10 UNSPOKEN RULES Tourists Keep Breaking in Spain

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  • čas přidán 2. 05. 2024
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Komentáře • 1,1K

  • @spainrevealed
    @spainrevealed  Před 13 dny +30

    👉 Get your MADRID travel guide - swiy.io/MadridRevealed

  • @iker8010
    @iker8010 Před 10 dny +798

    As a spaniard, this info is gold and worth soaking in. This dude definitely is inmersed in our culture

    • @simonsadler9360
      @simonsadler9360 Před 8 dny +2

      Lovely surprises in the Language , to say you have disappointed me ,Me has decepcionado ,on a crowded bus "Quepo yo " at my school in Essex failed English O level twice , now good with Spanish some German French & can get by in Romanian, next will try Russian ,met an English speaking Spanish man at a bar , he said to understand the grammar is horrifying ,I wrote Worcester sauce , pronounce that !he had me giggling !

    • @johnmc3862
      @johnmc3862 Před 8 dny

      Fluent Spanish no surprise in fairness.

    • @joelcoll4034
      @joelcoll4034 Před 7 dny

      ???​@@simonsadler9360

    • @fryderyk2462
      @fryderyk2462 Před 7 dny +7

      He speaks fluent spanish, and is very educated and versatile, contrary to most english tourists, that frequently don't want to integrate, or mix with another society, different than the one they grew in, so they keep behaving like they were in any of their former colonies.
      Education and versatility is really the same thing.

    • @nicope2486
      @nicope2486 Před 4 dny

      el vive en España

  • @perro0076
    @perro0076 Před 13 dny +460

    NEVER add the tip to the credit card bill. Not just in Spain. It goes through the ledger. Give it in cash separately.

    • @Trikipum
      @Trikipum Před 9 dny +42

      yeah, if you tip just saying "charge me 50 euros", chances are that money is going straight to the owner of the place and will never reach the workers...

    • @perro0076
      @perro0076 Před 9 dny +8

      @@Trikipum 100% true. The tax man will also see it as a business income. I'm all for paying my fair share of tax, but these guys are some of the people that get the most abused in their jobs. I don't mind it if THEY don't pay taxes.

    • @AL5520
      @AL5520 Před 7 dny +10

      Never tip!
      When you tip you enable all those bad things you've mentioned.
      For some reason you believe that a waiter (or some other types of servers) deserves extra, tax free, pay with no real reason.
      Every employee deserves a full livable wage and any employer that ignores that must be prosecuted.
      That does not make servers more important than others, and no - they don't work harder, and if this is the reason to pay there is a long list of jobs ahead of them them that non of you would ever tip.
      I worked as a server, I got minimum wage but with reasonable law protection it was a livable wage + obligated extra pay for night shifts and even more for weekends and holidays.
      I've also worked in much harder other jobs serving the public and no one ever though of tipping me, not should have thought of it. In Spain people get paid for working. You can say it's not enough but this means fighting for higher minimum wage not finance the difference with tips.

    • @ArielGoV
      @ArielGoV Před 7 dny +9

      I've worked in a few bars, and it always depends on the owner. Most owners, though, let you take the tip with credit card, and then you subtract from the change drawer the tip amount, and place it into the tip jars (Usually the tips are all collected together and at the end of the month distributed to each worker). Take into account that tips in spain are hardly ever over 2-3€, so most owners don't think about taxes and whatnot from the credit card tips.

    • @kievete
      @kievete Před 7 dny +3

      @@perro0076 And what's the problem about tipping the owner? if you liked the ambiences or decoration, owner has something to do about it. If i'm ok with the experience I don't really care where the tip goes, not my problem anymore.

  • @pedrosmith4529
    @pedrosmith4529 Před 13 dny +474

    I am from Spain (50 y/o). I always say please and thank you. When asking for something, I always say "cuando puedas" (when you can). For example, "me pones una caña cuando puedas". I ALWAYS use the indicator, please do it.

    • @cmacmenow
      @cmacmenow Před 11 dny +10

      Good tip,thanks.

    • @marcelfahle
      @marcelfahle Před 10 dny +2

      Exactly the same here.. :)

    • @pepemapache
      @pepemapache Před 10 dny +12

      Recientemente visité Barcelona, Girona, Figueres y Vic. Hermosas ciudades, aunque no del todo "Españolas" en toda la palabra pues son muy orgullosas de sus raíces Catalanas, la verdad muy amables y realmente no me costó nada de trabajo adaptarme a los usos y costumbres. La comida deliciosa, la atención muy amable y siempre todo mundo con cariño nos dio la bienvenida y genial todo la verdad. ¡Anhelo volver!
      Recently I visited Barcelona, Girona, Figueres and Vic. Beautiful cities! Although not completely "Spanish" since they're very proud of their Catalonian origins, in reality everyone was super nice and accommodating. It was really easy to get to speed with the locals and the food was amazing, service was very cordial and prompt, everyone was really friendly and welcoming, so I had a great time and can't wait to go back!

    • @billlynn8256
      @billlynn8256 Před 10 dny +8

      3 years in Spain I have never heard anyone say please or thank you..cuando puedas I agree with, hear it all the time

    • @aldozilli1293
      @aldozilli1293 Před 10 dny +25

      ​​si lo dicen pero no es imprescindible decirselo como en ingles. En Espanol es mas la forma de pedir que es lo importante y no las palabras.

  • @kokorospirit5006
    @kokorospirit5006 Před 13 dny +466

    The spanish stare is mostly a curious stare and not a defiant one.

    • @j.mrodriguez1493
      @j.mrodriguez1493 Před 10 dny +11

      thats right

    • @jamesquinlan2638
      @jamesquinlan2638 Před 9 dny +5

      Even when done repeatedly?
      I live in Spain and took my dad to a restaurant recently when he visited. It was just us and a couple in their 50s behind us. My dad is 74 and was facing their table. The husband was facing us.
      The wife politely said "Buen aproveche!" as they left. My dad then commented how the fella was constantly looking at him. It's just fucking rude and there is no excusing it. There are a lot of Spanish that hate foreigners. There is no denying it.
      I moved out of the centre of Barcelona 4 years ago. I was never stared at. I was just another tourist to the locals. Now, in the suburbs, it's a constant. And it's never pretty girls that do it!

    • @AliciaRuiz49
      @AliciaRuiz49 Před 9 dny +59

      ​ @jamesquinlan2638 i don't think the guy was trying to make you feel awkward or something, its just a way to be and, with respects, you are the stranger so why this guy sould change his habits what are perfectly ok in our culture?

    • @zelawola
      @zelawola Před 9 dny +58

      ​@@jamesquinlan2638they said "buen provecho", that's a polite thing to say. In the world there are people who stare and people who don't. In small villages around the world, people stare, it's the village culture. But it's not they're being rude, it's only that your culture and their culture thinks different about the "stare issue". In big cities, people don't give a f*ck about other people. I bet a village person'd think they're being rude cause they ignore them 😅

    • @jamesquinlan2638
      @jamesquinlan2638 Před 9 dny

      @@zelawola That's simply not true. She was polite, yes. He was not.
      Even animals recognize that staring is a form of confrontation. It's wired into us. We know that it will make the other person uncomfortable.
      If someone is clearly from out of town and it's a rare occurrence then it is understandable to look. Most people would look if they saw a celebrity walking down the street. You wouldn't stare at them repeatedly if you were in a restaurant though (especially if the person is aware that you're doing it.)
      It's extremely rude at the least and very possibly confrontational and aggressive.
      One thing that is not mentioned in this video is that Spain is filled with fascists whose world view is driven by hate and intolerance. A lot of these people have never left Spain and never intend to.

  • @chronic2023
    @chronic2023 Před 10 dny +232

    The "being assertive" thing is apparently true even in Italy, from my experience in Rome recently. I actually find the constant "Is everything ok?" and "Can I get you anything else?" in the US annoying. Leave me alone and let me eat. 😂

    • @MrTimjm009
      @MrTimjm009 Před 9 dny +17

      They are hustling . They also sell themselves like introducing their name at the beginning. Or very exaggerated cheerfulness. Might be because they are making sure they get a good tip. Its an obligation in the US . Maybe because some waiting staff dont get paid a living wage

    • @ph3733
      @ph3733 Před 8 dny +7

      See, many Europeans think the friendliness is fake but I can assure you most people are that friendly and are like that also outside of their job.

    • @Rik77
      @Rik77 Před 8 dny +14

      From a European perspective the constant checking in US restaurants can feel like they are hurrying you along. In London restaurants, the ones aimed at US tourists are the ones with lots of staff, charge a lot and keep asking if the food is ok. Its really really annoying.

    • @javierrodrigueznoguera8611
      @javierrodrigueznoguera8611 Před 7 dny +17

      I work as a waiter here in Spain. The boss always tells us to annoy the customer the least possible amount. We come first to order the drinks and later to take the food. It's up to them to call us after that for everything else

    • @luiscasal8796
      @luiscasal8796 Před 7 dny +16

      As a spaniard myself I hate when people are constantly asking what I want or what I like on restaurants/shops.
      Don't do that, stop forcing me to choose faster or to buy something even if I'm not seeing see anything I like, I will not buy anything at all if I feel pushed. I'm thinking and looking, I will ask politely If I need something, you've done enough by opening the shop.
      In Spain is really common to hear "If you need something, ask, ok?" in a soft manner as a gesture that means "I will not bother you but just so you know, I'm here for you".

  • @matthewsingh3933
    @matthewsingh3933 Před 13 dny +425

    I had never been to Spain in my life, so I was nervous when I found out my entire first year of college would be in Madrid. This channel, not to exaggerate, has SAVED me and made my experience so much less stressful. Thank you both so much. Sadly, I leave in a couple weeks and will not need this channel any longer. Again, I just wanted to say thank you for this channel. You both have meant so much to me🙌

    • @peter_bazinet
      @peter_bazinet Před 13 dny +32

      You never know when you're going to go back. Stay in the family. There's still so much to learn. Don't make Yoly and Lucia sad by leaving.

    • @spainrevealed
      @spainrevealed  Před 12 dny +27

      I'm so pleased the videos have been helpful! I hope you'll be back soon!

    • @Scott-de3rd
      @Scott-de3rd Před 10 dny +12

      When I was in high school I opted out of Spanish classes because I never thought I'd go to Spain. Then the Air Force sent me to live in Spain for 2.5 years! When I left in 1988, I never though I'd go back , but now my partner and I are planning to retire to Olivella, Spain next year! You never know where life is going to lead you!

    • @peter_bazinet
      @peter_bazinet Před 9 dny +6

      @@Scott-de3rd Congratulations! We're moving to Sevilla in about three years. Enjoy your new life!!!

    • @raul.huertas
      @raul.huertas Před 9 dny +6

      Great video, with relevant information but a little stereotypical. He lives in Madrid, and many things do not apply outside the capital. Still, I love the content channel.

  • @hsavietto
    @hsavietto Před 13 dny +125

    This video is proof that everything is a matter of perspective. Spain is the third country I've lived in and in my experience it has the most civilized traffic of them. People here signal more than in any other country I've driven.
    By the way, when you get the flashing yellow/orange light in a pedestrian crossing, this mean they have it green for them. Of course the semaphore turns red to them a few seconds before turning green for us (and after flashing for them too) for safety.
    So James, the general rule is: if it's blinking yellow/orange for you, stop if there's any pedestrian crossing or about to cross, otherwise feel free to go.

    • @ikerpaz6636
      @ikerpaz6636 Před 4 dny +10

      Indeed. With blinking yellow/orange lights, pedestrians have alway priority.

    • @Sun_S3t_22_Official
      @Sun_S3t_22_Official Před 2 dny +1

      When it's going to turn green for pedestrians, it does the same too

    • @osasunaitor
      @osasunaitor Před 2 dny +1

      ​@@ikerpaz6636 not always. I have seen many cases of traffic lights before roundabouts that don't have a green light for cars, because even if pedestrians have a red light, cars still have to give way at the roundabout. So in these traffic lights, it's either red (meaning "stop, pedestrians are crossing") or blinking amber (meaning "go, pedestrians aren't crossing but you still have to give way".
      It's confusing as hell I know

  • @Miquelet12
    @Miquelet12 Před 8 dny +83

    Here's a few more tips for Bars and Restaurants:
    - Tap water is free, since 2022 ALL bars and restaurants are obliged by law to serve tap water for free, but they will keep that well hidden, it wont appear on any menu and if you just ask "water" they will give you bottled water, you have to specify that you want "agua del grifo" (tap water) and they can not refuse, they will try to convince you to ask for bottled water but they cannot force you to buy bottled water, so insist that you want tap water and they will eventually give it to you.
    - Doggy bags are free and they are obliged by law to offer them to you, unlike tap water, it won't take you much effort get it, and usually if the waiter or waitress sees that you haven't finished your meal, he or she will offer you a doggy bag even if you haven't asked for one yet, but if they don't offer one, don't be shy and ask, after all you paid for it, but always remember that a doggy bag, by law, if FREE.
    - If they bring you something you have not asked, don't eat it, is not uncommon that in a restaurant when you ordered your food they also bring a little canister with bread or chips or anything that you have not asked for, it may look like the establishment if giving you these for free, but that's far from truth, if you eat that they will charge you for it, if you see the waiter or waitress bringing something extra to your table ask them if its free, and if you don't want it just politely ask them to take that back.
    All this are state level regulations, so wherever you go in Spain, this laws apply, but some owners will try to take advantage of tourists that don't know Spanish laws.
    And well, a last one, if you enter a restaurant, bar or any food place and you don't hear anyone speaking Spanish or the local language, get out of there, when you enter a place all you want to see are local people and an old Spanish chubby man drinking a beer on the counter and speaking with the owner, that's where the good food is

    • @PFSchultz7
      @PFSchultz7 Před 5 dny +6

      Los envases para llevar se pueden cobrar, incluso las bolsas por ley deben cobrarse no se regalan.
      No es común tomar agua de grifo ni que te sirvan una jarra con agua de grifo como en otros países, el agua la pagan los dueños de los restaurantes por mucho que el Estado obligue a servirla de forma gratuita, normalmente se pide agua embotellada y ocasionalmente un vaso de agua que puede ser de grito o envasada.

    • @Sarsange
      @Sarsange Před 5 dny +1

      @@PFSchultz7 Los envases para llevar si es de un restaurante (es decir, no es uno de una tienda) NO se pueden cobrar, si te quieren cobrar algo te lo tienen que indicar, no pueden cobrar nada extra por la comida que te vas a llevar y has pagado, si la bolsa te la tienen que cobrar te tienen que preguntar primero, por ley NO PUEDEN cobrar un extra por ponerte la comida para llevar pero si hay algo de pago porque quieren servirtelo en algo mas fancy DEBEN informarte primero o preguntar.
      El agua de grifo es gratis por muy atípico que sea y aunque lo pague el restaurante, este también tiene otros costes que en la factura hacienda se devuelve parte proporcional según el negocio. Lo sé porque he sido socia en un restaurante en Madrid (y sigo viviendo aquí) y si, DEBE ser gratis el agua de grifo, es ilegal cobrarla y es ilegal no ofrecerla si el sistema está en buen estado, no pueden negartela ni cobrartela. Si decir que no es lo mismo pedir un vaso de agua que una JARRA de agua del grifo, esta si que no está obligada del todo porque se puede usar el vacío legal por limpieza de la jarra para ser servida de este modo (y aún así es un pequeño vacío legal y debe decirse antes), pero puedes pedir vasos de agua los que quieras de grifo. Es mas, según la ley no pueden ocultarlo de la carta pero aún así lo hacen y es ilegal.
      Igual que algunos cobren suplementos por terraza y no lo indiquen en la carta, esto también es ilegal.

    • @mdl9376
      @mdl9376 Před 4 dny +6

      What? In almost every place they give you something “de cortesía” like bread chips or olives and it’s always free.

    • @PFSchultz7
      @PFSchultz7 Před 4 dny

      @@Sarsange Si está indicado por escrito o aparece en la carta puedes y debes cobrar los envases extra.
      En Canarias por ley debemos cobrar las bolsas, no necesitamos dar una previa explicación a los clientes pero incluso así muchas veces no se cobran.
      Lo de que devuelvan lo que pagas por el agua será en Madrid, en otras comunidades no funciona así.
      Independientemente de la normativa de cada lugar lo correcto es que los visitantes se adapten a las normas o costumbres del sitio que visitan, personalmente me molesta mucho cuando vienen a mi local a imponer sus normas o cuando interpretan las nuestras de forma negativa, es irrespetuoso.
      Supongo que usted será socia de un gran establecimiento hostelero y facturará euros a mansalva, los negocios familiares o pequeños no pueden permitirse reglar litros de agua ni envases que pagan de su bolsillo.

    • @graziano1688
      @graziano1688 Před 4 dny

      If you want to eat good tapas, then indeed look for Spaniards. But if you want a healthy meal, there should be no Spaniards around 😂

  • @miguelangelgarcia7965
    @miguelangelgarcia7965 Před 8 dny +55

    great video. Just one thing as spaniard: don't ask to charge the tip to your credit card. It goes to the boss. Give it separately to the waiter that served you!

    • @andreusolanas9842
      @andreusolanas9842 Před 2 dny +1

      depends on the bar, it is always good to ask the waiter if they keep it or it goes to the owner

  • @PHYSIOWODS
    @PHYSIOWODS Před 8 dny +66

    I'm from Madrid, and these are so true. The escalator one is the most important, please respect it!

    • @stevemichael8458
      @stevemichael8458 Před 7 dny

      Glad to know it's not just London where you will get the evil eye if you stand on the left!

    • @corcoos
      @corcoos Před 6 dny +2

      So let me get this straight, you have a 3 hour lunch break, but you can't spend an additional 10-20 seconds behind someone on an elevator? It's a little precious if you ask me. Btw, I've seen that in action and it's pretty shit.

    • @quantisedspace7047
      @quantisedspace7047 Před 6 dny +5

      If anybody needs to be told to stand on the right of an escalator, they shouldn't be allowed out on their own. Try that in London and you will be pushed out of the way.

    • @patataa3545
      @patataa3545 Před 4 dny +10

      @@corcoos Look, I don't know if you wrote it because you haven't been informed or because you want to bother. But if you use logic, standing on the right of an escalator (not an elevator) is for politeness. It has nothing to do with us being impatient or anything you imagine. Because if I'm not in a hurry but someone else is because they're late, they're going to miss a train or whatever the reason is, they’re not going to wait like 20 seconds for the escalators to end. If you don't do that, I don't care, but don't go talking and saying things like it's “pretty shit” because it's a matter of education. And if you don't like it, I invite you not to use the escalators or not to come to Spain directly.

    • @oskman8000
      @oskman8000 Před 3 dny +4

      ​@@corcooswe don't have a 3 hour lunch break wtf are you talking about?

  • @simonpike2625
    @simonpike2625 Před 10 dny +97

    "weird" roundabout rule: on a two lane roundabout you can only exit the roundabout from the outiside right-hand lane... so, if you try to exit from the left-hand (inside) lane, and there is a car in the outside continuing on to the next exit and about to "cut you up", *they* have priority. regardless of indicators.

    • @jorgemoyano1728
      @jorgemoyano1728 Před 8 dny +17

      Never thought that would be weird :)

    • @stevemichael8458
      @stevemichael8458 Před 7 dny +14

      Basically if you are turning right, be in the right hand lane as with any other turn.

    • @VoodooRadek
      @VoodooRadek Před 7 dny +16

      Exactly. DO NOT go out a roundabout as fast as possible. If you cannot make an exit because somebody else is on your right, then do another turn, position yourself better and DO use your blinking lights.

    • @fordprefect5304
      @fordprefect5304 Před 7 dny

      I learned that on my first trip to Spain. In Florida where I live taking a right from the left lane is considered normal.

    • @TheSaturatio
      @TheSaturatio Před 7 dny +10

      In fact it makes sense if you think that roundabouts are just part of the road. In any road, to change lanes you have to give precendece to others in the one you want to take, in a roundabout is exactly the same, if you want to change lanes, you need to look if someone is coming alreready as you would do in a straight road.

  • @Kipperlab
    @Kipperlab Před 9 dny +21

    A few explanations:
    -As a consequence of our "wrong" time zone our day schedeule is slightly different as for us, at 20:00 or 21:00 is still day so we eat about +1 or +2 hours from the central time zone which is Berlin Paris and London that are more east. Due to that bars open later and close way later and weekends they open almost all day and half of the night which includes sunday so most sites will close on monday that is the less busy day to rest. The exception are cafeterias and some restaurants that close on sunday due to local laws or industry/office zones that close by weekend to open the rest of the week because customers are workers.
    -Althought we drink alcohol, when we go out the alcohol its a complement, a plus like a good meal or a fun activity not the aim so for us it´s way more important to chat or have fun than alcohol itself. It´s not polite at all to drink a lot nor doing quickly, that´s for teens and youngsters that are amazed when they are entering in the legal age to drink alcohol so if you´re a tourist, drink yes but do it slowly, nobody will say anything about drinking at any time but will do if you down a johnie walker bottle in half an hour. Don´t be one of those tourists that see Spain as an alcoholinc Disneyland (the price of alcohol may be low but that doesn´t mean you have to drink it like water).
    (continue)

  • @peregrintuc
    @peregrintuc Před 10 dny +44

    Accurate, I'm spanish and I can confirm pretty much everything. I would point out 2 things. First, the long lunch break does not apply to most workers and I would say it's 2 hours more than 3. For most companies it's 1 hour, that's it, 2 hours is for smaller retail shops. Second, the long stare is called "cotilleo" (gossip kind of), people are curious and if something catches their eye they will stare, not because of something negative necessarily, but it's just uncomfortable if you are not used to it (I always hated it). Overall, good video and good tips

  • @eimere
    @eimere Před 13 dny +47

    I'm from Donosti but live in Valencia. I think the "they don't indicate" thing is a big city issue, it drives me crazy. Also the roundabouts, I'm always scared here. In basque country everybody stops at crossroads, indicate, etc. So it was a shock for me too coming from a smaller city

    • @ZeroHxC07
      @ZeroHxC07 Před 7 dny +3

      I’m From Valencia and I can confirm people drive like shit in here.

    • @irnalonso
      @irnalonso Před 6 dny +1

      Yo soy de Oviedo y vivo en Madrid. Mi experiencia es la misma, me ha costado años acostumbrarme

    • @ZohGaEri
      @ZohGaEri Před 5 dny +2

      i was gonna say this!! it's mostly people living in the dead center of the city that do this, i haven't really seen this problem in the outskirts or suburbs of madrid myself but you can very quickly notice when you go up to the capital

    • @the_og_rubenmartin
      @the_og_rubenmartin Před 5 dny +1

      Es una cosa de las grandes ciudades, en mi pueblo creo que todos sabemos lo que es un intermitente (Menos los canis de los BMW). Ahora, es entrar en la V-31 y ya no hay reglas😂

  • @wavyjenny602
    @wavyjenny602 Před 11 dny +28

    I’m not sure whether the traffic lights at crossings is the same everywhere, but I can tell you that here in Barcelona, the roads are mostly in a grid, so when the light is red for traffic to go straight on, it may be flashing amber if you are turning into a road, at the crossing on the corner. This means that you are ok to drive through UNLESS there is a pedestrian crossing, because the pedestrian light will be green for them to cross. So flashing amber means check for pedestrians before turning into a road. This is a system which keeps the traffic flowing steadily in the city 👍

  • @beltrangarrote1982
    @beltrangarrote1982 Před 13 dny +99

    Spaniard here. About pedestrian crossings with amber blinking traffic lights. It means the traffic light is "turned off" and cars have to yield as if the pedestrian crossing had no traffic light. If the lights were actually turned off it would seem the electrical grid went out and pedestrians and cars would be staring at the traffic light wondering who has priority.

    • @DIDACbcn52
      @DIDACbcn52 Před 12 dny +4

      Your explanation is a mess. Pedestrians always have priority no matter what the lights are like. If you hit a pedestrian in Spain there will be no rule that exonerates you.

    • @periquete6557
      @periquete6557 Před 12 dny +8

      ​@@DIDACbcn52Mentira si atropellas a un peatón que el tenía el semáforo en tojo no tendrás culpa, siempre que no omitas la ayuda

    • @DIDACbcn52
      @DIDACbcn52 Před 12 dny

      @@periquete6557 No te lo creas. Tendrás trabajo para probar que tenía el semáforo en rojo. Te podría explicar casos concretos pero no me voy a molestar.

    • @ciar67
      @ciar67 Před 11 dny +6

      After being a professional driver in Vancouver Canada, Spain is actually quite easy to drive in!

    • @powidlkm
      @powidlkm Před 10 dny +2

      @@DIDACbcn52 No. If you have a green light pedestrians have to wait (driving straight)

  • @AlanMynah
    @AlanMynah Před 13 dny +41

    the flashing amber rule also exists in the UK. it just means "give way to any pedestrians on the crossing". you dont need to see what light they have themselves

    • @JavierGonzalez-rp9id
      @JavierGonzalez-rp9id Před dnem +2

      Here in Spain it's "caution for a posible danger ahead", they are not always for a pedestrian crossing

    • @AlanMynah
      @AlanMynah Před dnem

      @@JavierGonzalez-rp9id that's when the light on the road is just a single amber light, right? not when it's amber in a traffic light

  • @javiersuarez4288
    @javiersuarez4288 Před 10 dny +15

    Agree with the roundabouts, but people do indicate :p. For me the worst rule tourists break is to walk around the city shirtless, for us Spaniards is quite shocking, you only go shirtless in the beach or a pool or something like that, not walking around the city :p. However I live in Ireland and people do the same here, I find it so weird :p

  • @manuelfresco6879
    @manuelfresco6879 Před 10 dny +10

    You forgot to explain what the red machine in the back at Minute 4:45 is for. Very important in a shop; Queing, take a ticket or if not used "¿Quien es el último? Porfa". And all Tourists are Guiris, but not every Guiri is a Tourist 😅You and me por ejemplo. Well done..

  • @fredcookerly9385
    @fredcookerly9385 Před 13 dny +23

    Concerning tipping with a credit card; I've started asking the waiter if they will get the money if I round up my credit card bill. About half the time the answer is no (goes straight to the owner), so I instead leave a cash tip. And in roundabouts, keep your eyes open as Spaniards will use them as short-term parking to run to the ATM, etc. Finally, it is a 7-minute drive from my house to work and I've counted 50 crosswalks. You need to flip a switch in your brain and almost exclusively watch for crosswalks when driving in towns in Spain.

  • @utdminiman
    @utdminiman Před 13 dny +116

    Best tip I learnt from my grandad (who lives is San Javier) is to ask for Caña rather than grande cerveza, as the big beer tends to tip them off you're a.) British and b.) definitely a tourist. Once I started ordering Caña the free olives and pickles started flowing :)

    • @lenrichardson7349
      @lenrichardson7349 Před 13 dny +9

      Hey! top tip.

    • @afasico9669
      @afasico9669 Před 13 dny +11

      No one says that, but in any case it would be a "Cerveza grande"

    • @utdminiman
      @utdminiman Před 13 dny +9

      @@afasico9669 think you've helped proved my point. But I suppose it's still closer than Uno pint of Carling por favor as I've overheard in some ex-pat bars 😂

    • @madgringo9263
      @madgringo9263 Před 13 dny

      Filled of HIMSELF..isn't he..that arrogant silly swagger of his.
      THE BOSS OF MADRID....?
      hahahahahaha
      Do you imagine a Spaniard PLAYING such an arrogant silly part in New Zealand ?..

    • @OnMyWay360USAEU
      @OnMyWay360USAEU Před 13 dny +8

      Plenty of people ask for a "doble," though, if they actually want a good amount of beer.

  • @animo005
    @animo005 Před 13 dny +38

    Everything correct but a little detail about the driving part: driving in Madrid is infamously chaotic and follows the rule of the jungle. In the rest of the country we drive more kindly, we indicate and let other cars pass

    • @ALSANROMAN
      @ALSANROMAN Před 10 dny +5

      What a stereotype... Madrid drivers are not chaotic, in fact they are technically good. They cannot be chaotic, driving through Madrid (or Barcelona, for that matter) demands some skill.

    • @ALSANROMAN
      @ALSANROMAN Před 10 dny +3

      I looked it up: "No obstante, ese mismo estudio ofrece datos que ayudan a saber cuál es la provincia española en la que hay más accidentes con víctimas respecto a su población. Y en este caso es Cádiz la que tiene unos niveles más elevados, con 89 víctimas por cada 10.000 habitantes. Le van a la zaga Sevilla, Pontevedra y Murcia." That is official data from the Traffic Department.

    • @rafarequeni822
      @rafarequeni822 Před 8 dny +3

      @@ALSANROMAN Eso solo significa que van más rápido. Es difícil tener accidentes mortales circulando a 30km/h en un atasco. Los accidentes con muertos son casi todos en carretera, y el uso de intermitentes tiene poco que ver.

  • @kenlymendoza3708
    @kenlymendoza3708 Před 9 dny +8

    I lived in Spain for 5 years. The public restroom situation is so true. I remember being young and in college and returning home at 1 am and having a massive urge to pee while in the subway station. I got out a couple of stations before my stop. The way i saw it was "i will get out here, pee by a tree or bush and walk home cause i can't hold it anymore." Well I got out and was doing my personal business and surely enough a cop car saw me.
    Regarding the customer service it is best to just not give it much thought. Ok the servers will not smile or anything but it is best to not take it personal.

  • @silviaamor9103
    @silviaamor9103 Před 2 dny +2

    As a Spaniard, I really enjoyed your video! I just came back from living abroad for a year and I completely understand the struggle of trying to blend in with the local culture. Thank you for sharing all your knowledge so other people can enjoy my country as much as I do!

  • @Penyagolosa2
    @Penyagolosa2 Před 10 dny +16

    As a Spaniard, I can say all your videos are brilliant.

  • @melissamorse
    @melissamorse Před 13 dny +26

    Thank you for mentioning the staring! It’s something I’m still not entirely used to after nearly 3 years living here! My fav thing about leaving Spain is locking eyes with someone and you both quickly look away, or even smile at each other. The staring thing is so odd and made me very self conscious at first as a polite Canadian.

    • @JohnsonJude-ss2ig
      @JohnsonJude-ss2ig Před 13 dny +5

      You nailed it❤

    • @aurorapazviruet4289
      @aurorapazviruet4289 Před 11 dny +6

      Actually, in Spain sometimes we stare each other because we're wondering if we know the other person from some other place. At least that's my case... maybe it's due to being an extrovert and having met so many people during my life XD

    • @melissamorse
      @melissamorse Před 11 dny +5

      @@aurorapazviruet4289maybe that’s the case sometimes but it’s usually older people staring at me. I have a pink pixie cut and fun glasses and I guess that is unusual to older people so they want to look closer 🤷🏼‍♀️

    • @aurorapazviruet4289
      @aurorapazviruet4289 Před 11 dny +4

      @@melissamorse Ah, that could be as well, yep. And it's more obvious if they're from older generations XD

    • @TheSimmpleTruth
      @TheSimmpleTruth Před 10 dny +2

      I don’t think it could be worse than the German stare, that makes you feel like getting out of the place. In Spain I didn’t get the stare, maybe because I’m more than 50% Iberian and talk and act like them.

  • @brugudel
    @brugudel Před 10 dny +5

    I only disagree with two parts. 1-Service is not bad at all, it excels compared to most of europe. If oyu compare to the US, the service in the US can seem exagerated for europeans, as if they are faking kindness to try and get a tip. In spain waiters are good, have a sense of humour, don't forget what you ask for and can take a lot of orders at a time. If you understand Spanish ways and humour you'll laugh a lot and get nice conversations. The service in hotels and good restaurants in Spain is top level as there is real education, careers in university for this. Unlike some european countries where they really are doing it just because. Spain is a hugely touristic country and they know how to work on hospitality. It's just that you are comparing to americans who are used to a quite intense way of waiting tables, sometimes a bit too much. 2- I disagree about the driving, A LOT. i have lived in most of Europe (currently in Belgium) and the US and very few drive as well and politely as spaniards. Quality teaching and quality roads. Maybe you had some experiences in some parts of Madrid, and extrapolated to all of spain. But for people who travel around Europe (again, and the "let's stick to the middle lane of the freeway US") spain is quite surprising. Seems a bit patronizing to be honest. This is the point I disagree most about. Spaniards indicate A LOT compared to most places (where else have you driven???), you are generalizing and sharing a very wrong idea. It may sound folkloric to your anglo audience but it is a bit misguiding. Yes, as you say it is clear that you have just begun to learn to drive in Madrid, but please go around spain and Europe for a ride and then do a video. (This southern europe stereotype, including Spain in that equation is common yet untrue, go to italy or greece and then we can talk about it). Regarding the crossing, if you don't know the rules, don't blame spaniards... if a street light is orange it means be careful. Read the rules, take the test, and go to driving school for a year like all spaniards go. Sorry, but i have driven in several anglo countries and it feels way too bold to hear this coming from one, specially one thta does such amazing videos and research.
    Regarding toilets... Madrid is a city made to consume, they are basically forcing you to go to a bar and pay, it's ultra neolib. If you go to other cities like smaller Logrono, there are some free toilets, and bars usually don't care if you go inside and use them. But Madrid and Barcelona they are mostly made to cash out people.

  • @Beaqueen11
    @Beaqueen11 Před 10 dny +11

    Spaniard here. Do we stare? Really? omg... I've been in many countries and now I'm afraid of me being rude because I look at people `=)

    • @morganmadison366
      @morganmadison366 Před 5 dny +3

      Mi amigo fue a Roma en Italia y regreso encabronado porque la gente lol miraron tanto. El creia que era porque es Negro!

    • @Beaqueen11
      @Beaqueen11 Před 4 dny +1

      @@morganmadison366 oh my... Sorry for that. I think that south european people do that stare unconsciously for no reason 😅

  • @oskarobit
    @oskarobit Před 10 dny +6

    WE DO INDICATE. Spain is not to blame for the fact that your driving experience is in Madrid, a city that always got really wound up and is the only city where I have had my only two accidents (driving and as a passenger). Don't get me wrong, Madrid is not the worst, but there are dozens above it driving better. Madrid breaks records for pedestrians injured or killed according to the DGT (Department of Traffic).
    Where I live, drivers (+95%) stops in a zebra passing and are respectful with the traffic rules, keep a safe distance and don't drive to work as they do in the Isle of Man.
    BTW/ por cierto dear: SPAIN IS IN THE TOP 10 OF THE BEST DRIVERS IN THE WORLD. Spoiler alert: USA is Top too... among the worst.

  • @Akymma
    @Akymma Před 13 dny +27

    Hey guys, Spanish guy here. SO, about the traffic lights for cars:
    Green is you can cross, Yellow indicates that it's about to become red, and you should stop the car and Red means stop. HOWEVER (and I guess this is where the confusion starts) IF by the time you reach the crossing the traffic light has just become yellow, and you can't stop your car before reaching the crossing or you would stop the car in the middle of the crossing, then you can ignore the yellow light and cross. Feel free to ignore the lights for pedestrians when you're in a car. Oh and for the love of God ALWAYS indicate your turns with the turning signals. Like.. please.. T.T

    • @Symbelle
      @Symbelle Před 10 dny +8

      Spanish here from madrid too, about the trafic lights he's referring to the blinking orange lights, not fixed orange, the blinking ones, for example the one on a crossroad you'd encounter if you just took a turn from the crossing street (not driving straight) you'll find that one often blinking orange, that means pedestrians do have priority but if no pedestrian is crossing you can go. I believe it's made that way to allow a more fluid trafic so more of the people who's going to turn can make it before their light turns red again

    • @Akymma
      @Akymma Před 10 dny +1

      @@Symbelle Yup 👆

    • @j.mrodriguez1493
      @j.mrodriguez1493 Před 10 dny

      Ok, spanish here as well, mind that yellow light can mean gas on before you get the red light..crazy and stress driver around.. keep in mind

  • @kathyr.1141
    @kathyr.1141 Před 13 dny +65

    I saw your photo on the wall at Casa Toni when I was there last month! ❤

  • @videojenico
    @videojenico Před 5 dny +2

    As someone who lives in Spain since I was 7 years old back in 2002, I was very curious about this video when it showed up on my feed.
    I have to admit I am quite impressed with how accurate and representative this video is, so if you're a tourist who wants to come to Madrid, you should definitely take notes from this video. It will literally save you lots of trouble.
    That said, I gotta correct some things from this video. This video is focused on Madrid, which means that some things are not quite like this in other places of Spain.
    Some of the things are:
    1. Standing on the right side of the stairs while inside of train stations so people who are in a hurry can pass.
    I thing this only applies in places like Madrid or Barcelona, where it's REALLY crowded. In other places of Spain, we do not have that many people together in train stations, so you can stand anywhere you want on the stairs. You DON'T NEED to stand on the right side, but it's not wrong if you do it. It's optional.
    2. Drivers using blinkers. I've been in Madrid and I know how chaotic it is to drive there, and how people get used to drive like that. That's not the case in other places of Spain. Where I live, everyone use blinkers and they respect everyone else on the road. I've seen people from Madrid drive where I live, and they are always the only ones who drive this badly.
    Everything else in this video is just on point and works for every other place in Spain. If you ever come to Spain, I hope you have a really good time and enjoy every minute of it!

  • @miguimau
    @miguimau Před 13 dny +29

    As a native from Madrid I can tell you James is 100% right. By the way, I was in La Mallorquina recently and the stuff certainly look kinda rude even for me, who has bought there for decades. But they aren't, they just try to be fast, as he stated.
    Just a note: 14:00 -17:00 break in small commerce is not due to "siestas" or walks. It's about 8 working hours. And it's a bummer for workers. Shorter lunch break is better.

    • @astrolabiolotario9414
      @astrolabiolotario9414 Před 12 dny +7

      It is not about 8 working hours, between 9 am and 5 pm there are exactly 8 working hours. At the end of the day we work an 11 working hours day (yes, with a lunch break of 3 hours) and we think we do it better than anyone. We have the worst working time table in the whole word and we're happy about it.

    • @miguimau
      @miguimau Před 12 dny +7

      @@astrolabiolotario9414 Es literalmente por las jornadas que se pueden permitir los pequeños comercios. No es porque siestas ni tonterías. Precisamente si no hubiera pausa al mediodía los comercios tendrían que cerrar todos a las 5 de la tarde. No desinformes.

    • @miguimau
      @miguimau Před 12 dny +5

      Y sí, para los trabajadores es con pausa al medio día es un desastre y no se debe a paseítos ni siestas, es lo que estaba indicando.

    • @astrolabiolotario9414
      @astrolabiolotario9414 Před 12 dny +4

      @@miguimau No desinformo. La jornada de 8h existe en toda Europa, y las tiendas pequeñas también. Solo aquí se explota con jornadas maratonianas.
      Las tiendas pequeñas, por ejemplo, podrían no abrir por la mañana y funcionar solo 6h de 16 a 22h.

    • @powidlkm
      @powidlkm Před 10 dny +5

      @@astrolabiolotario9414 Las pequeñas tiendas podrían abrir de 10 a 18h, como en el resto de Europa. Pero nadie en España aceptaría tiendas cerradas a la 18:00.

  • @davidjames3787
    @davidjames3787 Před 10 dny +12

    Two unspoken rules not listed here, of which I've fallen foul. Firstly, do not leaf through books and magazines in a bookshop. This seems to be frowned upon although I'm not sure how you're expected to know whether you'd like an unknown book without doing this. Secondly, do not handle fruit and veg in a shop/supermarket to check how firm, ripe or fresh they are unless you're going to buy them. I've been reprimanded for doing this, in Spain, although it's commonplace in the UK.

    • @ImVisiblePro
      @ImVisiblePro Před 8 dny +10

      You should be able to check fruit and veggies as long as you wear the plastic gloves the shop/supermarket provides :D

    • @MrTrellheim
      @MrTrellheim Před 6 dny +3

      I don't know how is it in other countries, but in Spain some people like to consume the skin of some fruits, specially apples, pears, peaches, etc. So touching the skin of a fruit with your naked hand makes you seem unsanitary.
      There's more leeway with hard skin fruits like oranges, where the skin is NOT consumed, but it's still considered unpolite to touch every fruit in the box with a naked hand.
      Then there's the big exception: mellon. We like our mellons big, juicy and shaped like rugby balls. Proper mellon-selection techniques implies spanking the butt end of the mellon to check for firmness. I swear, it may seem I'm using too many double-entendres, but it's a real and very serious thing (if you have the skill to always select good mellons, you might be a small-scale hero to the people that know you).

    • @davidjames3787
      @davidjames3787 Před 6 dny

      @@MrTrellheim In the UK people usually eat the skins of apples etc., but that doesn't put deter people from handling them in a shop or supermarket. Give them a quick rub or rinse at home and you should be OK. It might even get rid of any insecticides which are probably more dangerous in the long run.

    • @pedazodetorpedo
      @pedazodetorpedo Před 6 dny +1

      The fruit and veg thing is weird. In the small greengrocers the owner likes to pick everything for you. I have a very memorable experience of this where I had to recall the Spanish words for every ingredient in a ratatouille, and then I was dubious about the courgette I was being offered because it wasn't the usual dark green kind. 😂

  • @mizginavale22
    @mizginavale22 Před 13 dny +19

    OMG!!!! thank you so much for sharing in this video how not to make noise early/late when entering/leaving your Airbnb. I live in a building that does rent out rooms for tourist stays in Valencia's city center and some folks aren't very thoughtful about this. For me here in Valencia, I also wish that tourists that come in larger groups wouldn't hog the sidewalks since they move slow while admiring the sights but they block the normal flow of foot traffic. I do agree that finding public restrooms is a bit of a challenge here in Spain and if you do, make sure you carry some toilet paper on hand because the place may have run out of it. Thanks for the video and for helping tourist understand how to manage their stay in our beautiful country.

    • @hoosomio
      @hoosomio Před 13 dny +1

      Vaya al bar ...hay bares x todos lados ....there is in WC free in the bar

    • @barawen_who
      @barawen_who Před 10 dny +1

      ​@@hoosomioPero lo suyo es que hubiera baños públicos para quien no quiera ir a bares, igual que debe haber fuentes de agua potable

    • @hoosomio
      @hoosomio Před 10 dny

      @@barawen_who claro .. los hay .. lo q no hay es WC en cada rincón en un casco histórico del siglo 8

  • @clarantromillo
    @clarantromillo Před 8 dny +7

    El título más adecuado sería: Madrid unspoken rules. Soy gallega y el 90% de las cosas no se aplican a cómo vivimos aquí. Estoy 100% segura que tampoco aplican al resto del norte peninsular.

    • @WromWrom
      @WromWrom Před 7 dny +2

      Exacto. Lo mismo en Euzkadi y Catalunya.

  • @caballoloco100
    @caballoloco100 Před 13 dny +25

    Minute 13:23 l disagree: spaniards do indicate but not everbody ... Bear in mind Spain is more than just Madrid.

    • @heavenlymermaid2192
      @heavenlymermaid2192 Před 12 dny +5

      We thought the Spanish cars didn’t have indicators as they never ever use them . Fact from the place we live !

    • @Sarsange
      @Sarsange Před 5 dny +1

      @@heavenlymermaid2192 I live in Madrid and I'm from Alicante and lived in Valencia too, I ALWAYS saw the indicators but few of them don't use it but this is still like letting people get out of the train or not, some people do it and some irresponsible people don't

  • @alonsoxoraique
    @alonsoxoraique Před 13 dny +85

    Tipical madrileño statement: “no body indicates in Spain”. Absolutely false. In any other place of Spain if you see some one that do not indicate we know he/she is from Madrid. Unless he/she drives a BMW 😂.

    • @andrewjgrimm
      @andrewjgrimm Před 12 dny +10

      So the CZcamsr has become a madrileño? Progress!

    • @razvanpopa7294
      @razvanpopa7294 Před 8 dny +7

      Not true. I live in Catalonia and I have to drive all over the place every day, from Girona, to Barcelona, to Empuriabrava. He is on the dot! 99.9% of drivers do not signal or they do it incorrectly, roundabouts are a nightmare of chance and luck and nobody ever respects lanes in any way. They also have the ability of hitting you in the parking lot and being very happy about it. Just look at the state of the cars in this country...

    • @lauraolap9921
      @lauraolap9921 Před 8 dny +2

      Literalmente donde peor conducen es en valencia 😂

    • @WromWrom
      @WromWrom Před 7 dny +1

      @@lauraolap9921 Peor que en Madrid? Y yo aquí creyendo que solo en Roma se conducía peor...

    • @LewdProductions
      @LewdProductions Před 7 dny +2

      @@razvanpopa7294 That's cause y'all citybois don't know how to drive.
      The entire north disagrees, we take good care of our cars, drive fast but properly, and have actual driving manners.
      As OP said on the comment, I can bet he's from the north, cause we sometimes play the game of "guess the mesetario"

  • @nil_efty5603
    @nil_efty5603 Před 3 dny +2

    1. We think of a restaurant or a bar like a place to relax, eat, talk with your friends/family, so we consider it's rude to push the clients out of the place.
    2. Even if the pay for a bar/restaurant worker is not the best, we consider tipping allows the boss to reduce that pay, so we normally tip when we want to show gratefulness to the worker.
    3. I think this is point is more about city behavior. In general, humans try to economize language and behavior when they are in a rush. In a less crowded place (and even sometimes in a crowded one) I would ALWAYS say "por favor" and "gracias".
    4. I agree, but some locals are always open.
    5. No one respects these rules, honestly. But I completely agree with you.
    6. No one I know has their breakfast with cava. Rich people thing, I would say.
    7. Never use a public toilet (at least in Spain). Go home (or drink something in a bar) and let nature do the rest.
    8. I do not agree in this point. There is an actual worldwide debate about how roundabouts should be used. The traffic lights are not so complicated: green, go; red, stop; orange, red is close (reduce your velocity).
    9. I think not being noisy is also good in other countries.
    10. I honestly do not know why this happens. I think is cool, as long as the person you are staring at starts to get nervous.

  • @jeffjensen4901
    @jeffjensen4901 Před 13 dny +16

    Literally on our way home from Barcelona, Toledo and Madrid right now, and your channel was extremely helpful (I don’t think we violated the guidelines in this video, thankfully)! We’re already planning our next visit(s) to Spain. Also, the folks at Chocolat in Madrid and Museo del Queso Manchego in Toledo te saluden. Keep up the good work!

  • @perro0076
    @perro0076 Před 9 dny +3

    In addition to ALWAYS give tip in cash, not part of the bill, always, always, ALWAYS, ask the name of the person that is serving you and introduce yourselves, "good morning/hello/Hi "

  • @euroschmau
    @euroschmau Před 13 dny +17

    This is so timely, my flight boards in a few hours and this video pops up on my feed, Gracias!

  • @DietermiGamzD125
    @DietermiGamzD125 Před 2 dny +2

    Don't know why CZcams recommended this to me, since I'm from Spain. But great video honestly, didn't expect such great advice for foreigners.

  • @hdholl9696
    @hdholl9696 Před 13 dny +9

    10:54 Big groups of people getting drunk together: indeed. The famous 'botellón' ('big bottle') when groups of young people buy their bottles in a night shop and consume them together in a square or just in the street, under the pretext that the drinks in bars are too expensive (which they sometimes are). They get together to be social and have a good time, not to get drunk. They don't get rowdy in general (although they can be loud, and can leave an awful mess). Spaniards are not like some British tourists on the Costa Brava.

  • @Merseyrock
    @Merseyrock Před 13 dny +4

    One thing that I enjoy about watching your content, is that, whenever you point out a stereotype about Spain: You then comfront your wife for further validation on its actuality and she goes like, "Argh, yeah, but (I am not the right person to ask about this because,) though a Spaniard myself, I so happen to break that particular stereotype!" ...Luv it! 😄
    Such great content and tips. Great video.

  • @SrSam16
    @SrSam16 Před 10 dny +5

    Its funny seeing this video as a spaniard.
    1: Don't leave a tip throught the credit card. It will go to the owner instead of the waiter which actually served you.
    2: Having sparkling wine before dinner is not a tradition in Barcelona, that's a touristy weird thing. Vermouth actually is a tradition between 11:00 and 13:00.
    3: Most of the time staring at someone for too long actually has meaning. Most of the times is because of sexual attraction. Wouldn't recommend staring at young men if you are a men as they might want to pick a fight with you (its not common in any ways, but it may happen).

    • @WromWrom
      @WromWrom Před 7 dny +2

      And Cava is not "Sparkling Wine" but champain. Only we're not allowed to call it that even if the method of production is the "Méthode Champegnoise".
      Sparkling Wine is what the guiris get who don't know better. More Codorniu for me, I guess...

  • @danebirbhaha7520
    @danebirbhaha7520 Před 5 hodinami

    I'm an Spaniard and this is gold, would 100% recommend this video for tourists

  • @Lxz3
    @Lxz3 Před 8 dny +3

    I’m a Spaniard and this is pure gold 👌🏻 You should take notes

  • @tombaonline4829
    @tombaonline4829 Před 13 dny +11

    My wife and I went to Malaga and found it be to be very true about being assertive I thought it to be rude or racism but it is truly about being assertive and telling them what you want

    • @iker8010
      @iker8010 Před 10 dny +4

      I'm a Malagueño (from Málaga) and they'll treat everybody like that, both local and tourists lol

  • @Jaiv74
    @Jaiv74 Před 11 dny +14

    A este tipo le encanta España... un honor!!

  • @delsiag.7226
    @delsiag.7226 Před 13 dny +6

    James thank you thank you! On a previous trip to Madrid we walked out of a tapas bar because the gentleman behind the counter totally ignored us. He knew we were there but didn’t bother to come to us. So we left. I was very intimidated by that and wasn’t comfortable going to another tapas bar. Now we know!!!!! Be assertive 👍🏻 👋

    • @osasunaitor
      @osasunaitor Před dnem

      That's not normal either. If he has noticed you and he has nothing else to do, he should get closer and maybe ask if you need something, or at least greet you and wait for your move. I'm afraid you found an exceptionally rude waiter

  • @Mike-cv7do
    @Mike-cv7do Před 4 dny +1

    As someone that's lived in Madrid my hole life, this video is super accurate and informative. Un trabajo espectacular :)

  • @gailnelmes1098
    @gailnelmes1098 Před 13 dny +5

    I followed so much of your advice last summer when I was in Spain for a month and thanks to you (and Yoli) the whole trip was fantastic! We visited so many places that you recommended and we were never disappointed.

  • @bkm2797
    @bkm2797 Před 13 dny +4

    Really appreciate you sharing this kind of information. Thinking most people want to be respectful of others, but the rules can be quite different from place to place. Thanks James and Yoli, always a pleasure.👍❤️

  • @alexisl4158
    @alexisl4158 Před 8 dny +1

    Thank you! Spain is on my list to visit, so I am so happy I found your channel! Very practical advice. I look forward to learning more!

  • @llioncurt4679
    @llioncurt4679 Před 8 dny +1

    I'm from Spain and I LOVED your English, it's extremely understable. Congratulations.

  • @YUAN_TAO
    @YUAN_TAO Před 13 dny +8

    I like this variation on your format, thank you!

  • @AlyAlyAlyAlyAly
    @AlyAlyAlyAlyAly Před 9 dny +5

    That bit about New Zealand and public toilets was hilarious 😂 Great video thanks 🙂

  •  Před 12 dny +2

    Yoly, thank you for indicating when driving!!! You are a gem 🙏🏻

  • @user-qi1rf4ve9u
    @user-qi1rf4ve9u Před 13 dny +6

    This content has great nuggets.
    Thank you

  • @edelgado94
    @edelgado94 Před 10 dny +5

    Excellent survival guide for Madrid!! But I have to say that other regions (and cities) may be dramatically different, especially those that are a bit smaller (so no Seville or Barcelona :P). If you go to Córdoba, Donosti or Segovia you will find different "rules", behaviors, etc. But this being said, the video was delightful and full of super helpful advice :) Which is much needed when visiting Madrid!

  • @padders1068
    @padders1068 Před 13 dny +3

    James, great video and tips, thanks for sharing. 🙂😎❤

  • @mikemontgomery2033
    @mikemontgomery2033 Před 8 dny +1

    As an American that lived in Madrid for years your advice is spot on. Love your videos!

  • @andrewrobinson2565
    @andrewrobinson2565 Před 13 dny +2

    Thank you for confirming what we've been doing all week in Platja d'Aro and Girona. Just arrived back home. 2 hours drive and no passport 🇨🇵🇪🇺❤.

  • @ArtFreeman
    @ArtFreeman Před 13 dny +4

    Thank you for all the helpful information.

  • @coppercloud
    @coppercloud Před 13 dny +6

    We’re in Madrid today following much of your advice and recommendations; having a wonderful time - thank you!

    • @leefigueroa8531
      @leefigueroa8531 Před 13 dny +1

      Was in Spain this March, loved it. If you can try this tapas place: La Perejila in Madrid. It's where the local hang out.

    • @jakegutierrez2323
      @jakegutierrez2323 Před 13 dny

      @@leefigueroa8531cava baja and anywhere in La Latina a lot of locals

  • @NavaSDMB
    @NavaSDMB Před 5 hodinami

    I had boquerones and a beer in Casa Toni once :D (I'm from Spain but don't live in Madrid, was there for work). It's always fun to see a place and be able to say "hey, I've been there!" Seeing that we have similar taste tells me I should look up your recommendations.
    One time that I was in Bilbao, I was staying in Old Town (hotel Jardines, I totally recommend it) and asked the receptionist "of the million eateries here, which one do you think I shouldn't miss?" I don't remember the name of the place, but he warned me: "the food is heavenly, just don't expect any smiles. Drinks come quickly, food is self-service, waiters are busy making sure there's enough food and don't have time for niceties." I can certify the food was good; those sardines went down like water. The group of Italians next to me had four women who were analyzing every single thing (all opinions were positive) and a man who just went through the food with a smile as big as his face.

  • @lobuko
    @lobuko Před 5 dny

    So well explained, as a Spaniard I am really happy the way you expressed the multiple angles of our lovely joyful culture, hats off buddy

  • @user-wp6co5cd6u
    @user-wp6co5cd6u Před 13 dny +5

    Hi James. Great tips for tourists. In Australia we also have the flashing amber/yellow traffic lights in some places - stop if pedestrian there, otherwise go through. My experience in Spain last year with taxis with family was, mostly, terrifying. The driver from the airport into central Barcelona hit 180kph. The driver in Gijon was excellent. The driver from main station in Madrid for regional trains I suspected was cooked - speeding, erratic, and rarely looking where he was going. 😂. But, I'll be back next year. Absolutely loved my time in Spain, and hopefully my Spanish will be much better by then which will make the trip even better.

  • @HereBeBarr
    @HereBeBarr Před 13 dny +3

    Getting ready for Madrid in May!

  • @Nigridal
    @Nigridal Před 10 dny +1

    Okey, the rule about the orange (ambar) light is "if you can stop smoothly (sin pegar frenazo, que te lo traduzca yoli) you stop, if stop means a frenazo, you go". Also is funny, cause my rural spain friends dont know about the mechanical stairs thing.
    I also think you should talk about the menu del dia being two whole plates and not a starter and a main

  • @maramartaamarhcp
    @maramartaamarhcp Před dnem +2

    "Waiters in Spain are paid or should be paid a living wage." This should be the norm everywhere 💀

  • @TomaszRykala
    @TomaszRykala Před 10 dny +4

    Re 8:10 - using the elevators - I just came back from a weekend in Madrid with the family and sadly a ton of people use the lifts just because they can. I couldn't tell if they were locals or tourists, despite their language being Spanish, but 100%, groups of young and middle-aged, just didn't care about the rule.

    • @joajoajoaquin
      @joajoajoaquin Před 8 dny +1

      As far as I know there are no rules prohibiting or restricting the use of elevators. It is true that it is considered good manners to take the stairs to give older people the opportunity to take the elevator. The same thing happens with respect to giving up the seat when we see an elderly, pregnant or person with problems. Unfortunately, a good education is a commodity that is beginning to be scarce.

  • @Ana-Maria-Sierra
    @Ana-Maria-Sierra Před 13 dny +8

    Excellent review of cultural details. Also, you are in great shape! Bravo to you and your trainer.

    • @JoseOchoa-dw9vk
      @JoseOchoa-dw9vk Před 13 dny +2

      Noticed the same. James is buffing up.

    • @JohnsonJude-ss2ig
      @JohnsonJude-ss2ig Před 13 dny +1

      It's really great

    • @JohnsonJude-ss2ig
      @JohnsonJude-ss2ig Před 13 dny

      Ana you have a great smile it's nice to see you on here where are you from please am from the United States 🌹

  • @Yoids
    @Yoids Před 4 dny

    Pretty solid! About being polite, it is all about the attitude, in Spain we are nice, but we do not follow rules exactly. That means, that saying "please" and "thank you" is not needed to be polite. I know it sounds weird, and many people say please and thanks, but there are other ways to be polite and nice. It is not about a specific phrasing, it is always about being nice and friendly. For example, it is very common when asking something to a waiter to add "cuando puedas", which is "when you can". It's like "I need to ask this of you, interrupting, because this is how things work, but I do not want to be rude and stress you". We smile a lot as well. And quick banter is so common, that regulars will eventually tell their whole life in many 10 second skits of information.

  • @Vietnam-gi7xv
    @Vietnam-gi7xv Před 13 dny +1

    Hi James, Great video of unspoken rules.Thanks

  • @WalkingValencia
    @WalkingValencia Před 13 dny +15

    Canadian based in Valencia here. You have a real deep understanding of the Spaniards and what's more you explain it so well!! I am from Canada and there are so many cultural differences between us - more than I ever thought. Starting with logic, or rather what seems logical in Canada is not logical at all here, the poor customer service, the non responsiveness of all tradespeople, no one is interested in making money or making a sale, not being able to return items bought (except on Amazon) the sour faces staring back at you without saying hello, suspicious older people looking at you like you are from another planet etc. I do love Spain but it's also a tough place to love in all aspects. The best advice I would give is come and enjoy the country without having to deal with any government offices, trades people, or any kids of services. Once you can disconnect you can truly enjoy it.

    • @dlwilliamson5644
      @dlwilliamson5644 Před 13 dny +4

      A phenomenal comment and I hope that people will understand "disconnect you can TRULY enjoy it". I was able to easily "disconnect" whilst living in Spain and pathetically had a more difficult time "disconnecting" whilst living in China. However, once I did I loved living there too. Heading back to Spain within the year.. All Ye All Ye Alicante!

    • @Benito-lr8mz
      @Benito-lr8mz Před 13 dny +4

      Seguro no sé cuánto llevarás como inmigrante en España pues compra en tiendas normales en todas se pueden devolver y lo de la gente mayor mirándote sospechosamente como si fueras de otro planeta ? no te entiendo si te molesta ya sabes..

    • @beltrangarrote1982
      @beltrangarrote1982 Před 13 dny +4

      Spaniard here. "Suspicious older people..." lol you had me smiling through your whole comment. Logic is based on Culture so I agree there is nothing intrinsically logic. Glad you found your way around it.

    • @arizonawut
      @arizonawut Před 13 dny

      How do you no like Valencia?

    • @hoosomio
      @hoosomio Před 13 dny

      Yo no entiendo los canadiences o norteamericanos q van sonriendo como si fueran mongolos por la calle, en España la gente es de verdad,no van queriendo agradar y muestra sus sentimientos . Sin fingir .los myores miran porque ,salen a la calle pues tienen vida social y tienen tanto tiempo libre q miran TODO lo q pasa por su lado. Es usted muy susceptible
      Quizás debería adaptarse Y no ser tan distante .

  • @anaesperanzag
    @anaesperanzag Před 13 dny +15

    Siesta time from 15/16h to 17-18h is sacred. Even if we are not sleeping, is hour relax time, specially if you work in a store or restaurant that has that "horario partido", broke schedule (I don't know how to say that..). Please let us rest :) and you get rest too! you'll love it.

    • @Benito-lr8mz
      @Benito-lr8mz Před 13 dny +11

      Madre mía sagrada para ti ;no digas tonterias la mayor parte de la gente no hace siesta por tiempo y por qué no están cerca de sus casas a lo mejor se hace más fuera que aquí.

    • @javihernandez2755
      @javihernandez2755 Před 13 dny +8

      ​@@Benito-lr8mztristemente muchos no podemos hacerla por horarios, pero eso no quita que sea "sagrada" y que casi todos los españoles tengamos el concepto super integrado. Yo por ejemplo por trabajo no puedo echarmela a diario, pero en viernes, fines de semana y festivos/vacaciones, mi cuerpo me lo pide naturalmente. Y si no es siesta estricta de dormir, al menos si lo que dice James de "reposar" una o dos horitas despues de comer

    • @javihernandez2755
      @javihernandez2755 Před 13 dny +3

      ​@@Benito-lr8mzvamos, dudo que tu acabes de comer al mediodia y salga de ti ponerte a hacer cosas activamente. Otra cosa es que no nos quede otra

    • @deivigarciape
      @deivigarciape Před 12 dny

      @@javihernandez2755 te lo pide el cuerpo porque seras de la mitad sur de España, la mitad de los vagos

    • @carmenfernandez5234
      @carmenfernandez5234 Před 12 dny +2

      A split shift or split schedule.

  • @TravelingRobert
    @TravelingRobert Před 8 dny

    We're going to Spain soon so this is very helpful.

  • @beniofisial6316
    @beniofisial6316 Před 5 dny

    I am from Sevilla and this information is absolutely accurate. Great video.

  • @Oldladysgin
    @Oldladysgin Před 11 dny +3

    Spain is a federal country of autonomous states and regions, not everything is like Madrid, even down to language.
    I have not found the driving too bad at all and where I live, in Catalunya near the mountains, the standard is pretty good.
    Good points about tipping, certainly don´t work on a percentage, tip a bit if the service is good but you do not have to.
    Best bet when walking is to keep to the right as that´s what most people do.

    • @javierjimenezmartinez5613
      @javierjimenezmartinez5613 Před 10 dny +2

      Excuse me, but Spain is NOT a federation, that is, it's NOT a federal country, but a country whose regions are divided in autonomous regions, NOT "autonomous states". The only state in Spain is the Spanish state, that is, the country of Spain in itself.

  • @cassaleelee
    @cassaleelee Před 11 dny +4

    I love the hours of operation in Spain. Suits me perfectly! Feel quite at home there. Suspect I was born in the wrong country 😂

  • @carmenn5609
    @carmenn5609 Před 7 dny

    This was very, very educational about the customs of the land. Thanks for sharing an important detail for us visitors.

  • @porcar23
    @porcar23 Před 4 dny

    I’m Spaniard, and this video is absolutely right. Thanks for your good job and advice

  • @fernandoguzmanfernandez3466

    Think about the fact that Spanish have not a verb for "stare". Here is just "look", because looking someone in the eyes is normal, is just look. We don't need another word with the menace/defiant meaning.

  • @spanish_realms
    @spanish_realms Před 13 dny +3

    It's not entirely true that Spanish drivers ignore signaling, at least where i live - semi rural town - some of course do, not aware that direction indicators are useful to pedestrians as well as other motorists, though not necessarily the majority.
    Madrid? More likely. A busy place. Not sure if failing to indicate your intention is a fail in the Spanish driving test, but signalling is certainly a feature of driver school tuition.

  • @adrw216
    @adrw216 Před 3 dny

    I'm from Madrid myself and _that's_ really accurate, seriously, if you can get to take all of these into account then yes, you mas have accent or whatever but anyone will at least think that you know where you are and you have experience in Spain. Great video!

  • @ybabredi
    @ybabredi Před 7 dny

    A very interesting video. Having spent quite a lot of time in Spain lately I can identify with a lot of your points. A good insight into the social ‘norms’.

  • @neiss2
    @neiss2 Před 9 dny +3

    "You don't want to look like a tourist..?" Sunshine, the first rule is to be fluent in the language of the country you're visiting. If you don't speak Spanish or German when you visit Spain or Germany, you will al-ways-be-a-tourist, no matter how many CZcams videos you watch.

  • @philipandluc5878
    @philipandluc5878 Před 13 dny +7

    James, you've lost so much weight! We hope it's intended and that you are keeping well. Best regards

  • @Espartaco23xD
    @Espartaco23xD Před dnem

    I love the different ways we call tourists and tourists call us, at least in my knowledge Spaniard and Guiri started more as a derogative term but with the time they feel more natural and casual

  • @AL5520
    @AL5520 Před 7 dny +1

    Most important tip - Madrid is not Spain!
    I live in Barcelona and I drove all over the country and most people indicate. As for roundabouts, the massive multi lane ones are problematic and should not be considered as a real roundabout but most (certainly outside of Madrid and Barcelona) are an actual roundabout. As for the flashing yellow light, it exist in many countries but in a lot of them (unlike Madrid) it's not a regular traffic light but just a stand alone yellow light that only works when pedestrians have a green light.
    In can be confusing for someone who's accustomed having traffic lights on the other side of the junction as here if there is one it is not a the same as the one before the junction (if there is one) but a separate one so if it's red you must stop, if it flashes yellow you must look out for pedestrians crossing and if it's green you can go. In Barcelona a full traffic light n the other side only exist if there is there is a full red stage but most are just a stand alone yellow flashing one.
    As for toilets, you are correct but you've left out the countless of public buildings that offers free access and have free toilets that you can use, from government/city facilities, like libraries, museums, civic centers, hospitals/Ambulatories, train station to shopping centers and at the beach (can be season depended).

  • @alanlane3869
    @alanlane3869 Před 12 dny +3

    The Mahou tostada is surprisingly good!

  • @emilyserafamanschot800
    @emilyserafamanschot800 Před 13 dny +3

    Wonderful video!

  • @AndyZuhha
    @AndyZuhha Před 6 dny +1

    tus vídeos son muy buenos, me encanta verlos para reflexionar sobre mi propia cultura vista desde fuera, algo muy necesario.

  • @gjaxx
    @gjaxx Před 9 dny +1

    I've been here over 3 years now, and tipping is my single biggest headache from the subjects covered in this. Tipping for Brits is an ingrained habit that's hard to kick, but definitely marks you out as a tourist, but it causes me more strain NOT to tip, and on occasions when I don't, I just feel guilty, so I do. I KNOW it's not universal, and in some places positively frowned upon. In restaurants I'll generally leave 10%, but I'm gradually learning to leave just small change in bars/cafes
    ... btw, and especially in smaller towns, I generally take staring as an invitation for a "Buenos Dias", especially in streets with low footfall... it's more often than not returned with the same, and a smile

  • @DIDACbcn52
    @DIDACbcn52 Před 13 dny +5

    Regarding the way of driving in Spain, you should emphasize that you are talking about Madrid. In Barcelona and other Spanish cities, drivers are much more civilized and respect the rules. There is a big difference and I have verified it

    • @egutiguti3337
      @egutiguti3337 Před 12 dny +1

      Totalmente incierto y falso. En Barcelona la conducción es un caos comparado con Madrid. A parte, en Madrid no hay prácticamente nadie de Madrid, todos son en su mayoría de las demás regiones de la península, pero a la vez todos se consideran y les consideran madrileños, no hay exclusiones y xenofobia como existe en otras partes de la península.

    • @DIDACbcn52
      @DIDACbcn52 Před 12 dny +2

      @@egutiguti3337 Está claro que tú no has conducido nunca por Barcelona. Madrid es famosa en toda España por lo mal que se conduce y en este video lo confirman. En Madrid la prioridad la tiene quien primero mete el morro del coche.

    • @egutiguti3337
      @egutiguti3337 Před 12 dny

      @@DIDACbcn52 Sí, lo que tú digas….. os sale la madrileñofobia a la primera oportunidad….. parece que no sabéis vivir sin estar pendientes de Madrid……

    • @DIDACbcn52
      @DIDACbcn52 Před 11 dny

      @@egutiguti3337 Una nueva tontería. Quien habla mal de los conductores de Madrid es el autor del video, casado con una madrileña, que vive hace años en Madrid. Reclámale a él las supuestas injusticias, viaja más y no hables de Barcelona si no has estado nunca como es evidente.

    • @egutiguti3337
      @egutiguti3337 Před 11 dny

      @@DIDACbcn52 Para tonterías las tuyas, por cierto parece que necesitas repasar tu comprensión de inglés, el, en ningún momento habla de los conductores madrileños en particular, habla de los conductores españoles en general, mejor vuelve a ver el vídeo, el hecho de que esté conduciendo en Madrid no quiere decir que se esté refiriendo a los conductores madrileños concretamente, eso lo dices tú que te ha faltado el tiempo para decir que son los madrileños los que conducen mal. Por último, tal vez yo he viajado por el mundo tres veces más que tú, pero no soy tan paleto como para criticar a la primera de cambio algún lugar que no sea mi terruño gratuitamente como haces tú.

  • @larrsan
    @larrsan Před 12 dny +16

    The driving thin it’s a lie, people mostly indicate always, Spain is one of the safest driving a less accidents of all Europe.

    • @Gary-ux3jg
      @Gary-ux3jg Před 10 dny +2

      Not in Madrid they don't 😂

    • @gnulinux9802
      @gnulinux9802 Před 10 dny +3

      Spanish BMWs are made without indicators on them, remembre that

    • @Maesterful
      @Maesterful Před 9 dny +1

      You're obviously trolling. I've lived in Spain more than twenty years and drivers generally do NOT indicate, especially noticeable on roundabouts or when double parking. If you want to buy the newest second hand indicators do it in Spain since they get used as often as Christmas lights 😂

    • @lavenganzadedonmendo
      @lavenganzadedonmendo Před 9 dny +1

      Claro, los españoles no usan intermitentes por eso venden los coches en España sin indicadores...🤔 Los que no los usen infringen la ley de tráfico no se si es que en Madrid conducen sin carnet...

    • @johnlander1610
      @johnlander1610 Před 9 dny

      I drive in Spain and they rarely indicate,and roundabouts are a free for all

  • @LadymaryC
    @LadymaryC Před 10 dny

    Thanks. I had noticed the staring - and the looking me up and down - and was starting to get a complex!