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When visiting Spain, there are several cultural norms and behaviors to be mindful of to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. Here are some things you should absolutely avoid:

  1. Disrespecting Mealtimes: Spaniards typically eat lunch between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM and dinner around 9 PM to 11 PM. Avoid asking for dinner too early or expecting restaurants to be open for dinner before 8 PM.
  2. Ignoring Siesta Culture: Many shops and businesses, especially in smaller towns, may close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta. Respect this tradition and plan your shopping accordingly.
  3. Being Overly L

When visiting Spain, there are several cultural norms and behaviors to be mindful of to ensure a respectful and enjoyable experience. Here are some things you should absolutely avoid:

  1. Disrespecting Mealtimes: Spaniards typically eat lunch between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM and dinner around 9 PM to 11 PM. Avoid asking for dinner too early or expecting restaurants to be open for dinner before 8 PM.
  2. Ignoring Siesta Culture: Many shops and businesses, especially in smaller towns, may close for a few hours in the afternoon for siesta. Respect this tradition and plan your shopping accordingly.
  3. Being Overly Loud: While Spaniards can be expressive and lively, being excessively loud or disruptive in public spaces (like restaurants or public transport) can be considered rude.
  4. Dressing Inappropriately: Spaniards tend to dress well, especially in urban areas. Avoid overly casual attire in cities or when dining out; it’s best to dress smartly.
  5. Failing to Greet Properly: When meeting someone, it’s customary to greet with a handshake or, in some cases, a kiss on both cheeks (starting with the right). Skipping this can come off as unfriendly.
  6. Neglecting Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not as obligatory as in some countries, but leaving a small tip (around 5-10%) for good service is appreciated. Avoid tipping excessively as it may be seen as unnecessary.
  7. Not Trying Local Cuisine: Spain is known for its diverse and rich culinary traditions. Avoid sticking only to familiar foods and be open to trying local dishes like tapas, paella, and regional specialties.
  8. Disregarding Local Customs and Traditions: Each region in Spain has its own customs and traditions. Make an effort to learn about and respect these, especially during local festivals or events.
  9. Taking Photos Without Permission: Be mindful of taking photos of people, especially in private settings. Always ask for permission before photographing individuals.
  10. Assuming Everyone Speaks English: While many Spaniards speak English, especially in tourist areas, it's polite to learn a few basic phrases in Spanish and use them when interacting with locals.

By being aware of these cultural nuances, you'll have a more enjoyable and respectful experience while visiting Spain!

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1. Don’t walk around without shoes or sandals. Spanish people will think you are crazy.
2. Don’t wear swim shorts if you’re not going to the beach. Spanish people will think you’re weird.
3. Do not drink water from the tap. Spanish people will avoid you like the plague.
4. Do not state that patatas bravas is simply chips with sauce. Spanish people are proud of their spicy chips.
5. If you’re in Ca

1. Don’t walk around without shoes or sandals. Spanish people will think you are crazy.
2. Don’t wear swim shorts if you’re not going to the beach. Spanish people will think you’re weird.
3. Do not drink water from the tap. Spanish people will avoid you like the plague.
4. Do not state that patatas bravas is simply chips with sauce. Spanish people are proud of their spicy chips.
5. If you’re in Catalunya or the Basque Country, don’t call the local people Spanish. The non-Spanish/Spanish people will take offence to this.
6. Do not attempt to buy groceries on a Sunday. Spanish people don’t open their supermarkets on Sundays.
7. Do not drink a load of beer and start acting like a drunk English hooligan. Spanish people will call you a cabron.
8. Do not talk about politics. Spanish people can talk for hours about this topic.
9. Do not engage in small talk. Spanish people are the world champions at talking small.
10. Do not always speak in English. Spanish people like to speak in Span...

Where do I start?

I’m a huge financial nerd, and have spent an embarrassing amount of time talking to people about their money habits.

Here are the biggest mistakes people are making and how to fix them:

Not having a separate high interest savings account

Having a separate account allows you to see the results of all your hard work and keep your money separate so you're less tempted to spend it.

Plus with rates above 5.00%, the interest you can earn compared to most banks really adds up.

Here is a list of the top savings accounts available today. Deposit $5 before moving on because this is one of th

Where do I start?

I’m a huge financial nerd, and have spent an embarrassing amount of time talking to people about their money habits.

Here are the biggest mistakes people are making and how to fix them:

Not having a separate high interest savings account

Having a separate account allows you to see the results of all your hard work and keep your money separate so you're less tempted to spend it.

Plus with rates above 5.00%, the interest you can earn compared to most banks really adds up.

Here is a list of the top savings accounts available today. Deposit $5 before moving on because this is one of the biggest mistakes and easiest ones to fix.

Overpaying on car insurance

You’ve heard it a million times before, but the average American family still overspends by $417/year on car insurance.

If you’ve been with the same insurer for years, chances are you are one of them.

Pull up Coverage.com, a free site that will compare prices for you, answer the questions on the page, and it will show you how much you could be saving.

That’s it. You’ll likely be saving a bunch of money. Here’s a link to give it a try.

Consistently being in debt

If you’ve got $10K+ in debt (credit cards…medical bills…anything really) you could use a debt relief program and potentially reduce by over 20%.

Here’s how to see if you qualify:

Head over to this Debt Relief comparison website here, then simply answer the questions to see if you qualify.

It’s as simple as that. You’ll likely end up paying less than you owed before and you could be debt free in as little as 2 years.

Missing out on free money to invest

It’s no secret that millionaires love investing, but for the rest of us, it can seem out of reach.

Times have changed. There are a number of investing platforms that will give you a bonus to open an account and get started. All you have to do is open the account and invest at least $25, and you could get up to $1000 in bonus.

Pretty sweet deal right? Here is a link to some of the best options.

Having bad credit

A low credit score can come back to bite you in so many ways in the future.

From that next rental application to getting approved for any type of loan or credit card, if you have a bad history with credit, the good news is you can fix it.

Head over to BankRate.com and answer a few questions to see if you qualify. It only takes a few minutes and could save you from a major upset down the line.

How to get started

Hope this helps! Here are the links to get started:

Have a separate savings account
Stop overpaying for car insurance
Finally get out of debt
Start investing with a free bonus
Fix your credit

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  1. Do not complain about slow service in restaurants. You will wait for everything, use this time to relax and enjoy your company.
  2. Do not expect to eat dinner before 8:30pm.
  3. Absolutely do not waste a meal by eating a complimentary breakfast at your hotel/hostel. Spain has some of the best pastries and bread in the world. The coffee isn’t half bad either.
  4. Like many others have said, don’t order paella, it will not be at all authentic unless you really did your homework.
  5. When being introduced to female do not offer your hand for a handshake, it’s always most polite to give a kiss on each cheek.
  6. Do not e
  1. Do not complain about slow service in restaurants. You will wait for everything, use this time to relax and enjoy your company.
  2. Do not expect to eat dinner before 8:30pm.
  3. Absolutely do not waste a meal by eating a complimentary breakfast at your hotel/hostel. Spain has some of the best pastries and bread in the world. The coffee isn’t half bad either.
  4. Like many others have said, don’t order paella, it will not be at all authentic unless you really did your homework.
  5. When being introduced to female do not offer your hand for a handshake, it’s always most polite to give a kiss on each cheek.
  6. Do not expect to do any shopping during siesta, most restaurants will be closed too.
  7. Don’t limit yourself only to the big cities. There are so many small cities and towns with amazing local dishes and historical sights (like the 2,000 year old amphitheater of Merida or the 40,000 year old cave paintings of Nerja).
  8. Don’t ask what kind of beer the bar has. Most bars only have one tap. Makes things real easy. Una cerveza por favor.
  9. Don’t go with a bachelor/stag party or act like a drunk fool. Sure Spaniards drink a lot too, but they know how to pace themselves.
  10. Don’t go during Spanish holidays, most places will be shut down and most locals will be away, usually at a shore town.
  11. Don’t limit yourself to just one region, each part of Spain feels like a totally unique country.
  12. Do not be tourist and order sangria, get tinto de verano instead. Or better yet, try some homemade vermouth, many bars have their own recipe.
  13. Speaking only English will not get you very far outside of Madrid and Barcelona. Make sure you learn at least some Spanish first.
  14. Don’t pay for a Flamenco show. Real Flamenco happens spontaneously and is always free. Jerez de la Frontera is the best city to find it.
  15. Don’t miss out on going during a city’s annual fair. Valencia, Sevilla, and Jerez all have amazing ferias in the springtime.

^Las Fallas de Valencia

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I have a couple of ideas in mind that needs clarifications because they are repeated insistently but not fine-tuned and I think people are getting the wrong impression:

  1. It is NOT desirable to be late in Spain, not 5, not 10, not 15 minutes, not anything. It is NOT funny, it is not enjoyed, it is not appreciated, it is not considered a virtue or positive trait and it IS plainly rude. The average Spaniard will look at their watch, and say «I am sorry, I am late, have you been waiting for long?». The answer will be: «no problem, it is OK» and they will move on. The fact that Spaniards take their l

I have a couple of ideas in mind that needs clarifications because they are repeated insistently but not fine-tuned and I think people are getting the wrong impression:

  1. It is NOT desirable to be late in Spain, not 5, not 10, not 15 minutes, not anything. It is NOT funny, it is not enjoyed, it is not appreciated, it is not considered a virtue or positive trait and it IS plainly rude. The average Spaniard will look at their watch, and say «I am sorry, I am late, have you been waiting for long?». The answer will be: «no problem, it is OK» and they will move on. The fact that Spaniards take their life with a laidback attitude and are not easy offended doesn't mean that it is socially accepted as possitive. Don't ever entertain the idea of being late to a business meeting, or to school. Not a long time ago when, I went to school, being late for school could mean punishment. Being 5 minutes late is not considered a positive thing but it is not considered super offensive either. So, do not confuse terms that can put yourself in an unpleasant situation. Beware.
  2. When you go to somebody's house, it IS not positive (again) to be late but in this case, the «social rule» is very lax. They will be less annoyed than If you were late at a meeting point like a café or restaurant. Again, don't do it or don't look at the time because somebody has told you that being late is welcome in Spain. It is not, but it can happen and they won't take it personal. In any case, we are talking about 5 , 10 minutes…
  3. Unless you know how to speak spoken Spanish AND (not or) understand the pragmatics of the language, always say «thank you» and «please», especially «please». In casual situations, coloquial Spanish works as a tonal language. Yes, Spaniards don't say it that often but that doesn't mean that it is not implied through other linguistcs mechanisms. If you say: «give me some coffee» you have to do it in a certian way. You see, in Spanish “please” and “thank you” are a lot more implied in the speaker’s tone or in the way we construct words rather than stated explicitly. Do it wrongly and you will be killed with a gaze.
  4. Queues are important. Jump the queue, and all hell will break loose. Just try. Now, somebody said Spanish queues were chaotic, well yes, they are not lines of people standing up, but a group of people standing close each other. So you need to ask «quién da la vez?» or «Who is last?» when you want to join the «queue». It is considered offensive if you don't respect the queue. Young people will tell older people that «I was first» with no shame and nobody will get away with it. Respect the queue.
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My answer may be biased. I am both a US and Spanish citizen with a love for the Spanish way of life. While in Spain, I would suggest you do not under estimate the value of kindness and respect. I an consistently amazed by the generosity and helpfulness of the Spanish people — whether in Barcelona, Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, País Vasco, Asturias, Galicia, etc. I try my best to speak Spanish and have a sincere sense of admiration for the history and culture of this amazing country. People respond so kindly. Do not limit yourself to what you know or expect. Be prepared to be surprised by the vari

My answer may be biased. I am both a US and Spanish citizen with a love for the Spanish way of life. While in Spain, I would suggest you do not under estimate the value of kindness and respect. I an consistently amazed by the generosity and helpfulness of the Spanish people — whether in Barcelona, Sevilla, Granada, Córdoba, País Vasco, Asturias, Galicia, etc. I try my best to speak Spanish and have a sincere sense of admiration for the history and culture of this amazing country. People respond so kindly. Do not limit yourself to what you know or expect. Be prepared to be surprised by the variety of cultures, dialects, foods, music (from Flamenco guitar to bag pipes) and art. Do not be impatient. The Spanish aren’t. They will allow you to stay all day at your table in the restaurant, enjoy the people watching and try new and different treats (like pulpo). The only time I was treated brusquely was by a man I later found out was from Los Angeles. Do not drive if you don’t have to. The public transportation system is efficient and reasonably priced. For me, driving was a nightmare, with traffic circles and occasionally stressful interactions. I found that Spanish drivers like to get where they are going in the shorted time possible and will let you know if you are in their way. Do not count calories. There are too many delicious things to try and its easy to increase movement walking through the beautiful streets and parks. Some here have answered that the Big Cities have lost their charm. I disagree. The museums and parks of Madrid and the architecture of Barcelona, the Mediterranean coast, the Arab influence in the south all have something incredible to offer. Do not try to see the whole country in one visit. Do not fail to return. Enjoy your visit.

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Here’s the thing: I wish I had known these money secrets sooner. They’ve helped so many people save hundreds, secure their family’s future, and grow their bank accounts—myself included.

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1. Cancel Your Car Insurance

You might not even realize it, but your car insurance company is probably overcharging you. In fact, they’re kind of counting on you not noticing. Luckily,

Here’s the thing: I wish I had known these money secrets sooner. They’ve helped so many people save hundreds, secure their family’s future, and grow their bank accounts—myself included.

And honestly? Putting them to use was way easier than I expected. I bet you can knock out at least three or four of these right now—yes, even from your phone.

Don’t wait like I did. Go ahead and start using these money secrets today!

1. Cancel Your Car Insurance

You might not even realize it, but your car insurance company is probably overcharging you. In fact, they’re kind of counting on you not noticing. Luckily, this problem is easy to fix.

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When visiting a new country, we’re often looking for the best things to do while there. Well, Not To Do things are just as important as they make for some really great travel tips, ensuring your experience will be free of unpleasant surprises. Spain, just like any other country out there, has its own quirks, laws, prejudices, and even bizarre customs, so here’s a list of what not to do when visiting the country of flamenco and bullfighting.

1. Don’t expect to eat early. Spain does everything late and eating is no exception. Lunchtime is usually between 13:00 – 15:30 and dinner is rarely served

When visiting a new country, we’re often looking for the best things to do while there. Well, Not To Do things are just as important as they make for some really great travel tips, ensuring your experience will be free of unpleasant surprises. Spain, just like any other country out there, has its own quirks, laws, prejudices, and even bizarre customs, so here’s a list of what not to do when visiting the country of flamenco and bullfighting.

1. Don’t expect to eat early. Spain does everything late and eating is no exception. Lunchtime is usually between 13:00 – 15:30 and dinner is rarely served before 21:00.

2. Do not rush or take punctuality too seriously. Spaniards tend to have a very relaxed sense of time, so be patient and just enjoy being in Spain!

3. Do not get involved in discussions about regionalism. Spaniards are extremely sensitive to this topic and they have a very strong sense of regional pride, especially in Catalonia, the Basque Country, and Galicia, where locals have their own language and cultural identity.

4. Don’t limit yourself to Costa del Sol. Surely, this Andalusian stretch of coast is absolutely lovely, but parts of it can also be very touristy and expensive. Besides, there are other 12 beautiful coasts in Spain waiting to be explored, and all of them boast wonderful beaches, picturesque towns, and fabulous local cuisine.

5. Do not call a Catalan Spanish. You certainly don’t want to piss off more than 7 million people who are so proud of their language, culture, and history, and who currently struggle for their independence. Nothing will offend them more.

6. Do not expect to see Flamenco everywhere. Of course, this is a genuine Spanish form of art and one of the first things that come to mind when thinking of Spain. And although it has a strong tradition in many parts of the country, that doesn’t mean you’re going to see an authentic show everywhere you travel.

You won’t go wrong with Andalusia, though. This is arguably the birthplace of flamenco, or at least its spiritual home, so wonderful shows are held almost daily in venues across Seville, Granada, Cadiz, or Jerez de la Frontera.

Madrid is also a great place to enjoy this famous Spanish tradition, offering an excellent range of tablaos. One more thing, don’t expect to see Spaniards dancing flamenco for fun (unless you’re visiting a gypsy cave in Granada); this is a performance art usually put on display in theaters and other dedicated venues.

7. Don’t bring too many clothes. Spain is a shopping mecca with options for any budget and style out there. Not to mention chances are you’ll be tempted by their chic and delightfully accessible fashion brands such as Zara, Mango, Bershka, Pull & Bear, Stradivarius, Blanco, and so on. You can find them everywhere, and, if you have the chance to visit Spain during the sales (rebajas) periods, you’ll get some really fantastic bargains.

8. Don’t expect to see a bullfight in Barcelona or the Canary Islands. Catalonia was the second Spanish region to ban this blood sport after the Canary Islands.

9. Don’t head for a table every time you enter a locale. Sitting at the bar is always a good idea in Spain, as this is by far the liveliest spot in the room. Also, this will offer you the opportunity to socialize with the staff and the other clients, make friends, and learn things that you don’t usually find in tourist guides.

10. Don’t stick to the main cities. Yes, Madrid, Barcelona, Seville, and Valencia are magnificent cities, but half of the magic of Spain lies in its wonderful countryside, lesser-known towns, and charming villages. Visiting them will help you get a better sense of the heritage, customs, and traditions of the region you’re in. Even more than that, this will ensure a rich, authentic, and truly memorable travel experience without spending a fortune or being bothered by huge tourist crowds.

11. Do not wander the city streets wearing only swimsuit. It’s tasteless, inappropriate, and even illegal in seaside cities like Barcelona, Malaga, and Palma de Mallorca, where you can be punished with a €100 – €200 fine.

12. Don’t underestimate tapas, especially if you’re traveling on a budget. They are not just an excellent way to immerse yourself in the Spanish culture and sample the local cuisine, but also a great way to cut down on travel costs. They usually come for a small price or free when ordering a drink, like in Granada and Madrid.

13. Don’t wear the wrong things. As already mentioned above, beachwear is for the beach, but in addition to that there are still several fashion rules that travelers to Spain must adhere to in order to avoid trouble. Some of the most important are to always wear the right shoes (comfortable for the day, elegant for the night), never forget to dress accordingly when visiting a monastery, church, or sacred place, and by no means wear the wrong football shirt in the wrong city.

14. Don’t ignore local markets. Whether you’re visiting a big metropolis or a small pueblo tucked away in the countryside, local markets are particularly interesting in Spain. They not only offer fresh fruits and vegetables, but also some of the most exquisite seafood, hams, and traditional specialties, as well as a chance to soak up the local atmosphere. Furthermore, some of them have been transformed into genuine culinary temples, impressing visitors with their eye-catching architecture and tremendous dining opportunities.

15. Don’t plan every minute of your trip. Following a schedule could be an effective way to manage your time, but who needs that in a country where art, history, and local culture can be experienced almost everywhere – on the streets, at the market, in the tiny plazas, in the lively bars, and even on the football stadium. Every visitor to Spain should leave some time for serendipitous opportunities, you never know what you might discover by chance in this beautiful country that bursts with treasures, excitement, and creativity.

16. Don’t drink your hot chocolate. Spanish hot chocolate is usually very thick and creamy, more like a pudding than a proper drink. Do as locals do and serve it with delicious crispy churros.

17. Don’t stay in a tourist resort. Spain’s major coasts are packed with all kinds of tourist hotels and all-inclusive resorts, and most of them do offer all the comforts and amenities one would need for a pleasant holiday, but they’re also pretty expensive, dull, and unfriendly. So instead of spending all day by the pool with a bunch of tourists, why not trying to experience something new? Go out there, explore Spain on your own, connect with locals and their culture, try new foods, and be adventurous!

18. Don’t overlook the mountains. Spain may be the land of sunny costas and charming Mediterranean way of life, but it’s also the second most mountainous country in Europe, with extraordinary hiking, skiing, and other adventure opportunities. Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana, the Pyrenees, and the Sierra Nevada in Andalusia are all wonderful destinations whether you’re looking for recreation, thrilling outdoors, culture, history, or authentic cuisine.

19. Don’t pass the salt shaker from hand to hand. According to Spanish tradition, it brings bad luck.

20. Don’t plan anything important on Tuesday 13, or Tuesday in general. In Spain is not Friday the 13th that brings bad luck, but Tuesday. They even have a saying for it: En martes, ni te cases, ni te embarques, ni de tu casa te apartes – On Tuesday, don’t get married, don’t board (on a ship or plane), and don’t leave the house.

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  • Wearing Mexican sombreros as if it were a Spanish thing

This is not Mexico.

  • Wearing flamenco dresses when there is no traditional celebration that involves wearing them going on

Seriously, don't!

  • Telling Basque or Catalan people that they are Spaniards

Some may get really offended…

  • Eating/drinking at touristy restaurants/bars/cafés

It’s a trap! The quality is lower and the prices are higher.

  • Mistaking Holy week processions for KKK parades

They have nothing to do with each other.

  • Not trying traditional food

That would be the biggest mistake of all.

  • Attempting to flirt with girls by calling them señoritas

No

  • Wearing Mexican sombreros as if it were a Spanish thing

This is not Mexico.

  • Wearing flamenco dresses when there is no traditional celebration that involves wearing them going on

Seriously, don't!

  • Telling Basque or Catalan people that they are Spaniards

Some may get really offended…

  • Eating/drinking at touristy restaurants/bars/cafés

It’s a trap! The quality is lower and the prices are higher.

  • Mistaking Holy week processions for KKK parades

They have nothing to do with each other.

  • Not trying traditional food

That would be the biggest mistake of all.

  • Attempting to flirt with girls by calling them señoritas

Nobody says that in this century.

  • Asking someone if they take daily naps

They probably don't.

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I once met a man who drove a modest Toyota Corolla, wore beat-up sneakers, and looked like he’d lived the same way for decades. But what really caught my attention was when he casually mentioned he was retired at 45 with more money than he could ever spend. I couldn’t help but ask, “How did you do it?”

He smiled and said, “The secret to saving money is knowing where to look for the waste—and car insurance is one of the easiest places to start.”

He then walked me through a few strategies that I’d never thought of before. Here’s what I learned:

1. Make insurance companies fight for your business

Mos

I once met a man who drove a modest Toyota Corolla, wore beat-up sneakers, and looked like he’d lived the same way for decades. But what really caught my attention was when he casually mentioned he was retired at 45 with more money than he could ever spend. I couldn’t help but ask, “How did you do it?”

He smiled and said, “The secret to saving money is knowing where to look for the waste—and car insurance is one of the easiest places to start.”

He then walked me through a few strategies that I’d never thought of before. Here’s what I learned:

1. Make insurance companies fight for your business

Most people just stick with the same insurer year after year, but that’s what the companies are counting on. This guy used tools like Coverage.com to compare rates every time his policy came up for renewal. It only took him a few minutes, and he said he’d saved hundreds each year by letting insurers compete for his business.

Click here to try Coverage.com and see how much you could save today.

2. Take advantage of safe driver programs

He mentioned that some companies reward good drivers with significant discounts. By signing up for a program that tracked his driving habits for just a month, he qualified for a lower rate. “It’s like a test where you already know the answers,” he joked.

You can find a list of insurance companies offering safe driver discounts here and start saving on your next policy.

3. Bundle your policies

He bundled his auto insurance with his home insurance and saved big. “Most companies will give you a discount if you combine your policies with them. It’s easy money,” he explained. If you haven’t bundled yet, ask your insurer what discounts they offer—or look for new ones that do.

4. Drop coverage you don’t need

He also emphasized reassessing coverage every year. If your car isn’t worth much anymore, it might be time to drop collision or comprehensive coverage. “You shouldn’t be paying more to insure the car than it’s worth,” he said.

5. Look for hidden fees or overpriced add-ons

One of his final tips was to avoid extras like roadside assistance, which can often be purchased elsewhere for less. “It’s those little fees you don’t think about that add up,” he warned.

The Secret? Stop Overpaying

The real “secret” isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about being proactive. Car insurance companies are counting on you to stay complacent, but with tools like Coverage.com and a little effort, you can make sure you’re only paying for what you need—and saving hundreds in the process.

If you’re ready to start saving, take a moment to:

Saving money on auto insurance doesn’t have to be complicated—you just have to know where to look. If you'd like to support my work, feel free to use the links in this post—they help me continue creating valuable content.

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If you are a foreigner visiting in Spain for longer :

  1. Do not expect to get a NIE appointment without trying 1357496872 times
  2. Get the NIE as soon as possible. You need it to open a bank account, get wifi connection, and even rent a bike.
  3. Do not get upset when the answer is “mañana”
  4. Do not try to go out to any shops between 2 and 430- they are closed
  5. Do not pay for any apartment without first seeing it and signing papers (this should be common sense for everyone, everywhere….but I’ve seen people get ripped off)
Profile photo for Alexis Harrelson

Well… Spain is a pretty straight foward country. As long as you dont do anything illegal, your fine. Suposdly playing an instrument on the street is illegal but i think that only applies to annoying loud musicians trying to be heard by everyone. Haha. Wearing a mask isnt illegal but cops will probably stop you and ask you why. Cuz it freaks people out. All weapons on your person are illegal the minute you walk out of your home, same goes for marijuana. Dont drink and drive, we have frequent road blocks on weekends for drunks, you will get a ticket. Obviously dont go into the very bad neighberh

Well… Spain is a pretty straight foward country. As long as you dont do anything illegal, your fine. Suposdly playing an instrument on the street is illegal but i think that only applies to annoying loud musicians trying to be heard by everyone. Haha. Wearing a mask isnt illegal but cops will probably stop you and ask you why. Cuz it freaks people out. All weapons on your person are illegal the minute you walk out of your home, same goes for marijuana. Dont drink and drive, we have frequent road blocks on weekends for drunks, you will get a ticket. Obviously dont go into the very bad neighberhoods without a guide, there arnt many and you can tell theyre bad… the buildings are always falling apart and there’s more trash than usual. Technically you can walk through them without a problem but you must be fearless fun and befriending, which is much harder than it sounds. Dont drive to fast there are speedtraps and you will get a ticket. If your a tourist be prepared to be swindled at bars. Not all bars swindle. Dont walk through bad neighborhoods after midnight or at 2 in the afternoon(everyones eating and no ones on the streets) if you dont know how to walk the streets. On rare ocassions there are bad people looking for trouble, if you can spot them out just avoid them and your fine.

!!! Do not walk around for long periods of time through spring to fall and especially summer beneath the sun without any water. You will dehidrate and may even die. Im not exagerating, the sun here is extremely hot, people do die from dehidration here. So always have water on you during suntime.

Dont expect to find good food after eating hours. Except for pizza, mcdonalds, and kebabs, the local restaurants do not open their kitchens outside of eating hours. Also apart from restaurants and bars, nothing opens on sundays.

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In every country I have ever visited I have tried to learn a little bit about where I am visiting, a few phrases (depending on the language maybe a little more) and some of the local customs. You will never get it completely right, but the effort will be seen and appreciated.

When I was 11, I went to France on a school trip. We stayed in a tiny French village where there just some houses and a small cafe. The owner/waitress was grumpy and sour. She insisted that we order in French. If we attempted to speak English she would say “Je ne comprends pas” or something like that. But if we attempted t

In every country I have ever visited I have tried to learn a little bit about where I am visiting, a few phrases (depending on the language maybe a little more) and some of the local customs. You will never get it completely right, but the effort will be seen and appreciated.

When I was 11, I went to France on a school trip. We stayed in a tiny French village where there just some houses and a small cafe. The owner/waitress was grumpy and sour. She insisted that we order in French. If we attempted to speak English she would say “Je ne comprends pas” or something like that. But if we attempted to speak French, even getting it horribly wrong, she would help us with pronunciation until we got it right. I vaguely remember that she gave freebies to the biggest improver at the end of the week.

What I didn’t learn until years later, was that the owner/waitress was actually a retired French teacher from the UK and spoke perfect English. But I am so grateful for that experience..

In fact just a couple of years ago, I was in France and a waiter claimed not to understand a pair of tourists who were speaking louder in the hope of him understanding. After a few minutes he quietly passed them a menu and pointed at the numbers (indicating that they could just point at what they wanted). He came over to me and I attempted to ask for a pair of local beers I had never heard of before, but completely screwed up my pronunciation of the name. He looked at me with pity and replied in perfect British English “sure thing, mate” and when he came back he helped me get the pronunciation right and gave me a bowl of fries which he said was for “making the effort”.

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Avoid touchy topics, such as the Civil War, the Catalan referendum, Franco, ETA, and well, politics, religion and money in general, unless brought up, and even so tread lightly.

Don't point out Spain's defects, Spaniards will gladly disparage their own country but they don't like foreigners doing it.

Don't be whiny or patronizing. Spaniards are very straightforward and friendly, though they sometimes come across as brash, and they don't like “attitudes”.

Don't assume people sleep the “siesta” unless it's Sunday. On Sunday don't call people between lunchtime and six though.

By all means try to adap

Avoid touchy topics, such as the Civil War, the Catalan referendum, Franco, ETA, and well, politics, religion and money in general, unless brought up, and even so tread lightly.

Don't point out Spain's defects, Spaniards will gladly disparage their own country but they don't like foreigners doing it.

Don't be whiny or patronizing. Spaniards are very straightforward and friendly, though they sometimes come across as brash, and they don't like “attitudes”.

Don't assume people sleep the “siesta” unless it's Sunday. On Sunday don't call people between lunchtime and six though.

By all means try to adapt to Spanish meal times, unless you want to end up in an overpriced touristy restaurant.

Don't get too wasted, we do drink a lot but keep it social and fun.

Don't walk in the city shirtless, or worse, barefoot.

Don't expect to have too much personal space.

In crowded areas take good care of your belongings, specially your wallet and your phone.

Did I say avoid touristy restaurants already?

For the rest just like going anywhere else, learn a few things in the language, don't cut the line, say “buenos días”, “por favor” and “gracias”, basic courtesies.

Spain is a very open minded and tolerant country, and we're used to receiving millions of visitors, so most of all enjoy yourself!

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- Don't buy a "Mexican hat"!
- Don't get a sunburn! Even after having been living in Spain for the last twenty years, I still put on some sun lotion factor 50 whenever I visit the beach....it's just not worth it.
- Don't order a "mixed" paella, that's for "guiris". For your information, a guiri is a foreigner, usually from the North of Europe, the USA, New Zealand or Australia; they recognize us by our sunburnt, red faces :-) True Valencian paella is made with rabbit, chicken, pork and beans This is a good example: https://es.pinterest.com/pin/104286547591751873/
- Don't wear sandals with sock

- Don't buy a "Mexican hat"!
- Don't get a sunburn! Even after having been living in Spain for the last twenty years, I still put on some sun lotion factor 50 whenever I visit the beach....it's just not worth it.
- Don't order a "mixed" paella, that's for "guiris". For your information, a guiri is a foreigner, usually from the North of Europe, the USA, New Zealand or Australia; they recognize us by our sunburnt, red faces :-) True Valencian paella is made with rabbit, chicken, pork and beans This is a good example: https://es.pinterest.com/pin/104286547591751873/
- Don't wear sandals with socks, which is considered to be very typical of "guiris" and will make you the center of attention!
- Don't order sangria all the time (if you really like it, you can have it a couple of times...), it'll give you a terrible headache. Spain has got some very good wines and beers (as a beer-lover, I can recommend "tercios" of Alhambra, Estrella Galicia, Turia, Estrella Damm, Ambar...). A tercio is small bottle of 0,33 L beer.
- Don't go to a McDonalds, Burger King, KFC...! Spain has got a great cuisine, with a wide variety of dishes that are a lot tastier and healthier than what you can buy for the same price in a fastfood chain.
- Don't go walking around topless in the center of a city. Bikinis, tangas and topless outfits are okay for the beach, but as soon as you leave it, it is considered disrespectful to not put on (at least) some shorts and a t-shirt.
- Don't be disrespectful when you are entering a church, a cathedral,... or when looking at a "Holy Week procession" (i.e.: a public ritual march of clergy and penitents which takes place around Easter). If you are disrespectful, make a lot of noise, are not propperly dressed, you might get insulted or be asked to leave.
- Don't just queu in a bar, at the market..., because people will most likely not even notice that you're there and your wait could be very long.... Just say out loud "¿El último? (meaning "The last one?) until someone raises his/her hand and says "soy yo" or "yo", indicating that he/she was the last person to arrive there just before you, then you just watch that person and as soon as he/she has been attended, it's your turn. Oh yeah, if someone arrives behind you and asks "¿El último?", just raise your hand and say "Yo" (meaning "I").
- Don't expect everyone to understand you if you talk to them in English. Some basic Spanish will certainly come in very handy.
-Don't forget to enjoy every minute, every place, every person...that you will find in this lovely country, which beauty captivated me, while studying here as an exchange student in 1997 and I am still here.... :-)

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If you are an adult male, wear pants when in public and not exercising, tanning or swimming. Avoid wearing baseball caps unless they are for a purpose. If you are driving, bare feet and flip flops are illegal, and the Guardia Civil aren’t like your average state trooper. Scooters and motorcycles do not have to behave like cars on thoroughfares so when turning or changing lanes, make sure to check your mirrors. The concept of going with the speed of traffic is anathema. Even if the guy in front of you was speeding, they will pull all of you over or fine you indirectly, so follow the rules, use

If you are an adult male, wear pants when in public and not exercising, tanning or swimming. Avoid wearing baseball caps unless they are for a purpose. If you are driving, bare feet and flip flops are illegal, and the Guardia Civil aren’t like your average state trooper. Scooters and motorcycles do not have to behave like cars on thoroughfares so when turning or changing lanes, make sure to check your mirrors. The concept of going with the speed of traffic is anathema. Even if the guy in front of you was speeding, they will pull all of you over or fine you indirectly, so follow the rules, use your signals and drive like you’re still earning your license. Avoid tipping. A small gratuity for superlative service is suitable when a restaurant is packed or you came with a huge party, but most restaurants will only be confused by your overpayment. Don’t go out to eat dinner at 5PM. Lunch is usually between 2 and 3, dinner at about 10. The only restaurants you’ll find open at traditional American times will be fast food, Chinese, or restaurants that cater solely to tourists, where the food standards are questionable at best. If you’re young and going to experience nightlife, most discos open around midnight and can stay open until 10AM. Most won’t fill up until after 2AM. There are some places in Spain that have been so saturated with expats or holiday renters (mostly Germans and English, and lately Russians) that If you really want good food you will have to escape these enclaves to experience the real thing and to avoid unpleasant health effects afterwards. If there is a big picture in front of the restaurant with dubious pictures of plates, and especially an employee out front begging you to come in and eat, that’s a bad sign.

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In the Costa del Sol do not get a package that includes meals, even at 5 star resorts. In a country with some of the best food in the world they will give you a buffet with inedible fake food.

Do not stay at any hotel in Spain where most of the clientele are British, in particular young Brits. It is not so much the real Brits as the attitude Spanish hotel operators have developed toward them, as people who will put up with anything, in particular in the area of food.

If the majority of the people are Belgian or French the food will be good but the air conditioning might not work at night. If the

In the Costa del Sol do not get a package that includes meals, even at 5 star resorts. In a country with some of the best food in the world they will give you a buffet with inedible fake food.

Do not stay at any hotel in Spain where most of the clientele are British, in particular young Brits. It is not so much the real Brits as the attitude Spanish hotel operators have developed toward them, as people who will put up with anything, in particular in the area of food.

If the majority of the people are Belgian or French the food will be good but the air conditioning might not work at night. If the majority are German, the breakfast will be good and the WiFi, elevators and air conditioning will work. Most of these hotels are in Palma.

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Alejandro put a good answer. I will use another point of view:

Simply: try to avoid false ideas about Spain:

  1. No, we rarely sleep siesta.
  2. No, we don’t like flamenco
  3. No, we aren’t all catholic.
  4. No, we aren’t so much traditional or conservative. In fact, Spain is one of the most open and liberal countries.
  5. A lot of us, specially young people, hate bullfighting.
  6. Yes, we have weird hours
  7. Yes, we are loud.
  8. Yes, we touch. A lot.
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  • Assume everyone dances sevillanas or likes flamenco.
  • Assume everybody likes bullfighting.
  • Accepts flowers or any type of plants from gypsies as a gift, they always want something else, never take them.
  • Not learning basic spanish, some of the spanish don’t know english so it would be better for you to learn the basics.
  • (At least in the big cities like Madrid and Barcelona), using taxis, especially to go to the airport, don’t do it, public transport is great here and not that expensive.
  • Renting a bike in Madrid is not a great idea because we do not have bike lanes as much as other european cities lik
  • Assume everyone dances sevillanas or likes flamenco.
  • Assume everybody likes bullfighting.
  • Accepts flowers or any type of plants from gypsies as a gift, they always want something else, never take them.
  • Not learning basic spanish, some of the spanish don’t know english so it would be better for you to learn the basics.
  • (At least in the big cities like Madrid and Barcelona), using taxis, especially to go to the airport, don’t do it, public transport is great here and not that expensive.
  • Renting a bike in Madrid is not a great idea because we do not have bike lanes as much as other european cities like Amsterdam for example. The only people who use bikes to move around the city are teenage boys.
  • Whenever you’re using metro/renfe trains, let people get out before you get in and never stop in front of an escalator.
  • If you want to go to museums, try to go on sundays.
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Not smile when you are being smiled at. Especially when talking to people, greeting them and saying goodbye.

Avoid physical contact and expand personal space. Spaniards touch each other a lot compared to other countries, for example, when introductions are made, while telling a joke or in other social situations. Your best reaction would be mirroring (I dont mean copying every movement but following the flow and watching people) otherwise people would think you are very rude.

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Don’t go to a bullfight. It will ruin your vacation. unless you like to see perfectly healthy animals repeatedly stabbed, knifed, lanced by some one on a horse who directs the lance to the animal’s heart and tries to tear the heart into pieces . With the animal bleeding profusely from the various wounds, the “brave” matador kills the dying animal with a sword and gives the “coup de grace” with a heavy knife, Most of the while the animal is moaning in a heart-breaking and accusatory howl. The expectators , meanwhile, intoxicated by so much blood applaud pwildly.

I adore Spain. Perhaps above all

Don’t go to a bullfight. It will ruin your vacation. unless you like to see perfectly healthy animals repeatedly stabbed, knifed, lanced by some one on a horse who directs the lance to the animal’s heart and tries to tear the heart into pieces . With the animal bleeding profusely from the various wounds, the “brave” matador kills the dying animal with a sword and gives the “coup de grace” with a heavy knife, Most of the while the animal is moaning in a heart-breaking and accusatory howl. The expectators , meanwhile, intoxicated by so much blood applaud pwildly.

I adore Spain. Perhaps above all countries, except Brazil and my own ; often I wonder whether something is defective in my soul that allows me to love so much a county that amuses itself torturing , deliberatly and slowly, such splendid defenceless creatures.

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Almost every answer you have received are full of false ideas, prejudices and that stupid condescending attitude many visitors have.

So, the only thing you dont have to do is to be a silly condescending tourist that acts like we must serve you and adapt our life to your touristic interest.

Be polite. Be kind. Be nice. People will help you with the rest even if you dont speak a word of spanish.

postscript: Spain is not a homogeneous country. Barcelona or Madrid are just cities among hundreds, each of them with its own way of living.

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It’s hard to answer. There are many different cultures and ethnic groups there, there’s no rule of thumb for the whole Spain.

My advice would be to investigate the culture and ethnic background of the area you visit. Be specially careful when talking about languages and ethnic groups in Spain, as well as soccer teams. People tend to be really sensitive with those.

Do not believe any of the stereotypes that many American movies sell about Spain, it may offend locals, a lot.

For instance, you should avoid asking about Paella and oranges unless you are close to Valencia; avoid talking about Sevillan

It’s hard to answer. There are many different cultures and ethnic groups there, there’s no rule of thumb for the whole Spain.

My advice would be to investigate the culture and ethnic background of the area you visit. Be specially careful when talking about languages and ethnic groups in Spain, as well as soccer teams. People tend to be really sensitive with those.

Do not believe any of the stereotypes that many American movies sell about Spain, it may offend locals, a lot.

For instance, you should avoid asking about Paella and oranges unless you are close to Valencia; avoid talking about Sevillanas dance or Flamenco music in Northen Spain (they are traits of Andalucian and Southern culture); avoid talking about bullfighting in the North-East, Balearic islands and Canary islands, its even banned in some of those territories; avoid talking about the Francoist dictatorship even if you see Fascist symbols in public places; avoid talking about the pro-independence movements or former colonies; and that sums most of the no-no topics I can think of.

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The rules are hateful.
What you have to do is come and enjoy.
Don't be afraid to talk to people, most of us are trustworthy people (although there is everything).
And above all, be careful with the balconies, the ground is very hard.
And above all, when you have drunk a little too much B-S
And come to Segovia, which is not crowded at all and we are legal people B-)

Snow White Castle (Alcazar de Segovia)

They say that one day the Romans passed through Segovia, they were bored and said: "Why don't we build a bridge?"

And said and done, they made this bridge:

However, there were discrepancies with it

The rules are hateful.
What you have to do is come and enjoy.
Don't be afraid to talk to people, most of us are trustworthy people (although there is everything).
And above all, be careful with the balconies, the ground is very hard.
And above all, when you have drunk a little too much B-S
And come to Segovia, which is not crowded at all and we are legal people B-)

Snow White Castle (Alcazar de Segovia)

They say that one day the Romans passed through Segovia, they were bored and said: "Why don't we build a bridge?"

And said and done, they made this bridge:

However, there were discrepancies with its authorship, because according to what they say, a water carrier was sick to death... and carrying the jug from one place to another and she spoke to a very nice devil to help her in that matter:

-Look man, I'm fed up with my gender identity, with the fucking jug of water.
You who are cool, let's see if you make me some invention or something, because I'm sick of this fucking job of mine.
-Don't worry, beautiful lady (it seems not, but the devils were gentlemen, at least then).
In exchange for her soul, which is of no use to her, I make her a beautiful bridge.
And since we Segovians are grateful, we have built a statue of this skillful devil.

Never add ketchup to iberian ham

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Personally I would recommend you If you want to talk about with Spaniards you must not speak with them about political parties, political ideologies and all about everything that has to do with politics overall, not only because it’s a private ,personal and intimate topic, solely it’s a very controversial topic in my country, Spaniards have taken too much further the issue of political ideologies and political parties in a radical and extremist way, so you must be careful with this and avoid to mention in all situations, many countrymen of mine stopped talking with relatives, family members an

Personally I would recommend you If you want to talk about with Spaniards you must not speak with them about political parties, political ideologies and all about everything that has to do with politics overall, not only because it’s a private ,personal and intimate topic, solely it’s a very controversial topic in my country, Spaniards have taken too much further the issue of political ideologies and political parties in a radical and extremist way, so you must be careful with this and avoid to mention in all situations, many countrymen of mine stopped talking with relatives, family members and friends or simply they broke or lost relationships in this sense because of political ideologies or voting a determinate political party, this is a very serious topic and you must not talk about it, and I tell you as a life long Spanish citizen.

Other topic you must not talk about with Spaniards it’s about football or football teams in Spain the supporters of a random football team are very devoted in this sense, so I would recommend that you must not touch on this topic, I must clarify that my countrymen do not behave as hooligans when they talk about football, but sincerly this is a topic that you must avoid and it’s a golden rule that in Spain is a taboo topic talking about football.

The next topics that you must avoid to talk about with Spaniards are religion, not only because it’s a personal and private topic solely because Spain has had a complex and complicated relationship when it comes to religion, either you must not talk about certain historical events that have happened on a recent past, this topic includes the Spanish Civil war, Franco’s dictatorship and the issue with terrorist organization ETA (this topic is very painful and delicate for the Spanish society).

Otherwise you could talk to Spaniards about quotidian things or topics, overall neutral topics, talk to them about your country, your culture and how is life in your native land, Spaniards are so curious by their own nature and they will be pleased and glad to hear how is life and living in other countries of the world, talk to them about your personality, occupation and things about yourself, Spaniards are not very careful when it comes to respect the privacy and personal space and to avoid misunderstandings ,bring forward yourself to them and talk about yourself openly and sincerely, take yourself the initiative in this sense. Other aspect that you must not talk about is about cultural stereotypes of Spain and Spanish way of being, this is rude and disrespectful from all point of view without any discussion, it’s not correct neither suitable in all random countries you must know that Spain is a country with almost 50 millions of population, so imagine how many different personalities live there, not all Spaniards have the stereotyped Spanish way of being, I’m one of them by the way. But you will be polite with Spaniards if you have an interest in the culture such as the language, historical, monuments, food among others.

If you visit Spain do it with good intentions and with good manners, some tourists are troublesome and this clearly doesn’t like my countrymen. Visit Spain in a healthy and sound way, visit museums, historical monuments, eat in local restaurants, buy things such as clothes, decoration objects, handcraft, learn about Spanish culture and historical heritage and be respectful and polite and you won’t have problems with locals, they’ll welcome you, always.

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If you’re in Catalunya, do not convey to local inhabitants that they speak a dialect. They will stare at you, declaring solemnly that Catalan is a language, not a dialect.

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Do not talk about the Franco regime 1939–1975. It's still a topic for heated discussions, even with people who never lived in that period.

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Several things:

  1. Do not order paella or sangría. Never.
  2. Do not order anything that is not on the menu, as in the waiter telling you “Today’s specials are…” If it looks tasty, tell him to give you a price quote. In general, if you have not seen it on the menu, or it is offered in the shape of “Do you want x to go with that?”, even if it’s bread, ask for the price.
  3. Don’t wear socks with sandals.
  4. Stay at your hotel when it’s 40 degrees outside.
  5. In most bars, don’t wait for the waiter to drop by your table. Raise your hand and tell him or her respectfully that you’re around and possibly willing to parta

Several things:

  1. Do not order paella or sangría. Never.
  2. Do not order anything that is not on the menu, as in the waiter telling you “Today’s specials are…” If it looks tasty, tell him to give you a price quote. In general, if you have not seen it on the menu, or it is offered in the shape of “Do you want x to go with that?”, even if it’s bread, ask for the price.
  3. Don’t wear socks with sandals.
  4. Stay at your hotel when it’s 40 degrees outside.
  5. In most bars, don’t wait for the waiter to drop by your table. Raise your hand and tell him or her respectfully that you’re around and possibly willing to partake of his food and drinks.
  6. Lines do not exist in Spain. We hate them. Either you find out who’s in front of you by asking, or just do whatever you wanted to do when you have the possibility to do so. Specially applicable to public transportation. On the other hand, if you see a bunch of Spaniards in line for something, such as a bakery kiosk, just stand behind, it’s probably worth the while to check it out.
  7. Don’t talk politics. Or soccer. Or any intersection of both.
  8. Don’t do anything that seems illegal but that everybody does anyway. First one to be caught is always the “guiri” (foreigner). Even more so if you are wearing sandals with socks.
  9. Don’t be impatient in bars and restaurants. It’s not unusual to have to wait 30 minutes for your meal. Sometimes 1 hour. Check tripadvisor in advance, or arm yourself with patience. And regarding tripadvisor, everything is relative. 20 minute wait time is OK in any restaurant, so it won’t get bad reviews there.
  10. Never, ever, tell off somebody else’s children, even if they are noisy, nosy, obnoxious or just there. It’s OK to compliment them, however.
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Whether you're looking for a chance to practice your Spanish, to learn it by immersion, or to explore the diverse cultures present in Spanish-speaking countries, you have myriad options to select from.

Consider traveling to Spain if you fancy a trip with more European and Moorish overtones..

Once you reach Spain, keep these rookie mistakes in mind to avoid any mishaps that can cost you precious time and money.

*Trying to see too much.

*Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco.

*Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness.

* Not packing the right gear.

* Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time.

*Eating too ear

Whether you're looking for a chance to practice your Spanish, to learn it by immersion, or to explore the diverse cultures present in Spanish-speaking countries, you have myriad options to select from.

Consider traveling to Spain if you fancy a trip with more European and Moorish overtones..

Once you reach Spain, keep these rookie mistakes in mind to avoid any mishaps that can cost you precious time and money.

*Trying to see too much.

*Thinking it’s all about bulls and flamenco.

*Mistaking a rhythm for rudeness.

* Not packing the right gear.

* Ordering the wrong food at the wrong time.

*Eating too early.

*Not knowing the languages (that’s plural).

*Tipping too much.

*Not having cash on hand.

*Not paying attention in touristy areas.

*Just go with the flow.

ALL THE BEST..

Thanks for ur honor..!

Profile photo for Katherine

I lived in Seville with a native family and it was perfectly normal for them to drink tap water, they never bought bottled water. It was also never a problem ordering a glass of tap water in a cafe or restaurant, whereas when I lived in Germany they flat out refused, you had to buy a bottle

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Get beer from street vendors or mojitos from beach vendors.

Smoke weed in touristic areas

Be loud after midnight

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My advice is to avoid neither ask nor being involved in dealing with political issues. There are people pro-Rajoy but there are (many) people anti-Rajoy, the Catalunya independece. ETA and the Basque nationalism, the rationale of 17 Autonomous regions plus the African, cities, etc… All these subjects are controversial and you will find very oposite and maybe aggressive opinions. Better to talk about landscape, food, wines, some non-controversial Spanish customs and the like.

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Don't pee, defecate or vomit in the streets and public places.

Don't over tip, show your mighty dolar, boast, speak loudly, expect everyone to speak gringo, be superior to any anyone else.

Just behave like a normal person.

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Do not wear sweats (sweatshirts included) or pajamas outside. Do not say, “Puedo tener” when ordering or asking for something. Say, “Quiero”, “Me gustaría”, “Me pones”, “Dame… por favor”. Do not tip (taxis, camareros) since they take it very personally; you can leave a euro if you feel the service was exceptional OR up to five if you are having a very nice meal with a lot of people, but nothing more than that. Did you get a coffee and toast with tomato? 20 cents, if that.

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1. You shouldn't be afraid.
2.
1. There are so many things “off the beaten path” that most people never see or experience because they’re afraid of stepping off the well trodden tourist path. Do not play it “travel safe” all the time. I’m not saying go into the worst areas, I’m saying, don’t be afraid to try to find the local gems.

3. Don’t eat at just any restaurant “because you’re in Italy”.
4.

1. You shouldn't be afraid.
2.
1. There are so many things “off the beaten path” that most people never see or experience because they’re afraid of stepping off the well trodden tourist path. Do not play it “travel safe” all the time. I’m not saying go into the worst areas, I’m saying, don’t be afraid to try to find the local gems.

3. Don’t eat at just any restaurant “because you’re in Italy”.
4.
1. That will lead you to eating trash food designed for tourists who don’t know any better. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve talked to people who say things like “I can’t believe how bad all the food was” or “I thought the food was going to be awesome, but it wasn’t as good as some of the Italian restaurants I’ve eaten at here”. Italy is like everywhere else. There are good and bad places to eat. You need to find what the locals think is good and go with it. Learn the phrase : “ Qual è il tuo ristorante preferito” or a variation of that asking where someones favorite or what is a good restaurant. It’ll save you disappointing meals.

5. Do not try to eat like you’re at home.
6.
1. I can’t tell you how disappointing it is when people complain that the restaurant they went to in ITALY couldn’t make the meal from the travelers home very well. Why would they? Would you go to an American, Indian, Mexican, or German restaurant and order a Chinese dish and expect it to be good? Just because it’s on the menu, doesn’t mean it’ll be good or be a good option.

7. Don’t waste your time going to the leaning Tower of Pisa.
8.
1. People try to fit this in all the time and sacrifice other amazing parts of Italy for it. The leaning tower is exactly as you see in all the photos. It’s a failed engineering project that they’ve managed to keep from totally collapsing. The church on site is more impressive than the tower and its hordes of people trying to climb up into it. It’s definitely not worth the 1/2–3/4 of a day it takes to get there, experience it, climb up into it etc and get back to wherever you were coming from. Go to Lucca instead if you’re on a tight trip. If you have nothing better to do and lots of time - go to Pisa - someday it’s going to fall over finally and then you can say you saw it before it fell.

9. Do not wear khaki shorts and a fanny pack.
10. Do not expect everyone to speak your language.
11. Do not order “American-Italian Food” and expect it to be good.
12.
1. Seafood Alfredo, I’m looking at you here.

13. Do not expect to get into most churches with your shoulders bare & do not throw a fit about it. They really don’t care if you’re offended.
14. Do not purchase “Vera Pelle” goods off a dude in the street. Trust me. Real leather goods, real Armani shoes, etc are not going to be 5–15 euros…unless they have blood on them from the previous owner.
15. Do not wait too late to eat lunch, most of the good Italian restaurants will CLOSE around 1:30–2pm and not reopened until 4 or 5 if not even later.
16. Do NOT order a cappuccino after 11.
17. Do NOT attempt to order “American coffee” - I.e an entir...

Profile photo for Hamish O'Cahan

Don't visit the costas of Benidorm etc. Why visit Spain to experience Irish pubs and the John Bull Tavern when you have great tapas places and cafes. In particular, don't visit global burger and pizza chains.

Don't speak English excessively. Even basic Spanish is welcomed by the locals.

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I lived there for 7 years and here’s some of the things I’d recommend:

  • People don’t speak English generally or are often embarrassed to use it even if they do have some (the under 50s are more likely to speak it than the older generation). Learn a few phrases to get you by like “thank you”(gracias) and “please” (por favor) and “I would like” (they say “I want..” which is “Quiero..” -kee-air-oh). Survival Spanish, basically.
  • Don’t get very drunk like you might do in your home country - people don’t get plastered like Northern Europeans and Americans and it’s really not seen very well at all.
  • Don’t

I lived there for 7 years and here’s some of the things I’d recommend:

  • People don’t speak English generally or are often embarrassed to use it even if they do have some (the under 50s are more likely to speak it than the older generation). Learn a few phrases to get you by like “thank you”(gracias) and “please” (por favor) and “I would like” (they say “I want..” which is “Quiero..” -kee-air-oh). Survival Spanish, basically.
  • Don’t get very drunk like you might do in your home country - people don’t get plastered like Northern Europeans and Americans and it’s really not seen very well at all.
  • Don’t do anything there that you wouldn’t do in your own country. Yes, the alcohol is cheap and it’s a fun country but have respect for the local people and their customs. Don’t treat it like your own personal playground where you can do what you like.
  • The Spanish are extremely proud of their food - do not insult it or complain about it in front of them. This, ime, can cause deep offence.
  • Don’t mention politics, Franco, The Civil War or religion unless you’re acquainted with someone and you know their political views and they’re open to talking about it. I was an English teacher there and in my first year teaching and, coming from a country that lacks such an extreme political division (right and left), I made the stupid mistake of assuming my students would all feel the same as me about Franco (that he was a horrible man) but how wrong I was! He still has a lot of support from a substantial percentage of the population. Chaos ensued when I brought him up and I learned very fast to never mention him again. Keep your mouth shut about any of this - the Civil War and the dictatorship are extremely delicate subjects there.
  • The Spanish are forward, extroverted, friendly people who can be quick to anger in public places sometimes (though it rarely gets physical), relatively speaking. It took me a while to get used to this but go with it. The Spanish don’t care about you liking them - they’re very confident, outspoken, passionate, friendly, civil, sociable, quite moody and extremely chatty people and sometimes this heady combination can be misconstrued as rudeness but it’s not: their idea of manners differs from those of other countries and they simply don’t waste time on (what they view as ) pointless niceties (“would you mind if I could possibly get a glass of water if that’s not too much trouble” for example).
  • Always have cash on you - in many bars and cafes you can’t pay with card for a bill less than 10 Euro.
  • Overall, respect their culture and learn from it; don’t expect America or Britain or wherever - you didn’t come all this way to have a holiday like you would back home…otherwise why would you travel at all?
Profile photo for Jose Rey

Spain is culturally diverse and quite open, but if you want a golden rule, then avoid what you would in most countries.

I.e. mostly politics and/or stereotypes.

Don’t let it stop you though, if you’re into politics and/or the regional cultures, get into that, and be as nuanced as possible.

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Profile photo for Mayra Guzman

When I went to Barcelona I left the hotel by myself for a walk and was followed by a Portuguese man who wanted to rob me. I went into a store and he followed me into the store as well. I told the lady I was nervous that this man was following me everywhere I went; she told me she had seen him before and known...

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Here are some important things you shouldn’t do in Spain, especially if you’re going for a school trip. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes, fit in, and enjoy your time more.

Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

While many Spaniards speak English, especially in cities, it’s polite to try a few words in Spanish. Simple phrases like “hola” (hello) or “gracias” (thank you) go a long way. I’ve noticed people appreciate the effort, even if your accent isn’t perfect. It shows respect for their culture.

Don’t Be Late

Punctuality is important in Spain when it comes to school or work, even if th

Here are some important things you shouldn’t do in Spain, especially if you’re going for a school trip. These tips will help you avoid common mistakes, fit in, and enjoy your time more.

Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English

While many Spaniards speak English, especially in cities, it’s polite to try a few words in Spanish. Simple phrases like “hola” (hello) or “gracias” (thank you) go a long way. I’ve noticed people appreciate the effort, even if your accent isn’t perfect. It shows respect for their culture.

Don’t Be Late

Punctuality is important in Spain when it comes to school or work, even if the general pace of life is more relaxed. If you’re meeting your group or attending events, being late can be seen as disrespectful. I like this because it helps things run smoothly, and no one misses out on activities.

Don’t Expect Dinner Early

In Spain, dinner is typically served late, around 9 or 10 PM. If you show up to a restaurant at 6 PM expecting dinner, you might only find snacks available. I’ve been caught off guard by this before, so planning a light snack in the afternoon helps if you get hungry early.

Don’t Forget to Take a Siesta

Many shops and smaller businesses close in the early afternoon for siesta, which is like a midday break. If you’re out and about, plan to do your shopping either in the morning or late afternoon after 5 PM. I’ve seen travelers get frustrated when they can’t visit a store because it’s closed, but it’s just part of the culture.

Don’t Overdo the Tipping

In Spain, tipping isn’t as common as in places like the U.S. A small tip for good service is appreciated, but leaving 15-20% is not the norm. I like this because it keeps things simple—you don’t have to worry about tipping too much.

Don’t Wear Beach Clothes Outside the Beach

If you’re visiting coastal cities, don’t wear swimsuits or beach clothes outside of the beach area. Walking around in just swimwear is generally frowned upon in Spain. I’ve seen this mistake a lot with tourists, and locals appreciate it when visitors dress appropriately when not at the beach.

Don’t Skip the Local Customs

Spain has many unique customs, like the “dos besos” greeting (two kisses on the cheek) in informal settings. While you may not need to do this during your school trip, understanding local greetings and traditions can help you connect better with the culture. I like this because it shows you’re open to learning about new experiences.

By keeping these things in mind, you’ll be able to avoid some common misunderstandings and enjoy your trip to Spain even more.

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Portugal is a very welcoming country. People are very friendly and polite, and you should feel at home when you visit us! But if you don’t want to see us mad, you shouldn’t:

  • Speak Spanish and think it’s the same language. It’s not! We understand it, of course, but we speak Portuguese.
  • Say we are a region of Spain. Portugal is independent since October 5, 1143.
  • Be rude to us. We are a very welcoming nation and we like to make our tourists fall in love with our country.
  • Say bad things about our gastronomy. We love food and we love to eat, and while you’re visiting us don’t forget to try our codfish!

Portugal is a very welcoming country. People are very friendly and polite, and you should feel at home when you visit us! But if you don’t want to see us mad, you shouldn’t:

  • Speak Spanish and think it’s the same language. It’s not! We understand it, of course, but we speak Portuguese.
  • Say we are a region of Spain. Portugal is independent since October 5, 1143.
  • Be rude to us. We are a very welcoming nation and we like to make our tourists fall in love with our country.
  • Say bad things about our gastronomy. We love food and we love to eat, and while you’re visiting us don’t forget to try our codfish!
  • Say that a football team is better than other. We are a very competitive country when it comes to football, so if you want to discuss this theme, make sure you only talk about tactics.
  • Don’t make fun of us. We are a very small country, proud of our history and accomplishments.

In the end, you’ll be treated in Portugal the same way you treat us, it’s up to you! =)

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Romania.

  1. Never get a cab from the airport. If you’re a foreigner you might as well never ever get into a cab at all. Call an Uber. Most Romanian cab drivers are known for spinning tourists around the city to get extra fare.
  2. Don’t talk so much about Dracula or Vampires. Also don’t ask locals if they believe in such shit. We may be behind other European countries but we do not live in the Middle Ages.
  3. You don’t really need a lot of money to visit us. Food, drinks, gas, restaurants and most hotels are pretty cheap compared to other European countries. Get cold cash though, credit cards are not as co

Romania.

  1. Never get a cab from the airport. If you’re a foreigner you might as well never ever get into a cab at all. Call an Uber. Most Romanian cab drivers are known for spinning tourists around the city to get extra fare.
  2. Don’t talk so much about Dracula or Vampires. Also don’t ask locals if they believe in such shit. We may be behind other European countries but we do not live in the Middle Ages.
  3. You don’t really need a lot of money to visit us. Food, drinks, gas, restaurants and most hotels are pretty cheap compared to other European countries. Get cold cash though, credit cards are not as common as you might think.
  4. Our railway system. ONLY travel by train if you REALLY need to. Train schedules are totally unreliable here. In the first six months of 2018 we registered three years of total delays. ‘Nuff said. At least get first class, it will be a long journey ;)
  5. Overall our country is pretty safe. Just be a nice tourist, don’t get into trouble and be careful about pick-pocketing. Showing affection in public is okay as long as you’re not same-sex. Unfortunately we are still pretty conservative on this matter.
  6. Public transport sucks sometimes. Buses are usually cramped and trams don’t have AC (yes, you heard that)
  7. So no cab nor public transport? You might as well rent a car but beware traffic in our cities sucks big time. Bucharest is in top three most congested European cities. Other Romanian cities are okay.
  8. Not a lot of people know how to properly speak English, especially older folks. Some younger people are fluent, some not -- it’s a guessing game really.

(We’ll topple Mumbai’s congestion in no time)

Andrei Ţaga

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1. Don’t try to take a bath in a fountain. In movies they do it all the time but in real life you may get a huge fine for that.
2. Don’t show that you have much cash and beware of pickpockets especially in the subway or on crowded touristic buses like 64.
3. Don’t eat in places that have a person outside inviting you to choose them or some sort of “touristic menu”. It may not always be bad frozen

1. Don’t try to take a bath in a fountain. In movies they do it all the time but in real life you may get a huge fine for that.
2. Don’t show that you have much cash and beware of pickpockets especially in the subway or on crowded touristic buses like 64.
3. Don’t eat in places that have a person outside inviting you to choose them or some sort of “touristic menu”. It may not always be bad frozen food but usually it is. Check Tripadvisor or The Fork instead, choose places far from touristic areas where locals go. There’s no one outside, they simply don’t need to attract people, customers usually call to book the best places.
4. Don’t forget that the price for a coffee in a bar may be different at the counter and at the table.
5. Don’t order pasta and cappuccino together.
6. Don’t forget to see hidden places, less crowded and still beautiful, like Piramide, Cimitero Acattolico, Centrale Montemartini museum and San Paolo church chiostro, to say s...

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Try to remember, please, that Italy is primarily the property of the Italians. So looking at the recent record of foreign tourists’ vandalism…

Don’t dive in the Canal Grande, please

Don’t sit on Paolina Borghese’s foot just to take a selfie, please

Don’t litter Piazza di Spagna’s Barcaccia, please

But of course feel free to do all of this at your place.

Try to remember, please, that Italy is primarily the property of the Italians. So looking at the recent record of foreign tourists’ vandalism…

Don’t dive in the Canal Grande, please

Don’t sit on Paolina Borghese’s foot just to take a selfie, please

Don’t litter Piazza di Spagna’s Barcaccia, please

But of course feel free to do all of this at your place.

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