Nathan David Rabinowich: What Every Visitor in Spain Should Know

Nathan David Rabinowich is a well-traveled businessman. As the Executive Director of Jewish Heritage Tours, he has traveled extensively across the world. Nathan David Rabinowich recommends taking into consideration some important customs and etiquettes before going to Spain.

Dress Code
While it's okay to wear fashionable clothing, it is not too appropriate to wear swimsuits in public spaces. Just like you wouldn’t go to a pub in your home country wearing a swimsuit. Likewise, it is not acceptable to enter a bar, restaurant or any other public space in Spain wearing a swimsuit. If you are visiting a church, it is important to wear appropriate clothing. Men walking around bare-chested are only allowed at the beach or the swimming pool.

Greeting People
When you are in Spain, it is recommended to greet people with whom you are not well acquainted using the formal greeting “usted”, instead of the informal “tu”.

Dining
When visiting Spain, you must be aware that most Spaniards have lunch only at 1:30 p.m., and dinner at 9 p.m. Lunch and dinner time is maintained in all restaurants, and during the weekends dining out can start even as late as 10 p.m. However, in certain tourist areas, a couple of restaurants will open a bit earlier. After introducing the Anti-smoking law in 2006, most fine dining restaurants do not allow smoking at all. Outside most cities in Spain, the shops close between 2 p.m. and five p.m., and the show owners go home for lunch and a small siesta. You will need to take this into consideration when you plan your itinerary.

Language
Nathan David Rabinowich recommends learning a bit of Spanish when you travel to Spain. You do not have to be fluent, but learning a few words will go a long way in chatting with the locals. However, Spanish is not the principal language all over the country. Some places you will hear Euskera, Catalan, Gallego and Valenciano.