Do's and don'ts on Spanish etiquette
Greetings
Addressing people by their first names is acceptable only for close friends, children, and teenagers. When addressing elders or people you have been just introduced to, follow the Spanish business protocol of using the formal "Usted" mode of address. When addressing each other, men who are university graduates, businessmen or other professionals often use the courtesy title "Don" to confer respect.
Handshakes are a standard part of Spanish business protocol. It is imperative that you address individuals by any titles they may have, followed by their surnames. For example, teachers prefer the title "Profesor", and engineers are referred to as "Ingeniero."
Basic titles of courtesy (followed by a surname) are always appropriate:Mr. – Señor, Mrs. – Señora, Miss - Señorita
Dressing up
Spaniards dress well. There are chances that your appearance will be perceived as an indication of your social standing and relative success. Spaniards dress in a more conservative manner when compared to Americans, and they are fond of designer clothes. Stick with quality, emphasise on conservative clothing in subdued colours. Brand names will be noticed!! Dressing "con elegancia" means that men should wear dark suits and ties, preferably with white shirts. Do not remove your Suit jackets as it may be considered impolite to be seen without a suit jacket. Business suits or dresses made with high quality fabrics is what the women should opt to wear. Trousers have not yet gained acceptance in Spain, but wearing them in the evening is fine. Shorts are unacceptable in public.
Topics you can converse on: Your home country, Travel, Sports, especially soccer, Politics (Just be sure what you are talking about!)
Topics you can Avoid: Bullfighting is a revered art form here; Consequently, it will be in your best interests to refrain from airing any criticisms about this practice, Religion and war is a topic you can avoid, avoid placing too much of an emphasis on your professional experience and business success during a conversation, it is considered rude to make personal inquiries, especially during first introductions.
Public Behaviour
Spaniards get a sense of identity from their particular region rather than the country as a whole. Be sensitive to regional differences; making misinformed comments about a Spaniard's region of origin could be taken as a grave insult. The first-time introductions with Spaniards should be made in a formal manner. Extend a brief but firm handshake, and maintain an eye contact during the meeting. A "Buenos dias", "Buenas tardes" or "Buenas noches" should accompany your greeting. Women generally lightly embrace, and then touch cheeks while lightly kissing the air. In the company of friends, it's common in for men to hug or pat each other on the back, in addition to a handshake. Spaniards may not only stand uncomfortably close, but also pat your arm or shoulder when conversing with you. If you encounter these gestures, moving away will only cause offence. One common gesture is snapping the hands downward to emphasise a point. The North American "O.K." symbol (i.e. making a circle of the first finger and thumb) is considered rude. A highly religious country, Spaniards could be easily offended if you take the Lord's name in vain. It is advisable to refrain from swearing in the presence of others. Before getting into a taxi, be sure to negotiate the fare. When a public restroom is needed, men should look for a door marked "Caballeros," while women should look for a door marked "Señoras." In smaller towns, rooms marked "W.C." (for "water closet") are bathrooms used by both men and women.
Spain Donts
- 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 Dos
- 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 present 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.
