for private treatment to give them access to wider and quicker treatment. Around 19% of the Spanish population have some form of private healthcare coverage. Private insurance is also popular among expats.

Private health insurance in Spain usually costs between €50-200 a month, depending on the coverage plan.

Mistakes to avoid when taking out insurance

Below some tips to assess when hiring insurance. Don’t forget these points that will be very useful to take out the insurance that best suits your needs:

• The cost of the premium and discounts

• Coverage

• Concepts excluded in coverage

• Commitment to remain

• Remember the insurance renewal date in case you decide to change any of the insurance coverage…

Tiekom insurances

Main most valued advantages that we provide in our insurance offer for expats:

• Work with a reference company to ensure quality, safety and solvency.

• English-speaking, telephone assistance, speed and efficiency in dealing with incidents and compensating the client.

• Instant quotes

• Online applications

Whether you’re looking to protect the health, your home or your car, Tiekom can help. Choose the insurance that best suits your needs, with the best coverage and special prices for expats.

The best way to offer quality service is to be close to you. That is why we keep improving day by day because you are our priority. You can find all the information about our insurances on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you.

Why is inflation in Spain, so low compared with UK?

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Spain is one of the places with the highest quality of life, but that does not mean that you do not have to do numbers to live in it.

The general IPC in Spain has been exceeding the Eurozone average from March 2021 to September 2022. Since then, national inflation has fallen below the European one and the gap is now more than 3.5 points. Although these fluctuations have been intense, the truth is that behind them are the different electricity market contracts, slight variations in the IPC calculation methods and the positive impact of the so-called ‘Iberian exception’, which has lowered the price paid by households with contracts in the regulated market.

Inflation in Spain is about half of inflation in UK

Inflation in the UK reached 11.1% annually in October, the highest in 41 years. The rise in inflation responded to the increase in gas and electricity prices, as well as increases in food, while those of fuel fell slightly. It is true that currently it has moderated a bit, in November 2022 it was 10.7%, 4 tenths less than the previous month. The monthly variation of the IPC (Consumer Price Index) has been 0.4%, so that the accumulated inflation in 2022 is 10.1%.

In Spain, the annual variation rate of the IPC for the month of November stands at 6.8%, five tenths below that registered in October.

This means that inflation in Spain is much lower than in the UK and as a consequence the cost of living in Spain has risen less than in the UK.

If before this inflationary period the cost of living in Spain for a UK citizen was better, now with this difference in inflation in the two countries it is even better.

Why Spanish inflation is lower than British one?

The increase in electricity prices since last year was reflected in the inflation data for Spain earlier and much more intensely than in other European countries. The reason is that to evaluate the prices of electricity Statistics only monitors those corresponding to the regulated market (they account for half of those of the free market, 10 million compared to 19) and it was these who began to notice the increase in electricity prices, since its rate is directly related to the wholesale market.

In Europe, on the other hand, most of the contracts are established in the free market, at a fixed price that is renewed annually, and therefore the impact of the increase in electricity has not been reflected in the IPC until those contracts have been reviewed and included the increase in prices.

In addition, in Spain, the so-called ‘Iberian exception’ has been applied since mid-June, a mechanism designed to reduce the high price of gas, which skyrocketed as a result of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Once again, this system has first and foremost affected contracts on the regulated market, but now in the opposite direction, to reduce price rises. And as a consequence, this has already been reflected in the CPI figures. Along with this, we must highlight the drop in gas in October, which has resulted in a drop in the price of electricity.

What happens if inflation keeps going this way?

Effects of inflation. An increase in the general price level implies a decrease in the purchasing power of the currency. That is, when the general price level rises, each monetary unit allows the purchase of fewer goods and services. The effect of inflation is not evenly distributed in the economy.

This situation entails a series of adverse consequences for the consumer, social costs, distortions and uncertainties throughout the economy that, if not controlled in time by the economic authorities, could end up getting out of control and causing much more serious problems.

How does inflation affect my quality of life as an expat in Spain?

Overall, the cost of living in Spain in 2022 is still much cheaper than in the UK. Rents, for example, are a whopping 52% less, groceries 24% less and the Consumer Price Index (including rent) over 35% lower than the UK.

However, despite the lower cost of living in Spain, the average salary is far less than that of the UK.

The average Spaniard takes home around €1,409 per month. This is a lot less than the average monthly net income in the UK which is around €2,458 per month. This means that a person with a job in the UK and a salary there will be able to live better here than in her country.

Which is the forecast about inflation in Spain for 2023?

Forecasts suggest that inflation will continue to moderate in the coming months and throughout the next year. The 2022 financial year could end with inflation around 6% in December, with an average of around 8.5%, and in 2023 a much more moderate average rate is expected, around 4%.

Come to Spain and feel like at home

Spain is a fantastically well-developed country with an excellent standard of living. The cost of living there is very low compared to other European countries, the friendly locals and breezy lifestyle are excellent for expats who want to live here.

So if you’re thinking of somewhere nice and sunny for your life, then you might want to live in Spain.

Remember  also that at Tiekom we are happy to help you and to make your life easier here. Check our services for foreigners in Spain.

Tips for taking out insurance in Spain if you are a foreigner 

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Spain attracts a large number of foreigners to visit the country due to its climate and culture. In addition, its quality of life, in the last decade has increased the number of foreigners who have chosen to reside, buying real estate and personal property.

Many insurance companies are using this to their advantage and are trying to win new customers through new offers for the convenience of residents in Spain.

Currently, the market is full of offers with different needs and conditions both for foreigners traveling as tourists and for those who are going to reside for study, work or looking for new opportunities.

In this blog we will give you information and tips to take into account when taking out insurance and the importance of contracting with trusted insurers that cover your needs and that attend to you and solve your problems quickly in your language.

Is it easy to take out insurance for foreigners in Spain?

The paperwork to get Spanish insurance can be a challenge for those relocating to Spain. There are specialized companies that are aware of the solutions and benefits with insurers and that help the person to choose between the different contracts, analyzing and offering the best option to their clients. And they help foreigners who do not speak Spanish with the paperwork and assistance.

At Tiekom we work with trusted insurers offering the best coverage with competitive prices and the best personalized service in your language.

Mistakes to avoid when taking out insurance

Below some tips to assess when hiring insurance. Don’t forget these points that will be very useful to take out the insurance that best suits your needs:

• The cost of the premium and discounts

• Coverage

• Concepts excluded in coverage

• Commitment to remain

• Remember the insurance renewal date in case you decide to change any of the insurance coverage…

Health insurance

Spain has a state-run healthcare program, which provides free healthcare for all Spanish residents. If you qualify to access the state system as a resident, it will be covered by your mandatory social security contributions in Spain.

Many expats choose to add optional private health insurance to their budget. The benefits of this include greater choice and shorter waiting times.

In addition to this, private insurance may also give you more access to English-speaking medical professionals.

Car insurance

Local law requires a minimum level of car insurance in Spain, called seguro a terceros. This covers damage to third parties, fire and theft. If you want comprehensive insurance, you should opt for seguro a todo riesgo, which will cover damage to your car, the other car and other matters arising.

Lower monthly payments may be available if you have proof you haven’t made a claim for several years and/or are willing to pay a higher excess (franquicia). In some cases, you might be able to present your accident or insurance history from your previous country of residence.

To drive in Spain, you may need to get a Spanish driver’s license once you are a resident. Additionally, you will need to learn the road rules for driving in Spain.

Most vehicles require insurance to operate legally, including trucks, RVs, motorbikes, scooters, boats, and planes.

Home Insurance

House insurance is not a legal requirement, but it is often recommended if you buy a property in Spain. Your Spanish mortgage provider may insist that you have home insurance, and will often offer you their in-house deal. However, you are not required to take this and can shop around for more competitive options.

Look for cover that insures against natural disasters, fire, flood, and other damage. In addition to this, new builds should already have coverage against defective workmanship.

Apartment buildings often have insurance included in their service charges. This insurance is not a replacement for home insurance, so not make any assumptions about the cover without fully understanding the policy details.

Tiekom insurances

Main most valued advantages that we provide in our insurance offer for expats:

• Work with a reference company to ensure quality, safety and solvency.

• English-speaking, telephone assistance, speed and efficiency in dealing with incidents and compensating the client.

• Instant quotes

• Online applications

Whether you’re looking to protect the health, your home or your car, Tiekom can help. Choose the insurance that best suits your needs, with the best coverage and special prices for expats.

The best way to offer quality service is to be close to you. That is why we keep improving day by day because you are our priority. You can find all the information about our insurances on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you.

Digital nomads in spain: guide to survive

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Digital nomad is a person who works online while traveling the world. Most people see a digital nomad as someone who works on their laptop in some nice place to live.

Becoming a digital nomad is all about creating the perfect work-life balance. The part of life is adding more adventure, fun, excitement and satisfaction to your days. Digital nomads can do this by exploring new countries, experiencing new cultures, and meeting unique people from around the world.

In November 2022, the Spanish parliament approved the special digital nomad visa and fiscal regime for startups via a new law to come into effect in January 2023. The proposed legislation aims to open Spain up to new talent in all walks of the economy.

The business community in Spain and abroad has welcomed the news, which has been particularly well-received among remote workers. Under the new law, these so-called digital nomads would find it much easier to live and work in Spain.

With some of the best internet speeds in the EU, a low cost of living and plenty of warm weather, Spain is already a popular destination for remote workers.

How to be a digital nomad?

1. Work as a freelance, selling your knowledge and services to other companies remotely.

2. Create your own company, developing a project that is feasible to develop from anywhere in the world.

3. Work for someone else in a company that allows remote working.

What can you expect?

The main advantages of this new visa for remote workers are the following:

• Allows you to live up to 3 years in Spain.

• Does not present risk of rejection.

• It will allow the return of companies and citizens of the United Kingdom.

• Allows numerous tax benefits to companies.

Mistakes to avoid

The biggest mistake you can make is not being prepared for a nomadic life:

  • Before you quit your 9 to 5 job and pack your bags, you need to make sure you can do this. In your dreams, a nomadic lifestyle is perfect for you. Everything seems to be sunshine and happiness. But all digital nomads eventually face the exhaustion and loneliness of the nomadic lifestyle. It is a different way of life. But it is not the cure for all your problems. You will have some amazing moments, but you will also have some unpleasant moments. It’s all part of the digital nomad package.
  • Having some money saved, the ideal will be to have saved at least the cost of basic expenses for emergencies. The cost will vary depending on the country you plan to stay in, Spain is a fantastic country for the cost of living.
  • You should do a test before making the decision. Take a week or two vacation from your 9 to 5 routine. During this vacation, you must travel to a new place. However, unlike a normal vacation where you usually just relax, this vacation will require you to work a couple of hours a day.
  • Join Social Groups: Digital nomads often experience loneliness. Avoid this by signing up for digital nomad Facebook groups, meetups, and coworking spaces. You can also join local digital nomad groups in your area to learn more about the nomadic lifestyle of digital nomads in your community.

Broadband affordable

Having a good internet connection is critical for you if you want to work as a digital nomad, don’t risk it here.

Tiekom offers you a multitude of connectivity options for when you are traveling in Spain. These services can be from a SIM of up to 400GB with an exclusive plan to connect to the internet and with roaming, an unlimited 4G/5G router, etc.

Visit our website. where you can find all the information about our company and our services.

Insurances for foreigners

Another of the key elements to take into account if you are going to travel to another country for a while is to have adequate insurance to avoid surprises.

Whether you’re looking to protect the health, your home or your car, Tiekom can help. Choose the insurance that best suits your needs, with the best coverage and special prices for expats.

Main most valued advantages that we provide in our insurance offer for expats:

• Work with a reference company to ensure quality, safety and solvency.

• English-speaking, telephone assistance, speed and efficiency in dealing with incidents and compensating the client.

• Instant quotes

• Online applications

Saving money with green energy 

Saving can be very important for you when you are residing in another country and also saving when the planet is essential.

Tiekom is committed to 100% renewable energy, to saving the planet’s resources and offers significant savings in the electricity bill of our customers. We believe that renewable energies are the way to guarantee the future of our planet.

We work every day to make electricity more easily understandable and accessible to all and also more respectful with the environment.

In order to choose the best service provider we advise you to choose those according to your needs, Tiekom is a telecom and services provider focus on the expats living in Spain. Your home will be fully equipped with the best broadband, mobile and other services… All with the best quality and personalized attention in your language.

Do not forget either that Tiekom offers you the best services for your home: Telecommunications (internet and mobile), energy, insurances, Television of your country, security systems…

You can find all the information about our company and our services on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you.

How can get internet in Spain if you are British

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As a British in Spain, it doesn’t matter where in our beautiful country you have chosen to live or spend time, what does matter is that you will need to set up your local utilities and set up an internet in your new home.

As a new arrival, knowing how to go about this can be daunting. However, it doesn’t need to be because setting up your home with all the Spanish telecommunications you need could be easy and simple. To give you a running start, our helpful guide lays out everything you need to know about.

Internet services in Spain

As in most other European countries, the telecoms market in Spain is liberalized. This means that new arrivals typically have plenty of choices when it comes to choosing the right internet and mobile provider.

In order to choose the best service provider we advise you to choose those according to your needs, Tiekom is a telecom and services provider focused on the expats living in Spain. Your home will be fully equipped with the best broadband, mobile and other services… All with the best quality and personalized attention in your language.

Getting connected in a new home

Wherever you’re heading in Spain, it’s safe to say that you’ll want to get your new home connected straight away. Generally speaking, if you’re buying a Spanish property, then you’ll need to hire your internet, mobile, tv… connections.

If the property has an existing phone line, you’ll simply have to check it still actually works and then choose your provider. However, if your property is new, or there is no existing line, you’ll need to set one up. You can do this easily by contacting with Tiekom.

How do I set up a phone connection in Spain?

The main advantages that Tiekom offers you over other conventional operators, in addition to the fact that we speak your language, is that to hire an internet or mobile service you’ll likely need to provide the following information:

• NIE

• Proof of addresses

• Spanish bank account

In many cases you only have a passport and a UK bank account. For us it is not a problem we can offer you our telecommunications service with your passport and your UK bank.

Setting up an internet connection in Spain

Having a reliable internet connection at home is increasingly essential. Whether you’re streaming the latest Hollywood releases, shopping for groceries or gadgets, or even chatting with family around the world, you’ll need good Wi-Fi. Thankfully, Spain has a decent internet network; although your options regarding download speeds will largely depend on where you live. Spanish connections are typically ADSL or fiber-optic cables (fibra), with the latter becoming an increasingly popular and accessible choice. In more rural locations, you may need to explore cellular 4G/5G internet options (Air-fibre) to ensure good connectivity.

When signing up for an internet package, make sure you find the right package for the needs of you and your family. For example, if the kids spend a lot of time on their consoles, then you’ll need a higher download speed. On the other hand, should you only use the internet for social media and subscription TV services like Disney+ and Netflix, then you’ll probably be fine with a lower download speed.

How to save with your broadband service

With Tiekom, in addition to the quality, the ease of contracting and the excellent service, you can save money by pausing your fiber service at home for a maximum of 6 months a year, only paying a single fee of €30 and you will no longer pay the monthly fiber for up to 6 months once a year. This service is only available on our Blue and Green fibers.

Is home internet without landline for you?

Internet without landline? This means you can get internet access without a land line. As we use the internet more, people are using their home phone lines and cable less. Meaning a landline isn’t always necessary. One of the most common options for those who only want internet and also in those areas where the fiber coverage of the large operators is not good is mobile broadband, which is delivered via 4G like a mobile network.

Payment methods

In Spain it is typically done on a monthly basis. The forms of payment required by conventional operators is by charging the amount of the monthly bill to your bank account in Spain. Tiekom offers you multiple options:

  • Charge to a bank account in Spain
  • Charge to a foreign bank account
  • I pay with credit card
  • Payment by bank transfer
  • and we are currently implementing other payment methods such as: paypall and Bizum.

In short, we make it easier for foreign customers residing in Spain.

Are there service providers specialized in British?

In order to choose the best service provider we advise you to choose those according to your needs, Tiekom is a telecom and services provider focus on the expats living in Spain. Your home will be fully equipped with the best broadband, mobile and other services… All with the best quality and personalized attention in your language.

Do not forget either that Tiekom offers you the best services for your home: Telecommunications (internet and mobile), energy, Television of your country, security systems…

You can find all the information about our company and our services on the Tiekom website or by email: sales@tiekom.com In all cases we will be happy to help you.