Lanzarote Relocation

Archive for the ‘Money, Shopping & Bills’ Category

A week or so ago, we had some friends over from Fuerteventura to visit – who are soon going to be new Lanzarote residents. It was a pleasure to see them… but it was also a reminder that our home was not very child friendly. Now that’s ok, because we don’t have young children of our own. Maybe we’ll change our home once the grandkids start appearing (not too quickly please boys – I’m too young to be a Granny just yet!) but for now our home is built for us. Read the rest of this entry »

Having had one of the dogs very kindly chew up my specs, I recently went to get them replaced at Faroptica, one of the opticians in Playa Blanca. Read the rest of this entry »

There have been some changes recently, in how we (Alan and I) have personally been transferring money from the UK to here. Many of you will have seen that we have banners for HiFX and Axia on our website. They will remain, as they have provided us with a good service, so have no reservations in recommending them. Read the rest of this entry »

Hi everyone. You may remember me extolling the virtues of Lisa Carlin and the fantastic massage I received at her Flutterby Wellness Centre in Lanzarote some time ago. Here is a link to that article: Chill Out!

Well, you lucky people – she has a special offer on at the moment. She offers a full body massage for only €20. It invigorates whilst it relaxes… strips you of dead skin cells, improves blood flow, relieves stiffness and tenseness.

I don’t normally post offers for companies in here – because that is not what this site is about (plenty of others ramming it down your throat elsewhere if that’s your thing)… but with the new year here… and most of us wanting to relax and feel better about ourselves – I thought we could all do with a treat.

I know that both Alan and I are working like crazy… with so many projects on the go – but just one hour a month is enough to chill us out… and leave us more prepared for dealing with life’s day to day excitement. I am sure that you guys are the same!

You can contact Lisa via her website HERE.

Supermarkets in Playa Blanca are often the subject for conversation in various Lanzarote forums and on travel sites on the web.

Supermarkets in Playa Blanca, Lanzarote

Hiperdino is well regarded as the best place in the town to do your main shopping. The original store (opened 2006) is located on the dual carriageway from the harbour to the town centre (directions at the end of this article). Read the rest of this entry »

Hi All,

Here is an update of what’s been happening in the Currency Markets throughout October with the Euro. Read the rest of this entry »

“How much money would we need to live on in Lanzarote?” This is a question we are asked frequently.. and one to which there is no stock answer. It really does depend on your personal circumstances… and how much you want to get out and about, either eating and drinking, or going shopping for pleasure etc. Read the rest of this entry »

I’ve recently been trying to get my rusty old Suzuki Jeep through its ITV again and in the process experienced some of the the best service I have encountered since moving here. Having failed the ITV, I went over the San Bartolome road looking for parts at the Suzuki dealers – Rozalen Zentrum Wagen (they work on all makes of car) and got talking to Jaime over there.

I often feel a bit stupid walking into a Spanish business with frankly, my very poor Spanish. But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

The young man in the showroom introduced me to his boss, Jaime – who’s English is far better than my Spanish, who not only helped me out with the parts, has since offered me no end of advice and help, including a couple of invaluable tips on the ITV process. Even to the point of offering to bring in a part from his own car that he thought might substitute a part I was looking for so as to check before spending out on a new one.

The moral of the story: So many English speakers on this island tend to be a little afraid, if their command of Spanish is not so good, of the Spanish don’t be. What’s the worst that can happen? You may even end up finding a real gem of a business like this one – and save money into the bargain.

I can’t speak highly enough of this place, and know where I’ll be taking my car to in future.

Rozalen Zentrum Wagen
Ctra.  San Brtolome 23
35500 Arrecife

Tel: 928 80 25 72

GBP/EUR
The month started with mortgage approval data from the BBA (British Bankers Association) showing a rise from 35.6k to 38.1k, a 76% increase on the year. However, focus fell upon the fall in net mortgage lending (£2.2 billion to £1.6 billion) as homeowners and consumers continue to pay down debt. Similarly, another monthly rise in the Nationwide house price survey sent the annual decline to just 2.6%, but worries about the lack of properties for sale distorting the figures and the unavailability of mortgage deals for 1st time buyers, meant this data also contributed to the negativity surrounding Sterling. Read the rest of this entry »

GBP/EUR reached back to 1.18 for the first time since the end of June. Recent data again demonstrated the contrast between the UK and the EU with the former’s service sector survey rising for the 3rd month in a row above 50 and the EU’s falling short at 45.7. The UK also recorded monthly gains in industrial production, while EU retail sales remained stubbornly negative. Read the rest of this entry »