What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Spain?
We asked people in Spain if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"Thank God no! But my daughter, who is very polite, provoke a few laughs for using to much "please" and "thanks"," wrote a member who made the move to Madrid, Spain.
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Balcells Group LawyersWith over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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"In Spain, it is important to be aware of certain cultural norms to avoid inadvertently offending people. For example, when entering a building, it is polite to greet those you pass with a warm 'hola', even if you don't know them. Additionally, when dining out, you should always wait for your host to start the meal before you begin to eat. It is also considered impolite to ask for a takeaway without first finishing the meal. Furthermore, due to the strong religious nature of the country, take care not to discuss topics such as politics or religion. Finally, be sure to take off your shoes when entering someone's home as a sign of respect," explained one expat living in Spain.
Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Spain?
- How do I meet people in Spain?
- What is life like in Spain?
- Is there a lot of crime in Spain?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Spain accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Spain like?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Spain?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- Is the cost of living in Spain high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Spain?
- What is the weather like in Spain?
- Are there good restaurants in Spain?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Spain?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Spain?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Spain?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Spain?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Spain?
If you live in Spain, newcomers to Spain would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.