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.