Daniel Efford, an expat who has lived in Spain for 38 years, shared a TikTok video warning people not to make decisions based on a week-long holiday they take to the country
An expat in Spain has shared some of the difficulties(Image: (Image: Getty/Tiktok – @danielefford23))
A veteran British expat who has called Spain home for nearly four decades has released a ‘truth bomb’ video for those entertaining the idea of a similar move.
Daniel Efford, an operations manager with GRSA International situated in La Cala de Mijas along Costa del Sol, posted a frank TikTok warning against hasty decisions inspired by fleeting holiday experiences in Spain.
He advised: “It’s brilliant, but not easy.
“Let me explain.
“I think one of the biggest stumbling blocks that people have, is that when they come to Spain, they come as holidaymakers.”
He continued by highlighting the disconnect between holiday perceptions and the reality of living there full-time. “They look at life from the holidaymaker view and don’t really consider what happens behind the scenes. So they come for a week, see how it works or see the way of life, and think ‘I can do that’. It’s just a mistake.”
Efford suggests aspiring expats dig deeper before taking the plunge.
“If you’re thinking of moving to Spain, first you can check out what happens in Spain by asking local people.”
In seeking authentic insights, he recommends: “Do a bit of homework, speak to locals – I’m not talking about the Brits at your favourite bar – talk to local Spanish people who speak English or who you’ve been able to build a bond with,” reports the Express.
Wrapping up his realistic take on the expat dream, he reflected on the common oversight by tourists.
“We have this problem that the tourist view clouds common sense.
“It clouds it because we see a lifestyle that we enjoy because we are a tourist.
“Talk to the local people and take into account what they say, how they say it, the information you’re getting… And not just from one person – listen to as many people as possible, because there’ll be some scary stories.
“I can share a few.
“You just have to find the right ingredients for that life to be livable.”
A user who made the move to Lanzarote in 2020 commented: “We did our homework.
“One thing for sure is you don’t want to be living in tourism areas.”
Advice also poured in from another commenter who suggested: “The best thing anyone can do is learn the language.
“A huge number of doors will open to you as an English speaker with Spanish.
“And you’ll make friends who will help you settle in.”
Furthermore, Efford spearheads a YouTube channel alongside his mate Mark titled Life in Spain Unfiltered, sharing their extensive 60 years’ worth of insights as expatriates.