The intent of this site is to provide on-line Portman related information to Portman residents and guests. We therefore wish to keep the information as accurate as possible. If you wish to make an addition or correction please use this comment form.
The listings below are local. Viva-Murcia.com is also a helpful site.
Portman:
Cajamar on Calle Major or 11 Pola Vieja, Portman. Contact: Mariano - Director. Tel.: +34 968 549 001. Open M-F 0830-1400, Thu. 1700-1900hrs. Personally recommended. Location 2 on the local Portman map.
Cartagena:
Wealth Tax:
For non-residents, it is charged on property owned in Spain, such as a house. The tax base is the value declared in the escritura.
Form 214 is a simple, one-page declaration which you should be able to fill in yourself (the instructions are on the back and the form may be obtained through the security gate on the ground floor at the window on the right at 'La Hacienda', C/Campos 2, 30201 Cartagena for 50cents. You will need a self adhesive label. If you do not have a self adhesive label with your name and bar code on it you will need to go to 'Census' desk on the first floor and they will issue you a page full of duplicate stickers.
la Union:
Tax must be paid on your property in Portman during May of each year. If you need assistance you can get help (in English) at Reaudacion, C/Cortes de Cadiz, Num 7, La Union. Tel: 968 540 712. Open 0900-1300, 1630-1800 M-F. You will need your NIE document. They will arrange a direct debit for you if you give them your bank info. The best way to reach them from Portman take the bypass to the left when entering La Union. Follow around until you see the Diaz market on the left. park there and walk back along C/Real to Calle Beatas on the left. Turn left and go up two blocks to Calle Cortes de Cadiz and turn left. The Recaudacion is second on the right.
Still looking for an honest solicitor.
If you have a complaint about the way a business is treating you then ask for a Hoja de Reclamacion from the service desk at the business and complete it as instructed on the back.
Note that it may be very difficult to obtain the three part complaint form and the business may try and charge you for the form or make you complete it in their office. Do not pay for the form and complete it at your leisure at home when you are more composed.
Also note that the
address of the Oficina Regional de Information al
Consumidor y Usario de Communidad Autonoma is not
included. For Murcia the address is:
C/ Saavedra Fajardo
S/N
30001 Murcia, Tel. No.:
Let Carol help - Available for any situation or transactions where help is needed communicating between English and Spanish. I have transport and can collect and take you if required. I do specialise in hospital and Doctors visits but can help you though the maze of official paperwork, sorting problems with house bills, visits to the police or anything else that crops up and language is a barrier or the thought of the queues put you off! To contact: 0034 616 765 325, Email: carolmarmenor@gmail.com
Cartagena:
Ma, Conception Jarava Melgarejo, C/ Palas, 10 Entresuelo, 30202 Cartragena. Tel.: +34 968 500140, email: notoria@notoriajarava.com, www.notariajarava.com . Note that when buying property notaries always charge you extra to ensure that there are enough funds to complete the transaction. These funds are returned to you at some later date. However, your solicitor may intervene and cash your cheque. This is generally accomplished by the solicitor indicating that the money will be placed in an account in your name to pay for their charges. If you don't follow-up with them you may never see your money.
Iberdrola - Spain Tel.: +34 901 202 020, from abroad: +34 965 538 500 - The expediente code for Urb Puerto Vallarta is 9005984745. You must have your NIE number (or passport number), Cedula Habitabilidad certificate, bank account information, address of the apartment a copy of the deed.
270808 - Iberdrola is at it again - misreading electricity meters. In August 2008 I received a bill for over 5000KWH (994) over my usage. Take care with these bills as they seem to be getting worse - this is the second time this has happened in 2008, last time it was April. One way of determining if you are getting a big hit is to sign up for their Electronic Invoice - I suppose this is the incentive as there is no other incentive. Your activation code should be on the bottom of your last invoice. This may give you at least a sporting chance at addressing any problems by having your banker stop payment so you can follow-up. Note that my experience indicates that the Iberdrola Customer Care (Service) people do not like complaints, or comments if you like to describe them that way, so follow up several times if necessary. They do not provide complaint forms at their office nor will they tell you the address of their ombudsman - a real monopoly mentality. The Customer 'Care' number is +34 901 202020 and ask for an English speaking person if your Spanish is shaky. Be prepared for them to hang up on you. If everything goes pear shaped go to their site and look for the contacts button. Then send an email to all the departments. One of them will finally respond - if only to tell you that they sent your 'request' to another department. If you wish to write their address is Iberdrola, Avd. Los Pinos 7, 30009, Murcia. Don't hold your breath.
You should check your electricity bills from Iberdrola as several bills have been very substantial due to the fact that the readings are over 4 months resulting in excess charges for the 2 month period. The meters have not been read consistently during the year in my case and as a result a real, not estimated, reading could easily put you into the next charging bracket along with surcharges for using too much electricity. It is rumored that Iberdrola by law, where have we heard that before, don't have to read our meters but once a year, it would be prudent to have your keyholder to check the invoice and meter reading or you if you are not in Portman for some time.
Servicos Municipales, C/Andres Cegaira No 11- +34 968 542 017 - Bring your passport, bank information, Boletin de Instalaciones de Agua (from Grupo Union) and Cedula de Habitabilidad (Also from Grupo Union - must provide a copy. Keep the original forever) (79).
In order to obtain a gas bottle one must first obtain a certificate and pay a deposit (Less than 40). These may be obtained from the addresses below. The orange bottles, commonly utilised in households, have a replacement service truck that tours Portman each Thursday.
La Union:
Cepsa/Elf petrol station on the road between La Union and El Algar at the junction of the Cartagena/La Mange motorway. These bottles are stainless steel and therefore silver in colour.
Garcia Carreno y Hijos S.L., c/Bailen 27, 30360 La Union. Tel: 968 560265. The certificate obtained here is for the orange bottles. These people, if you will be using the gas for cooking in your kitchen, will also inspect your premises to determine if it has the proper ventilation. Directions: head towards La Union and veer to the left at the Tanatorio, continue on the La Union bypass past Mercadona on your left. Turn left on the road to El Algar and proceed out of town carefully turning right on the road that borders the Cruz Roja building. Proceed up the road and veer to the right. Large white complex. Contact: Carlos Garcia or Carreno Martinez..
International Operator - 11825
National Operator - 11818
Local mobile coverage is Moviestar. This is not accessible through all vendors. Vodafone is marginal at best and Orange is non-existent. MediaMarkt (in the Parque Mediterraneo, Tel.: +34 968323900 and open 1000-2200 M-F has great sales on pay as you go (Prepago). Make sure when you are getting a 'Good Deal' that the deal includes proper coverage.
Telefonica - Note: must have a contact number of a person who can speak Spanish for the installer. Call 1004, wait for the message in Spanish to finish and press '0' and ask 'hables ingles?' and hopefully they will direct you to an English speaking person. Must have passport and bank information. Cost approximately (111) You can contact them through the internet at www.telefonicaonline.com or www.telefonicainenglish.com. To contact from abroad call +34 917 040 319
An English translation of instructions for the DOMO
phone is available
here. Among the many capabilities is call forwarding which could provide you access to calls
made to your phone in Spain while you are away.
Euro Direct International Phone Cards 260minutes for 6 are available from the tobacconist in Los Belones across from the square. Cards for other areas of the world are also available.
ADSL has been installed in Portman and some of the residents have it. It takes more than 20 days (they call it 2 weeks) to get the basics BEFORE one can start to use the product. If you want internet access and want to have a conversation in English then call 1004 in Spain or when calling from the UK 0034917040313.
Portman:
Stamps - Located in the tobacconist in the Pharmacy one street up from the banks. Always the wonderful smell of a good cigar - for those of us who were indulgent in our lives. Yellow post boxes are located next door to Bar Nuevo on C/Polevieja and near the Hair and Beauty Salon. Location 9 on the local Portman map.
If you are left with a notice to pick up mail this is the place where you do it. It is open from 1300-1330 M-F and 1020-1030 on Sat. It is the old Cruz Roja Espania on Calle Sagasa
La Manga:
La Manga Post Office- Tel.: +34 968 564 981. There are full post office facilities in La Manga Club behind the BBVA Bank (in the shopping centre just past the market. Hours M-F are 0830-1430, Sat 0930-1300
Portman:
Newsagent and bookseller - Lorenzo Ultramarinos
Papershop on Calle Robotica.
Location 7 on the
local Portman map.
La Manga Club:
There are international news papers available in Bellaluz
Mar Menor:
The Costa Calida Informer - Tel.: +34 968 145 379. If you have a legal question you would like to ask then send your letter in and we'll do our best to answer it in the next available issue. Please write to: The Costa Calida Informer (Legal Letters), Los Cubanitos, No 24 Primera Avenida, La Manga del Mar Menor 30380, Cartagena, Murcia. Don't forget to include your name and address on the letter.
Torreviaja:
Round Town News - Tel: +34 965 705 204. Email: torreviaja@roundtownnews.com
UK - Tel.: +34 965 216 022
Tel.: +34 968 142 060
Cartagena:
Required for buying a car, house, etc. Contact the Police just off Plaza Espana in Cartagena - last entrance at the end of the building in the photo. Get copies at the flag shop across the street. Bring passport and reason for needing number, e.g., Buying a car bring quotation form. Buying a house, bring sample contract. Takes 20-45 days for the paperwork to process. Validated as of 2004
Town Halls: (More to come)
When to use? Registration
What to do? - The first step anybody and everybody must take when they move to Spain is registering with the town hall. Once you have bought your house or found rented accommodation a trip to the local 'Ayuntamiento' is a must. In order to register your children in school, start a business, get a job or register with the Health Centre ('Centro de Salud'), a current copy of the Empadronamiento certificate must be produced. In order to obtain an Empadronamiento certificate, the following documentation must be presented at the statistics and population department within the town hall of the municipality In which you reside. For homeowners: A copy of the deeds (escritura) or the Nota Simple if you don't have the deeds. Passport plus photocopy and the completed form 'Hoja de Inscripcion en el Padron Municipal de Habitantes'. If you are in rented accommodation, you must take the rental agreement plus a photocopy, a photocopy of the last I.B.I. receipt or Factura de la contribucion, a photocopy of an electricity bill or telephone bill in your name, passport and photocopy, and the completed form. If you have children, to be included in 'empadronamiento' certificate, you must present photocopies of their birth certificates to prove relationship as well as their passports.
The from: Hoja de Inscripcion en el Padron Municipal de Habitantes
Direcci6n de la Vivienda - Home address
Tipo de Via - Type of road, i.e. Calle/Avenida
Denominacion de la via - Name of the road
Numero - Number
Bloque - Block
Escalera - Floor
Puerta - Door number
Codigo Postal - Post code
Nombre y Apellidos- Name and surname
Documento de identidad (Passport, residency card)
Sexo - Sex (V=male / M=female or M=male / F=female)
Lugar, fecha de nacimiento, y en su caso nacionalidad - Place, date of birth and nationality
Variaciones en la residencia - Recent address change
Si no residia en este municipio, indique procedencia - If you are new to the municipality, give your previous address.
Municipio - Municipality
Provincia 0 pais Region or country
Certificado 0 titulo escolar 0 academico - Level of education
La Manga +34 968 146 136
Cartagena +34 968 128 800
San Javier +34 968 571 401
Aguilas - Plaza Antonio Cortijo, Tel.: +34 968 493 285
Bullas - C/ Avanida de Murcia, Tel.: +34 968 562 244
Caravaca de la cruz - C/ de las Monjas, 17, Tel.: +34 968 701 003
Cartagena - Plaza Almirante Bastarreche, Tel.: +34 968 506 483
La manga - Urb. las Amoladeras, Tel.: +34 968 146 136
La Union - C/ Noria, Tel.: +34 968 541 614
lorCa - Lopez Gisbert, Palacia Guevara, Tel.: +34 968 366 157
Cartagena:
Tel.: +34 968 128 800
La Manga - Tel.: +34 968 146 136
Portman
Catholic church (1888) - Iglesia de Santiago Apostal. Tel.: 968 548 022. Mass is held on Wed. 1900hrs, Fri. 1000hrs, Sat. 1900hrs and Sun 1230hrs. The church's bell tower rings the the time on the quarter hour. Location F on the local Portman map.
Portman
Spanish/English lessons are held at the grammar school - Colegio Publico Santiago Apostal - in Portman for free on Mondays and Wednesdays from 1630-1800hrs.
Portman:
Que Market - Located at the La Union (West) end of the town from Puerto Vallarta offers all the basics one needs plus a fresh meat counter. Location 5 on the local Portman map.
Pescados Bahia de Portman - Fresh Fish Market on Calle de la Rambla. Location 4 on the local Portman map.
Sanchez Market - Located on C/Polevieja (Calle Major) across from Cajamar Bank. Location 3 on the local Portman map.
Fruitas El Rojo - Located on C/Polevieja (Calle Major) - Fresh fruits, vegetables and many other products. Excellent service - Personally recommended. Location 6 on the local Portman map.
La Manga Club:
Supermarket There are two in La Manga Club. One in the Bellaluz plaza and the other in the La Sabinas Centre on the left called Supermercado El Arbor .
Cornish Pride and Missing Links - Makers and suppliers of the finest British Sausages, cooked hams, bacon, baguettes, pasties, sausage rools, savouries, cookies, Cornish cakes and cream teas. C/ Manual de Falla. Turn left off C/Mayor (next turning past the bodega) on C/ de Cervantes. Tel: Paul 620 562 973 or Steph 650 267 650. Their sausages and meats are great, highly recommended.
Cartagena:
There are two large stores that provide just about everything you need.
CarreFour - Located in Parque Mediterranean. Take exit 191 on the A30 towards Cartagena. From the apartment take the N345 out of town towards La Union. Continue through the old mining to the tee junction. Take the N332 road to the left towards Cartagena. Before the first over pass turn right at the road marked A30 Murcia - this is the N343. Take the off ramp to the right posted A30 Cartagena and take care at the junction. Proceed to the left and after crossing the overpass take the first off ramp to the right - 191 marked Torreciega. Take the second right and proceed up the hill. At the next round about go right and proceed to Parque Mediterranean.
Eroski - Located on the other side of Cartagena. A guide is helpful until I can locate a map.
el Corte Ingles Signposted from the motorway as you enter Cartagena.
Murcia:
There are many fine shops in Murcia on or near the high street.
el Corte Ingles Signposted from the motorway as you enter Murcia. Click here for more information
Portman:
D' Dos Peluqueria, Calle Sagasta. Tel.: 968 548 316. Open Mon-Fri 0900-1300 & 1600-2000hrs. Sat. 0900-1700hrs. Location 8 on the local Portman map.
Llano del Beal:
Muebles Hermogenes - Contact Jose Maria for superb English speaking support - Tel.: +34 968 546 114, +34 968 546 802, Personally recommended
Cartagena:
CarreFour - on the A30 in Parque Mediterranean and on the right as you enter Cartagena - Good for things like towels, bedding, knives, forks, glasses etc. Good food selection. Hyper-market style. Wine .Tel.: +34 968 291 212
Eroski - a hypermarket that competes with CarreFour on the other side of Cartagena
Vitalized Water Products ('Re-branded' from Nilemark Water 'Processors') - Not Recommended
|
Curtains/Awnings |
La Union:
Cortinas Venecia - on Calle major. Contract Pedro (speaks English) for superb curtains and bedding covering. Tel.: +34 968 541 617, Personally recommended
Cartagena:
Toldos Protesol, SL, Carlos III, 34 - Bajo, Cartagena 968 421 289, 629 407 754, Positive referrals
Nicolas Toldas (Awnings) - Not Recommended
IKEA
has a great sun shade that reasonably fits the pergola on the patios.
They are available in Sweden - Manufacturers name is Kolj๖n. I checked
on the Spain website but it is not listed. Could be after Easter. The
shade is made from polyester, light weight and machine washable. Cost
20. One could get a new one each year for 45 years for the same price
charged by some of the local fly by night Toldos establishments. Many
thanks to PV apartment 70 for the information.
GESTIPORT - Rambla #10,
Portman - Your
local Community/Apartment Management company
specialising in Apartment/Community Management, (key holding,
tenant reception and departures, security checks, house
cleaning, laundry service, supervision of repairs and
building works, building works, gardening & pool
maintenance, etc.),
Estate (sales, rentals, legal services with properties
in Portman, La Union, La Manga, Islas Menores, Mar de
Cristal, Playa Honds, La Manga Club...) and Insurance
(property cars, marine) agents. Currently open Mon.,
Wed. &
Thu. 1000-1300hrs or contact Joana or Jose at
+34 619 912354 anytime.
Gestiport
has recently established an alliance with
Fincadelia, a national
community management organisation. They offer
extremely competitive rates. Contact Joana or Jose at
+34 619 912354 anytime
Note:
be very weary of 'informal' agencies. The lack of an
established business name on the offering sign (picture
for illustrative purposes only) is a good indicator.
Usually they have something to hide.
Grupo Escosa - Community Management - Not recommended.
Air Conditioner maintenance:
Summer Breeze Air Conditioning - +34 966 765586, +34 696 172630 - Ask for Stephen Witt - Personally recommended.
To be supplied
Portman:
Azul&Rosa - Located on C/Polevieja (Calle Major) - Clothes. Location 6 on the local Portman map.
Be aware of 'informal' estate purchase or sales and apartment management people who may be less than legitimate. There are several and they should be viewed with a critical eye. The lack of an established business name on the offering sign is a good indication.
GESTIPORT - Rambla #10, Portman - Your local Community/Apartment Management company specialising in Apartment/Community Management, (key holding, tenant reception and departures, security checks, house cleaning, laundry service, supervision of repairs and building works, building works, gardening & pool maintenance, etc.), Estate (sales, rentals, legal services with properties in Portman, La Union, La Manga, Islas Menores, Mar de Cristal, Playa Honds, La Manga Club...) and Insurance (property cars, marine) agents. Currently open Mon., Wed. & Thu. 1000-1300hrs or contact Joana or Jose at +34 619 912354 anytime.
Royal Automobile Club of Spain - Tel.: +34 902 40 45 45, take all other options and ask for an English assistant. They will take your details over the phone and the registration takes effect in approximately 4 days. Cost 115/year(2007 price). Assistance phone number is +34 902 30 505. Printed details will take several weeks to arrive. Need your Spanish bank account, NIE/Passport number, and Spanish address.
This is the best information I have a present:
1. Go to Traffico in Cartagena to get the forms
2. Take the vehicle for a Matriculation ITV. You need to have the vehicle documents, not the insurance
3. Go to the import office and buy an import form
4. Take the form to another office in the same building where it will be valued (7% if over 7 years old and 12% if less than 7 years old)
5. Go back to Traffico with all the forms and they will issue plates.
If you decide to give or sell the vehicle to anyone then make sure you get it transferred to them - you have 15 days. Otherwise you are liable - a caution learned from a very bad experience.
Tax must be paid on your Spain registered Auto by the 31st of March each year. If you need assistance you can get help (in English) at Reaudacion, C/Cortes de Cadiz, Num 7, La Union. Tel: 968 540 712. Open 0900-1300, 1630-1800 M-F. You will need your Cif/Nif document. They will arrange a direct debit for you if you give them your bank info. The best way to reach them from Portman take the bypass to the left when entering La Union. Follow around until you see the Diaz market on the left. park there and walk back along C/Real to Calle Beatas on the left. Turn left and go up two blocks to Calle Cortes de Cadiz and turn left. The Recaudacion is second on the right.
To be supplied
There are a number of links providing information related to starting a business in Spain. The following have been most helpful:
World Bank - Starting a business in Spain
IdealSpain.com - Starting a business in Spain
Gali,
caprpinteria de Aluminio - C/Mayor 39-43, Los Belones 30385 Cartagena
Tel: 968 569241, email:
galimo@telefonica.net, Contact Bernardo Garcia Liarte, about 350.
Recommended, prompt and reliable service
Spring water is available for free from a spring located just outside Los Belones. From the Calle Mayor in Los Belones, heading for La Manga, turn right across from the fish market and head out of town towards the mountains. Use the overpass, by veering to the right, to come back across the motorway and head for the end of the road. The tap is in the center of the picture on the above right. Remember to bring your empty bottles.
RAFA Fotografia - C/Real 33, La Union; Tel: 968560654; email: Rafa_fotografo@terra.es . Passport photos for about 6. From Portman take the bypass to the left when entering La Union. Follow around until you see the Diaz market on the left. park there and walk back along C/Real. RAFA Fotografia is on the left about two blocks along.
There have been some advances in reception with the work of the latest supplier who has been working on the wiring etc.. You should check your TV Guide listing to see if all the channels are present. If not, contact the PV Committee and let them know. The problem is, as in the past, we have not put a full load on the system so we do not know if it is robust.
You may experience reception difficulties if you are connected to the Satellite TV circuit in the Puerto Vallarta complex. Before contacting the PV Committee take the following action:
Key in channel 988 first to see if you get a signal and the BBC1picture and the current date and time the you are OK.
If either of the following messages appears on your screen then follow the steps below the messages:
NO SATELLITE SIGNAL BEING RECEIVED
SEARCHING FOR LISTINGS
Step 1: Unplug the satellite box from the mains for ten seconds and then plug back in. Turn on the TV set. Wait for the red light to stay on the satellite unit and then press the Sky button on the Sky remote. Normal viewing should then resume.
If you still have no viewing follow step 2:
Step 2: Using the Sky remote enter the Spanish default frequency by pressing services then 4 then 01 Select, then 2. You should now see the default transponder screen. Enter frequency 12.207, enter polarity V and press save at the bottom of the screen. Press the Sky button to return to normal viewing.
If problems persist contact the PV Committee.
Sky TV Listing:
(Subject to change without notice)
101 - BBC1
102 - BBC2
103 - ITV 1
115 - BBC3 -Programmes start at 1900
116 - BBC4 -Programmes start at 1900
118 - ITV2
119 - ITV3
120 - ITV4 - Programmes start at 1800
131 - Men & Motors
134 - UKTV Drama +1 - Programmes start at 1500
135 - S4C - Welsh channel
138 - Life 24
139 - Life Show Case
146 - Sumo TV
151 - Zone Reality +1
152 - Zone Reality X
159 - OBE
163 - Hollywood TV
165 - Bonanza
169 - UKTV G2 +1 - Programmes start at 1800
173 - Open Access 2
183 - Passion TV
193 - Rapture TV
195 - Propeller
199 - My Channel
203 - Channel M
211 - ITV2 +1
213 - mITV3 +1
215 - Legal TV
217 - Fame TV
262 - Travel Channel +1
271 - Performance
279 - Real Estate TV
281 - Wine TV
289 - Wedding TV
315 - Film 4
316 - Film 4 +1
320 - TCM 2 - Programmes start at 1900
321 - Zone Horror
323 - True Movies
324 - True Movies 2
327 - Movies 4 Men 2
355 - Chart Show TV
356 - The Vault
357 - B4 Radio
359 Classic FM TV
360 - Channel U radio
361 - Fizz Music
362 - Bliss Radio
364 - Skuzz Radio
366 - Flaunt
368 - Rock World TV
423 - Golf Channel
427 - TWC Fight
446 - Real Madrid TV
501 - Sky News
503 - BBC News 24
504 - Parliament
506 - CNN
507 - S4C 2 Welsh
511 - CCTT-9 China
514 - Al Jazeera Engliah
524 - Discovery Wings - Programmes start at 1800
547 - Business Channel
616 - CBBC
617 - CBeebies
619 - POP
620 - Tiny POP
624 - CITV
630 - QVC
631 - iBuy
632 - iBuy 2
634 - Ideal World
635 - Price Drop TV
636 - Pitch TV
638 - Pricebusters
640 - Jewellery Channel
641 - Simply Ideas
642 - TV Warehouse
644 - Bid TV
645 - Thomas Cook
647 - Pitch TV Plus
649 - Shop on TV
650 - Thane Direct
653 - Stop + Shop
655 - Speed Auction TV
658 - Vitality
660 - Gems TV 2