Visiting a foreign country can be a little intimidating so here are some helpful tips if you ever find yourself lucky enough to be traveling to the most beautiful country in the world, Spain!
- Vale = Okay.Spaniards say “vale” in every situation.It’s similar to how Americans say “like” after everything.“Vale” just means “okay” and it is used by EVERYONE in EVERY context.Check out this video featuring Dakota Johnson in Spain if you want to see how vale is used.https://youtu.be/6jlQiwcsV9Q
- There is escalator etiquette. If you are anywhere in Spain and you’re using an escalator you stand on the right to let people pass you.Everyone does it, and you will definitely stand out if you’re standing stationary on the left side and people will give you dirty looks.
- You could get extra goodies when you buy a beverage.Sometimes when you order coffee, soda or even sangria at a restaurant they will give you something to snack on with your drink!It can be a little snack like some potatoes chips, a small sandwich or nuts.It’s normally free, so enjoy!
- Don’t be on your phone in public.When Spaniards are with other people or even when they are alone, they aren’t constantly glued to their phones like Americans.You’ll rarely see them even using cell phones, so if you never let your phone out of your hand that will be a sign that you’re foreign.
- Miguel de Cervantes = The Spanish Shakespeare.When you’re in Spain you might be hearing a lot about The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha.This is an iconic novel for Spanish literature, so to Spain it’s as famous as William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet.
- Get the greeting down before you arrive.There are no handshakes or hugs.In Spain, you press your cheek up against their cheek and you make a kiss sound on each side.Don’t actually kiss them, just make the sound.You do this anytime you are introduced to someone, so yes you could be doing kiss sounds with a complete stranger.
- You need to become nocturnal.For a night out on the town you will leave around 11 p.m. and probably won’t be back until after 7 a.m.So longevity is everything when you are partying with Spaniards.Most locals don’t even go to dance clubs or discotheques until 5 a.m.
- Don’t eat at a restaurant if you’re in a hurry.When you’re in Spain, no one is in a hurry.If you want to get a quick bite to eat, go to a place where you can carry out the food because if you sit down at a restaurant it will take a minimum of an hour and a half to two hours to get through the meal and go.
- Be prepared for the weather.Electricity is very expensive here, so even though you might be dressed for the weather outside, you might not be prepared for the weather inside.That means during the day even if it’s over 90 degrees some places won’t turn on air conditioning and even though parts of Spain aren’t humid it will be get very, very hot.
- American culture is popular in Spain.If you ever need to break the ice with a Spaniard try talking about famous actors, musicians or athletes.Hollywood and professional sports are widely known worldwide, so you may even be fans of the same sports teams!
