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Living overseas

Does anyone live in Gibraltar?

7 replies

geraldinetheluckygoat · 09/09/2010 13:56

DH has been approached by a company about a job in Gibraltar....we dont know all the details yet, or if it's something we would even do (relocating to another country feels terrifying) but it has me wondering. I have had a look on some websites, ive never been there, but it does look lovely.

Wondering if any mntters live there who can give me an idea of what it is like? What are the people like? How hot does it get?! Is it totally too expenisve to live in Gibraltar itself? Will not speaking spanish be a problem, can you get lessons over there? Just curious really....DH is going to talk to the company on Monday about it all, so it may turn out to be a no go, or we might have to seriously start to investigate, so any info would be great....

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scaryteacher · 09/09/2010 18:55

Gib is British (it's a Colony, not another country) and English is therefore widely spoken. Currency is sterling. Social life when HM Forces there was good, and the shopping for pearls and perfume is excellent. They even have an M&S.

Can be cold at times.

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AnzoneioBanderas · 09/09/2010 18:56

I did when i was 3
it was FAB
think its a bit rough now.

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scaryteacher · 09/09/2010 21:21

No, it's not rough is it? The marina has expanded and it's all glitzy.

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geraldinetheluckygoat · 11/09/2010 20:44

ok thanks for the replies
It looks BLOODY EXPENSIVE. Dont think we could afford it, would have to live in spain and commute I think!!

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strandedatsea · 18/09/2010 19:21

Don't do it. It's about the size of a postage stamp, the people are a bit odd (who wouldn't be growing up with the border closed), the most interesting thing to do is look at monkeys and it gets very hot and sweaty in the summer but the houses are built by the Brits for cold winters....You would be happier living in Spain and commuting, at least they have nice tapas!

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fishym2b · 18/09/2010 23:29

Hi, we relocated here a year ago for DP's job.

We don't live in Gib as rent and food are pretty expensive. Around 1k a month for a two bed flat, there is a big Morrisons for shopping but it a lot dearer than the UK and with none of the offers you get in the UK. Same with the other shops M&S, next, topshop etc but still better for clothes than most of the shops in Spain!

If you live in Spain La Linea is the border town so could walk to work but it's a bit run down. Alcaidesa and San Margarita are popular and not too dear but don't have shops both around 15/20mins drive. Further out Sotogrande and Duquesa are nice too with more going on.

With driving in and out of Gib there can often be nightmare quee 3/4 hours to get out on a Friday afternoon is not uncommon.

Do you DC's at school age? If so you have to pay for them to go to school in Gib, it's often cheaper to rent a place in Gib so you have a Gib address and qualify for a free school place and healthcare.

Gib is pretty small and some of the people are a bit odd, but on the whole friendly.

It does get hot in the summer and the winters are pretty wet.

We get by with very little Spanish but you could easily take lessons.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask.

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geraldinetheluckygoat · 19/09/2010 20:43

thanks so much for the replies, thanks for all that info Fishy, in the end the job wasn't viable for other reasons, so we are staying put! thanks again