{"id":14812,"date":"2026-04-15T11:50:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T11:50:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.valenciaandgo.com\/?p=14812"},"modified":"2026-04-15T14:08:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T14:08:28","slug":"moving-to-valencia-10-things-no-one-tells-you-before-you-arrive","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/mudarse-a-valencia-10-cosas-que-nadie-te-dice-antes-de-llegar\/","title":{"rendered":"Moving to Valencia: 10 Things Nobody Tells You Before You Arrive"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Whether you're starting a semester abroad, launching a new internship, or completely relocating for a fresh start under the endless Spanish sun, Valencia is your dream destination. But here\u2019s the truth: transitioning to life in Spain can be surprisingly tricky if you don't know the unwritten rules.\n\nWhy waste your first few weeks stressing over bureaucracy, scams, and cultural misunderstandings? At Valencia And Go<\/strong>, we live and breathe this city. We\u2019ve guided countless expats and travelers to skip the tourist traps and dive straight into the authentic Valencian lifestyle. Here are the 10 crucial things<\/strong> you absolutely must know before you pack your bags.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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1. Finding an Apartment is Harder (and Riskier) Than You Think<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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Do not leave this to the last minute! The Valencia real estate market moves fast, and navigating it alone can be a minefield. To secure a trustworthy, budget-friendly apartment without getting ripped off, use the right platforms:\u00a0<\/p>\n

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  • Idealista:<\/strong> The absolute holy grail of Spanish real estate. <\/li>\n
  • Pro Tip:<\/strong> Always demand a virtual or in-person house tour.<\/li>\n
  • Warning: Scammers operate here. If a private landlord removes their listing but keeps messaging you on WhatsApp asking for a deposit upfront\u2014run. Using a certified realtor inmobiliaria is safer, even with the agency fee.<\/li>\n
  • Spotahome:<\/strong> A fantastic platform for peace of mind. Spotahome acts as a secure middleman, meaning you don't pay the landlord directly and your money is protected. The Catch?<\/strong> Seasonal price surges. Renting the same apartment might cost \u20ac800 in February<\/strong> but could skyrocket to \u20ac1,900 by April<\/strong>!<\/li>\n
  • The brutal trap:<\/strong> Seasonal price peaks. The same flat can cost \u20ac800 \u20ac in the middle of February<\/strong> and skyrocket to 1,900 \u20ac in April<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
  • Facebook groups:<\/strong> Infallible for finding rooms and flatmates. However, keep your guard up: ask a thousand questions, demand real-time photos and never send money transfers to strangers out of the blue.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    2. Public Transport is Your Secret Weapon<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    Forget the stress of navigating a new city in a car. Valencia\u2019s public transport is exceptionally affordable and efficient, boasting an extensive network of Metro, Trams, and Buses<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

    Under 30?<\/strong> You are in luck! You are eligible for an incredible youth travel card (Abono Joven<\/em>) for just \u20ac15\/month<\/strong>, giving you unlimited access to all public transport. And because Valencia is blissfully flat, the entire city is covered in dedicated bike lanes. Grabbing a bike (or using a sharing app like Valenbisi) is often the fastest way to get around.<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    3. Ditch the Car, Embrace the E-Scooter<\/h2><\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    If you're thinking of bringing or buying a car\u2014reconsider. Heavy traffic and a severe lack of central parking make driving a daily headache. Instead, locals dominate the streets using taxis, bicycles, and the incredibly convenient shared e-scooters scattered across every neighborhood. It\u2019s cheaper, faster, and infinitely less stressful.<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    4. English Won't Always Save You (But Spanish Will)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    While Valencia is an incredibly welcoming international hub, assuming everyone speaks English is a rookie mistake. Whether you are sorting out your essential NIE number<\/strong> at the immigration office, ordering tapas, or chatting at your internship, having basic Spanish is absolutely critical for your survival and social life.<\/p><\/p>\n

    You\u2019ll also notice locals speaking Valencian<\/strong>\u2014a beautiful traditional language closely related to Catalan. It\u2019s fully integrated into street signs and official documents, but don't panic! Mastering standard Spanish is more than enough to thrive.<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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    5. The Shocking Truth About Spanish Meal Times<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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    If you\u2019re used to grabbing lunch at noon and dinner at 6:00 PM, prepare for a massive culture shock. In Spain, the day starts later and ends much later.<\/p>\n

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      • Lunch (Comida<\/em>):<\/strong> The main meal of the day happens between 2:00 PM and 3:30 PM<\/strong>.<\/li><\/li>\n
      • Dinner (Cena<\/em>):<\/strong> Do not expect to eat dinner before 9:00 PM<\/strong>. Heading out at 7:00 PM? You'll find empty restaurants.<\/li><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Important:<\/strong> Most restaurant kitchens completely close around 4:00 PM<\/strong> and refuse to reopen until 7:30 PM<\/strong>. Plan your cravings accordingly!<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        6. Sundays Are for Resting (Literally)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        In Valencia, Sunday represents a strict day of rest. This means major supermarkets, massive shopping centers, and electronics stores are completely closed<\/strong>. <\/p><\/p>\n

        Need groceries in an emergency? Look for smaller neighborhood convenience stores like Carrefour Express<\/strong> or Consum Basic<\/strong>, which often open in the morning. Luckily, the vibrant restaurants in the city center are always bustling on Sundays!<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        7. Welcome to the Cult of Mercadona<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        Forget everything you know about grocery shopping back home. In Spain, Mercadona<\/strong> is the undisputed king. It is the absolute best supermarket for everything you need, offering unmatched quality-to-price ratios on everyday goods.<\/p><\/p>\n

        While you can find Aldi and Lidl, Mercadona\u2019s house brands are legendary among locals. Once you start shopping there, you'll never look back.<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        8. You've Been Lied to About Paella<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        Time to bust the biggest tourist myth in Spain: authentic, traditional Paella Valenciana does NOT contain seafood!<\/strong> The true masterpiece is religiously crafted with chicken, rabbit, and local flat beans<\/strong>. It is a savory, earthy delicacy that you absolutely have to taste. (Don't worry, world-class seafood paella is still everywhere if you prefer it).<\/p><\/p>\n

        And to drink? Skip the generic Sangria. You need to order Agua de Valencia<\/strong>\u2014a dangerously delicious local cocktail blending fresh-squeezed Valencian oranges, Cava (Spanish sparkling wine), Gin, Vodka, and sugar. <\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

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        9. Las Fallas: The Wildest Street Party in Europe<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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        If you arrive in the spring, brace yourself. From March 1st to the 19th, Valencia explodes into Las Fallas<\/strong>, an intensely loud, chaotic, and beautiful festival recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<\/p>\n

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          • Masclet\u00e0 (2:00 PM daily):<\/strong> A rhythmic, earth-shaking daytime fireworks show in the main square.<\/li><\/li>\n
          • The Flower Offering (March 17-18):<\/strong> Thousands of locals in stunning traditional dress craft a massive floral sculpture.<\/li><\/li>\n
          • La Crem\u00e0 (March 19):<\/strong> The grand finale where hundreds of towering, intricate street monuments are set ablaze in massive bonfires across the entire city.<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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            10. Mercadillos: Your Ticket to Cheap Shopping<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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            Want to shop like a true local? Hit the \"Mercadillos.\" These cheap, vibrant street markets pop up in different neighborhoods throughout the week, offering unbelievable deals on clothes, fresh food, and household items. Here\u2019s a quick cheat sheet on where to find them:<\/p>\n

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              • Monday:<\/strong> Paiporta, Moncada, Manises<\/li><\/li>\n
              • Tuesday:<\/strong> X\u00e0tiva, Alfafar, Paterna<\/li>\n
              • Wednesday: <\/strong>Burjassot, Sagunto, El Grao<\/li>\n
              • Thursday: <\/strong>Silla, Meliana, Alboraya<\/li>\n
              • Friday:<\/strong> Torrent, Sueca, Catarroja<\/li>\n
              • Saturday:<\/strong> Requena, Algemes\u00ed, Puerto de Sagunto<\/li>\n
              • Sunday:<\/strong>\u00a0Riba-roja de T\u00faria, Montserrat, Ll\u00edria<\/li>\n<\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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                Ready to Master Valencia? We\u2019ve Got You Covered!<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
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                Moving to a new country shouldn't be stressful\u2014it should be the adventure of a lifetime. But to truly unlock the magic of Valencia, you need elite local experts on your side.<\/p><\/p>\n

                At Valencia And Go<\/strong>, we don\u2019t just offer advice; we deliver unforgettable experiences. Let us take the guesswork out of your transition. Book one of our top-rated guided tours today<\/strong> to discover the hidden gems, taste the most authentic Paella, and learn how to navigate this beautiful city like a true local from day one. Don't just visit Valencia\u2014live it to the fullest with us!<\/p><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Ya sea que vengas para un intercambio universitario, unas pr\u00e1cticas profesionales o simplemente para empezar una nueva vida bajo el inagotable sol del Mediterr\u00e1neo, Valencia es el destino so\u00f1ado. Pero seamos sinceros: la transici\u00f3n a la vida en Espa\u00f1a puede ser extremadamente frustrante si no conoces sus reglas no escritas. \u00bfPor qu\u00e9 perder tus primeras […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5609,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[92,22],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-consejos-de-vida","category-cultura-tradiciones"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14812","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14812"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14812\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5609"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14812"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14812"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pruebas.valenciaandgo.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14812"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}