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FAQ-In no particular order!
Can I ask you some general / specific questions?
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Are there many English people in Girona?
Well, I would say no, not that many that I know about. We have met a few Brit's whilst being here who live in Girona itself, others live on or near the coast which I normally associate with retired people. If you want to get acquainted with some of them there is a weekly meeting in Girona of English speakers from many nationalities not only British. They meet for coffee every Wednesday at 11.30 am at the Pati Verd cafe which is next to the Hotel Carlamany, about a 5 min. walk from the station. They also organize a monthly lunch in a local restaurant, for more details look at their website at www.gironagrapevine.co.uk
Is it expensive to live in Girona?
When I compare what we used to spend on our utilities bills, Council Tax etc. in the UK we spend much less here and we don't pay any Council Tax (but thats not to say there isn't any). Also, we do live in a flat rather than a house which reduces your energy needs and don't forget the climate is warmer! That said, it's known as one of the top 3 most expensive places to live in Spain. Back in the old days when the Peseta was still around things were different. Locals moan that since it's introduction prices have risen rapidly, even for basic everyday items.
When's the best time to visit Girona?
Girona is a good all year round destination and even at the height of summer it doesn't feel packed. If you like festivals then Girona's own Festival St. Narcis which runs for several days is certainly worth seeing, at the end of October.
How easy is it to find work in Girona?
If you don't speak Spanish to a near fluent level then I'm afraid your are going to be in competition with the migrant Spanish workers from South America who obviously do speak Spanish, and will make it harder for you to find something. If you are a native English speaker or of another nationality and speak English fluently then teaching English would be my advice. There are quite a few English schools in Girona so a direct approach could result in getting some work.
What's Winter in Girona like?
After enduring many, many an English winter i have to say that the last two I've lived through here in Girona have been the mildest yet! January can start cold and frosty but by mid-day have highs of 20 degrees. February seems to be the coldest month. You just don't get those endless grey, dull and overcast days like I remember in the U.K.
And the weather in general?
Well, I've noticed that even though it's hot and very sunny with temperatures running into the low 30's, in does still rain in August and when it rains it really buckets-down. I've seen the roads flood from the amount of rain that falls so quickly that the drains can't cope. Traffic comes to a stand-still as many traffic lights stop working and cars get stuck in flooded roads. But, overall I really like the climate. When you do experience a spell of bad weather it never seems to last for more than a few days and then the sunny spells return! At the time of writing this in March, it's been mostly sunny with temperatures at an average of 20 C. (versus yuk! in the UK )
Is renting property in Girona expensive?
It's probably cheaper than the UK when you compare like for like. Expect to pay around 500-550€/mth. for a 1-bed flat. Sharing is even cheaper and a bed-sit would be about 250-300€/mth. As with most cities location does play a part in monthly rentals and most people live in flats. If your'e after say, a 2 bedroom flat with parking and in a good location, expect to pay between 600-700€ and 800-950€ for a 3 bedroom place. The only problem with renting if your'e new in town is showing the agent sufficient proof that you can pay the rent. Offering to pay a bigger deposit or six to twelve months rent in advance could convince them.
What areas should I avoid?
Without going into too much detail try not to live in any of these areas: Salt, Vista Alegre.
Is Girona safe to walk around at night?
Yes, generally speaking in contrast with somewhere like Barcelona which it has to be said has a significantly much larger population. I've heard of a few, rare instances of opportunistic bag-snatching and muggings in the old town, often very late at night, and distraction crimes within the station, directed particularly at vulnerable, lone women. It's easy to relax when on holiday and let your guard down a bit. Overall I think it's a safe place and have never encountered any fights or rowdy behaviour ( I must be going to the wrong places!)
Is Catalan difficult to learn?
They say that if you speak languages like French, Italian or Romanian it makes understanding Catalan easier. Find a good teacher of attend a language school. Or, find someone who wants to do 'inter-Canvi', which is free language exchange with a person who wants to improve his/her English language and will teach you some Catalan in return, and doesn't involve having to spend any money on courses, books etc. The website www.loquo.com(Girona option) has a 'language exchange' section where you can place a free ad.
Where can I buy English/British food in Girona?
The best place is the El Corte Ingles supermarket on the bottom floor of the Hipercor/Girocenter building (C. Barcelona) which has 'International food' items like curry sauces and well known branded products which are not particularly cheap! Coastal tourist resorts may also stock English food and I've been told that the Carrefour supermarket in Playa d'Aro has English food but only during the summer months.
Where can I buy an English newspaper in Girona?
There's a newsagents shop inside the train station, in the corner, left of the ticket desks where they have a paper stand with some English papers, last time I bought one, The Sunday Telegraph, it cost 5.20€!
Where's the best place to learn Spanish or Catalan?
There are many language schools in Girona that run course for foreigners, though your best bet when you get here may be to attend the official language school (Escola Oficial d'Idiomes). Courses here tend to run from September to June on a daily basis although they often run short or intensive monthly courses.
Here's a very useful site I found for help in learning Spanish:
Learn Spanish with SpanishPod.com
Learn Spanish with free lessons, vibrant community, web review, vocab study & more.
Do the schools in Girona teach only in Catalan, Spanish or both?
State schools teach in Catalan and kids have Spanish classes as part of their timetable which varies from school to school. It may only be 3-4 classes each week but the emphasis is still on kids learning Catalan. On a personal note, in the state school where I teach the kids seem to talk to each other mostly in Spanish (particularly in the playground!), so they will pick it up in the playground and from watching TV also.
What's in your 'Girona Property File' which costs only 10€?
Yes, hard to believe it's so cheap! Instead of trawling the web looking for hours and hours we've done it for you, It's a very comprehensive listing of estate agents in Girona and the surrounding areas including many coastal towns eg. Palamos, Playa d'Aro, Begur, St. Antoni etc . If your'e looking to buy or rent this file could help you to track down agents quickly. Each listing has the address, telephone/fax details and many have the website address.
It also has info on other websites that sell land, building plots, developers and background on many aspects of the property market including renting here. The reason we make a small charge is to support this sites running costs. Use the 'make a donation' via paypal button on the links page or send us an email requesting the file and I can reply with a secure payment link.
Do you know any estate agents in Girona?
I'm currently working part-time alongside one reputable agent based in the centre of Girona which is part of a much larger international real estate franchise, so if your'e looking to buy or sell property in this region please contact me via email, tel 00 34 670 839 266 or look at my other website www.GironaProperty.com
Do you know any good property rental / letting agents in Girona?
Yes, I know a couple, one of which we rent our own property through and they have an English speaking Catalan lady who works there. Email me for their contact details.
Best places to buy property in Girona?
I guess this depends a lot on what you need, can afford and so many other variables but these are some of the places good for houses rather than flats and considered posh or exclusive by locals.
Golf Girona. Just five minutes by car from the centre of town and near a golf course. Palau is an expensive part of Girona. Both Palau and Golf Girona have mainly houses, for apartments try Devesa, Quimics, Montjuic, Migdia and Montlivi.
For older properties with maybe a bit more character choose the old town area.
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