The popular short messages, also briefly called SMS, can not only be dispatched within Spain, but world-wide. Nevertheless caution is required with the dispatching of SMS abroad or abroad.

Also on vacations, owner of fmobile phones do not like to be without dispatching short messages. Frequently the costs of dispatching SMS are extremely high on vacation. It is depending upon the vacation country, how high the charge of each sms is. Particularly those who are on vacation in a different country and receives SMS from Spain, has to count with a high bill after returning home.

The sender of the short message cannot know if the owner of mobile phone with a spanish mobile phone contract is currently at Spain or if it is possible that he is in a different country. With a foreign mobile phone number it would be obviously, but not with a spanish mobile phone number. For this reason the receiver must take over a part of the costs of the received SMS.  A possible solution for the problem would be to let everyone know, that you are on vacation. One can send their free SMS over the internet. Mostly every hotel gives their guests the chance to go online within their hotel rooms. So first they should go on the internet, than find a website which sends out free sms, that’s the cheapest way to deal with the problem.

Surfs up in Javea, Spain a coastal town known for its popularity in watersports. Tourist flock to Javea an ancient seaside town every summer for its white sandy beaches and surfing. One does not have to be a skilled surfer. Like any well known seaside town, shops offer lessons, surfboard rental and all that it is necessary to ride the perfect wave. The winds of the Mediterranean Sea offer another type of surfing called kite surfing done on a surfboard while glidding across the waves attached to a kite. Lift your self above the exhilarating waves and drop back down in the deep blue sea.

Javea is recognized for more than just a cheap ski deals to cool down. It has been highly regarded as one of the most remarkable places in the world to spend a holiday. The soft winds of the Mediterranean sea, stunning white sand beaches, consistant climate and affordable villas make a fabulous cheap surf holiday as well. Young or old there is a water sport for everyone and anyone can learn to surf. Visit Javea where the surfers catch a wave and have one the of the most relaxing seaside adventures of a life time.

Welcome to Questions and Answers at My-Javea.com
In this section of our website, we give answers to the most frequently asked questions by our visitors about Javea and Spain.

How many people live in Javea?

The official number of residents living in Javea was 28.242, taken by the National Institute of Statistics in Madrid. However, there are still a lot of persons who do not register themselves at the town hall, and even more, this figure seems smaller in summer due to the large amount of tourists.

Is there a Sports Centre in Javea?

In the port there is a sports center where varies sports are being held, e.g. football and basketball. On current leagues and training possibilities you can inform yourself at the entrance of the building. Its right across the Guardia Civil next to the outdoor football field.

What is a N.I.E number and why would i need one?

The N.I.E. number in Spain is the social security number and those who choose to live in Spain are required to apply for this number. This number will be asked in a variety of situations, e.g. when you want to buy a home or to obtain a contract for electricity.

Where do I apply for a N.I.E. number?

The nearest place to apply for a N.I.E. number is Denia. The application needs to be filed at the local police station in the cities port area. From Javea it is just over the Montgo to the right when approaching the port area and the entrance is at the back off the building. It is advisable to go there early (more or less before 9) if you have other things planned that day, as sometimes there are a lot of people.

What do I need to prepare for the N.I.E. number application?

• Your Passpor
• A photocopy of your passport
• Two colored passport size photo’s

How long until I receive the N.I.E. number?

Under normal circumstances the whole process takes about 4-5 weeks. When you apply for the number you are given a copy of the application and they contact you when your number is there. If you haven’t heard anything from them you can always try and ask them by going around.

Where do I apply for the Social Security card?

You may apply for a S.S. card at the “Centro de Salud” in the old town. You will need to have prepared your N.I.E. number and a copy of your “Empadrionamiento” (this can be obtained at the Town Hall – in the old town). A temporarily card will be issued whilst the original will be send to your home within two weeks.

Can I go to the Hospital in case of an emergency?

The general hospital closest to Javea is in Denia, and in case of an emergency its best to drive there straight away and enter in the “Urgencias” entrance. You will be asked to give the Social Security card, so make sure you have that on you.

They are not very fond off people who use their private insurance, they will sometimes be asked to go to a private hospital. It is always advisable to explore where the hospitals you will going to use are, so that in case of an emergency you will save precious time.

How can I get a Gas contract?

The quickest way to get a gas contract is to approach Iberdrola (the main gas supplier in Spain). They are based in Pedrequer and they can send someone over for an inspection of your house.

They will look at your living situation and whether having gas bottles in your house can cause any harm. If granted you may get a contract stating how many, and which types (propane or butane) gas bottles you may have.

Can I take my driving license in English?

Yes. In Spain you can take the theory exam in English, although it has to be said that the actual exam (which is taken in the “Casa de Cultura” in Denia) has poorly translations. In general, the practical exam will still have to be taken using Spanish, so the best thing is to get familiar with the common Spanish words while driving.

When you want to built your own house in Spain, you must take a few things into account in order to get everything right.

Any house being built must comply with the local construction laws and regulations, and a qualified architect will have to sign the plans. Architects normally work for a commission between 6 and 10% of the total building costs.

During the building period, a foreman will oversee the building project by making sure that the building is carried out according to the plans. He or she will also control that the materials used are those which are stated in the original building plan. The foreman usually works between a figure of 1 and 2 % of the total building costs. In most cases a foreman can be pointed out by your architect.

In the period where your architect designs your future home, he or she will also recommend the building materials. It is important to take your time with these decisions and the must be complied and noted in the ”memoria de materiales” before the foreman takes his team to start the building.

Some other important costs are:

• Building permit (between 4 and 5% of the estimated construction costs)
• Declaration of New Building (normally 0.5%)
• Safety Inspection by a technical engineer (0.8%)
• First occupations permit (0.5%)

If you have to buy your land before you can built you future home, you might want to take the following in account, as it may even be harder and more complicated.

The most important thing to do before looking for a suitable plot of land is to find a good lawyer. This lawyer can help you a great deal when it comes to checking paperwork with the local administration office if to inspect a plot of land.  The can check the use status of the land, organize the building permit and contract suitable land.

It is also very important to find out if the land you want to buy has got or will be given a building permission, as it has been proven that this sometimes isn’t clear enough after the land has been purchased. This information can be requested at the local town hall.

Some other important points are:

• Check if future plans exists for the land you wish to buy
• Check the land register to know the exact squared meters
• Check the owners register, as its not in common for land to be on several names
• Check local building norms

When selling a property it is vital to create a sales strategy with the most important aspect being the selling price. If you ask too much, your property will be on the market for a long period of time, and if you ask too little you might loose a significant part of money.

The right price for the property can be higher or lower then the price you might be thinking its worth, and for this reason you will always be better off asking professionals to value your house before going into the selling market.

Its is advisable for the selling party to get involved in knowing the market your entering and your local real-estate agent can help you with this. To reach a perfect selling price you may compare other properties in similar conditions with the same or equal property assets in order to know whether your price is the right price.

Your real-estate agent will always try and guide you through this important part, and knowing that they also want your property to be sold may give you comfort.

After the price for your property has been set, but you are not happy with the established value, you are free to modify the asking price, but this may result into higher commissions for the real-estate agent due to fewer expected visitors and a generally longer time it is on the market. When in this case the period is taking you too long, you may consider lowering the asking price to generate more visitors interested. On an average it is normal to expect at least two visitors per month, depending on a successful strategy.

As in any market it is wise to create room for negotiation when putting up your asking price, as many buyers will try and lower the price by a variety of reasons. When you have visitors regularly it is not advisable to accept the lower offers in the beginning, as there are always those who can afford it easily and don’t want to negotiate a lot.

If you choose to have your property with more than one estate agency it is not best to offer your property for a net price, because this will result in listing your property for different prices on the market. This is due to the fact that when you only demand a net price for your property, real-estate agents are free to add their own commission, giving them more control over your property. This normally results in a confused potential buyer, who will re-think things twice as he will become more aware of price differences on the local market.

When you decide to give a single estate agency exclusivity to sell your property you must be aware of the following:

• Does the agent’s strategy plan make sense to you.
• Does the agent take essential steps in promoting your property.

Spain is one of the top overseas destinations for British property investors: a study carried out by Savills Private Finance, the mortgage broker, showed that Spain is still a favourite for investors hoping to combine pleasure and profit. The Economist magazine reported recently that Spanish property prices had risen by three times the average for the Euro zone from 1995 to 2002, while an estimated 600,000 Britons have bought in Spain.

In its 2005 report The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors European housing review said that, despite predictions that the Spanish property boom was set to cool in 2004, prices were still rising by 17-per-cent annually in the third quarter of 2004.

Spain is still the most popular overseas holiday destination amongst the British – over 16 million visits were recorded in 2003. And as budget airlines open up more destinations, tourists are booking flights and accommodation independently – in the past six years the number of independent travelers has risen by 60-per-cent.

This could be good news for landlords aiming at the holiday let market, but the competition is tough, so investors must think carefully about where and what to buy.

For a rental investment, Golfing properties generally offer higher rental yields due to the fact that it is generally a short-term let (either 1 week or less) being offered to a more mature & ‘refined’ clientele, combine that with the fact that a Golfing property can be let for up to 9 months of the year on a short-term weekly basis. A high quality 2bed apartment, located on a good golf course with the best facilities in the right area, can offer in excess of 10% per-annum return on your investment

New / Off-plan property

When purchasing an off-plan property from a construction company or a developer there are payment terms involved, an average purchasing process / payment plan for a property of this kind is outlined below;

• Obviously select the property within the development which satisfies your desired requirements.

• Reservation Stage. After having decided on the suitable property, a 3,000 (euro) reservation deposit is then paid, this is normally taken during your visit to Spain, either paid directly at a Developer’s or at a Solicitor’s office, at this stage the property is officially taken off of the market, the agreed price is then fixed. Upon paying the 3,000 (euros) an Offer and Reservation contract / receipt is completed and signed by Vendor / Purchaser, the Offer and Reservation is generally a 1-page document with details of the Purchaser / Vendor / agreed payment terms, and property details filled in.

The average construction period for a Spanish Off-plan property is 18-24 months although this varies from developer to developer.

Please note that purchasing property in Spain incurs a 7% VAT charge which is not quoted within Developers price lists, and must be paid at each phased stage payment.

Purchase Contract Stage (generally within 28 days of point of reservation). At this stage the initial down-payment for the property will be required, the average down-payment is generally between 25-40% of the total value of the property (minus the 3,000 euros reservation deposit).

The purchase contract includes a detailed specification of the designated property, as well as the conditions and responsibilities of Purchaser / Vendor, and is normally 5-10 pages in length. All Spanish purchase contracts should be fully translated for English-speaking Clients, either directly by the Developer, or alternatively by your Solicitor.
With some developers there may be a 2nd phased stage payment during the construction period of your property, this will be outlined in your Purchase Contract.

COMPLETION

Contained within your Purchase Contract you will have an estimated completion date. At this point you will be expected to pay the remaining outstanding cost of your property, and to take ownership of the property. Most Clients purchasing obviously wish to visit their property before completing to ensure the quality of the construction is correct, and to agree to any ‘Snags’ with the property to be sorted out by the Developer.

The signing over of your Title Deeds (Escritura) takes place at a Notary’s office, where 1. The Client purchasing, plus your Agent & Solicitor / The Developer / The Bank Manager (in the event that you are mortgaging a % of the cost of the property / and The Notary, all attend the final changing over of ownership. The Title Deeds (Escritura) are then signed and you take ownership of your property.

Communities

When buying an apartment or townhouse in Spain, you will most likely become part of a community, and you will be expected to make monthly contributions towards maintenance costs and others. The level of charges that you will pay depends on the size and the facilities that belong to the community.

On completion of a development a first community meeting will be arranged in which a community president is elected who will be appointed to undertake the responsibilities of managing the complex and who is to control the various maintenance works carried out. Under normal conditions, community meetings are held annually in which a new person will be chosen to fulfill the duties as community president.

Linguaschool

Pio X, 3 – 1°
03730 Javea-Puerto
Tel: 96 5756 969
Fax: 96 5756 110
E-Mail: linguaschool@wanadoo.es This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

http://www.linguaschool.net/

Escuela Europea de Idioma

C/Carlos Benimeli, 16
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5793 619
E-Mail: jj18953@autovia.com This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Planet Englisch Etc.

C/Planet 8
03730 Javea
Tel /Fax: 96 5794 229
E-Mail: planetenglish@wol.es This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Porto Javea

Avd. Lepanto. n°1, Esc.2
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5795 585

Xabia Akademy

Avda. des Fueros, s/n
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5795 778

Chit-Chat

C/Algarrobo, s/n, Tosalet
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5770 447

The English Way

C/San Bartolome, 13-1°
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5791 411

Xabia International College

X.I.C.

Xabia International College has seen a recent growth to some 320 students between the ages of 3-18+ years, and it offers a warm and close community for those who wish to be part of an ideal study environment. Visitors are pleasantly surprised by the delightful atmosphere in which the children experience their studies, which have been approved by both Spanish and English authorities.

The school is proud to release the public examination results, which display that the pupils have constantly exceeded UK averages, despite their academically non-selective admissions policy.

The school offers GCSE and A-levels and virtually all the students who have finished their A-levels, have gone to study at Universities across Europe, e.g. in the UK, France, Germany, U.S.A. and of course Spain.

Xabia International College welcomes everyone to visit their school. To admit future students, they ask for a copy of the latest school report and they always contact the previous school for reference. The school will only accept students willing to give their best, and it is reminded that the school is not suitable for those having specific learning difficulties.

Contact Details:

Ctra. Cabo la Nao 21
Apartado de Correos 311
Javea 03730
Alicante/Spain
Website: www.xabiainternationalcollege.com

The Lady Elizabeth School

Lady Elisabeth

The Lady Elizabeth School offers education between the ages of 3-18+ years. Students are admitted throughout the whole year, where they are taught traditional English GCSE and A-Levels, within the national curriculum guidelines. In addition, the school provides the three required subjects of the Spanish National Curriculum (Castellano, Valenciano and Social Studies) for first language Spanish students. The school also prepares students for entry into Spanish universities.

With the increase in demand through the year 2000, the Lady Elizabeth School has been dividing the primary department from the secondary department. Based in Lliber, the secondary department enjoys the recently constructed building, offering all needed for your child’s future preparation.

Students are required to wear school uniforms and these can be purchased in the schools Uniform Shop at the senior school in Lliber.

Contact Details:

Calle Cantallops, 37
Javea 03730
Alicante/Spain
Website: www.theladyelizabethschool.com

Other Schools in Javea and the area:

Colegio Publico Jose Font
Aduanes del Mar, s/n
03730 Javea
Tel. 96 5793 833

Public Colegio.
Colegio Maria Immaculata
Angel Ribes
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5791 288
Half state, half privately christian school for children between the ages of 3-16 years.

Colegio Vicente Tena
Avenida Ramon Llido
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5790 737
Government spanish school for children between the ages of 3 – 16 years.

Colegio Amanecer
Cami Trechinal
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5790 053
National school for children between the ages of 3 – 14 years; valencian instructions.

Colegio Port de Xabia
Avinguda de Lepanto
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5793 348
National school for children between the ages of 3 – 14 years; valencian instructions.

Colegio Graüll
Avenida Ramon Llido
03730 Javea
Tel: 96 5791 703

For many Parents one of the main concerns when relocating to an area, is their children’s education. There is the decision of an international school or to integrate them into the Spanish education system.

This is easier at primary stage, but when it comes to the later school years and exams, you might prefer to move them into the British system, for their GCSE´s and A levels.

Especially as many people return to the UK for University or employment, and they will have a recognized qualification. The children educated in an international school, benefit from learning alongside children from a variety of nationalities. This is considered a valuable experience, and class sizes tend to be much smaller.

When choosing an international school there are many things to consider; the costs for school fees and materials, unlike in the UK it is common to buy books and papers through out the school term, with additional fees for exams. The location of the school and the amount of travelling that needs to be done to and from the school is another factor.

The local international colleges in Javea do have a bus service that runs daily. You can view the timetable on their websites.

All schools will welcome you for a visit and tour, and it is the best way to get a feel of the school and see the classes in progress.

The Spanish Rail Network

The Spanish rail network is operated by the state-owned company Red Nacional de los Ferrocarriles Españoles (RENFE) which operates some 15,000km of track and 2,500 stations. The RENFE network takes in all major cities, although it doesn’t run to many small towns.

http://horarios.renfe.es/hir/ingles.html (link to check the schedules)

Spain’s railway network is well below average by European standards, particularly regarding punctuality, although it’s also one of the country’s cheapest. However, RENFE has undergone a comprehensive modernisation programme in the last decade during which journey times have been reduced by up to 50 percent.

In 1992, a high speed Tren de Alta Velocidad Española (AVE) service was introduced between Madrid and Seville (2 hours 25 minutes) for the World Fair. The AVE (which also means big bird in Spanish) employs ‘disguised’ French TGV trains running on special lines travelling at speeds of up to 300kph (185mph). Full refunds are offered if an AVE train is more than five minutes late arriving at its destination. The railroad between Benidorm and Denia will be subject to improvement during 2006.

The closest town connected to the Spanish railway network would be Gata de Gorgos (+/- 5 km from Javea). The train there can either bring you to Benidorm or to Denia.

Car hire

Car hire in Spain by sixt.

Buses

http://www.alsa.es/VentaParticulares/contenidoHorarios.jsp

Taxi

Phone:
Taxi Rank – Ronda Norte, Old Town. Tel: 96 5791 060
Taxi Rank – Javea Port. Tel: 96 5791 015
Radio Taxis. Tel: 96 5793 224

Parking Rules

In general the blue zones in Javea are the ones where a parking ticket is mandatory. The maximum time allowed to park is 2 hours on one ticket, for a price of € 1, 10. After that the ticket will have to be renewed. If you receive a parking fine of € 30, 00, you can go to the ticket machine and pay € 3, 00 to cancel the fine. The fine and the cancellation slip will need to be posted in the box below in the machine. Fines above € 30,00 are not allowed to be cancelled and will need to be paid in the nearest post office. A 15% discount applies if paid within the first 15 days.

Towed Vehicle Information

When your vehicle has been towed, the best thing to do is to go to the nearest local police stations and ask where your vehicle has been brought too. If the driver of the vehicle is a resident in Spain, the fine which comes with it should be cancelled (it is necessary to show proof).

The only thing to pay is the costs of towing your vehicle and the amount of days of storage (minimum is one). If the driver of the towed vehicle is non-resident, both fines will have to be paid at the police station. A proof of payment is then given to you with which you then can collect your vehicle.