Here are the key “Don’ts” of visiting Spain, based on a popular travel guide video, to help you have a better cultural experience:

🗣️ Language & Greetings

• Don’t say “Adiós” when leaving. In Spain, “Adiós” is very formal and often implies you may never see the person again. Instead, use “Hasta luego” (until later) or “Chao” (bye) [00:13].

• Don’t expect a lot of English. While you’ll find English in high-tourism areas, do not rely on it everywhere. Learn a few basic phrases like gracias (thank you), por favor (please), and quiero (I want) [11:24].

🍽️ Dining & Food Culture

• Don’t insult Spanish food or wine. Spaniards are very proud of their cuisine. Even if you’re tired of tapas or paella, keep negative comments to yourself, as it can be taken as a personal affront [01:45].

• Don’t say “no quiero” (I don’t want) when refusing food. Saying “I don’t want” might imply the food isn’t good enough. Instead, say you are too full: “Estoy muy lleno/a” (I am very full) [02:15].

• Don’t expect to get a full meal between 3:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Many restaurants close their kitchens between late lunch and late dinner [04:54].

• Don’t expect a big breakfast. Breakfast is not a big meal in Spain, often consisting only of coffee and a small pastry. Plan accordingly, especially if you are staying in smaller towns [09:03].

• Don’t assume Tapas are always free. In some parts of Spain (like Granada), a small tapa is included with a drink, but this is not a nationwide rule. Be prepared to order and pay for tapas in most places [09:29].

• Don’t eat Paella at dinner or in non-specialized places. Paella is traditionally a lunchtime meal because it takes a long time to prepare. Avoid places that serve pre-made paella for dinner, or places that serve individual portions, as the quality may be lower [07:19].

• Don’t drink the Churros con Chocolate right away. The hot chocolate served with churros is thick, liquefied chocolate that retains heat. It’s meant for dipping the churros, and drinking it immediately can burn your mouth [08:22].

💸 Money & Shopping

• Don’t forget to have cash for tipping. Tipping is not mandatory, and if you do tip, 5-10% is sufficient. However, most credit card machines will not have a line for a tip, so use cash for small gratuities [02:45].

• Don’t take out small amounts from the ATM. ATM fees can be high (€4-€7 per transaction). Take out a larger sum at once to minimize fees [10:45]. Crucially, when using an ATM, do not accept the conversion offered by the machine; choose to be charged in the local currency (EUR) for a better exchange rate.

• Don’t expect to do any shopping on Sundays. Outside of major tourist souvenir shops, most businesses and large stores are closed on Sundays [13:46].

• Don’t expect to shop during Siesta hours (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM). While not everywhere observes Siesta anymore, especially in big cities, shops in smaller or hotter towns often close during this period [13:58].

⚠️ Safety & Etiquette

• Don’t take anything from strangers. This includes “gifts” like herbs, rings, or bracelets. These are often part of a scam where the person demands money back or tries to distract you for pickpocketing. Say “No, gracias” and keep walking [12:07].

• Don’t forget about pickpockets in major cities. Be extra vigilant in crowded, high-tourist areas like Las Ramblas in Barcelona. Keep backpacks in front of you and be aware of common distraction scams [12:51].

• Don’t get upset by slow service. The slowness of service is not a sign of rudeness but a cultural norm that prioritizes developing a relationship and relaxation (“Calma”). Plan ahead if you are in a hurry [14:36].

• Don’t get upset if you are served a small beer (caña). Beers are served small to ensure they stay cold in the heat [06:34].

• Don’t expect hot, sunny weather all year round. Cities like Madrid can be quite cold and even experience snow in winter, so pack seasonally appropriate clothing [00:54].

• Don’t take the ornamental oranges from the trees on the side of the road. These are often decorative or gross due to pollution; buy your fruit from a grocery store [06:44].

🏛️ Activities & Planning

• • Don’t forget to pre-book popular sites. Major attractions like the Alhambra (Granada) and the Sagrada Familia (Barcelona) can sell out weeks in advance. Book tickets and fast train routes early [09:56].

  • Don’t just stay in the main cities. Take day trips to smaller towns and villages (like the White Villages in Andalusia or Girona from Barcelona) to get a deeper understanding of Spanish culture [16:32].

  • Don’t get confused by the lines (or lack thereof). In some places, locals know who is “last” even if there is no formal line. If you’re unsure, politely ask “Quién es el último?” (Who is the last one?) [18:04].