Frequently asked questions
Can I contribute to the quality of the translation?
What is the best format to send a text in?
What is the secret of a quality translation?
When do I need a certified translation?
When will I receive my translation?
How long will my certified translation take?
How much do we charge per page?
Do we observe delivery dates?
Does the price of a translation reflect its quality?
What are the characteristics of a good translation?
Are translating and interpreting the same?
Is confidentiality assured?
Do you do automated translations?
Are translations subject to IVA?
Why hire a translator when there are free translation programs available on the Internet?
Why is a certified translation more expensive?
Why is it so important that the translator is a native speaker?
Why do you not offer a long list of languages?
Why are translations so expensive?
Can I apply for a discount?
Can I request a certificate from Hacienda?
What is a certified translator?
What is a translation memory?
What is a certified translation?
What types of interpreters are there?
Is knowing languages and being able to translate the same thing?
Can I contribute to the quality of the translation?
Yes, by giving us all the information you can about the text. Avoid sending us drafts for translation that will be
replaced at the middle of the project by different versions. Give us enough time to carry out the translation,
proof-reading and formatting of the texts.
What is the best format to send a text in?
The most practical is electronic format, preferably in Microsoft Word and sent by e-mail.
When this is not possible, you can send us a copy of the document by fax or scan it and send it by e-mail or on paper.
Remember we will not be able to give you a quote before we have seen a copy of the
original document and we will not be able to start working until you have accepted the quote.
What is the secret to a quality translation?
The ideal combination is: a native, qualified translator, expert in that type of text; a thorough proof-reading and
supervision process; and a reasonable deadline set by the client.
When do I need a certified translation?
Whenever you have to submit a document to an official agency in Spain or abroad.
When will I receive my translation?
As soon as possible. We are aware that our clients are usually in a hurry to receive their translation, but in order
to guarantee that our work is of the highest quality, it is ideal that we are given
at least 1 working day per 2,000 words.
How long will my certified translation take?
Certified translations can only be issued on paper. When sent by urgent mail they usually take up to 3 days from when
they leave our offices. The dispatch date will be included in the quote.
How much do we charge per page?
We at Costa Blanca Translations do not charge per page, but per word (a page can contain anything between 200 and 1,000
words). Our rates depend on the type of text, the language combination and the urgency. Don't worry if you haven't counted
the number of words your text has, just send it to us and request a no obligation quote.
Do we observe delivery dates?
Yes, always. We at Costa Blanca Translations have never delivered any job late and even send out our translations before
the deadline whenever this is possible.
Does the price of a translation reflect its quality?
Yes and no. Obviously, when a translator's rates are too cheap he is hiding a secret: either he is not legal and does not
pay his taxes, or he only does translation work during his spare time in order to earn some extra cash. On the other hand,
some translators have rates that are extremely high without justification.
What are the characteristics of a good translation?
It must follow original text faithfully. It should induce in the reader the same effect as that experienced by the readers
of the original. It should be written in a way that seems natural and correct.
Are translating and
interpreting the same?
No. Although they usually get mixed up, translating and interpreting are different. Basically, translators work on texts
while interpreters work orally.
Is confidentiality assured?
Yes. We at Costa Blanca Translations assure the confidentiality of all the information provided by our clients.
Do you do automated translations?
No. So far, there is not one translation program on the market that can offer acceptable results. In this, humans still
beat the machines because we are able to understand a text with all its meaning.
Are translations subject to IVA?
Yes. Translations are subject to 16% IVA (value-added tax). The income tax discount (IRPF) is applied for corporate
clients only.
Why hire a translator when there are free translation
programs available on the Internet?
Just do a test: load a paragraph in Spanish and then try to decipher the translation in English! This is what a Spanish
reader will see if you are translating a text into Spanish.
Why is a certified translation more expensive?
Because of the higher responsibility taken on by the certified translator when swearing that the translation is faithful
and exact.
Why is it so important that the translator is a native speaker?
Besides knowing in depth his two working languages (English and Spanish in our case), a translator must be able to write
perfectly in the target language, with precision and wit.
Why do you not offer a long list of languages?
Specialisation is one of our keys to success. We guarantee higher quality and better
rates than other agencies with an infinite list of languages.
Why are translations so expensive?
As opposed to a computer translation, which is simply taking word by word from one
language to another, professional translation is a complicated, painstaking job that requires a professional who can
do it well and this costs money. We at Costa Blanca Translations can keep our rates to a minimum because we are exclusively
dedicated to the Spanish and English languages. In fact, we offer higher quality and
better rates than agencies with multiple language combinations.
Can I apply for a discount?
Yes. We are pleased to offer discounts in exchange for a longer period before the deadline, as this way our translators
can work more comfortably and this shows in the results.
Can I request a certificate from Hacienda?
Of course. You only need to contact us so we can request one for you.
What is a certified translator?
The qualification as a certified translator is obtained through credits while taking a Bachelor of Arts in translation or through an
official, specialised examination without dictionaries conducted by the Foreign Office of Spain.
What is translation memory?
It is a computer database where we load all the translations we do. It mainly helps us guarantee uniformity through
different projects for the same client or when there is more than one translator working on the same project.
What is a certified translation?
It is a translation carried out by a certified translator, authorised by the Foreign Office of Spain. An oath is attached
on which the translator reassures that the translation is faithful, exact and complete.
What types of interpreters are there?
Consecutive, simultaneous and liaison. Consecutive interpreters translate short fragments of speech, interrupting the
speaker at a conference, for instance. Simultaneous interpreters work from a booth and the public hears them through
earphones. Finally, liaison or accompanying interpreters translate a conversation between two people.
Is knowing languages and being able to translate
the same thing?
No. Even a fully bilingual person might not know the science and technique of translating while a translator needs
to know in depth his two working languages.