Are you thinking about travelling to Spain? maybe you should read this... very useful for understand Spanish customs.
Imagine yourself discovering these things while learning the language! Safari Spanish School is waiting for you!
First... what about Tips?
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| Circulo de Bellas Artes - Madrid |
Locals often
tip even if modestly, it is considered polite and Spanish people are sticklers for
manners and etiquette.
Leaving the small change behind to round up to the
nearest Euro is the most common. Maybe an extra Euro or 2 if the service was
very good and added value.
In restaurants
it is expected around 10%.
å
There are no
added service charges on the final bill at most restaurants or bars, although
some higher priced restaurants may add IVA( VAT) to the final bill. This should
be clearly seen in the menu.
Don’t forget
these service staff work hard for little money and any extra is always
appreciated. (most of the patrons are also lower income turists, which everyone
seems to forget)
Outside the
restaurant business, some service providers, such as taxicab drivers,
hairdressers and hotel personnel may expect tipping in an upscale setting.
Second...what about "Timetables"?
Schedules in
Spain! Very difficult to understand for foreigners visiting the country.
If people in
Europe usually have lunch at 13:00 and have dinner at 20:00 in Spain people
have lunch at 14: 00/14: 30 and have dinner at 21: 30/22: 00.
There are also
variations depending on the different geographical area: the south has always
been late in their schedules, especially in summer.
The schedule
of Public Administration and Banks is from 8:00 to 15:00. However
Not all
Spaniards take a nap, private enterprise has schedules that extend late into
the evening, so that significantly delays dinner time.
Third...what about "arriving late"?
In Spain and
Latin America, it is expected that guests will arrive "late" to a
social activity, especially in the evening, in some South American countries,
such as Chile, it is al
most
considered impolite to arrive on time, as your host will probably not be
totally prepared for guests yet. If you arrive 15 minutes to a half an hour
after the stated time, you are considered "on time". Late arrival is
not considered rude or impolite.
This relaxed
attitude does not extend to work or school attendance, however. For an
interview, a job, or class attendance, arrive on time. When traveling by bus or
plane in a foreign country, it's safer to arrive on time at the terminal just
in case (even though you may have to wait for your transportation after all).
If you want to learn everything about Spanish language, habits and traditions book our Safari EXPERIENCE in Madrid or Tenerife.
