With today’s heightened security in airports, it is perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with you when you travel. You want to be certain everything you packed for your business trip or vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in some of their luggage.

It is important, therefore, to know what to keep with you at all times when you travel, and how to pack a case that must be loaded into a plane’s cargo until you arrive at your destination. In the event your luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep the most important items with you at all times.

Identification: Your passport, your driver’s license, any and all picture ID cards should remain on your person. When you pass through airport security you will be required to have identification ready for inspection, and it is important that is stays with you and is not packed away in a case that won’t be readily at your disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using a passport, be sure to make copies of the identification page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, and keep extra copies with you in different places so you will have one ready if needed.

Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you, in the event of a medical emergency or accident (especially if you are renting a car for your trip).

Money: This includes paper, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you might not think it necessary to carry traveler’s checks, but they are good to have if you are going abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign ATMs might not accept American bank cards, same with certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of paper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is good to have also for immediate money exchange once you reach your destination.

It always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a crowd.

Itinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically or overseas, you want to appear confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you need to be, seek assistance at the first information booth immediately.

Keeping the most important of information with you at all times can make your trip easier in emergencies. Physical items like clothes and sundries can be replaced, but if your identity is taken it will lead to greater problems in the long run. Be vigilant, and be safe.

Look for Part Two of this article, Packing for A Trip

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who writes for numerous travel related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long term airport parking for Atlanta Hartsfield airport, and the Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com), a luxury hotel catering to weddings and business meetings.

With today’s heightened security in airports, it is perfectly natural to want to have your luggage with you when you travel. You want to be certain everything you packed for your business trip or vacation arrives intact, and vigilance can guarantee that. For extended trips, however, travelers are likely to pack more, ultimately forcing them to check in some of their luggage.

It is important, therefore, to know what to keep with you at all times when you travel, and how to pack a case that must be loaded into a plane’s cargo until you arrive at your destination. In the event your luggage should be lost, it is necessary to keep the most important items with you at all times.

Identification: Your passport, your driver’s license, any and all picture ID cards should remain on your person. When you pass through airport security you will be required to have identification ready for inspection, and it is important that is stays with you and is not packed away in a case that won’t be readily at your disposal. If you are traveling abroad and are using a passport, be sure to make copies of the identification page in the event your passport is lost or stolen. Keep one copy with a relative or friend at home, and keep extra copies with you in different places so you will have one ready if needed.

Insurance cards are also necessary to have on you, in the event of a medical emergency or accident (especially if you are renting a car for your trip).

Money: This includes paper, traveler’s checks, and credit cards. In this age of electronic transfer, you might not think it necessary to carry traveler’s checks, but they are good to have if you are going abroad. Always remember the possibility that foreign ATMs might not accept American bank cards, same with certain stores and restaurants. A short supply of paper currency (no more than a hundred dollars) is good to have also for immediate money exchange once you reach your destination.

It always helps, too, to have a few dollar bills handy for tipping. Keep a few dollars in your pocket to pass over to a clerk or valet when needed. This prevents you from having to dig in your purse or wallet in a crowd.

Itinerary: Know where you need to go quickly. Have a small map, itinerary, or direction sheet with you to expedite the arrival at your hotel. Whether traveling domestically or overseas, you want to appear confident and inconspicuous so as not to catch the eye of any possible scam artists who prey upon out-of-towners. If you are unsure of where you need to be, seek assistance at the first information booth immediately.

Keeping the most important of information with you at all times can make your trip easier in emergencies. Physical items like clothes and sundries can be replaced, but if your identity is taken it will lead to greater problems in the long run. Be vigilant, and be safe.

Look for Part Two of this article, Packing for A Trip

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who writes for numerous travel related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long term airport parking for Atlanta Hartsfield airport, and the Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com), a luxury hotel catering to weddings and business meetings.

Spain- the lesser known

It is probably fair to say that most people only have a limited knowledge of this large and diverse Country. Everyone has heard of the Balearics, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and perhaps Barcelona but few have visited the Rioja, the delights of Valencia and Tarragona or discovered the unspoilt Costa de la Luz or the Tabernas region on Costa Almeria where the famous ?Spaghetti Westerns? were filmed. Few have probably visited the famous Monastery in the peculiar but breathtaking mountains of Montserrat or ventured inland from Torrevieja just 30 minutes into the mountains to visit unspoilt Spanish villages now popular with Brits.

My advice to the new traveller of this country as well as the frequent flyer is to stay away from the heavily populated tourist areas and venture into the interiors of Spain itself. Here you will find your own treasures and experience the real Spanish way of life. Of course if the coast is essentially what you want then lets try and tempt you to a hitherto unknown area rather than into the suburban sprawl.

Costa Calida to the west of its illustrious neighbour the Costa Blanca and to the North of the large Costa Almeria is one of the smallest Costas in Southern Spain, and still boasts many unspoilt villages and coastline. Travel the coast between Mazzaron and Aguilas and there are beaches where man does not daily tread even in July. Discover the villages in this area and find the Tapas bars to tempt the discerning palate. Travel tip: avoid the end of July to the 3rd week in August. This is when the Spanish take their holidays and clog the roads and hotels in their own quest to find their favourite location.

Spend sometime in the Province of Alicante, but not in the usual haunts occupied by the frequent traveller or holidaymaker. Venture into the inland areas behind the mountains that gently welcome the airborne into Alicante airport. Here you will find the small medi-evil town of Sax with its ancient castle posturing on the mountain top itself and overlooking the mountain and valleys below it. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets and breathe the rarified air. Surrounding Sax you can make your way to many other interesting smaller villages that are spread over this unspoilt area with its outstanding night views and excellent local cuisine.

hugoraymond@mypropertypal.com

Spain- the lesser known

It is probably fair to say that most people only have a limited knowledge of this large and diverse Country. Everyone has heard of the Balearics, Costa Blanca, Costa del Sol and perhaps Barcelona but few have visited the Rioja, the delights of Valencia and Tarragona or discovered the unspoilt Costa de la Luz or the Tabernas region on Costa Almeria where the famous ?Spaghetti Westerns? were filmed. Few have probably visited the famous Monastery in the peculiar but breathtaking mountains of Montserrat or ventured inland from Torrevieja just 30 minutes into the mountains to visit unspoilt Spanish villages now popular with Brits.

My advice to the new traveller of this country as well as the frequent flyer is to stay away from the heavily populated tourist areas and venture into the interiors of Spain itself. Here you will find your own treasures and experience the real Spanish way of life. Of course if the coast is essentially what you want then lets try and tempt you to a hitherto unknown area rather than into the suburban sprawl.

Costa Calida to the west of its illustrious neighbour the Costa Blanca and to the North of the large Costa Almeria is one of the smallest Costas in Southern Spain, and still boasts many unspoilt villages and coastline. Travel the coast between Mazzaron and Aguilas and there are beaches where man does not daily tread even in July. Discover the villages in this area and find the Tapas bars to tempt the discerning palate. Travel tip: avoid the end of July to the 3rd week in August. This is when the Spanish take their holidays and clog the roads and hotels in their own quest to find their favourite location.

Spend sometime in the Province of Alicante, but not in the usual haunts occupied by the frequent traveller or holidaymaker. Venture into the inland areas behind the mountains that gently welcome the airborne into Alicante airport. Here you will find the small medi-evil town of Sax with its ancient castle posturing on the mountain top itself and overlooking the mountain and valleys below it. Wander through the narrow cobbled streets and breathe the rarified air. Surrounding Sax you can make your way to many other interesting smaller villages that are spread over this unspoilt area with its outstanding night views and excellent local cuisine.

hugoraymond@mypropertypal.com

It is important, therefore, to pack efficiently and smartly any bags that must be checked up front. Whether flying on a weekend trip or an extended stay overseas, know what is necessary to take and what is not as essential.

Clothing: Consider the trip, the places you plan to visit and the length of your absence from home. How many changes of clothing are necessary, and what types of clothing can you expect to wear? Sometimes, you might find you have packed too much for a trip, resulting in wrinkled clothing upon arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many formal items for a trip that didn’t require it.

Before you open your suitcase, determine exactly what is on the itinerary. Consult weather reports for your destination and, if possible, research attractions and restaurants for any dress requirements. If you are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you might find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check with your hotel in advance, too, to determine what laundry services are available or nearby. You may be able to pack half as much if you have such access.

Accessories: Do you really need to pack an iron? Can you live a few weeks without your laptop? Despite the gadgetry designed to make our lives easier, it is not difficult to find that too many gadgets on a short trip will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as hotels evolve even the economy accommodations offer enough amenities so travelers need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, and other home necessities are made available, though it is always a good idea to check with your hotel to see what is offered and what is not. For those traveling overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, make sure you have the proper adapters so the plugs will fit.

Personal Grooming: When we forget things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles at the hotel are a blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough to suit your needs. Does this mean you should pack economy size bottles of everything? While the large bottles are nice, they are not always necessary for a trip, and sometimes those bottles can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the risk of damage, and opening your suitcase to find every outfit soaked with mouthwash and smelling minty fresh.

Determine what essentials you need to pack – shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, etc. – and pack in a suitcase with a separate compartment. Medium size plastic bottles, no more than ten fluid ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the bottles are not completely filled, in the event of temperature changes in cargo that may cause the plastic to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an extra plastic bag to help ensure protection from leaks.

Knowing what to pack and how much is beneficial to your enjoying a vacation. The less encumbered you are by luggage, the less worry of damage, theft, or loss.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who writes content for many travel related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long-term parking for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and The Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com).

Both of us bought airline ticket from Trivandrum to Maldives,(A group of islands in the Indian ocean, southwest of India, approximately 45minutes of flying time by a Boeing aircraft from Trivandrum.). Having successfully arranged that, we collected the information from one of my friends, who had been there to Maldives on several occasions on business trips. He informed me that Maldives Government has approved the residents of the country to entertain tourists in their houses, and could collect rent for their stay and pay a small portion as tax to the Government. My friend had also recommended me to one of his friends in Maldives, who could be my host. Having arranged that, we planned for the travel and set out by train to reach Trivandrum from where we would catch a flight to Maldives. Everything went off very smoothly, and on the scheduled day of departure, we went through the formalities of immigration and customs and boarded our flight.

This was, incidentally, my first experience in a transport aircraft and I was thrilled ! I was looking out of the window ( I had requested for a window seat) and was waiting impatiently for the aircraft to move ! Now, suddenly , a thought struck my mind. I was an obsessive believer in ‘ cheiromancy’ and was an ardent reader of all related books. I had ‘reached a degree of proficiency’ in the related subject, in my own opinion. Now, I looked at my hand to verify whether I had the ‘travel line’ cutting across from the mount of Luna to touch the Line of Life ! It was not there ! In no uncertain terms, it clearly indicated that I had no prospect of ‘overseas’ travel ! Then, what could happen ? Will I ever land into Maldives or crash into Indian Ocean? While I was considering all these aspects and analysed for a comfortable answer, the aircraft started taxiing out. Within the next 10 minutes, we were airborne, and my thoughts had faded away, as we started cruising. Within 40minutes, I could see the green coral islands, below us, and was thrilled. The aircraft made a smooth landing at the island airport of Maldives, called ‘Hulule’. ‘Hell with this palmistry’, I thought. After quickly going through the formalities of immigration, health ( Pricked my fingers for blood samples !) and customs, we were outside. There were ferry services to the Capital city ‘Maldives’, which was 10 minutes distance by boat travel. The weather was good and I liked everything I saw. After a brief travel by the boat, we landed up on the shores of the city ‘ Maldives’. It is a 100% muslim country, has to import everything for its sustenance and most of the male community are employees of some shipping organisation. The only natural resources is the fish from the sea.

The city was very small, ( in fact, from one end of the island to the other end, we could walk within 25 to 30 minutes) and we quickly reached the place where we had made arrangements for our stay. It was something like a group of rooms in a barrack in a Military camp. Each one had one room and an attached toilet. Never mind, we could not afford much and we were happy with what we got. The owner was an elderly lady, who also stayed in one of the rooms, on the opposite side of our barrack, seperated by a paved verandah.

We set out for ‘sight-seeing’ and shopping. There are no animals and there are no birds in Maldives! Therefore , there was no ‘sight seeing’. My friend, who was an orthodox Hindu brahmin, insisted on buying an electric stove to prepare the food for us. I did not care much for all these, but said OK. We returned back. For the dinner, we had a loaf of bread and vegetarian sandwich.

Next day, my friend ‘prepared’ lunch for both of us. Though it was awful, I did not complain. There was a small plantain tree in the campus and my friend, without any hesitation, cut two leaves to be used as plates. We threw the plantain leaves in the dustbin, which was near the tree itself. We had planned to stay in Maldives for 3 days, and after that to fly out to Sri-lanka.

In the afternoon, my friend suggested that he would prepare ‘tea’ for us. I tried to stop him. But he would not listen. He went ahead and prepared tea, by using the electric stove in the end of verandah. As he had finished his concoction, he tripped the kettle and the tea spilled over on the surface ! To add to the misery, the room on the opposite side opened and the owner lady appeared ! I just pulled myself inside my room and watched the proceedings. The lady was glaring at my friend and my friend was looking at her foolishly. He ,then , gathered courage and asked the lady, ‘ do you have a cleaning cloth ?’

The lady did not appear to have understood his idea. She might have thought that this arrogant guy was asking her to clean the spill ! She replied back tersely, ‘ You dirty , you clean’. I could not contain my laughter any more. After my friend cleaned up the area under her supervision, he went to throw the dirty cloth in the dust-bin. The owner lady followed him there also. She looked with disbelief the plantain tree without any leaves and the used up leaves inside the bin ! She questioned him, ‘ who do this ?’ My friend meekly replied ‘ we used it’ and went ahead to comfort her, ‘ Do you eat plantains ?’ . There was no reply. Who knows? For all you know,the lady must have thought that my friend was suggesting to her to eat the plantain leaves from the dust bin !What an arrogance ! She glared at him in anger, did not say a word and walked away. my friend was very angry with me for my ‘unfriendly’ attitude of not helping him but enjoying the fun ! What could I do ? Every one has a natural character. I could not change mine.

After three days, we again returned back to Hulule Airport and reached Colombo ,in Sri Lanka, across the indian Ocean, with a flying distance of one hour and 15 minutes. I shall share my experiences of Srilanka with you in my next news letter.

Regards
Ramani

It is important, therefore, to pack efficiently and smartly any bags that must be checked up front. Whether flying on a weekend trip or an extended stay overseas, know what is necessary to take and what is not as essential.

Clothing: Consider the trip, the places you plan to visit and the length of your absence from home. How many changes of clothing are necessary, and what types of clothing can you expect to wear? Sometimes, you might find you have packed too much for a trip, resulting in wrinkled clothing upon arrival. Or, you might find you have packed too many formal items for a trip that didn’t require it.

Before you open your suitcase, determine exactly what is on the itinerary. Consult weather reports for your destination and, if possible, research attractions and restaurants for any dress requirements. If you are headed to an all-inclusive Caribbean resort, you might find all you need is your swimsuit and one nice outfit! Check with your hotel in advance, too, to determine what laundry services are available or nearby. You may be able to pack half as much if you have such access.

Accessories: Do you really need to pack an iron? Can you live a few weeks without your laptop? Despite the gadgetry designed to make our lives easier, it is not difficult to find that too many gadgets on a short trip will prove to be aggravating. Thankfully, as hotels evolve even the economy accommodations offer enough amenities so travelers need not pack everything and the kitchen sink. Coffee makers, irons, hair dryers, and other home necessities are made available, though it is always a good idea to check with your hotel to see what is offered and what is not. For those traveling overseas, if you need to take electrical appliances, make sure you have the proper adapters so the plugs will fit.

Personal Grooming: When we forget things like soap and shampoos, those little bottles at the hotel are a blessing, yet you might not feel there is enough to suit your needs. Does this mean you should pack economy size bottles of everything? While the large bottles are nice, they are not always necessary for a trip, and sometimes those bottles can prove dangerous. Packed with clothing, there is always the risk of damage, and opening your suitcase to find every outfit soaked with mouthwash and smelling minty fresh.

Determine what essentials you need to pack – shampoo, makeup, toothpaste, etc. – and pack in a suitcase with a separate compartment. Medium size plastic bottles, no more than ten fluid ounces, is a good gauge. Make sure the bottles are not completely filled, in the event of temperature changes in cargo that may cause the plastic to expand or burst. Better yet, pack all bottles in an extra plastic bag to help ensure protection from leaks.

Knowing what to pack and how much is beneficial to your enjoying a vacation. The less encumbered you are by luggage, the less worry of damage, theft, or loss.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer who writes content for many travel related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long-term parking for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and The Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com).

Both of us bought airline ticket from Trivandrum to Maldives,(A group of islands in the Indian ocean, southwest of India, approximately 45minutes of flying time by a Boeing aircraft from Trivandrum.). Having successfully arranged that, we collected the information from one of my friends, who had been there to Maldives on several occasions on business trips. He informed me that Maldives Government has approved the residents of the country to entertain tourists in their houses, and could collect rent for their stay and pay a small portion as tax to the Government. My friend had also recommended me to one of his friends in Maldives, who could be my host. Having arranged that, we planned for the travel and set out by train to reach Trivandrum from where we would catch a flight to Maldives. Everything went off very smoothly, and on the scheduled day of departure, we went through the formalities of immigration and customs and boarded our flight.

This was, incidentally, my first experience in a transport aircraft and I was thrilled ! I was looking out of the window ( I had requested for a window seat) and was waiting impatiently for the aircraft to move ! Now, suddenly , a thought struck my mind. I was an obsessive believer in ‘ cheiromancy’ and was an ardent reader of all related books. I had ‘reached a degree of proficiency’ in the related subject, in my own opinion. Now, I looked at my hand to verify whether I had the ‘travel line’ cutting across from the mount of Luna to touch the Line of Life ! It was not there ! In no uncertain terms, it clearly indicated that I had no prospect of ‘overseas’ travel ! Then, what could happen ? Will I ever land into Maldives or crash into Indian Ocean? While I was considering all these aspects and analysed for a comfortable answer, the aircraft started taxiing out. Within the next 10 minutes, we were airborne, and my thoughts had faded away, as we started cruising. Within 40minutes, I could see the green coral islands, below us, and was thrilled. The aircraft made a smooth landing at the island airport of Maldives, called ‘Hulule’. ‘Hell with this palmistry’, I thought. After quickly going through the formalities of immigration, health ( Pricked my fingers for blood samples !) and customs, we were outside. There were ferry services to the Capital city ‘Maldives’, which was 10 minutes distance by boat travel. The weather was good and I liked everything I saw. After a brief travel by the boat, we landed up on the shores of the city ‘ Maldives’. It is a 100% muslim country, has to import everything for its sustenance and most of the male community are employees of some shipping organisation. The only natural resources is the fish from the sea.

The city was very small, ( in fact, from one end of the island to the other end, we could walk within 25 to 30 minutes) and we quickly reached the place where we had made arrangements for our stay. It was something like a group of rooms in a barrack in a Military camp. Each one had one room and an attached toilet. Never mind, we could not afford much and we were happy with what we got. The owner was an elderly lady, who also stayed in one of the rooms, on the opposite side of our barrack, seperated by a paved verandah.

We set out for ‘sight-seeing’ and shopping. There are no animals and there are no birds in Maldives! Therefore , there was no ‘sight seeing’. My friend, who was an orthodox Hindu brahmin, insisted on buying an electric stove to prepare the food for us. I did not care much for all these, but said OK. We returned back. For the dinner, we had a loaf of bread and vegetarian sandwich.

Next day, my friend ‘prepared’ lunch for both of us. Though it was awful, I did not complain. There was a small plantain tree in the campus and my friend, without any hesitation, cut two leaves to be used as plates. We threw the plantain leaves in the dustbin, which was near the tree itself. We had planned to stay in Maldives for 3 days, and after that to fly out to Sri-lanka.

In the afternoon, my friend suggested that he would prepare ‘tea’ for us. I tried to stop him. But he would not listen. He went ahead and prepared tea, by using the electric stove in the end of verandah. As he had finished his concoction, he tripped the kettle and the tea spilled over on the surface ! To add to the misery, the room on the opposite side opened and the owner lady appeared ! I just pulled myself inside my room and watched the proceedings. The lady was glaring at my friend and my friend was looking at her foolishly. He ,then , gathered courage and asked the lady, ‘ do you have a cleaning cloth ?’

The lady did not appear to have understood his idea. She might have thought that this arrogant guy was asking her to clean the spill ! She replied back tersely, ‘ You dirty , you clean’. I could not contain my laughter any more. After my friend cleaned up the area under her supervision, he went to throw the dirty cloth in the dust-bin. The owner lady followed him there also. She looked with disbelief the plantain tree without any leaves and the used up leaves inside the bin ! She questioned him, ‘ who do this ?’ My friend meekly replied ‘ we used it’ and went ahead to comfort her, ‘ Do you eat plantains ?’ . There was no reply. Who knows? For all you know,the lady must have thought that my friend was suggesting to her to eat the plantain leaves from the dust bin !What an arrogance ! She glared at him in anger, did not say a word and walked away. my friend was very angry with me for my ‘unfriendly’ attitude of not helping him but enjoying the fun ! What could I do ? Every one has a natural character. I could not change mine.

After three days, we again returned back to Hulule Airport and reached Colombo ,in Sri Lanka, across the indian Ocean, with a flying distance of one hour and 15 minutes. I shall share my experiences of Srilanka with you in my next news letter.

Regards
Ramani

In Part one we dealt with a new Spanish law change, obliging car owners who are driving in Spain on UK or Irish number plates, to change to Spanish plates within 30 days. This rule actually applies to residents but not to non-residents who may use their car for 6 months of any year in that country. However Spanish Police are not really too worried about drawing a difference between the two and are very happy to impound any car for a week until you can prove which you are! As a non-resident you need to carry all your vehicle documentation and a document in Spanish explaining you are a tourist staying in the country for less than 6 months, may help solve a volatile situation. For residents there is another danger lurking amongst the ex-pat population. Just when you think you are receiving good information about your car and its future in Spain, you could be lured into an information trap. There are now ex-pats offering the service of conversion of non-Spanish car to a Spanish registration. This could be a genuine offer. It might not be!

Janet Long moved to Malaga in the Spring. She drove her car out last month and was made aware of the law change on number plates by an English friend who did not know all the facts but put her in touch with someone who did! She had heard that this chap could do all the paperwork for her and change everything over to a Spanish registration for about 550 euros. Paul Meadows was an ex-pat who had lived in the area for many years, he had many jobs in his life and knew his way around the local police stations and tax office. He offered to help Janet with her problem and indeed confirmed it would cost little more than 550 Euros. He advised her to go to the local British Consulate and obtain an importation certificate for 36 Euros and have her passport stamped. Then she needed to go to her local Town Hall and obtain a ?Padrone?, a certificate showing she was a resident in her local Authority. He offered no help in these matters and it proved fairly difficult to obtain the ?Padrone? and took her a whole day! Then Paul suggested he would order the new lights for her car, a Chrysler Voyager.

One day later he called back. The lights were more expensive than he had thought and would cost 950 Euros plus fitting. The bill was likely now to be 1500 Euros. A week later he rang again and said the additional MOT paper would cost another 100 Euros and that VAT would be payable. Yes you can calculate like me that Janet is now in for 1600 Euros. The day of the appointment came and Paul rang again to advise her to bring at least 2000 Euros in cash so that there would not be any problem! Later that day the final bill came to 1864 Euros.

When I caught up with her last week it was too late and it had all been done, and so had she!

The British Consulate advised me what a person should do if they wished to convert their car to a Spanish registration. Yes you need their import declaration form, the ?Padrone? and a valid MOT certificate which would only be given if the correct lights were fitted. Armed with all this documentation Janet should have gone to the local Tax office and submitted her case. Having bought the new car one year ago in a legitimate deal in the UK she had paid English VAT and purchase tax, she had the bill of sale and the DVLC document which she had filled in to state that she was exporting the car to Spain. (After this DVLC would have no further interest in the vehicle.)

The Spanish tax office would agree that tax has already been paid and that the British Consulate had checked that she was a declared bone fide UK citizen. Her document would be further stamped.

At the Traffic department with all these documents, she could obtain her Spanish registration and her number. Back to the Garage to fit the new plates and she was done! This sounds horrendous, but it?s not, just a few days of your life, which someone may charge a fee to help you achieve or a Spanish speaking friend can hold your hand.

It?s that fee really which worried me. I checked with the Chrysler dealer in Malaga. The price of 2 new headlamp units was 800 Euros total. The price fitted was 850 Euros, 30 minutes work and fairly charged at a minimum hourly rate. The labour carries VAT at 16%, 8 Euros. The MOT should cost no more than 150 Euros depending on whether there is other work involved. My maximum estimate for the total was 1050 Euros.

You may draw your own conclusions.

Hugoraymond@mypropertypal.com

http://www.mypropertypal.com http://www.UKinSpain.com

In Part one we dealt with a new Spanish law change, obliging car owners who are driving in Spain on UK or Irish number plates, to change to Spanish plates within 30 days. This rule actually applies to residents but not to non-residents who may use their car for 6 months of any year in that country. However Spanish Police are not really too worried about drawing a difference between the two and are very happy to impound any car for a week until you can prove which you are! As a non-resident you need to carry all your vehicle documentation and a document in Spanish explaining you are a tourist staying in the country for less than 6 months, may help solve a volatile situation. For residents there is another danger lurking amongst the ex-pat population. Just when you think you are receiving good information about your car and its future in Spain, you could be lured into an information trap. There are now ex-pats offering the service of conversion of non-Spanish car to a Spanish registration. This could be a genuine offer. It might not be!

Janet Long moved to Malaga in the Spring. She drove her car out last month and was made aware of the law change on number plates by an English friend who did not know all the facts but put her in touch with someone who did! She had heard that this chap could do all the paperwork for her and change everything over to a Spanish registration for about 550 euros. Paul Meadows was an ex-pat who had lived in the area for many years, he had many jobs in his life and knew his way around the local police stations and tax office. He offered to help Janet with her problem and indeed confirmed it would cost little more than 550 Euros. He advised her to go to the local British Consulate and obtain an importation certificate for 36 Euros and have her passport stamped. Then she needed to go to her local Town Hall and obtain a ?Padrone?, a certificate showing she was a resident in her local Authority. He offered no help in these matters and it proved fairly difficult to obtain the ?Padrone? and took her a whole day! Then Paul suggested he would order the new lights for her car, a Chrysler Voyager.

One day later he called back. The lights were more expensive than he had thought and would cost 950 Euros plus fitting. The bill was likely now to be 1500 Euros. A week later he rang again and said the additional MOT paper would cost another 100 Euros and that VAT would be payable. Yes you can calculate like me that Janet is now in for 1600 Euros. The day of the appointment came and Paul rang again to advise her to bring at least 2000 Euros in cash so that there would not be any problem! Later that day the final bill came to 1864 Euros.

When I caught up with her last week it was too late and it had all been done, and so had she!

The British Consulate advised me what a person should do if they wished to convert their car to a Spanish registration. Yes you need their import declaration form, the ?Padrone? and a valid MOT certificate which would only be given if the correct lights were fitted. Armed with all this documentation Janet should have gone to the local Tax office and submitted her case. Having bought the new car one year ago in a legitimate deal in the UK she had paid English VAT and purchase tax, she had the bill of sale and the DVLC document which she had filled in to state that she was exporting the car to Spain. (After this DVLC would have no further interest in the vehicle.)

The Spanish tax office would agree that tax has already been paid and that the British Consulate had checked that she was a declared bone fide UK citizen. Her document would be further stamped.

At the Traffic department with all these documents, she could obtain her Spanish registration and her number. Back to the Garage to fit the new plates and she was done! This sounds horrendous, but it?s not, just a few days of your life, which someone may charge a fee to help you achieve or a Spanish speaking friend can hold your hand.

It?s that fee really which worried me. I checked with the Chrysler dealer in Malaga. The price of 2 new headlamp units was 800 Euros total. The price fitted was 850 Euros, 30 minutes work and fairly charged at a minimum hourly rate. The labour carries VAT at 16%, 8 Euros. The MOT should cost no more than 150 Euros depending on whether there is other work involved. My maximum estimate for the total was 1050 Euros.

You may draw your own conclusions.

Hugoraymond@mypropertypal.com

http://www.mypropertypal.com http://www.UKinSpain.com