Our Move To Spain
More Things To Know
Upcoming ITP Tax Reduction on June 1
There's an upcoming reduction in the ITP tax in the Valencian Community coming on June 1, 2026. The Valencian regional government has passed a landmark reform that will reduce the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) for second-hand property purchases. The Stamp Duty (AJD), applicable on new build purchases will also reduce slightly, from 1.5% to 1.4% on June 1 as well.
The Right VPN Service for Expats
The right VPN service as an expat is critical. Accessing US-based websites and streaming services can be surprisingly frustrating when you're outside the country, even when you're connected to a VPN. We experienced this firsthand during our house hunting trips to Spain. When we got back, we dug into how we could fix this to make sure we don't have issues when we move full time.
ETIAS Is Coming
If you’re planning a trip of an type to the EU and Schengen Area, ETIAS — the European Travel Information and Authorization System is coming this year and you need to be ready.
Jávea Area Sunday Markets
On our house hunting trip last week, we decided to check out a couple of local Sunday markets within a 15 minute drive of Jávea. One in the small village of Jésus de Pobre and the other just a bit further down the road in Pedreguer.
Cost of Living – Spain vs US – Food Prices (Feb 2026)
We know our cost of living in Spain will be less. During our house hunting visit to Spain last week, we stopped in to a couple of the largest grocery stores in the northern Costa Blanca, Mas y Mas and Mercadona.
Vehicle Fuel Prices In Spain
Prices for filling up your vehicle are more expensive in Spain and the EU that in the US. When we visited the first week of February this year, in the Jávea area the price for vehicle fuel was $6.00 gal (€1.35l) for gasoline and $5.58 for diesel (€1.25l)
Changes to South Dakota Domicile for Expats
South Dakota remains a popular domicile choice for Americans living abroad, but recent voting law changes and employment considerations have altered how residency works in practice. Here’s what you need to understand if you’re thinking about South Dakota instead of Florida as your US domicile.
Foreign ATM and Exchange Fees
When we travel, we often use our Charles Schwab debit card to save on foreign ATM and exchange fees. We also use it because it works without issue 99% of the time. And when it doesn't, it's always been due to fraud detection alerts. One call immediately fixes the issue.
Food Culture In the EU
One of the biggest differences between food culture in the US and much of Europe is in how people shop, not just what they buy. In the EU people shop for food more frequently and in smaller quantities, often every few days.
Crime and Safety in Jávea
Jávea is widely regarded as a safe residential town, with crime that is overwhelmingly non-violent and mostly limited to opportunistic theft. Policed by the Guardia Civil and Policía Local, the area benefits from regular patrols in residential neighborhoods and along busy areas, particularly during the summer months.
Spanish Mortgages for US Expats
US expats can get Spanish mortgages as residents or non-residents. The Spanish mortgage system is more conservative. Banks typically require larger down payments, especially for non-residents and place a strong emphasis on income stability and overall risk
US Prescriptions When Moving Overseas
If you’re moving to Spain (or the EU for that matter), one thing that often causes confusion is what to do about US prescriptions. The most important thing to know is that US prescriptions can’t be transferred to Spain.