DO’S AND DON’TS OF

SPAINISH CULTURE

MUHAMMED AYDIN

DON’TS

• Do not complain about smoking. Spanish believes whoever complains about smoking are actually afraid of life.

• Do not eat with your hands. Not even fruit!

• Do not carry your wallet in back jeans pocket, nor do the ladies sling your bags over the backs of chairs.

• Do not get drunk and do not walk around at night alone.

• Do not wear shorts in public.

DO’S

• Do shake hands with everyone, from the oldest to the kids, and expect a kiss on each cheek, a hug or a pat on the back from those you know.

• Do dress stylishly, but modestly. Wear nice accessories too.

• Do get ready to become a second-hand smoker if you are not a smoker, and pretend that you are fine with it. Smoking is widely accepted in Spain.

• Do be prepared for late lunch and dinner. In Spain, no one goes out much before 10pm to eat or for a drink, try to have a light snack about 5pm to put you on.

• Do tips if you are satisfied with services. Tipping is not customary in Spain.

• Do rest your wrists at the edge of the table when eating.

• Do put your knife and fork on your plate parallel with the handles facing to the right to show that you have finished eating.

• Do give a high quality gift, such as brandy or whiskey, and bring a small gift for children as well. Open your gift immediately when receiving a gift.

• Do be aware that dining is important to business relationships in Spain.

• THANKS FOR LISTENING