Spain

Do’s & Dont’s

Spain‚ Don’ts

  • Do not complain about smoking. Spanish believes whoever complains about smoking are actually afraid of life.
  • Do not get involved with any drugs. The penalties for the possession of any kind of drugs are severe in Spain.
  • Do not wear shorts in public.
  • Do not eat with your hands. Not even fruit!
  • Do not get drunk and do not walk around at night alone.
  • Do not carry your wallet in back jeans pocket, nor do the ladies sling your bags over the backs of chairs.
  • Do not be tempted to walk home if you are out after the Metro and the buses are shut down.
  • Do not cross the eight lane roads anywhere except at the crossings.
  • Do not walk anywhere uphill in the heat and humidity.
  • Do not dally watching the street entertainers as the pickpockets are there making a living too.
  • Do not go to Starbucks, the coffee elsewhere is better and cheaper.

Spain‚ Do’s

  • Do shake hands with everyone, from the oldest to the kids, and expect a kiss on each cheek, a hug or a pat on the back from those you know.
  • Do dress stylishly, but modestly. Wear nice accessories too.
  • Do get ready to become a second-hand smoker if you are not a smoker, and pretend that you are fine with it. Smoking is widely accepted in Spain.
  • Do leave your valuables in the hotel safe. Wear a money belt or something to keep money really close to your body to avoid pickpocket attack.
  • Do carry small changes for using the public toilets.
  • Do be prepared for late lunch and dinner. In Spain, no one goes out much before 10pm to eat or for a drink, try to have a light snack about 5pm to put you on.
  • Do tips if you are satisfied with services. Tipping is not customary in Spain.
  • Do rest your wrists at the edge of the table when eating.
  • Do put your knife and fork on your plate parallel with the handles facing to the right to show that you have finished eating.
  • Do give a high quality gift, such as brandy or whiskey, and bring a small gift for children as well. Open your gift immediately when receiving a gift.
  • Do be patient. The Spanish have a very relaxed view of time.
  • Do be aware that dining is important to business relationships in Spain.
  • Do make use of the public transport system. Well organised and one ticket fits all.