From the US to Spain: 5 Surprising Culture Shocks

Are you dreaming of retiring to Spain or planning to obtain a non-lucrative visa to experience the Spanish lifestyle? Moving from the United States to Spain can be an exciting adventure, but it can also come with some unexpected cultural shocks.
In this video, we'll explore five surprising cultural differences that you might encounter when transitioning from the US to Spain. From the different pace of life to the unique dining customs, we'll delve into the contrasts that can catch you off guard.
Whether you're already on the path to obtaining a digital nomad visa or a non-lucrative visa, or simply considering retirement in Spain, this video will provide you with valuable insights to help you prepare for the cultural shifts you may face.
Get ready to discover the nuances of Spanish culture, including the infamous "Spanish schedule," the art of tapas hopping, and the vibrant social scenes that can be a delightful change from your usual routine.
By the end of this video, you'll have a better understanding of what to expect when making the leap from the US to Spain, allowing you to embrace the cultural shifts with open arms and make the most of your new life in this captivating country.
Don't miss out on this informative guide that will help you navigate the cultural landscape of Spain with ease.
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[@taranvainas]

It is not as common as you think for the supermarket cashier to neglect her work to chat with a customer. The normal thing, if they talk, is to continue working while they talk, because there is a risk that customers who have to wait may complain to the manager. If it ever happens to you again, feel free to tell them you're waiting and you'll see how quickly the cashier gets back to work.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

Opening hours are much stricter in other European countries (such as Germany), so you are lucky to live in Spain in that respect.

[@ElCuervodeSanlo]

Great video, you nailed it, I appreciate your sense of humor when transmitting not too funny things.

[@AmericaToSpain]

I appreciate that!

[@EA1DDO]

1:07 Not in english but in original language. It´s called "VOS" and you can find movies in english, french, Chinese o any other language.

[@Liamte]

BSO es Banda Sonora Original jaja tú te refieres a VOS Versión Original Subtitulada :)

[@EA1DDO]

@@Liamte si, un desliz. Gracias

[@AmericaToSpain]

Yes I'v seen that. I think there are VO options (Version Original), but it at least in Malaga is not very common.

[@AmericaToSpain]

Gracias

[@Ilar-en7lg]

@@AmericaToSpain Do you mean it's not very common in cinemas or on television? Because on TV you can always switch any film they are broadcasting into its original language. You may not have noticed this option, but you can do it in all films, TV series, documentaries and so on. Besides, all films, series, TV shows etc. are dubbed in many European countries, not only in Spain (e.g. Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, etc.).

[@helenaromu4698]

Yes, we enjoy life

[@AmericaToSpain]

Yes indeed.

[@jorgeruizibanez2318]

Not from America, colombia is America too, from USA. 😊

[@Liamte]

USA significa Estados Unidos de AMÉRICA, América es el nombre del país, igual que los "Estados Unidos Mexicanos" son México o "Estados Unidos del Brasil" (nombre oficial hasta 1964) eran Brasil. Por eso en su idioma se llaman a sí mismo "americans" y no existe algo como "estadounidenses", de la misma forma que en la República Francesa no se llaman "republicanos" como gentilicio ni en el Reino de España se llaman "reinidenses"

[@jorgeruizibanez2318]

@@Liamte América no es el nombre del país como afirmas en 12 palabras, viendo tal nivel de conocimiento dejé de leer.

[@Liamte]

@@jorgeruizibanez2318 Es el nombre del país te guste o no, prefieres la ignorancia a leer los argumentos pues okey para ti

[@AmericaToSpain]

Jorge completamente de acuerdo contigo. No obstante este canal es dirigido principalmente a estadounidenses por lo cual digo America porque para ellos, ellos viven en America. No obstante estoy claro que America es desde Canada hasta Argentina. Gracias por tu comentario. 😀

[@AmericaToSpain]

Gracias por tu comentario.

[@jorgeruizibanez2318]

Customer services not depend of tips, so that establish another type of interactions in restaurants for example. It s no rude to say, hey I'm here charging that stuff could you help me quick? Not rude at all. 😂

[@AmericaToSpain]

Moving to Spain has been a fantastic experience but it's definitely different than the US. Feel free to ask any questions you might have about the culture. Also here is a link to a video of why I moved to Spain: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXyop36jgN-LiqMsi=8066BXh1ICGOTYOW

[@begonaprada7187]

Es normal q los Españoles hablemos mucho, igual estaba atendiendo a la señora una consulta hablando y explicandola, cualquier cosa q la hubiera preguntado. Igual ni se conocían.

[@houghi3826]

Customer Service is different. You are not better or worse than the other person. You are both people. There is no need to be obedient. And the fact that you had to wait is not bad customer service. It is great customer service. It just showed they were interested in that person, not in their wallet. When you are longer in Spain, you will be the one who they talk to. And you will see that it is not small talk. They will be interested in you and your life. How the kids are. How the wife is. How YOU are. And again: because they like YOU, not because they like your wallet. And a nice thing perhaps to talk about is hours. e.g. what the office hours are. What time lunch is and how long it takes. What dinner time is. And how long that takes. Banking and store hours. What is siesta? And then there is the drinking culture. Going for a glass of wine and do a few bars is normal before dinner. Or just walking at a slow pace or sitting on a bench.

[@AmericaToSpain]

Hi thank you. I totally agree with you. That is part of what is great about Spain but that is a culture shock when someone comes from the US, which is the what the video is about.

[@Ilar-en7lg]

@@AmericaToSpain What these ladies did was wrong and impolite, but you should also bear in mind that in Spain we have massive immigration from Latin America (and also from other parts of the world and Europe), so their customs are different from ours. Not everyone that you hear speaking Spanish in Spain is a Spaniard.

[@JR-yo1fu]

I thought that we stocked too many things in our "trasteros". You say that in the US is much more....OMG!

[@AmericaToSpain]

Having a trastero in the Us is part of your monthly expenses!😀

[@JR-yo1fu]

@@AmericaToSpain I have a "trastero" at home and I am sure that I can throw away 90% of the content. At least for me, having a "trastero" is a way to keep every unuseful thing at home forever.

[@CarolinayAna93]

YES. YOU GOT IT RIGHT. Costumer service here is the worst. The same thing happen to me in the bank with only 1 lady in front of me and she was telling the woman her entire families life. And me waiting 15 min at least with a very not subtle angry face. And the kept at it.. they dont notice does things. Respect towards other people in public spaces is something nobody teaches here. * Also siesta after lunch is not that common unless you are over 50 or 60 years old. The break for lunch is in some jobs but they dont actually go to bed. You eat, you go on your laptop or take a shower et, and then run back to work