Moving to Spain Blog

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How can I bringing my Dog or Cat from the UK to Spain?

Step-by-Step Guide: Bringing Your Dog or Cat from the UK to Spain

1. Microchip Identification

Requirement: Your pet must be microchipped with a device compliant with ISO Standard 11784 or Annex A to ISO standard 11785. Spain also accepts AVID-9 and AVID-10 microchips.
Procedure: Have your veterinarian implant the microchip and provide documentation detailing the microchip number and implantation date.

2. Rabies Vaccination

Requirement: After microchipping, your pet must receive a rabies vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 21 days before entering Spain and must be valid at the time of travel.
Procedure: Ensure your veterinarian records the vaccination details, including the date and vaccine batch number.

3. Health Certificate

Requirement: Since UK Pet Passports are no longer accepted, you need an Animal Health Certificate (AHC) issued by an official veterinarian. This certificate is valid for 10 days from the date of issue for entry into the EU.
Procedure: Schedule an appointment with an official veterinarian to obtain the AHC within 10 days prior to your travel date.

4. Entry Points

Requirement: Enter Spain through a designated Travelers' Entry Point.
Procedure: Plan your travel to arrive at one of these authorized entry points.

5. Traveling with Multiple Pets

Requirement: You can travel with up to five pets. If you have more, specific conditions apply.
Procedure: Ensure you comply with the regulations if traveling with more than five pets.

6. Transportation by Air

Many commercial airlines that allow pets provide service to Spain, including Air Europa, Air France, Avianca, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Cathay Pacific, El Al, Emirates, Iberia, KLM, Korean Air, LATAM, Lufthansa, Qatar, and Turkish Airlines, among others.
Requirement: Ensure that the airline allows pet travel and adheres to all regulations.
Procedure: Contact your chosen carrier in advance to confirm their pet travel policies and any specific requirements, such as crate size, travel fees, and documentation needed.

7. Flight Requirements

Flights to Spain must either:
- Be direct from the UK, or
- Include a stopover in a third country listed as an approved country by the EU for pet travel, or
- Have a layover in another EU Member State if possible.

8. Additional Considerations

Parasite Treatments: While not mandatory for entry into Spain, it’s advisable to treat your pet for ticks and tapeworms before travel.
Breed Restrictions: Spain has restrictions on certain dog breeds. Ensure your pet’s breed is permitted.

9. Returning to the UK

Requirement: For re-entry into the UK, your pet needs a valid UK Pet Passport or an AHC issued in the EU and must meet UK import requirements.
Procedure: Familiarize yourself with the UK’s pet travel regulations before your return.

10. Documentation Checklist
Before departure, ensure you have:

Microchip implantation record
Rabies vaccination certificate
Animal Health Certificate (AHC)
Any additional documents required by your airline

11. Plan Ahead

Timing: Start the process well in advance to accommodate any waiting periods and ensure all documentation is in order.
Consultation: Regularly consult with your veterinarian and relevant authorities to stay updated on any changes to pet travel regulations.

SOURCE: https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en_gb/viajeros-trabajadores-desplazados-fronterizos/viajeros/mascotas-animales-compania.html?faqId=d8931415881b5710VgnVCM100000dc381e0aRCRD

Why Get Google Voice When Moving to Spain?

Overview: Why Get Google Voice When Moving to Spain?

Google Voice is a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service that allows users to make and receive calls, send texts, and access voicemail using an internet connection. For individuals moving to Spain, Google Voice is a practical and cost-effective solution for maintaining a U.S. phone number, managing international communications, and avoiding the high costs associated with roaming or international calls.

Here are the key reasons why Google Voice can be essential for expats:

Access to U.S. Financial Accounts: Many American banking and investment platforms require two-factor authentication using a U.S. phone number. Google Voice ensures uninterrupted access to these services by letting you receive verification codes and calls.
Cost Savings on International Calls: Without Google Voice, international calls to the U.S. can be expensive. Google Voice offers free calls and texts to U.S. numbers and low-cost rates for international calls (e.g., $0.01 per minute to Spain landlines).
Maintain Your U.S. Number: Essential for staying connected with family, friends, and services like job applications, government agencies, or U.S.-based subscriptions.
Communication with Non-Tech-Savvy Contacts: Unlike WhatsApp or Skype, Google Voice does not require the recipient to have any special app, making it ideal for calling or texting anyone in the U.S.
Job Hunting: Presenting a U.S. phone number on resumes or job applications creates a local presence, which can be critical for certain employers.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Set Up Google Voice

Before Moving to Spain

Setting up Google Voice must be done while still in the U.S. Here’s how:

Check Your Eligibility
- Google Voice is currently available for U.S. users. Ensure you have a U.S.-based Google account and phone number to begin the setup.
Unlock Your Phone
- Ensure your phone is unlocked to accept international SIM cards. Contact your current carrier for instructions.
Set Up Your Google Voice Account
- Log in to your Google account and go to Google Voice.
- Choose a U.S. phone number from the available options.
- Link this Google Voice number to your current U.S. phone number for verification. You’ll receive a code via text or call to confirm.
Port Your U.S. Phone Number to Google Voice (Optional)
- If you want to use your current U.S. phone number as your Google Voice number, port it to Google Voice:
  - Backup your contacts and messages.
  - Initiate the porting process from your Google Voice account. This costs $20.
  - Provide your current carrier account number and PIN (contact your carrier for these details).
  - Wait up to 24 hours for the process to complete. Once completed, your U.S. phone plan will automatically terminate.
Download the Google Voice App
- Install the Google Voice app on your smartphone (available for iOS and Android). This app will be your primary method of accessing calls, texts, and voicemails once you’re abroad.

After Arriving in Spain

Set Up a Spanish Phone Plan
- Purchase a local SIM card from providers such as Vodafone, Orange, or Movistar.
- Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone and activate it according to the provider’s instructions.
- Choose a plan with sufficient mobile data for using Google Voice if Wi-Fi is unavailable.
Start Using Google Voice
- Use the app or a browser to make and receive calls, send texts, and manage voicemails. All calls to U.S. numbers are free, while international rates apply for calls to non-U.S. numbers.

Benefits of Using Google Voice in Spain

Free or Low-Cost Communication
- Free calls and texts to U.S. numbers and competitive rates for international calls make Google Voice a budget-friendly solution.
Convenience and Accessibility
- Access your U.S. number from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet, or computer. No need to juggle multiple SIM cards or devices.
Flexibility
- Voicemail transcription, call screening, and the ability to forward calls to your Spanish number offer added convenience.
Seamless Transition
- Avoids the need for maintaining an expensive U.S. cell phone plan.
No Roaming Charges
- Google Voice eliminates the need for international roaming, saving significant costs.

Considerations and Limitations

No Emergency Calling
- Google Voice does not support emergency calls (e.g., 911 in the U.S. or 112 in Spain).
Internet Dependency
- Requires a stable Wi-Fi or mobile data connection to function properly. Ensure your Spanish phone plan includes adequate data.
Limited to U.S. Numbers
- You cannot choose a Spanish number as your Google Voice number.
Potential Service Limitations
- Some U.S. services may not accept VoIP numbers for verification. It’s advisable to check compatibility with essential services.
Spam Calls
- U.S. numbers can receive spam calls. Google Voice includes call-blocking features to help manage this.

Costs of Using Google Voice

Free Features
- Free calls and texts to U.S. numbers.
- Free voicemail and call forwarding.
Paid Features
- International calls: Rates start at $0.01 per minute, depending on the destination.
- Porting a number to Google Voice: One-time fee of $20.
- Optional Google Workspace subscriptions: Starting at $10/month for advanced features.
Other Costs
- Maintaining a stable internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data in Spain) is essential for using Google Voice effectively.