Etiquette in Spain
Everyday customs that visitors and newcomers often find useful in Spain.
- Greeting Two cheek kisses are common among friends and acquaintances. A handshake is fine in business.
- Time Lunch is typically 2 to 4 pm and dinner after 9 pm. Many shops close for a midday break outside big cities.
- Dining Tipping is modest; rounding up is fine. Tapas are shared.
- Talk Regional identities such as Catalan and Basque are strong, so avoid generalising.
- Public Conversation can be lively and loud, and not meant as anger.
These are general customs, not rules or legal advice. They differ between regions, generations and families, and they change over time. For visas, residency and legal requirements always use the destination country's official government sources.