That's actually very easy!

There are so many lovely English-speaking people who would love to take care of your kid(s). Whether you're looking for someone with a specific skill set or not, it's always possible to find a good match.

So, here's a little tip that will make your search easier : join the Facebook group English Speaking Babysitters in Valencia. It's very popular and full of reliable, experienced and qualified nannies and babysitters.
Some families ask for references and some don't, just do whatever you feel comfortable with. Make sure you write a clear post so you avoid miscommunications and disappointments. Keep in mind that the hourly rate lies between 10 and 15 euros.

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‍Trying to get through the application process can seem like a really daunting task, but we’ve tried to make it a little easier for you. 
If you don’t know what a NIE is, why, and when you need it, then it’s wise to read our step-by-step guide.

Here are a couple of short tips on how to get your NIE number:

• If you’re gonna work for a Spanish company, they sometimes offer help with the application process. In any other case, you can either apply for an NIE number yourself or reach out to a consultant, which we would highly recommend. 
• When May had to sort out some documents, she contacted an agency called NIE services. It saves you a lot of stress and time, we believe it’s absolutely worth the money. Read more about it in our step-by-step guide. 
• If you wanna do it yourself anyway, then you should know there are two ways to apply for your NIE number:
  1. At the Spanish consulate in your home country.
  2. At the immigration office (address: Carrer de Bailén 9)
• If you wanna get your NIE in Valencia, you always have to make an appointment at the immigration office. This appointment is called cita previa and you can schedule it here.
  
  This is what you have to fill in:
  1. Provincia seleccionada: Valencia
  2. Oficina: CNP comisaria de Bailen.
  3. Trámites Cuerpo Nacional de Policía: Policia-certificados y asignacion NIE.
  
  You'll then get an overview of all the documents you have to bring with you. If you don't speak or understand Spanish, just copy and paste it into a translator such as Spanishdict.
  
  It can be difficult to get an appointment because there’s a limited amount of spots available every week. A good tip is to try and book your appointment on Friday mornings between 9:00 and 9:30, because that's apparently when they put new ones in their system.
  Here are the general steps you’d have to take to meet the requirements (but keep in mind that this can always change, so make sure to check it beforehand):
  
  1. Fill in the NIE application form (EX-15) and print it out. This should always be done in Spanish.
  2. Fill in and sign form 790-012. With this form, you have to go to the bank and pay a fee (in cash). The fee is usually somewhere between €10,- and €15,-
  
  I also had to bring the following:
  1. Original passport and a photocopy.
  2. Proof of the reason for the request.
  3. Two small passport photos.
  4. Proof of income or employment contract.
  5. Proof of housing / rental contract

Yes, Valencia is a very dog-friendly city! In fact, there are lots of dogs here.
If you have a few furry friends, you'll notice that people often wanna pet them. There's no denying it: the cuter the dog, the more attention you'll get.
They're welcomed with open arms, even in some cafes, restaurants and shops. However, you should always ask first.

So, here are a couple of things to keep in mind if you wanna take your dog with you: 

* Dogs aren't always allowed on the beach. There are strict rules, so we advise you to read our blog post about dog-friendly beaches in Valencia.

* If your dog is small and up to 10 kilos, you can take them with you on public transportation. Please note that they have to stay in a bench and if you travel by bus, they need a personalized card.
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* Most cafes and restaurants won't allow dogs inside, but just ask! It totally depends on the preferences of the owners. We've been surprised many times :-)

* Always clean up after your dog. If you don't, you'll get a fine. Bring a bottle of water with you to flush the pee away in case they have an accident, and always bring the little poopie bags with you.

* Very often, shops allow dogs inside, but not always. If you really wanna make sure you can take them with you, check it beforehand.

* Valencia's parks are great places for the doggos, but they have to be a on a leash. However, there are a couple of special dog playgrounds called pipicanes. They're allowed to run freely and play as much as they want.

In theory you can, but we really don’t recommend it.

Research has showed that Valencia has the worst tap water in Spain due to a combination of nitrates, chlorine by-products (THMs), arsenic, water contaminants such as microplastics, and contamination from local pipes.
That doesn’t sound like a lovely, fresh glass of water to me! Besides the fact that it’s really unhealthy, it also just tastes bad. 
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Here are a couple of things you can do: 

• Buy big bottles of water (preferably glass, we all know plastic isn’t mother earth’s friend). The prices are usually very low, so if you’re on a tight budget, this is a good idea.
  
  
• Install a water filter on your tap. It’s super affordable and you always have access to a fresh, healthy glass of water. We’ve been using filters from TAPP Water and Brita and couldn’t be happier with the taste!
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• Get yourself a water filter jug. This comes in handy when your tap is too small to install a water filter. Once you’ve bought the jug, you only have to buy a few cartridges every now and then. It’s as easy as drinking water. Oh, wait…

Throughout the year, there are plenty of public holidays in Spain. It can be quite confusing to solve this puzzle (we’ve been there), so we’re here to help.

Below you’ll find all the dates, but there are lots of other things to keep in mind. Check out this guide we've made.

National holidays

• 1st of January: Año Nuevo - New Year’s Day 
• 6th of January: Epifanía - Epiphany / Three Kings Day
• Viernes Santo - Good Friday: This falls on a different date in late March or early April each year. 
• Lunes de Pascua - Easter Monday: This falls on a different date in late March or early April each year. 
• 1st of May: Día del Trabajador - Labor Day
• 15th of August: La Asunción - Feast of the Assumption
• 12th of October: Día de la Hispanidad - National Holiday of Spain
• 1st of November: Todos Los Santos - All Saints Day
• 6th of December: Día de la Constitución - Constitution Day
• 8th of December: La Inmaculada Concepción - Immaculate Conception
• 25th December: Navidad -  Christmas Day

Regional holidays:

• 19th of March: San José - Feast of St. Joseph
• 24th of June: San Juan - Summer Solstice
• 9th of October: Día de la Comunidad Valenciana - Day of the Valencian community.

We're here to make your Summer days a little easier - and cooler - for you.

Here are a few short tips from our guide: 

* The best times of day to go outside are in the mornings until 12.00 and in the late afternoons starting from 18.00. Official guidelines advise staying inside between those hours and reducing physical activity. It's actually strongly encouraged to take a siesta (a short nap).

* Keep your home cool.
If you don't have air conditioning: buy a fan, keep your blinds down and your windows open during the day - this allows the air to circulate without direct sunlight coming in.
If you do have air conditioning: keep your blinds down and windows closed. Keep in mind that it can be a little expensive to keep your air conditioning on for a long time.

Another great piece of advice: take frequent cold showers or baths.

* Keep your dog cool.
Just like us, dogs need to avoid going outside during the hottest moments of the day. The best moments to walk your dog are early in the morning and late afternoon/evening.
If you do have to go out between those moments and take them with you, just check the temperature of the sidewalk.
To beat the heat with our little friends, let them drink cold, clean and fresh water, play with frozen toys, swim in paddling pools, and dance with water sprinklers. Always make sure to create shaded areas in and outdoors. Never leave them in vehicles, caravans, conservatories and outbuildings.

* Drink at least two liters of water a day. Eat little meals, preferably fruit and vegetables. Choose fruit that has a high water content such as watermelon or strawberries. If you can't live without a few cups of coffee or a glass of wine, try to decrease your intake as it can add to dehydration.

* Take good care of your skin.
The most important thing to use when it comes to skincare, is sunscreen. Lots and lots of sunscreen! The Valencian sun is really strong during the Summer months.
Putting on sunscreen doesn't have to be a hassle, there are lots of products that are suitable for your skin and very pleasant to use. You just have to do some research. Some of my favorite brands are: Eucerin, Laroche Posay, The Ordinary and Cerave.  

* Take a repellent roll-on with you to avoid mosquito bites, especially in parks. You can also apply it before you go to sleep.
Keeping your windows closed during the night can help fight mosquitos as well.

* Choose lightweight and loose-fitting clothing. Use natural fiber fabrics such as cotton and linen, they work best in absorbing sweat and allowing the skin to breathe. This will help you stay cool and avoid or minimize skin irritations.

* If you have to go somewhere during the hottest moments of the day, hop on a bus, order a taxi, or get in a car. You can stay cool and still smell nice ;-)
If you're going to spend your Summers in Valencia, you're gonna need a survival guide.

Trying to find a job in a foreign country can seem like a challenge, right?

However, if you're willing to try different things and keep an open mind, then it's definitely possible! 

We'll give you a few short tips from our blog post: 

• It’s very common in Valencia to find work through word-of-mouth and networking. Spaniards aren’t big fans of e-mails and contact forms, so, get out there and make new connections. Feel free to share a message in our Telegram group.
  
  
• Google for international companies in Valencia, there are plenty of those and they usually need a multilingual team.
  
  
• The job opportunities for people who wanna work in hospitality are growing.
  You could work as a tour guide, receptionist or waiter. Have a stroll around the city, look out for notes on windows, hand out your CV, and cross your fingers!
  
  
• Teaching English is booming business in Valencia. You can choose to look for work in a bilingual nursery, language school, or tutoring company. Another option is teaching online or offering your own private lessons. There’s a big community of English teachers, you can find most of them in the Facebook group: English Teachers in Valencia.
  
  
• If you love kids and wanna earn some extra cash, you could offer babysitting/nanny services. Many families are looking for an English-speaking person who can take care of their children and play with them. The best place to offer your services is in the Facebook group: English Speaking Babysitters in Valencia.
  
  
• Remote work has become very popular and it’s not just for entrepreneurs. Some companies allow you to relocate. You might not have thought about it, but why not ask? Give it a try, you won’t be the first one ;-)
  
  

Absolutely! We’ve listed 15 work-friendly cafes for you, from popular places to insider secrets. 

All of the following places have free, stable, and reliable Wi-Fi.
Besides, there are ample power sockets, comfy seating areas, and work-friendly tables. 

For more detailed information, check out our blog post.

• Bastard Coffee & Kitchen
• Café Artysana
• Cocolinda
• Federal Café
• Bluebell Coffee Roasters
• La Ola Fresca
• Pannes Bakery & Coffee
• TALLAT coffee
• Mayan Coffees
• Cult Café
• Fornelino
• Dempanadas
• Brunch corner
• Guisante Rojo
• Maybean Valencia

Moving to a new country or city is awesome, but it can be challenging and lonely sometimes.
Of course you want to make new friends! 
We'll share a couple of short tips from our blog post:

* We've met a lot of people through Facebook groups. There are plenty of groups that focus on making new connections and exchanging helpful information.
Check out: Expats in Valencia, Girls in Valencia ES, Expat Family in Valencia & Bumps and Babies.

* Join a language exchange (also known as: intercambios de idiomas). You'll see lots of posts about these events in Facebook groups. This is a great way to make new connections and learn the language at the same time. So efficient! 

* If you're looking for people with shared interests, then Meetup is your new friend. This platform brings people together through online and in-person events.

* Did you know that Bumble isn't just a dating app? It has a best friend feature too.

* One of the best ways to meet new people is by joining classes and workshops. You can bond over shared interests while working on a common goal.

* We've created our own Friends of Valencia community too. You can connect with other fellow Valencia enthusiasts through our Telegram group and create your own events here.

We've written a guide on how to end Valencian parking struggles once and for all.

To give you an idea, here are a few short tips from our blog post:
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• Free parking zones are marked with a white line, if you're willing to drive around for a little while, you might find a good parking spot.
  
  
• From Monday to Saturday (21:00 to 09:00), you can park for free anywhere you want and on Sundays you can park anywhere, all day long.
  
  
• Paid parking zones are marked with a blue line. There's a limited time, you're usually not allowed to park longer than two hours.
  
  
• If you live in a popular area, it's wise to find yourself a spot in a private parking garage. You can find space to rent on Idealista.
  
  
• Apps such as Parkopedia and Easypark help you to find parking spots all around the city and make payments easier.
  
  
• Look out for signs, never park your car in a pedestrian street or on zones marked with a yellow line.

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Valencia is a very bike-friendly city! It's full of cycle paths and bike rentals.
So, there are many options to choose from:

• Valenbisi is Valencia's public bike-sharing system.
  It's available 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. Currently, there are 275 Valenbisi stations throughout the city. It's a really convenient and cheap bike rental option.
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• Verrassend Valencia offers comfortable Cortina bikes, e-bikes, tandems, and electric cargo bikes
  If you’ve decided to stay in this beautiful city for a longer period of time, you can also choose to lease a bike (for at least 3 months).

• Sisi, from The Orange Guide, organizes fun bike tours. She's an official tour guide and knows all the ins and outs of the city. Everything will be taken care of, so you don't have to rent a bike yourself. A yummy surprise will be waiting for you as well... sounds good, right?

• In popular areas such as El Carmen and Ruzafa, you'll stumble upon many bike rentals. Just take a peek and ask what they have to offer :-)

Trying to find an English-speaking doctor in a foreign country, can feel like a really challenging task — we know all about it.
The last thing you wanna do when you need medical advice right away, is to search for a specialist for hours.
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Here are a couple of tips so you can find the help you need:

• Doctoralia is a global platform that connects patients to healthcare professionals.
  You can search for any specialist, read reviews, send messages, and book appointments.
  If you're covered by private health insurance, choose the insurance company and you'll see which specialists work together with them.
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• A couple of hospitals and medical health centers that we recommend are:
  Hospital & medical center Quirónsalud, Medicality, My Medica, Medcare and hospital IMED Valencia.
  Just make sure you give them a call or send a message to ask if the doctors that you're looking for speak English.
  We've made a Google Maps list as well and will update it from time to time, so do check that out!
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• If you have access to the public health system, ask your GP if they know of any English-speaking specialists. But keep in mind that you usually need a referral.

• Facebook groups are always a great source of information. The group ‘Expats in Valencia’ is full of recommendations, just search for "English-speaking doctor" and you'll find plenty of answers.
  

Ever walked around the streets of Valencia and thought: "hey, that piece of furniture doesn't deserve a trip to the dumping ground!"

We definitely have.

In fact, our homes are full of second-hand items, thanks to the people who leave their old furniture on the streets.

If that isn't really your thing, don't worry...
There are many other ways to find second-hand treasures.

• We absolutely love Wallapop!
  This is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell second-hand goods. It works best on your phone.

• Flea markets are full of unique pieces.
  We've created a guide so you can see where and when they take place.
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• You'll often find people offering their furniture in the Facebook group: Expats in Valencia. Sometimes they even offer it for free.

There are plenty of dog & cat lovers who would love to take care of your furry friend(s) :-) You decide if you wanna leave it up to a professional.
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A few tips:

- Check out Valencia Pet Sitter on Facebook.  They offer pet sitting and dog walking services. Their personal approach has warmed many people's hearts.
To make everything go smoothly, they plan a meet & greet with you first.

- Rover is an online platform where people offer pet care services for dogs and cats in your neighborhood. It's easy, quick and trustworthy.

- If you're looking for a flexible pet sitter, contact Petluditos on Instagram. Nelly, the owner, is very friendly and reliable. She has lots of good reviews and shares useful content, bonus!

- You can always reach out to our community by sending a message in our Telegram group. Someone might be very interested in helping you and your pet!