Investment immigration to Spain focuses on life in Spain: Southern Europeans are known for their politeness worldwide, and Spaniards are no exception. However, customs can vary, and what Spaniards consider polite behavior may surprise us; actions we deem particularly cultured may not be understood by Spaniards. So how can one be a "polite good child" in Spain?
Greetings and Introductions
Are you surprised by the way they greet each other in Spain? Kissing on both cheeks while making kissing sounds! My goodness, I can't even do that with my parents.
Apart from formal business social occasions or among men, Spaniards rarely greet each other with a handshake, which is quite different from the customs in China. However, over time, you may gradually get used to this way of greeting, as it has one significant advantage: it can instantly bridge the gap between two strangers. The principles to master are: women can kiss anyone on the cheek, while men should not kiss other men. And most importantly: when you hear "besos," do not lean in for a kiss!
Greeting Strangers
Spaniards greet each other much more frequently than we do, even with strangers. For example, when entering or exiting an elevator, apart from politely allowing others to enter first, they generally smile at each other and say "Hola" (Hello). When one party leaves the elevator, they will say "Hasta Luego" (Goodbye). When in Rome, greeting others is not embarrassing; it helps to close distances and eliminate barriers, and it can also dispel the stereotype that "Chinese people look down when they enter an elevator," showing that we are also a polite nation.
Dining Etiquette
Compared to traditional Western countries like the UK and the US, Spain's dining etiquette is not as complicated: if you prefer to use your right hand with a fork, feel free; no one will look at you sideways for that, as dining is primarily about personal comfort. However, it is important to note that, except for bread and other staple foods, Spaniards generally do not use their hands to eat main dishes in formal restaurants, such as grabbing ribs or chicken wings directly with their hands (with the exception of McDonald's).
Dining Out
Spaniards are known for their laid-back nature, so unless you have been waiting for more than 30 minutes, it is generally not customary to rush the service in restaurants, as waitstaff may perceive this as a sign of distrust. Therefore, if the food is taking a while, it is better to chat with friends; repeatedly urging for service in Spain not only has no effect but can also leave a bad impression on others.
Young Spaniards have a strong sense of fairness, and it is uncommon for people to rush to pay the bill. When the bill arrives, it is typically divided by the number of people, and each pays their share. If someone wants to treat, they will naturally mention it beforehand, so there is no need for a struggle at the time of payment. Tipping in Spain is not mandatory, but if you feel the service was satisfactory, leaving 5-10% is appreciated, as about 20% of many waitstaff's income comes from tips.
Street Etiquette
Despite the presence of nude beaches in Spain, people on the streets tend to be quite serious, especially older individuals. Except in coastal cities, men generally do not wear tank tops or flip-flops in public during the summer, and going shirtless will attract attention. Women typically do not wear house slippers or pajamas in public, as Spaniards may think you are sleepwalking. Unless you want to attract attention, it is advisable to adhere to basic dress codes to avoid becoming the center of attention on the street.
The Art of Addressing Others
Using "usted" (you, formal) in Spain will not disadvantage you; rather, it can significantly enhance others' perception of you, as it shows politeness, especially towards the elderly. In many other situations, to foster closer relationships, it is better to avoid formal address and use "tú" (you, informal) instead.
For example, if you dine at a restaurant with a strong local character in Spain and wish to appear courteous, consider using "usted"; if you want to be friendly with the staff, address them as "tú," and they will naturally not see you as an outsider. There are many small tips regarding forms of address that you can experience and grasp in daily life.
The Ultimate Question of "Being Late"
People worldwide often complain about Spaniards being late. Firstly, some Spaniards are indeed quite laid-back and tend to be late, but this happens everywhere. Secondly, the concept of "being late" stems from a slight difference in time perception between Spaniards and other countries. Many Spaniards believe in what is called "polite lateness," meaning that in appointments where punctuality is not particularly critical, they intentionally arrive 10-15 minutes late to give the host some leeway and to avoid making the latecomer feel awkward.
Of course, in any formal social setting or situation, Spaniards do have a strong sense of time; there is no room for lateness in meetings or for train and flight schedules. In such cases, do not attempt to be "politely late," as others do not have the time to be polite with you.