US citizens living overseas do not give up their right to vote in US elections. Americans abroad can vote using an absentee ballot with eligibility tied to the last place they lived in the US. This becomes their voting residence even if they no longer own property there.
Credit cards in Spain work differently than in the US. In the US, credit cards are used for everyday spending and are built around rewards and flexibility. In Spain and much of the EU, daily spending is mostly debit-based, credit limits are lower, and cards are designed to be paid off in full each month.
As we get ready for another house-hunting trip to Jávea in early February, we wanted to come up with an easy and consistent way to keep track of the houses we see. In past relocation moves, we’ve never done a great job of capturing the details.
Just as important as finding a place to live is to get a feel for what local life will be like once you move to the area. Its great to see what the vibe is in the different neighborhoods and meet some of the locals. Below are the local Jávea area food & coffee spots we visited during our first trip in August 2025.
Over the past month, we’ve been doing some research on the process related to purchasing a car in Spain. Once we officially move, we know it’s going to have to be one of our first tasks. It looks like the purchasing process is somewhat similar, however there’s less negotiation on price. New car prices are somewhat similar or a bit higher than the US.
The good news is that Spain is not introducing a sweeping nationwide overhaul of income tax rates in 2026. According to the Agencia Tributaria, the core tax rate structure and module reductions applicable to IRPF and VAT continue into 2026 from 2025 under the published 2026 tax orders.
The estate agency we’re working with in Jávea, VillaLux, just published this really great video guide to Jávea and the surrounding area. It does a wonderful job of giving you an intro to all the things you need to know about buying and relocating to the Jávea area.
A great article in Travel & Leisure about Jávea this month. Short, but a good glimpse into why Jávea is so special. You’ll find the article here.
We’ve just added neighborhood maps of the Jàvea area (including Denia and Moraira) to the site. The maps make it easier to understand what different areas in the Northern Costa Blanca are really like and the types of houses available in each.
Spain’s V16 Emergency Beacon Law Started January 1 Spain requires safety equipment to be carried inside your vehicle at all times. This is different from the U.S., where these things are optional and drivers are generally expected to pull onto the shoulder and rely on hazard lights or roadside assistance.
The Spanish visa process is changing for 2026. Spain is rolling out a new centralized digital system that will change how visas are applied for and managed. Instead of the current patchwork of different regional processes, applicants will be able to submit documents, track status, and receive official notices through a single online portal.