Moving abroad is often seen as a dream come true with a perfect mix of sunshine, new culture, and a slower pace of life. But for one expat who relocated to Spain, the reality has come with a few unexpected challenges that many don’t talk about when making the move from the British Isles.

Content creator Alex, known on Tiktok as @alex.jastravel, has been sharing insights into his life in Spain, offering a refreshingly honest look at both the highs and lows of expat living. While he acknowledges that there are plenty of advantages, such as beautiful landscapes, laid-back lifestyle, and a warmer climate, he’s also spoken candidly about the downsides that caught him off guard.

One of the biggest issues, according to Alex, is the cultural approach to time and urgency. “The mañana mindset, where things are always pushed off to tomorrow, can be incredibly frustrating,” he said.

“Sometimes, tomorrow never comes. Administrative processes are painfully slow.”

Customer service is another area where he’s experienced difficulties. Alex noted that while this isn't unique to Spain, a generally lower standard of service is more common across many parts of Europe, especially compared to what he's used to in the UK.

Housing, too, has proven to be more complicated than expected. He described many Spanish properties as poorly maintained, oddly designed, and sometimes lacking basic comforts.

“You might have windows facing brick walls or strange smells drifting in from the street,” he said. “It’s just not what many people would expect.”

Perhaps the most surprising challenging is squatting laws. Alex highlighted that in some parts of Spain, legal protections for squatters can make it extremely difficult for property owners to reclaim their homes once occupied.

“Homeowners go through so many checks before renting out their place,” he said. “To me, that system makes no sense.”

And while Spain is known for its hot summers, Alex warns that the lack of proper heating in many homes can make winters unpleasant, especially in the southern regions where temperature swings can be extreme.

Finally, he pointed to the high tax burden as a drawback for expats earning money abroad. “If you can, it’s better to be a tax resident elsewhere and earn income online,” he advised.

Despite the challenges, Alex hasn’t written off life in Spain, but he says moving abroad isn’t all sunshine and siestas. For those considering a similar move, it pays to be prepared for both the charm and the chaos.