Who should or shouldn't live in Tenerife?

[Tom & Sharon]

This is a bit of an "off at a tangent" thought from Carpenter's thread.

On the one hand, there are still many people posting on here about coming to live the dream in Tenerife. On the other hand there are lots of people leaving, and some of those are well known amongst the ex-pat population in Tenerife and some have been there many years. There is a 3rd category - those who are hanging on to the dream by their fingernails. People who can't afford the rent, or to eat, but still stay hoping things will get better.

So - the question is - who should, and who shouldn't live in Tenerife?

I think the people who can make the move are:-

Youngsters If youre young free and single, and feel like having a good time for a couple of years, then go for it. If all you're leaving behind is your bedroom in mum and dad's house, and you have no responsibilities then why not? Just make sure you bring a bit of cash with you until you pick up a bit of work in a bar or something. You shouldn't really come with any higher expectations than that. You will find some work, and you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you've always got the cash in the bank for a flight home when needed and enjoy yourself when you're here.

Pensioners Not rocket science this one. People retire to the sun the world over. If you've got a regular income from the UK for the rest of your life, there's absolutely no reason you wouldn't be able to afford to live in Tenerife. If you're very lucky, you'll be able to afford a home in each and be a swallow, as many are.

Those in between with remote income If you are somewhere between the 2 age groups above, and you have an income stream that can be earned remotely from anywhere then "come on in, the water's lovely". Tenerife is a lovely place to live if you have a decent income stream from elsewhere.

Those who shouldn't make the move at the moment are those who don't fit into any of the above. If you have family responsibilities, a young family to house, feed, clothe, and would need to rely on money earned locally, then now is not the time. The times may come back, who knows? But its not now.

Unless of course you've won the euromillions!

[caroll72]

Spot on Sharon (or Tom) :tiphat:

[honda]

So many people think it's a great life in Tenerife, when living in the uk with the rain, high prices, high tax's etc. But at least they do get some help if out of work, must think the Spanish government are as stupid as the British one, giving hand outs to anyone that comes to the country.
It's not so good for Brit's living here, but I think the Spanish/Tenerife governs have it right. Look after your own. If you have paid into the system for a number of years, then you can get something back, if not, go home. :sorry:

[chifleta]

Unless of course you've won the euromillions!

and even that would leave a bitter taste along with great joy, as the Spanish government have now decided to charge a tax on winnings grrrrrr double grrrrrrr - of course, that's not stopping us doing the lotterly LOL

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So many people think it's a great life in Tenerife, when living in the uk with the rain, high prices, high tax's etc. But at least they do get some help if out of work, must think the Spanish government are as stupid as the British one, giving hand outs to anyone that comes to the country.
It's not so good for Brit's living here, but I think the Spanish/Tenerife governs have it right. Look after your own. If you have paid into the system for a number of years, then you can get something back, if not, go home. :sorry:

Yes, I think this system is good too, and i'm not apologising for it :)

[macdonald5]

Yes, I think this system is good too, and i'm not apologising for it :)



Yes wish GB would follow suit !!

[warbey]

.



A note of caution here. Pensioners.. Their Income has been affected by the Downturn too.


Health must also be factored in, especially with over 65 upwards.

so that's not cut and dried also.!

[LUCKY]

:feret:Well i am living here now ....... WELL:flatcap::feret::feret:

[slodgedad]

:feret:Well i am living here now ....... WELL:flatcap::feret::feret:

Does that mean 'well' as in I'm living well or, DUH as in well well well?..:)

[LUCKY]

Does that mean 'well' as in I'm living well or, DUH as in well well well?..:) Well it seems ( must be living cos i aint sleeping) oops think thats my 500th post ....... well here goes 5 x ferret:feret::feret::feret::feret::feret:

[willowlily]

This is a bit of an "off at a tangent" thought from Carpenter's thread.

On the one hand, there are still many people posting on here about coming to live the dream in Tenerife. On the other hand there are lots of people leaving, and some of those are well known amongst the ex-pat population in Tenerife and some have been there many years. There is a 3rd category - those who are hanging on to the dream by their fingernails. People who can't afford the rent, or to eat, but still stay hoping things will get better.

So - the question is - who should, and who shouldn't live in Tenerife?

I think the people who can make the move are:-

Youngsters If youre young free and single, and feel like having a good time for a couple of years, then go for it. If all you're leaving behind is your bedroom in mum and dad's house, and you have no responsibilities then why not? Just make sure you bring a bit of cash with you until you pick up a bit of work in a bar or something. You shouldn't really come with any higher expectations than that. You will find some work, and you won't be disappointed. Just make sure you've always got the cash in the bank for a flight home when needed and enjoy yourself when you're here.

Pensioners Not rocket science this one. People retire to the sun the world over. If you've got a regular income from the UK for the rest of your life, there's absolutely no reason you wouldn't be able to afford to live in Tenerife. If you're very lucky, you'll be able to afford a home in each and be a swallow, as many are.

Those in between with remote income If you are somewhere between the 2 age groups above, and you have an income stream that can be earned remotely from anywhere then "come on in, the water's lovely". Tenerife is a lovely place to live if you have a decent income stream from elsewhere.

Those who shouldn't make the move at the moment are those who don't fit into any of the above. If you have family responsibilities, a young family to house, feed, clothe, and would need to rely on money earned locally, then now is not the time. The times may come back, who knows? But its not now.

Unless of course you've won the euromillions!

i am not a pensioner nor a lottery winner but a lucky swallow, my wings have been clipped slightly this year due to business i am arriving on friday a month later than usual, looking forward to seeing tenerife my winter lover that keeps me warm

[Balcony]

As a resident in Tenerife I think you need an income, good health and to be able to speak the language.

Your income can can go up and down. Your expenses in Tenerife can (sometimes) go up and down too - or you can just cut back! What I mean is there is some wiggle room.

Health issues can suddenly become major, or at the very least persistent, especially as you get older. If you can afford health insurance then you can more easily count on help. I would see health insurance as a MUST HAVE. But major health issues can be a decider is staying, or returning.

The language is something else. Should ability to speak Spanish be a requisite for anyone working, or seeking work? Yes, I know 90% of us get by in Tenerife without Spanish, but if you want to live in the real world then it is essential to communicate effectively. Little things like a Brit turning up at a public hospital with no Spanish and the doctor's English is not so good, but the doc is expected to speak English! Spain is so bureaucratic and some things seem to be made deliberately awkward (exactly the same in the UK). I've always advocated professional services to help out, but to some this may not be affordable.

[casabonny]

totally agree regarding the private health insurance , if you have got it in the Uk and can afford to have it here KEEP DOING SO.Having said that , the social system , in my experience , is in the main part very good and if you speak little or no Spanish then you definatly need a translator, after all would you want to misunderstand something that may be life threatening?I have and do use both systems and when seeing a doctor on the social he/ she doesnt speak English , but see the same doctor privately and hey presto he speaks English!and most work in both sectors at some point.IMHO you do not have to be completly fluent but should be much better than just pidgeon Spanish,there are still a lot of long term residents who struggle to even order a coffee or meal !

The cost of living has definately increased but as you have little or no heating bills this can mean a huge difference to some.
I think to have a comfortable lifestyle you need to be sure you have a " cushion" of money , just in case as most dont have family support here to fall back on in times of hardship.

If you have a job/business and if its the latter is doing OK , then you should be okay although having a job or business these days doesnot guarantee anything as circumstances can change at the drop of a hat.Having had several businesses here , we have been fortunate in the most but this year had a large fire at our premises and lost virtually all the stock, many would have given up at that stage as we all know Insurance takes time to pay out, but our lives and home is here and as we have always had froesight in some much as money is concerned , we have been able to carry on and have weathered the storm.

So who should or shouldnt live here ? If you are strong willed , hard working, have a good skill and education and are prepared to take the rough with the smooth, come on in.
If you think the world owes you a living, are expecting handouts when things get tough , think this will be one long holiday then stay put .Thats just my opinion folks.

[fonica]

totally agree regarding the private health insurance , if you have got it in the Uk and can afford to have it here KEEP DOING SO.Having said that , the social system , in my experience , is in the main part very good and if you speak little or no Spanish then you definatly need a translator, after all would you want to misunderstand something that may be life threatening?I have and do use both systems and when seeing a doctor on the social he/ she doesnt speak English , but see the same doctor privately and hey presto he speaks English!and most work in both sectors at some point.IMHO you do not have to be completly fluent but should be much better than just pidgeon Spanish,there are still a lot of long term residents who struggle to even order a coffee or meal !

The cost of living has definately increased but as you have little or no heating bills this can mean a huge difference to some.
I think to have a comfortable lifestyle you need to be sure you have a " cushion" of money , just in case as most dont have family support here to fall back on in times of hardship.

If you have a job/business and if its the latter is doing OK , then you should be okay although having a job or business these days doesnot guarantee anything as circumstances can change at the drop of a hat.Having had several businesses here , we have been fortunate in the most but this year had a large fire at our premises and lost virtually all the stock, many would have given up at that stage as we all know Insurance takes time to pay out, but our lives and home is here and as we have always had froesight in some much as money is concerned , we have been able to carry on and have weathered the storm.

So who should or shouldnt live here ? If you are strong willed , hard working, have a good skill and education and are prepared to take the rough with the smooth, come on in.
If you think the world owes you a living, are expecting handouts when things get tough , think this will be one long holiday then stay put .Thats just my opinion folks.
The Social Security health system is struggling with long waiting lists and lack of beds,there is quite a lot of bad feeling about British pensioners filling beds ( even though most pensioners treatment is paid for from the UK).Most private health scemes only take people up to the age of 70 although Sanitas goes up to 75 so pensioners beware!!

[casabonny]

The Social Security health system is struggling with long waiting lists and lack of beds,there is quite a lot of bad feeling about British pensioners filling beds ( even though most pensioners treatment is paid for from the UK).Most private health scemes only take people up to the age of 70 although Sanitas goes up to 75 so pensioners beware!!
I am sure that the uk is also struggling with the NHs as we read and hear of horror stories from there every day of the week. All countries and thier respective health services are suffering and to single out one country is wrong. as for pensioners using the system here then that as we know is being tightened up somewhat although some will always find a loophole. What annoys me is people who want the best of both worlds and do not commit to either or, you either live here in Spain and follow thier rules or you live in Uk and follow theirs. It is very wrong to play one system off against the other and to my mind that's where a lot of the problems arise from, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

[Ecky Thump]

I am sure that the uk is also struggling with the NHs as we read and hear of horror stories from there every day of the week. All countries and thier respective health services are suffering and to single out one country is wrong. as for pensioners using the system here then that as we know is being tightened up somewhat although some will always find a loophole. What annoys me is people who want the best of both worlds and do not commit to either or, you either live here in Spain and follow thier rules or you live in Uk and follow theirs. It is very wrong to play one system off against the other and to my mind that's where a lot of the problems arise from, you can't have your cake and eat it too.

I think a lot of the problems arise over the fact that many British people who live in Tenerife can't budget easily as lots of them have their money either in UK banks or UK pensions and rely on the exchange rate between the Pound and the Euro. When the pound is strong as it is now....Great News..........Euro builds in strength, then peoples finances suffer.

[honda]

i am not a pensioner nor a lottery winner but a lucky swallow, my wings have been clipped slightly this year due to business i am arriving on friday a month later than usual, looking forward to seeing tenerife my winter lover that keeps me warm

Hope you have a lovely time.

[russell]

now im really intrigued you are all saying that you should have a job to come to so what line of occupation do you all do because you all seem to be surviving quite well like how many of you are running your own bars bacause when i come to tenerife there are quite a lot of brits running their own bars e.g. las americas george and the dragon by the parque de la paz hotel oscars and the star bar by the bouganville hotel caberet bar the pub where you had your forum get together aberdeen angus steak house and of course all the staff in these bars are young brits serving the customers and then of course you have the time share touts again all youngsters (european).And even dave tappin was a time share tout before he became a bar m.c. and then a radio d.j.who now has a really big following in the u.k. So i think the advice you should give people is to either get a job as a time share tout and then get a job in a bar or work as a barperson in the uk and then line up a job as a barperson when they next come to tenerife on holiday ,because bar work seems to be the way in to tenerife but thats only my opinion thanks for a wonderful forum guys.

[richii99]

I don't understand but it seems spam

[chifleta]

I don't understand but it seems spam

????????? what?

[honda]

Who got a job selling Spam :respect:

[russell]

well what im trying to say is what jobs have you all got if not bar work or restaurante or own your own bars or restaurantes then what work do you all do to survive in tenerife.not being nosey just curious to know how you survive,in anticipation of your response thank you.(see no spam) he he he .

[TenerifeTeddy]

There are a number of resident members on here that own businesses other than bars. I run Witzend, which is a general customer/tourist services shop, but specialise in PC sales & repairs. My wife runs a small school, 2 members run Estate Agency type businesses; another runs an insurance service; others do property rental; property maintenance; car repairs; TEFL; web design, Spanish lessons;marriage services; building works and many other types of business.

If it can be done, you will find members on here that can do it :)

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The most important thing are to plan it properly and to have sufficient financial resources to give yourself time to get established. Also be prepared to work bloody hard to make a success of it. As the saying goes its amazing that the harder you work the luckier you seem to get. :).

We have just had a member of staff return to the UK for family reasons after just 3 months here , she told us that she knew of another 5 couples who had been out a similar amount of time and who were also heading back to the UK. I don't know the people involved or the reasons, but presumably lack of work, & lack of finances must be high on the list.

[Pooh]

We live quite well here, but we're not relying on locally earned income since my business can be run from anywhere, and we would never, ever, have moved here if we would have to rely on earning a living locally.
I agree on getting private health insurance if you can, but can't really complain about the public system. I've been getting excellent treatment, even though waiting times are a bit long. I can afford insurance, but the insurance companies can't afford me.. :-) (After my last surgery - I'm writing this from a hospital bed - I think the chances of me ever getting insurance is below zero, but both my wife and son are insured.)

[russell]

hello tenerife teddy and pooh bear thank you for your response to my question,so im thinking that driving tuition is a locally earned income so i would have to join a reputable driving school to start with and once im established go on my own as i have done here in the uk.once again thank you very much.and just so you wont feel home sick when i got up this morning there was ice on my water butt adios amigos.

[honda]

hello tenerife teddy and pooh bear thank you for your response to my question,so im thinking that driving tuition is a locally earned income so i would have to join a reputable driving school to start with and once im established go on my own as i have done here in the uk.

We all wish everyone good luck who move here looking for work or starting a business. BUT.... You speak of joining a reputable driving school. Not to many here and most young Brit's learning to drive seem to go back to the uk to do it. Had a conversation with my daughter about this, just a week ago.
Also, do you speak Spanish ?

[russell]

We all wish everyone good luck who move here looking for work or starting a business. BUT.... You speak of joining a reputable driving school. Not to many here and most young Brit's learning to drive seem to go back to the uk to do it. Had a conversation with my daughter about this, just a week ago.
Also, do you speak Spanish ?

well as i said in my post i am learning spanish in an adult learning class and coming on very well but under no illusion that i
could get by with what i know at the moment but yeah good point,but could i point out to you that although young brits go back to the uk to
learn to drive it is my understanding that a uk licence is only valid for two years then has to be exchanged for a spanish
licence if that person stays on in spain(please correct me if im wrong )as im still trying to come to grips with spanish
traffico regulations.Thank you for your response and also keen to learn any more imformation you may have about
spanish traffico regulations as i need to know as much as possible before i make a final decision thank you very much
honda.

[honda]

Licence reg's are a funny issue. I have been trying to find out about these since I came here. Some say that you have to change your licence after six months of being away from the uk. Others say that you have a European licence so do not have to change it.
I know of someone that was stopped by police and fined for not having a Spanish licence. After consulting with his lawyer here, the case was taken to court and he had a total refund and was told that he did not have to change his uk licence. He has lived in Tenerife for many years.
I am at a loss with this. Seems that nothing is in stone.
If any members know the truth about the law on licencing, please let us know. :confused::

[bonitatime]

If you look in the search you will find a thread about this but general theory is you need to register your license with trafico after 6 months. No need to change