As a consequence of the economic downturn more and more people are looking at ways to save money.

Did you know that your telephone bill every month never really changes; it’s the telephone call charges that push up the cost each month.

There is no money in providing Internet or line rental services in Spain or the UK, this is why prices are almost the same where ever you look.

So how do telephone providers make any money you ask? – Simple, on your call charges and calling packages.
The truth of the matter is once your provider puts you on CPS (this is where you do not need to dial a code before making the call) you never think really about looking at the call rates again, and if you do it’s a hassle to move. In this economic climate the cost of calls are going down....but when was the last time your provider called you to tell you your call charges are going down...never I bet, this is where they make all there money.

Call Packages

Nothing in life is free, and this applies to call inclusive packages. The fact is that most people with free included minutes don't come close to using the amount they are given (paying for), it’s cheaper just to pay for the call at the time.

Calling Mobile phones

Here in Spain we live on our mobile phones, and for most of us this is the only form of communication we can get, so why is it so expensive to call a mobile phone? Well its not, it’s just the providers making a killing on you calling mobiles as they know that in most cases the person you are calling will only be on a mobile! If you are paying more that 8 cents per minute to call a mobile then you are on the wrong provider.

Solution to all of this - take back control of your telephone bill by making calls with a pre-paid provider using an override code, this way the only bill you will receive is for your Internet and line rental, you have already paid for your calls so you know how much is coming out of the bank each month from your current provider.
You DO NOT need to change your current provider, the code you dial just overrides there telephone service.

It’s a pain I here you cry to dial a code before making a call......

Well how many times do you drive the extra mile to save a cent or two filling your car up, plus you can program all modern telephones with the override code so you don't have to dial it every time.
All this is food for thought.

Look out for my next Blog about the cons of using telephone calling cards.

If you would like any help or information on your telecom’s please feel free to contact me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or join our Simple Telecoms group.

Until next time

Tony

Just a reminder that the changes to driving licence regulations come into effect on December 9th 2011.  This new regulation is designed to bring all drivers into line with the requirements in Spain of periodic physical competence checks.  It also means that, just as in the UK, your licence will be linked to your address

If you are a EU national and you hold a driving licence from a country other than Spain, by this date you must either register (inscribir) your driving licence with Tráfico or change (canjear) to a Spanish licence.

If your licence has more than a year to run there is no problem.  However, if your licence has less than a year to run you will need to undertake a competence test before you can register or change.

The driving school in Pinoso will make the arrangements for you.  Registering costs about €50 and a change costs about €75.  You will need to provide a copy of your passport, your (green) residency paper, your Padrón (less than 3 months old) and your licence.  Some people have been to the Notary to get a certified copy of their licence, which costs about €10, in the event that it may need to be sent off to Tráfico.

If you fail to do this then you can expect a significant fine if you are stopped