In early March, I received a shocking €900 fine from the Servei Català de Trànsit (Catalan Transit Agency). The charge? Failing to identify the driver of my privately owned vehicle for a previous traffic violation. But here’s the twist: I was never properly notified about that earlier request. Like many people, I didn’t find out until it was too late—the original notice had been published in the BOE (Spain’s official government bulletin), which I never saw.

This article walks through the exact steps I took, what I learned along the way, and what I recommend to others who might be facing a similar situation.

Step 1: Understanding the Fine

The €900 fine was not for speeding or parking—it was for a failure to identify the driver. Under Spanish traffic law, vehicle owners are required to respond to certain notices identifying who was driving at the time of an infraction. If you don’t, a second fine is issued, often much larger than the original.

In my case, I hadn’t responded simply because I never received the original notice. It turns out it was published in the BOE without any attempt to notify me directly at home.

Step 2: Filing an Alegación (Appeal)

I submitted an alegación on March 4, explaining that I had not received the original driver identification request and therefore could not have replied to it. The alegación is your formal right to respond to a proposed sanction before it becomes final. It temporarily freezes the process while the Servei Català de Trànsit reviews your explanation.

You can submit this online, by mail, or in person. It’s crucial to do it within the timeline indicated in the notice (usually 20 days).

Step 3: What Happens While You Wait

After filing, the fine is put on hold. You do not need to pay anything until the administration issues a decision on your alegación. No interest accrues, and the case doesn’t move to enforcement while your appeal is pending.

I waited several weeks with no reply—which is normal. The SCT can take a few months to respond.

Step 4: Possible Outcomes

Here’s what can happen next:

• Your alegación is accepted: The €900 fine is canceled, and the process ends. This is ideal.
• Your alegación is rejected: The fine becomes official. You’ll receive a resolution telling you how long you have to pay (usually 15 days).

Important note: For this kind of infraction, no early-payment discount applies. That means if your alegación is rejected, you’ll owe the full €900.

Step 5: Deciding Whether to Keep Fighting

If your alegación is rejected, you still have two options:

1. Recurso de Reposición (Administrative Re-appeal): You can request the SCT to reconsider within one month. However, this doesn’t suspend the fine, so enforcement may begin.
2. Contencioso-Administrativo (Court Appeal): You can go to court within two months of the resolution. Legal representation is required, and costs can be high.

In my case, I decided that I didn’t want to incur legal fees. I can afford to pay the €900 if it comes to that, but I find it excessive—and I imagine most people would struggle with a fine of that size.

My Recommendation

• If you believe the notice wasn’t properly served (like me), file an alegación immediately.
• Wait for the SCT’s response—it may take a couple of months.
• If rejected and you don’t want legal hassles, pay the fine promptly to avoid a 20% surcharge.
• If you’re passionate about fighting it further, explore the administrative or judicial options.

Final Thoughts

The system is tough and unjust, especially when it relies on BOE publication instead of proper notification. But you do have rights, and the alegación process gives you a fair shot to contest unreasonable penalties.

I’ll update this article if and when I receive a final decision. For now, I hope sharing this helps others understand their options and make an informed choice when faced with a traffic fine like this in Catalonia.

Planning a birthday bash or an intimate celebration in Barcelona? Whether you’re dreaming of a scenic rooftop, a cozy café terrace, or a breezy beachside setup, the city offers a rich variety of venues perfect for small gatherings. Here are some local recommendations that blend style, atmosphere, and charm — ideal for memorable get-togethers.

Mirabé

Nestled on the slopes of Tibidabo, Mirabé offers breathtaking views over the city. Its elegant atmosphere, paired with excellent food and a chic terrace, makes it a top choice for a small celebration. It’s a particularly romantic spot at sunset, with panoramic vistas that impress every guest.

Xalet de Montjuïc

This classic venue, perched on Montjuïc hill, combines traditional Catalan architecture with stunning cityscape views. Xalet de Montjuïc is perfect for a slightly more formal birthday lunch or evening event, especially during warmer months when you can enjoy the outdoor space.

Terraza Miramar

Another gem on Montjuïc, Terraza Miramar offers a tranquil garden-like setting with panoramic views of the port and sea. The relaxed, stylish ambiance makes it a wonderful choice for an outdoor birthday celebration or a casual evening with friends and family.

Hotel Rooftops on Passeig de Gràcia

For a centrally located and stylish rooftop experience, check out the terrace of a hotel along Passeig de Gràcia. While some spots may come at a premium, the views, ambiance, and location are often worth the price—especially for a special occasion.

Al Sur Café – Parc de la Ciutadella

Right across from Parc de la Ciutadella, Al Sur Café offers a relaxed vibe with good food and affordable prices. Their terrace is great for a casual daytime event.

Beachside Chiringuitos

Depending on the time of year, you can reserve chairs and tables at a chiringuito on the beach. These casual seaside bars are perfect for a laid-back party with toes in the sand and a drink in hand. They’re particularly fun for kids’ birthdays or adult gatherings with a relaxed, summery feel.

Find Hidden Gems on Spathios

If you’re looking for something unique, check out Spathios — a platform that lists a variety of spaces for rent across the city. From modern lofts to boho-style terraces and artistic studios, you’re bound to discover a venue that fits your vibe and budget.

Whether you’re after breathtaking views, bohemian flair, or casual beachside fun, Barcelona has a perfect spot for your next small event. Make your celebration one to remember!

Want help booking or choosing based on your event size or style? Just say the word!

One of the biggest mistakes people make when deciding where to live is placing tax considerations above everything else. While taxation is certainly an important factor, making it the sole or primary reason for relocation—or for not moving—is often a short-sighted decision.

You’re saving €20,000 a year in taxes—but what is it costing you?

I’ve spent a lot of time researching the best place to live for me and my family and this is one of the most important decisions I’ve made and continue to make in my life. Conditions change and so this is not a one-time decisions. For example, Asia might be great in your twenties when your focus is on exploring the world with your partner, but once you have kids you probably want to live in a more familiar environment within the culture you grew up with. For me, that is clearly the Mediterranean basin.

Let’s take some of the most common examples of tax-focused moves (or non-moves) I hear about.

Consider someone moving from Spain to Dubai to reduce their tax burden. Sure, Dubai offers attractive tax advantages, but what are you giving up in return? Living in Spain, especially on the Mediterranean coast, provides an unmatched lifestyle: warm climate, friendly people, incredible food, and the ease of jumping in a car and being in another country within hours. Your children can receive a top-tier education, grow up in a culturally rich environment, and have access to high-level sporting opportunities. Everyday life in Spain is also more affordable in many ways. Dining out, groceries, and even housing can be significantly cheaper compared to cities like Dubai. So while you might save on taxes, you could easily end up spending more in other areas. The same applies to Andorra, which is a very popular move among people in Spain due to its proximity and significantly lower taxes.

Or take Londoners relocating to Portugal or Dubai to reduce their tax burden. While Dubai is a booming hub with luxury appeal, it may not offer the same level of creative energy, cultural richness, or professional ecosystems they enjoyed in the UK.

Consider Americans who move to Puerto Rico under Act 60. The promise of nearly zero tax is alluring, but many underestimate the challenges: cultural adjustment, limited healthcare options, infrastructure issues, and lack of top-tier education for their kids. For some, the move feels more like exile than freedom.

Eastern Europeans heading to Singapore or the UAE for higher salaries and lower tax often face similar dilemmas: a trade-off between career opportunity and losing touch with their cultural roots, family, or nature-focused lifestyles.

Another scenario of not moving is choosing to stay in Malta simply because of its lower taxes compared to somewhere like Spain. This again overlooks the bigger picture. Take Barcelona as an example: it offers not just a vibrant city life, but also unparalleled networking opportunities, exposure to high-level professionals, and personal and professional growth that can far outweigh the money saved through lower taxes. Especially if you’re earning something in the range of €100,000 a year, the tax difference becomes marginal when balanced against the benefits of being in a dynamic, opportunity-rich environment.

And then there’s your family to consider. In cities like Barcelona, your children will grow up around the kids of ultra-successful parents, especially if enrolled in good private schools. This kind of social environment can have a massive positive influence on their development and future prospects.

Clearly tax is a valid part of the decision-making process, but it should never be the only consideration. Quality of life, cost of living, career growth, education, and personal fulfillment often provide far greater value than the percentage of income you’re able to shield from taxation. Look at the full picture—and make a choice that serves your whole life, not just your bank account.

Why do so many people fall into this trap? Partly, it’s due to the over-glorification of tax optimization in online communities. Financial influencers and digital nomads often push the narrative that avoiding tax is the highest form of financial wisdom.

But life isn’t lived in spreadsheets. Real life is built on relationships, experiences, health, growth, and a sense of belonging. Optimizing for taxes is rational, but it becomes irrational if it leads you to sacrifice long-term well-being for short-term savings.

A Better Framework for Choosing Where to Live

To make better decisions, we need a broader lens. Here’s a more detailed framework to consider when choosing a place to live:

Community & Networking: Are you surrounded by people who inspire and support you? Can you connect with mentors, business leaders, or creative collaborators? How many events, meetups and conferences are held within a 1 hour radius? Think about whether you’re in a place where your circle helps elevate your vision.

Cost of Living vs. Quality of Life: What are you getting for your money? Are your basic and aspirational needs being met in a way that feels sustainable and enjoyable? A higher tax location that gives you better services, more cultural offerings, and cleaner public spaces might actually give you a better deal overall. Everyone has their own needs, but as an example, to me, the ease of online shopping makes living in a city like Barcelona incredibly time-efficient and convenient.

Education & Child Development: Will your kids be in a nurturing, stimulating environment that supports their potential? Are they exposed to diversity, good values, and the children of other driven families? Are their teachers passionate, well-trained, and inspiring? The presence of world-class schools, access to languages, extracurriculars, and even peer influence can dramatically shape who your child becomes. If you have the opportunity to raise your children in a top-tier city with excellent education, not doing so is a massive missed opportunity.

Access to Nature & Travel: How easy is it to take a weekend break in nature or hop on a short flight to a culturally rich city? This has a huge impact on mental health and a family’s sense of adventure and balance. I love hopping into one of my cars and taking a trip to the many amazing places within easy reach, whereas in other places I’d need to take a flight to make a change of scenery.

Healthcare & Safety: Can you access top-notch medical services quickly and affordably? How safe is the city for you, your spouse, and your children?

Personal Growth Opportunities: Are there cultural events, conferences, sports, and new challenges around you that help you keep growing? Is your city pushing you to evolve?

Civic Engagement & Values: Do you feel aligned with the values of the place you live? Do people care about the environment, art, family, or innovation? Are you proud to call it home?

A location like Barcelona might not be the most tax-efficient, but it scores incredibly well across all these dimensions. And when all these elements work together, they create a foundation for a deeply fulfilling life.

The Power of Social Environment

Another underestimated factor is the social environment. Being around high achievers has a profound impact—not just on adults, but on children too. If your children are surrounded by ambitious, well-raised peers at school, they’re more likely to adopt positive habits, higher aspirations, and resilience. These are invisible, long-term advantages that pay dividends for decades.

Parents often underestimate just how much influence teachers and peers have on their child’s development. The reality is, your child will spend more waking hours with their teachers and classmates than with you. Their worldview, language, confidence, and habits will be shaped more by their environment than anything else. Being in a classroom where the bar is high, the standards are clear, and the kids are driven makes a world of difference.

What many don’t realize is that children absorb everything from their surroundings. Adults have filters—we can critique our environment, see its flaws, and emotionally detach when necessary. Kids don’t. If they grow up in a place where dysfunction, chaos, or mediocrity is the norm, they internalize that as how the world works. Conversely, when placed in a thriving, world-class city, they absorb excellence, structure, and aspiration as part of their everyday experience.

Sometimes, even as parents, we’re limited in what we absorb from our environment—but our kids aren’t. I’ve seen my own children mimic vocabulary, behaviors, and worldviews that clearly came from simply living in Barcelona. They are more open, curious, and socially engaged than I ever expected, not because of something I did, but because of what they’re immersed in every day.

As an adult, proximity to driven, successful people often leads to serendipitous opportunities—partnerships, introductions, ideas that change everything. A spontaneous dinner or school pickup can lead to the next great business venture or a lifelong friendship. That kind of organic networking is hard to replicate in more isolated or purely transactional environments.

The social atmosphere of a city also impacts mental health and motivation. Do you feel energized or drained by the people around you? Are people open-minded, optimistic, and generous? Are conversations stimulating? The right social environment can lift you out of plateaus and push you to reinvent yourself.

The Hidden Impact of Baseline Shift

One of the most transformative, yet underestimated, changes that comes with moving to a major city is the baseline shift. When you live in a smaller, slower, or more disorganized place, you may not realize how much you’ve adapted to its limitations. You think it’s normal.

But when you relocate to a dynamic, high-functioning place like Barcelona, you begin to operate on an entirely different level. The standards, the systems, the pace—all push you forward. You start expecting more from your surroundings and from yourself. This isn’t about being elitist—it’s about exposure. You can’t grow if you don’t even realize there’s another level available to you.

This applies even more to children. If they grow up surrounded by mediocrity or dysfunction, that becomes their default. If they grow up surrounded by excellence, curiosity, and drive, that becomes their normal. The bar is simply higher.

Short-Term Gains vs. Long-Term Regret

Tax savings may feel good in the short term, but regret creeps in slowly. People often realize too late that they’ve missed out on years of community, rich experiences, or opportunities they could’ve had elsewhere. I’ve mentioned Barcelona many times in this article because it takes the number one spot for living for what my family needs right now. However, there are many other comparable cities and locations that might take your number one spot depending on how you want to live.

So when choosing where to live, ask yourself this: Are you optimizing for tax, or are you optimizing for life?

Sometimes, the best investment isn’t in your bank account—it’s in your lifestyle, your network, your kids, your joy, and your future.

Choose wisely.

This article is based on both personal experience and countless conversations with others who’ve made the move—or hesitated and later regretted it. If you’re on the fence, do the math. But also run the life audit. The right decision might not just change your tax return. It might change your life.

When planning a trip, travel insurance is something I always consider, especially if I’m venturing out of Europe. Many digital banks and fintech companies offer insurance coverage as part of their premium subscription plans, which makes things convenient if you travel frequently. In this article, I’m sharing my comparison of the travel insurance options provided by Revolut, Wise, and N26, highlighting what they offer, what they don’t, and a few alternative online travel insurance providers I’ve looked into.

Revolut Travel Insurance

Revolut has been a popular choice for digital banking users, and it previously included travel insurance in several of its premium plans. However, recent changes have affected its coverage:

• Available for: Revolut Metal and Ultra plan users.
• Coverage includes:
  • Emergency medical expenses.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption.
  • Lost or delayed baggage.
  • Travel delays.
• Requirements:
  • You must pay at least 75% of your transportation and accommodation costs using your Revolut account for coverage to be valid.
  • Maximum trip duration is 30 days for Metal and 90 days for Ultra subscribers.
• Recent Updates:
  • Travel insurance was removed from the Revolut Premium plan.
  • Changes to coverage limits and eligibility have been made for Metal and Ultra plan holders.

My Take: Revolut’s travel insurance is handy if you’re already on a Metal or Ultra plan, but the payment requirement adds a layer of friction. You have to remember to use your Revolut account for most of your bookings.

Wise Travel Insurance

Wise doesn’t include built-in travel insurance, which is a bit of a downside if you’re looking for an all-in-one solution.

• Available for: Not offered.
• Alternative option: You’ll need to purchase standalone travel insurance from an external provider.

My Take: I still love Wise for managing multi-currency spending, but it just doesn’t help on the insurance front.

N26 Travel Insurance

N26 offers comprehensive travel insurance through its premium accounts, N26 You and N26 Metal, in collaboration with Allianz Assistance.

• Available for: N26 You and N26 Metal plan users.
• Coverage includes:
  • Emergency medical coverage: Up to €1,000,000 for medical emergencies abroad, including dental emergencies and winter sports incidents.
  • Trip cancellation and interruption: Reimbursement up to €10,000 for non-refundable trip costs due to unforeseen events.
  • Baggage coverage: Up to €2,000 for baggage loss, theft, or damage, and up to €500 for baggage delays over four hours.
  • Travel delay: Coverage up to €500 for expenses incurred due to delays over two hours.
  • Personal liability: Coverage up to €500,000 for damages or injuries caused to third parties during a trip.
• Requirements:
  • N26 used to require you to pay with your card for some of the insurance benefits, but that’s no longer the case. Now, you’re covered as long as your premium account is active—no matter how you paid for your trip.
• Additional Benefits for N26 Metal Users:
  • Mobile phone insurance (up to €2,000).
  • Purchase protection for high-value items.

My Take: N26 is my favorite option overall. It’s straightforward, and I don’t have to stress about which card I used to pay for the trip.

Other Online Travel Insurance Options for Europeans

If you’re like me and want flexibility—or if your bank doesn’t offer insurance—there are solid standalone options available.

SafetyWing is great for digital nomads and long-term travelers. Their subscription model makes it easy to stay insured without having to buy a new policy for every trip. They cover the essentials: emergency medical, trip interruption, and lost baggage.

Allianz Travel Insurance is one of the big names in the space. They offer everything from single-trip to annual multi-trip policies. It’s reliable, well-known, and covers just about everything you’d need.

AXA Travel Insurance is another solid option. I like that you can tailor your policy depending on how much coverage you want. Their customer service reputation is strong too, which is reassuring when you’re abroad.

Europ Assistance (also known as Euros Assist) has been around for ages and has a global support network. Their coverage includes 24/7 medical help, repatriation, trip cancellations, and more. It’s a good option especially if you travel with family or have longer stays planned.

Heymondo has become a favorite among some of my friends. Their app makes it super easy to manage everything, including medical chat support. Their plans are flexible and well-priced, and they offer strong coverage limits for medical emergencies and trip issues.

American Express is also worth looking into if you already have one of their higher-tier cards. The Platinum Card, for example, includes travel insurance for cancellations, medical emergencies, lost luggage, and car rentals.

Also, don’t overlook the option of getting insurance during the booking process. Platforms like Booking.com and many airlines now offer insurance as an add-on—it’s convenient and can work well for shorter trips.

Conclusion

For me, N26 stands out as the best all-around option, especially with its no-hassle coverage and no need to use a specific payment method. Revolut is still a decent option if you already use it and don’t mind the 75% payment rule. Wise is great for money transfers, but you’ll need to look elsewhere for insurance.

If you’re not covered through your bank, providers like SafetyWing, Allianz, AXA, Europ Assistance, and Heymondo all offer strong standalone plans. And if you’re an Amex cardholder, you might already have decent coverage without needing to do anything extra.

For most of my trips, I usually rely on my private health insurance in Spain (which offers international coverage) combined with N26 You’s travel insurance that covers things that can go wrong with baggage, delays, etc. The nice thing is that if my family is traveling with me then the insurance actually covers all of us. This is way cheaper than taking out travel insurance policies for each trip. As an example, while checking for a recent trip to Asia visiting 3 developed countries, the dedicated insurance providers quoted me around €400-700 euro for a family policy, whereas with my N26 You account I would have more or less the same coverage for much less (€10 a month). The additional benefit is that I don’t need to think about travel insurance every time I go on a trip, as I know it will always be available for me as long as I’m on the N26 You plan.

No matter which route you go, make sure to check the fine print before you travel—having the right travel insurance can make all the difference when something goes wrong abroad.

Navigating Spain’s government services often feels like a test of patience, but few experiences are as universally frustrating as trying to book an online appointment with extranjería (immigration office). Whether it’s for a NIE, residency renewal, or other crucial paperwork, the process has become a source of stress for countless people. The issue isn’t just about inefficiency—it’s about fairness and accessibility.

The problem is simple: appointments are almost impossible to book. Log onto the government’s official website, and you’re likely to encounter the dreaded message: “No hay citas disponibles” (No appointments available). Refresh the page at odd hours? Still no luck. Try again for weeks on end? You’ll likely receive the same result. For many, this deadlock isn’t just inconvenient; it can delay important life plans, from securing a job to enrolling in health care or registering a child for school.

What’s particularly frustrating is the contrast between the government’s platform and third-party appointment brokers. These intermediaries, operating outside the official system, always seem to have appointments available—for a fee, of course. The going rate for securing a slot ranges from €50 to €300, depending on the service and urgency. This disparity raises uncomfortable questions about the integrity of the system. How is it that private entities can access appointments that regular citizens cannot?

Critics argue that the government’s flawed system is being exploited, either through bots or other questionable means, allowing brokers to monopolize slots. Meanwhile, those who lack the financial means to pay are left scrambling for a rare, elusive appointment. This dynamic creates a two-tier system that undermines the principles of equality and fairness.

While the government occasionally promises improvements to its online platforms, progress has been slow. Some regions have implemented reforms, such as CAPTCHA verification and random appointment releases, but these measures often fall short of solving the deeper issue.

For Spain’s digital government to truly serve its people, it must address the extranjería appointment crisis with urgency. Solutions might include stricter security measures to prevent appointment hoarding, increased transparency about the availability of slots, and the expansion of in-person service options for those struggling with the online system. Until these steps are taken, the system will remain a source of frustration and inequality for those navigating Spain’s immigration and residency processes.

The Scams

Unfortunately, this broken system has also created fertile ground for scams. Websites like citaonline-extranjeria.com and extranjeria-citaprevia.com – two websites run by the same company in Barcelona (AAN Host SL) – exploit the desperation of those trying to navigate the system. Promising quick appointments for a price, these platforms often charge fees without delivering a legitimate booking. Victims are left not only out of pocket but still without the critical appointment they need.

These scams thrive because of the deep frustrations with the government’s online system and the lack of alternatives. Some of these websites even mimic official government platforms, making it difficult for users to differentiate between a legitimate service and a fraudulent one. The situation leaves many feeling trapped: stuck between a dysfunctional public system and predatory private schemes.

If you look at the terms and conditions on these websites they claim to be charging users for information only, and not the appointment. I leave it to your judgment as to whether the screen below makes you think you are paying for an appointment or just for information:

 

A Call for Reform

The government’s flawed system is being exploited, either through bots or other questionable means, allowing brokers and scammers to monopolize slots. Meanwhile, those who lack the financial means to pay are left scrambling for a rare, elusive appointment. This dynamic creates a two-tier system that undermines the principles of equality and fairness.

While the government occasionally promises improvements to its online platforms, progress has been slow. Some regions have implemented reforms, such as CAPTCHA verification and random appointment releases, but these measures often fall short of solving the deeper issue.

For Spain’s digital government to truly serve its people, it must address the extranjería appointment crisis with urgency. Solutions might include stricter security measures to prevent appointment hoarding, increased transparency about the availability of slots, and the expansion of in-person service options for those struggling with the online system. Additionally, tackling the growing issue of scams and prosecuting those responsible for fraudulent websites is essential.

Until these steps are taken, the system will remain a source of frustration, inequality, and exploitation for those navigating Spain’s immigration and residency processes.