Culture Shock in Spain
By: The GoAbroad Team
Posted on: Spain, Culture Shock
2. Spanish have two family names. They are used to being called by their first names when engaging in day-to-day conversations.
3. Shop clerks and salesmen are usually unfriendly. Spanish believe there are no rewards for being customer-friendly. However, customer service is much better when you're talking to the owner, especially when you're a regular customer.
4. Staring at people is not rude in Spain.
5. Spaniards do not put a great emphasis on time. Life is more laidback and relaxed and nothing is done in a hurry.
6. It's rather common for people to interrupt you while you're talking however it is not to insult but rather to show interest or attention to what you are saying.
7. Do not expect to see a "No Smoking" sign on restaurants or bars because Spaniards love to smoke. It is a common notion in Spain that people who complain about smoking are "afraid of life".
photo by: cesarastudillo
