Spain
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"," explained one expat living in Madrid, Spain.
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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," said another expat in Spain.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Spain?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Spain?
- Will I be able to find a job in Spain?
- What is life like in Spain?
- What do expats in Spain appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- 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?
- What are healthcare services like in Spain?
- What are medical services in Spain like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Spain?
- What are emergency services like in Spain?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Spain?
- How are local medical facilities in Spain?
- As a foreigner living in Spain, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
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.
