What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Cadiz?
We asked people in Cadiz if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"In Cadiz, it is considered rude to interrupt someone while they are speaking. It's important to wait your turn in a conversation. Avoid discussing sensitive topics such as politics, religion, and the Spanish Civil War. These topics can stir up strong emotions and are best avoided unless you know the person well. Do not rush through meals. In Spain, meals are a time for socializing and relaxing, not just for eating. It's common for meals to last several hours. Avoid wearing beachwear or revealing clothing in places other than the beach. Spanish people generally dress conservatively, and it's considered disrespectful to wear such clothing in churches or other formal settings. Do not expect shops and businesses to be open during siesta time, which is usually between 2pm and 5pm. This is a time when many Spaniards take a break from work to rest and spend time with family. Avoid being loud or boisterous in public places. Spaniards value respect and politeness, and being too loud can be seen as disrespectful. Do not leave a tip on the table at a restaurant. In Spain, tipping is not customary and can sometimes be seen as offensive. If you want to tip, it's best to hand it directly to the server. Avoid calling someone by their first name unless they have given you permission to do so. In Spain, it's customary to use formal titles until a personal relationship has been established. Do not assume everyone speaks English. While many Spaniards do speak English, it's respectful to at least attempt to speak Spanish, even if it's just a few basic phrases. Avoid being late. While Spain is known for its relaxed attitude towards time, being punctual is still appreciated, especially for business meetings or formal events," explained one expat living in Cadiz, Spain.

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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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With over 40 years of professional experience, Balcells Group provides legal advice on immigration, business, real estate, and tax. They help individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more, to enjoy successful law processes in Spain by guiding their clients every step of the way. They speak Spanish, English, Catalan and Russian.
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Click connect to have our partner contact you via e-mail and/or phone.
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Cadiz?
If you live in Cadiz, newcomers to Cadiz would love to hear your answer to this question.