As an ignorant American expat who has only ever lived in California, it is not surprising that I initially found some things strange in Spain. And to be clear, I do not mean strange in a negative way…more like unique, interesting, or super random for my American-programmed brain.
So, if you are planning to visit Spain or want to move to Spain, here are 10 random things to help curb your culture shock:
1. Jamon
It is everywhere. If you’re not careful, one might hit you in the face because ham legs are seen hanging from the ceiling in several restaurants. Jamon is a HUGE deal in Spain – up there with futbol and siestas. What’s so different about Spanish jamon? Instead of cooking the ham after slaughter, the pig legs are dry-cured and carved off the bone like other cured meats. The curing process can take 12 or more months to complete. The price tag on some of the best jamon, known as “jamon iberico de bellota”, is in the THOUSANDS.
2. Siestas
They are real. Spain basically closes down from 2:00-5:00pm every day. Whether you like to nap or not, you won’t find many shops or restaurants open during this time. On top of that, most places are closed on Sundays. If you wait until Sunday to complete your shopping list, you are going to be SOL.
3. Iced Coffee
It’s not a thing. If you go to a traditional cafeteria/restaurant and ask for an iced coffee, you are definitely in for some strange looks. You will end up receiving a hot coffee with one or two ice cubes on the side. Best of luck with that pour over (trust me, not an easy task). Ice isn’t readily available in Spain, so most drinks are not served with ice.
4. Street Signs
Unlike California where you will see “Pacific Coast Highway” on a big green (or sometimes blue) sign hanging from the stop light, Barcelona has very few street signs. You must play Where’s Waldo with the adjacent buildings to find small placards indicating which street you are on. I am STILL struggling with this one.
5. Tipping Culture
In the US, tipping is very customary, if not mandatory. At a restaurant, you should be tipping 15-20% on top of your meal. In Spain, tipping is not customary. If you feel the service was exceptional, you’re more than welcome to tip a couple euros. But the workers are not expecting tips. This alone makes dining in Spain way less expensive than in the United States.
6. Supermercats
Looking for a big grocery store like Ralphs, Albertsons, or Vons? If you search supermarket, you will find hundreds of “supermercats”; however, there is nothing “super” about these corner stores. They are mini convenient stores, sort of like 7-11s.
7. The Double Cheek Kiss
I come from a hugging culture, so I am used to showing some affection with others. In traditional Spain, you should greet others (specifically women) with dos besos, one on each cheek. If it’s two men, then you are good to go with a handshake.
8. Drying Clothes
Most buildings are equipped with washers, but not dryers. The most common way to dry your clothes is to hang them on a clothes line on your balcony or on a drying rack. When you walk down streets in Spain, you’ll see tons of balconies with clothes drying.
9. Public Transportation
This has been a culture shock for me because I have never lived in a city. I’ve always had a car or truck to take me where I need to go. I have never viewed public transportation in a positive light…buses filled with druggies and strange people. But this is not the case in Barcelona! EVERYONE takes public transportation. Even if you have a car or motorbike, you still probably have a metro train ticket.
10. Nightlife
Everything is later. Dinner time is around 9:00-10:00pm. Most of the big clubs open after midnight and go until 6:00 or 7:00 in the morning. For me, when I head home for the night around 1:00am, the streets are alive as ever. I’ll pass families with kids on my way home.
Did you have the same experience when you visited Spain for the first time? What other random things did you find strange in Spain? Comment below!
If you liked this article, check out First Time to Barcelona – Random Things to Know About Visiting Spain & Europe
