Cultural
Unexpected cultural differences that surprise expats in Spain
Late meals, flexible time, two kisses and appointment-only offices: the cultural differences that surprise newcomers to Spain and how to adapt.
Updated: October 2026
Even well-prepared newcomers are caught off guard by the small, everyday differences of life in Spain. This guide is for anyone who has just moved or is about to. It covers the habits that surprise expats most, from meal times and opening hours to greetings, noise and bureaucracy, with practical tips on how to adapt without losing your own rhythm completely. Keep in mind that Spain is diverse, and customs vary between regions, cities and villages.
Daily rhythm and time
Later meal times
Lunch is the main meal and usually starts between 2 and 3 pm, and dinner often begins after 9 pm, later in summer. Many restaurants do not serve hot food in the late afternoon. Breakfast is often light, with a mid-morning coffee and toast break. After a meal, people linger at the table for the sobremesa, so do not expect the bill until you ask for it.
A relaxed view of punctuality
For social plans, arriving a little late is normal and nobody will be offended. Work meetings, medical appointments and official appointments are a different matter: be on time, even if you then have to wait.
Opening hours and the midday break
Large shops and supermarkets in cities usually stay open all day, but many small shops, pharmacies and offices in smaller towns close for a few hours in the afternoon and reopen in the evening. In August, some businesses close for holidays. Sunday trading rules depend on the region, so in many places most shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Social customs
- Two kisses: friends and new acquaintances often greet each other with a light kiss on each cheek (dos besos), starting on the right. Men usually shake hands with each other, and a handshake is standard in business.
- Tú rather than usted: the informal “tú” is used widely, even with strangers of similar age. Use “usted” with older people and in formal situations until invited to switch.
- Closer personal space: people stand closer, touch your arm while talking and speak with more volume and animation than in Northern Europe.
- Directness: Spaniards can be straightforward about opinions and disagreements. It is rarely meant as rudeness.
- Greeting a room: it is polite to say “buenos días” or “hola” when entering a shop, lift or waiting room, and “adiós” when leaving.
Family, children and street life
Family ties are strong, and many adults see parents and siblings every week, often for Sunday lunch. Children are welcome almost everywhere and are often out with their parents in plazas and restaurants late into the evening, especially in summer. Social life happens outdoors: terraces, evening strolls (the paseo) and plazas full of people of all ages.
Noise and late nights
Spanish streets and flats can be noisy, with conversations on terraces until late, bars open past midnight and fiestas with fireworks. Most towns have noise bylaws and quiet hours at night, but tolerance is generally higher than in many other countries. If you are sensitive to noise, check the street at night before renting. Our guide to renting in Spain as a foreigner has more tips.
Bureaucracy and appointments
Many public offices only see people with an appointment (cita previa), booked online or by phone, and appointments for immigration procedures can be hard to get in busy areas. Expect to be asked for originals and copies of every document. Patience, a well-organised folder and, if needed, help from a gestor or lawyer make a big difference. Our guide to becoming resident in Spain explains the main steps.
Money, tipping and paying
- Tipping: service is included and tipping is not expected. Leaving small change or rounding up for good service is common, and a bit more in upmarket restaurants.
- Paying together: friends often pay for a round or split the bill evenly rather than item by item. Taking turns to invite is part of the culture.
- Cards and Bizum: card payments are accepted almost everywhere, and many people use Bizum, a mobile payment system linked to Spanish bank accounts, to send money to friends. See our guide to opening a bank account in Spain.
Tips for adapting
- Shift your schedule gradually: a later lunch makes later dinners easier.
- Do errands in the morning, when most shops and offices are open.
- Learn a few polite phrases; effort counts more than perfect grammar.
- Join local life through fiestas, clubs and sport. Our guide on how to build a social life in Spain shows where to start.
- Keep the habits from home that matter to you. Adapting does not mean giving up everything.
Useful links
- Spain.info events calendar – official tourism calendar of festivals and traditions
- Spanish festivals for expats
- Becoming resident in Spain
- How to build a social life in Spain
FAQ: cultural differences in Spain
Why do Spaniards eat so late?
Working days often include a long lunch, the evenings are long and warm for much of the year, and Spain’s clock is set ahead of its geographical position, so daylight lasts later into the evening.
Does the siesta still exist?
Few people actually nap on working days, but many small shops and offices outside the big cities still close for a few hours after lunch and reopen in the evening.
Should I greet people with two kisses?
In social settings, yes, especially between women and between men and women. In business or if you are unsure, offer a handshake and follow the other person’s lead.
Do I have to tip in restaurants?
No. Tipping is optional. Rounding up or leaving some change for good service is common and appreciated.
Are shops open on Sundays?
It depends on the region and town. In many places most shops close on Sundays and public holidays, while tourist areas and big cities have more exceptions.
Disclaimer: This article is general information based on common experiences. Customs, opening hours and rules vary by region and town – always check locally when it matters.
