Relocating to Tenerife.....Part one.

If you are considering moving to Tenerife, here is the beginning of a 4 part series with advice on everything you will need to consider. Relocating to another country can be very stressfull, so read our article and start a list of all the things you will need to do and consider.

Removals to Tenerife:

You don’t have to worry if you wish to take all of your belongings abroad these days. There are many companies who will pack, collect and ship direct to Tenerife.

Initially speak to a local Removal Company, but don’t forget to also look online and compare, get a few quotes as you will find the rates can vary significantly.

Shipment rates usually depend upon the overall weights, so remember to ask what the total bill will come to and how long they expect the shipment to take. Check that you have Insurance Cover just in case there are any unfortunate accidents.

Ensure you have copies of all documentation to hand when you arrive in Tenerife. A good tip is to number each box and list its contents; this makes it so much easier when all the boxes arrive on your doorstep.

Doctors:

If you live in Tenerife and are not covered by any form of UK health cover, you will need to register with a local Doctor. If you don’t register and become ill, it could be costly as you will be charged as though you are private.

You will need your NIE number to register with a Doctor but can only qualify for free medical treatment if you have UK Health cover or you have been working or contributing into the Spanish Social Security system.

Documents required to register differ dependant upon your status and circumstances i.e.: working, self-employed, en-employed or pensioner etc so to be sure ring 012 or speak to the local medical centre, ‘Centro de Salud’ they will explain the procedure and the doctors available in your area.

Be aware that not many official offices speak English so ensure you take a translator.

Schools:

If you are moving to Tenerife with children, you may decide to organise schools before you arrive to ensure they are enrolled as soon as possible upon arrival. This is something you can do whilst still in the UK online. Check each school and their curriculum, apply for an enrolment form:

Wingate School in the South (Cabo Blanco, near Los Cristianos) www.wingateschool.com/

British School in the North (Puerto de la Cruz) www.britishschooltenerife.com/

These are the only approved schools in Tenerife offering a British approved curriculum, covering the full range from primary to senior school. These schools have all been inspected by the appropriate educational bodies in the UK and have passed their inspection.

Buying a Car/Insurance/Padrons

To buy a car in Tenerife you will need to have an NIE number. If you have bought a property, then you will already have this in place. A Padron is also an essential piece of documentation when buying a car which can be applied for at your local Centro de Cultural (The padron also entitles you to discounts with inter island flights, such as Binter airlines, or ferry charges, cheaper entrance to attractions etc. The document is only valid for 2 months to the best of my knowledge and costs a small fee every time you need it.)

If you have remembered to bring your driving documents from the UK it will help and maybe save you a few euros. Your no claims discount could be taken into account dependant upon which company you decide to insure with.

If you are a resident in Tenerife and wish to drive here you must have the old style UK Pink driving licence stamped by Traffico in Santa Cruz. If you have the new style UK driving card this is valid to drive here without the need to register.

Sunway Tenerife has a free after sales service, as well as being agents for Liberty insurance (house, car, business) and adeslas (health) so contact us if you have any queries.

Consejos para conseguir que su propiedad se vende

Usted ha decidido poner su propiedad en el mercado. Así que, ¿qué puede hacer para maximizar su probabilidad de una venta?
Las primeras impresiones cuentan, y no sólo con el comprador ... pero con el agente inmobiliario también!
Tome una buena mirada alrededor de tu propiedad. ¿Ves algo en el que podría llevar a cabo mejoras y reparaciones pequeñas, a fin de aumentar el valor!

Cuando un agente inmobiliario concerta una cita para venir y ver su propiedad, tendrá que tomar fotografías ... ahora es el momento para limpiar el desorden!

Fuera - Usted no tiene que gastar más para hacer una buena primera impresión ... Los compradores quieren saber que la propiedad ha sido atendida. Arreglar una puerta chirriante, ordenar el jardín o terraza. Limpiar diariamente la basura. Si tiene mascotas, asegúrese de que están bajo control, y los juguetes estan guardadas ... no quieren que los compradores potenciales pisan por encima o esten cubiertos de pelos dentro de 5 minutos de entrar en su propiedad.

En el interior - Asegúrese de que cada habitación está limpia, mantenerse encima del polvo y pasar la aspiradora. No deje platos sucios tirados en la cocina. Recuerde, la idea es demostrar que este es un lugar atractivo y funcional. Dejando sus cosas por ahí puede crear la impresión de que simplemente no hay suficiente espacio. Siempre es importante hacer esto, pero más aún si hay un montón de propiedades similares en el mismo complejo.

Vista - Ajuste de la escena, tanto dentro como fuera ... compradores potenciales utilizan todos sus sentidos para buscar a su casa perfecta.

Olor - Asegúrese de que su propiedad tiene un olor agradable. Los olores de cocina y los animales domésticos no son agradables para todos.

Sonido - No tenga el televisor o la música a todo volumen en el fondo cuando los potenciales compradores llegan a la visita.

Toque - Nadie quiere encontrar el polvo o los pelos en las manos cuando toque algo en el interior o alrededor de la propiedad.

Sabor - Tenga en cuenta que su propiedad no es el único que puede elegir el comprador, tiene que ser a su gusto.

Compra y venta de una propiedad puede ser estresante, pero si consigues que este organizada de antemano se puede hacer la vida más o menos sin problemas.

Usted se beneficiará por hacer una lista de puestos de trabajo pequeños que necesitan ser completadas antes de contactar con el agente inmobiliario. Complete estos de uno en uno a medida que su tiempo y presupuesto lo permitan ... cuando estás feliz todo está listo, ¿por qué no pedirle a un amigo a pasar por allá y dar su opinión honesta?

¡Buena suerte!

Tips for ensuring your property stands out to potential buyers

You have decided to put your property on the market. So, what can you do to maximise your chance of a sale?

First impressions count, not just with the buyer…but with the Estate Agent too!

Take a good look around. Do you see where you could conduct minor upgrades and repairs so as to enhance the value!

When the Estate Agents arrange an appointment to come and see your property, they will want to take photographs…now is the time to clear the clutter!

Outside - You don’t have to over spend to make a good first impression… Buyers want to know that the property has been taken care of. Fix a creaky door, tidy the garden or terrace. Clear away daily rubbish. If you have pets, ensure they are under control, and toys are put away...you don’t want potential buyers to trip over or be covered in hairs within 5 minutes of entering your property.

Inside - Ensure each room is tidy, stay on top of the dust and vacuuming. Don’t leave dirty dishes lying around on the draining board. Remember, the idea is to demonstrate that this is an attractive, functional home. Leaving your stuff lying around may create the impression that there is just not enough storage. Again, it is always important to do this, but even more so if there are lots of similar properties on the same complex.

Sight - Set the scene both inside and out...potential buyers use all their senses to seek out their perfect home.

Smell - Make sure your property has a pleasant smell. Cooking and pets odours are very off putting.

Sound - Don’t have your TV or Music blaring on in the background when potential buyers arrive to view.

Touch - Nobody wants to find dust or hairs on their hands when they touch anything in or around the property.

Taste – Take into account that this property is not the only one they can choose from, it has to be to their taste.

Buying and selling a property can be stressful, but if you get yourself organised beforehand you can make life more or less hassle-free.

You will benefit by making a list of small jobs that need to be completed before contacting an Estate Agent. Complete these one at a time as and when your time and budget allow…when you are happy all is ready, why not ask a friend to drop by and give their honest opinion. If you have any queries, please do not hesiate to contact us.

Good luck!

Carnaval en Tenerife 2011

Si usted está buscando algo un poco diferente de lo normal, ¿por qué no visitan Santa Cruz en las próximas semanas para un espectacular Mardi gras en segundo lugar solamente al famoso Carnaval de Río de Janeiro. De hecho, la ciudad de Santa Cruz de Tenerife está hermanada con la ciudad de Río de Janeiro, por esta razón.

Últimos preparativos estan en curso para una de las fiestas más grandes de Europa a través de nuestra ciudad capital. A partir del 15 de Febreo hasta 13 marzo de 2011, la isla de Tenerife tendra su carnaval anual y miles de visitantes acuden a ver los desfiles por las calles coloridas, música en vivo y una serie de actos de baile.

Apertura del Carnaval el 15 de febrero será la presentación de todos los candidatos que compiten para ser elegidos como la Reina del Carnaval, seguido por toda una serie de concursos diferentes, las elecciones de la tercera edad la reina, la reina infantil y las celebraciones de carnaval principal.

Cada año, el carnaval se centra en un tema diferente, y para 2011 se rendirá homenaje a Enrique González Bethencourt, un músico legendario en Tenerife, que fundó una de las más grandes bandas de carnaval en la isla. Después de su muerte en 2010, su pasión y compromiso por la música continúa y para ello, Don Enrique fue seleccionado para ser el icono y la base del tema de este año las actividades.
Joven o viejo, el carnaval realmente satisface todos, con fuegos artificiales y un montón de concursos. Tiene una reputación de ofrecer entretenimiento de día sin parar y la noche.

En Puerto de la Cruz, disfruta con algo muy divertido y escandaloso, el drag queen espectáculo de danza ... es una visita obligada!
Recuerde que todo vale y, por supuesto, sólo hay una manera de realmente experimentar un carnaval ... por qué no bailar, beber y ser feliz! Aproveche la oportunidad de vestirse con trajes silvestres, ser malo y caer en redes de pesca, usar una peluca atrevido y zapatos de tacón ... desmelenate y bailar hasta la madrugada ... no se lo arrepentaran!
Este es realmente un gran espectáculo para no perderse ...

Tenerife Carnaval 2011!!

If you are looking for something just a little bit different from the norm, why not visit Santa Cruz over the next few weeks for a spectacular Mardi gras second only to the famous Carnival in Rio de Janeiro. In fact, the city of Santa Cruz de Tenerife is twinned with the city of Rio de Janeiro for this reason.

Final preparations are under way for one of Europe’s biggest street parties to parade through our capital city. Starting on the 15 February to 13 March 2011, the island of Tenerife will host its annual carnival and thousands of visitors will flock to see the colourful street parades, live music and a host of dance acts.

Opening the Carnival on 15 February will be the presentation of candidates all competing to be elected as the Carnival Queen, followed by a whole array of varying contests, the elections of the third age Queen, infant queen and the main carnival celebrations.

Each year, the carnival focuses on a different theme, and for 2011 will pay tribute to Enrique Gonzalez Bethencourt, a legendary musician in Tenerife who founded one of the greatest carnival bands on the island. Following his death in 2010, his passion and commitment for music continues on and for this, Don Enrique was selected to be the icon and basis of the theme for this years activities.

Young or old, the carnival really does cater for all with fireworks and contests galore. It has a reputation for providing non-stop entertainment day and night.

In Puerto de la Cruz, watch out for something really fun and outrageous, the drag queen, dance show and high heels obstacle course competitions…it’s a must see!

Remember anything goes and of course there’s only one way to really to experience a carnival…so why not dance, drink and be merry. Take the opportunity to dress up in wild costumes, be wicked and slip into fishnets, wear a daring wig, darn green Spandex and high heels… let down your hair and dance till the early hours…you won’t be sorry, but maybe your feet will!

This is truly an extravaganza not to be missed…

Click on the picture below for more information about the program of events