If you’re thinking about making the move to Spain, there’s a lot to consider before packing your bags. We caught up with Zoe Dawn, an American who’s been living and working in Barcelona, to hear about her journey and the things she wishes she’d known before making the move. Zoe shares her top tips on her Instagram and website, Spain with Zoe, where you can find more advice on life in Spain, visas, and more.

Get Your Visa Sorted Early

Zoe’s first bit of advice is to get your visa sorted before arriving in Spain. ‘Don’t be a silly goose like me and then get here and think you can use your tourist visa to figure everything out,’ she laughs, recalling how she initially thought she could handle it. Her advice? Find someone who knows the process and get it done professionally. ‘It’s not worth the headache to do it yourself.’

Get a AAA International Driver’s License

If you’re American, make sure to get your international driver’s license before moving to Spain. Zoe didn’t realize how important this was and recommends it to anyone planning to drive once they arrive.

Get a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

A simple tip that can save you a lot of money: use a credit card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees. When using an American credit card in Spain, always choose to pay in euros, not dollars. ‘Once you get here to Spain and you tap your American credit card it will ask you to pay in USD or Euros, always pay in Euros because the transaction fee is lower.’

Zoe wishes she’d known about WISE, as she feels like she lost a lot of money on wire transfers because she wasn’t using a bank like WISE.

Learn Some Spanish

While Zoe lives in Barcelona, where English is widely spoken, she advises that if you’re moving to Madrid, you’ll need to know some Spanish. Zoe lived in Madrid before moving to Barcelona and said ‘If you live in Madrid you are going to have to learn how to speak Spanish pretty fast,’ she says. In Barcelona, it’s easier to get by without speaking Spanish, but understanding the basics will definitely help.

Avoid Moving in August

Zoe recommends avoiding a move to Spain in August, as many people take their vacations during this time. ‘Nobody is here,’ she says, which can make settling in a little trickier.

Understand the Tax System

Zoe also mentioned that you will probably pay higher tax rates in Spain compared to the U.S. Her advice? Get a tax expert who knows the ropes to help guide you through the system.

The Food is Amazing

Zoe also highlighted the quality of food in Spain, she said ‘Honestly, you are going to be shocked when you start eating higher quality food here in Spain. Bread, meat, cheese, vegetables—everything.’ Zoe says it’s a huge improvement over what she was used to in the U.S.

Zoe’s Favorite Thing About Living in Spain

When asked about her favorite part of living in Spain, Zoe shared something truly special. ‘I think my absolute favorite thing about Spain is how I’m able to be more present with people here. There’s just something so wonderful about going to have a vermut with friends at a terrace bar, or getting invited to a calçotada and grilling out in someone’s backyard.’ She continues, ‘I love that you see so many people (of all ages) walking down the Ramblas outside. I see kids playing on the playgrounds while parents sit drinking wine or beer together. Even the meal times are later and last longer than what I’m used to in the US and honestly, I don’t think I could ever go back. There’s a much greater sense of community here and it’s something I think the world needs a little bit more of.’

For more of Zoe’s tips and to follow her journey, check out her Instagram and website, Spain with Zoe. Whether you’re planning a trip or making a permanent move to Spain, Zoe’s advice will help you settle in smoothly and enjoy everything Spain has to offer.