1. NIE, NIF, CIF???
The NIE is the identification number for foreigners which you get
when you apply for a residence permit. Logically, the numbers are
the same as those on your NIF. Spanish citizens all have an
identification number, this is based on his/her DNI. (Documento
Nacional de Identidad). CIF stands for Company Identification
Number, something you should definitely know when you buy a
property from a Spanish company. Every company, person,
(foreign or Spanish, resident or non-resident) must have a fiscal
identification number (NIF). Without this you cannot register the
property you have bought at the notary, you cannot buy a car with
a Spanish registration or open a bank account. This can be
obtained at the foreigners’ offices in the provincial capital (Girona)
and you will need your passport, a passport photo and your
intended address in Spain.
2. CAR SALES
In the month of August an increase of 3.5% in the sale of cars over
the same period last year was noted bringing the total to 87,637
vehicles. At the same time the disturbing news that some 30% of
all cars have not been inspected at the ITV was published. The
main reason for this being that many of the drivers have no
insurance!
3. EXPRESS SERVICE
High speed train services are spreading all over Europe; France is
leading the way and by 2005 you will be able to travel all the way
from southern Spain to northern Europe. Currently, in Spain, you
can travel at a speed of 300 kph from Madrid to Seville and at 220
kph on certain stretches of track along the Mediterranean. In 2002
the express connection from Madrid through Zaragoza and
Tarragona ending up in Barcelona will be ready for use. In 2004
the connections north from Madrid to Valladolid, another to
Valencia-Castellon and Alicante-Murcia will be completed.