Destination Guide

Language Considerations

• Spanish (Castellano): The main language spoken in Spain is Spanish, also called Castellano. Most people in cities like Madrid and Barcelona will speak English to some degree, but knowing a few key phrases will go a long way.

• Regional Languages: In regions like Catalonia (Barcelona), the Basque Country (Bilbao), and Galicia (Santiago), people may also speak Catalan, Basque, or Galician. It’s polite to greet someone in Spanish first, but if you hear them speak another language, showing appreciation for it (even if you don't understand it) is thoughtful.

Common Phrases for Tourists

• Basic Greetings:

  • Hola – Hello

  • Buenos días – Good morning

  • Buenas tardes – Good afternoon

  • Buenas noches – Good evening / Good night

  • Adiós – Goodbye

• Polite Phrases:

  • Por favor – Please

  • Gracias – Thank you

  • De nada – You’re welcome

  • Perdón / Disculpa – Excuse me (if you need to get someone's attention)

  • Lo siento – I’m sorry

  • ¿Habla inglés? – Do you speak English?

  • No entiendo – I don’t understand

  • ¿Cuánto cuesta? – How much does it cost?

  • ¿Dónde está…? – Where is...?

Additional Language Tips

• Speak Slowly and Clearly: If you're not fluent in Spanish, speak slowly and use simple words. People will often appreciate the effort and try to help.

• Politeness: Spanish culture places a strong emphasis on politeness. Always use "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) when interacting with others.

• Formality: Address people you don’t know well using “usted” (formal “you”) rather than “tú” unless they invite you to use the more informal version.

Regional Differences in Language

• Catalan (in Catalonia, Barcelona): Many locals will appreciate it if you greet them in Catalan, even if you don’t speak it fluently. A simple “Bon dia” (Good day) can go a long way.

• Basque (in the Basque Country, like Bilbao): Basque is another regional language; however, most people will still understand Spanish and English.

Tipping Etiquette

• In Restaurants:

  • Tipping is not as obligatory as in the U.S., but it is appreciated for good service.

  • Cafés or casual bars: Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euros is common (e.g., for a €9 meal, you can leave €10).

  • Restaurants: If you’re in a mid-range or higher-end restaurant, tipping 5-10% is typical if the service is good. Some restaurants may include a service charge (check the bill).

• Taxis: 

  • Tipping taxi drivers isn’t mandatory, but rounding up the fare or leaving a small tip (about €1-2) is appreciated.

• Hotel Staff: 

  • For hotel porters, €1-2 per bag is sufficient. If you stay for several nights, leaving €1-2 per night for housekeeping is a nice gesture.

Other Etiquette Tips

• Menus: Many restaurants offer a “menú del día”, a set menu usually available for lunch with a fixed price. It's often a great deal and a good option for tourists.

• Dining Hours: Lunch is typically served between 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm, and dinner is between 9 pm and 11 pm. Don’t be surprised if restaurants seem empty before these hours.

• Cash vs. Card: While credit cards are widely accepted, small businesses (like cafes or markets) may prefer cash. It's good to carry some cash on hand, especially for smaller purchases.

Politeness with Photos

• Asking Permission: Always ask before taking photos of people, especially in rural or more traditional areas. It’s polite and respectful to ask before photographing locals.