Any advice on living in Barcelona?

Question

I'm an American wanting to live in Barcelona for an extended period of time. I'm looking for any suggestions from spaniards or expats on how to go about doing this. I've never even been to Spain, but I've been wanting to visit for some time now and if I save the money to go I want to make the most of it and stay as long as I can. Will it be difficult for me to find cheap housing in the city (like $500 euro/month)? What are good neighborhoods to live in? I have a little less than intermediate spanish speaking level, what sort of job can I get? Will anyone hire me without a work visa? Are there any specific websites you recommend looking into to get info/help on these things? Any info or experience anyone has would be much appreciated!

Answer 1

Other countries don't cater to the needs of foreigners the way the US does. Be sure you have your ducks in a row before going. Best of luck!

Answer 2

first a visa is not needed but you must go and get a nis number from the police station, also there is lots of work in Spain, most bar and cafe work and there are lots of cheap places to live but you must be there to look through the local papers, i lived there for 1 year and stayed in a old army base that was lived in buy 300 people for free, ok there was lots of crazy sh*t there but fun all the same, my best advice is travel light and enjoy the place

Answer 3

Remember there are 2 languages spoken in Barcelona city, Catalan and Spanish, so it makes things a bit more complicated. You might find this web page interesting

http://www.expatica.com/source/site_cont...

Answer 4

watch out for the gypsies. these filthy people will steal anything from anyone.

Answer 5

unfortunately, im not familiar with barcelona, but im going there this coming weekend. all i know that i have heard of is the rent, you can get a room for about 300 and up. about the visa, you can easily come and stay in europe for a maximum of 3 months without a visa therefore as a tourist, if you are staying over 3 months you need a visa.

i live in italy, im studying abroad there and im on my fourth year here. if you ever have changed plans and coming to italy, i can really help you out on that.

good luck!

Answer 6

learn spanish first

Answer 7

I'm leaving in Barcelona. You first should get a visa from the spanish embassy, I think you can contact with them throught internet. Housing in Barcelona is about 250-500€ having flatmates. If you wanna live alone you might pay from 500€ aprox. The best places to live is:

- Pedralbes, Sarrià, Sant Gevasi (Best places)

- Gracia (Good place for young people, plenty of bars)

- Eixample (good neighborhood, pretty close to the center)

- I think you misht not go to Bon Pastor, La mina, Can tunis.... relly bad places to live, i don't really like it.

For jobs you can to tho www.infojobs.net or www.monster.es

I hope i help you.