Everyday etiquette in Spain

When entering any small place such as a shop, bakery, lift or clinic Buenos días, Buenas tardes or Buenas noches is said to those present, and on leaving Adiós or Hasta luego and Gracias.

• On a first meeting people shake hands and say Mucho gusto or Encantado/a.
• And in friendly meetings between friends and family cheeks are kissed (dos besos): the right cheek then the left, between women and between a man and a woman, and between close men sometimes a hug or handshake.
• Do not hesitate to take the initiative in asking ¿Qué tal?
• meaning how are you.
• If you do not shake hands or kiss for religious reasons say so kindly and put your hand on your chest and smile, and people will understand.

An invitation to the home is appreciated, and is often generous: a long dinner or a Sunday family lunch.

• Arriving before the time by minutes is not preferred but arriving ten or fifteen minutes after the appointment is acceptable at parties, while for a set lunch it is advisable to be punctual.
• Bring a small gift such as sweets, wine, flowers or pastries from a bakery, and if you do not drink alcohol bring sweets or juice.
• The host welcomes you with a lot of food and offers you more several times, and polite refusal Estoy lleno, gracias meaning I am full thanks is acceptable but may be offered twice.
• Tell the host beforehand about your dietary restrictions.
• And many Spaniards do not take off shoes at home, so look at what others do or ask.

Spaniards are sociable and speak relatively loudly in bars, streets and restaurants, which is acceptable, but in residential buildings quiet is respected at night (after eleven or twelve at night depending on the town hall) and during the siesta (between three and five in some regions), and there are noise regulations (ordenanzas).

• On trains, buses and lifts passengers are greeted and voices lowered, and priority is given to the elderly and pregnant women.
• In queues ¿Quién es el último?
• is said meaning who is last to know your turn.
• Smoking is allowed on balconies and designated open places, and forbidden in enclosed places.
• And long lunch and dinner times are respected, and small shops may close for a few hours.

Dress is practical, varied and relatively elegant, and Spaniards care about their appearance in social places even in ordinary meetings, but a variety of religious dress such as the headscarf is accepted in public life and at work, with restrictions in limited jobs.

• At the beach and in summer light dress is allowed.
• And Spaniards love children and welcome them in restaurants, bars and events even late in the evening, and you are expected to take care of their behaviour, and upbringing is relatively tolerant.
• The elderly enjoy respect and care, and many live near their children, and are given priority in transport and queues.
• And the extended family plays a big role: a parent or grandparents often care for grandchildren, and families gather at the weekend.

There are mosques and prayer rooms in most cities, and halal meat, restaurants and shops are available.

• Spaniards are mostly secular with a strong Catholic heritage in festivals and holidays, and most respect freedom of religion.
• People may ask you about your clothes, food or Ramadan, so answer calmly and simply if you wish.
• Ask politely for a place to pray at work or school, and inform in advance about Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Adha to get a day off according to the employer's policy.
• And it is appreciated if you invite your neighbours and colleagues to sweets on Eid.
• And when invited to a feast that includes pork or alcohol decline politely and ask for an alternative.
• And associations and interfaith cooperation exist that bring people closer, so take part in them.

What do you say on entering a small shop?