10 UNSPOKEN RULES Tourists Keep Breaking in Spain

[@spainrevealed]

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

[@pepepepito623]

A video about bullfighting next...

[@antonioperezgranero9000]

Hi there im a bit late but u are a bit wrong on the driving part yes everything u said is true but not for all spain in fact Asturias is the oposite to this rule

[@ostrovskiartur]

what aexatlu rules u talking about while immigrants invading in private property, murdering and rape?

[@iker8010]

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

[@simonsadler9360]

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]

Fluent Spanish no surprise in fairness.

[@joelcoll4034]

???​@@simonsadler9360

[@fryk2462]

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]

el vive en España

[@aritz2848]

Regla 11: No saltes del balcón a la piscina

[@FGGiskard]

😂

[@johnmarshall2722]

Hace años, cuando empezamos salir, mi novia (gaditana) me (inglés) preguntó "What do you call it when drunken tourists jump off their hotel balconies?" I replied: "Evolution". She liked the English sense of humour. Now married and happily living in Spain for 10 years. :-)

[@abrahamromeiro1134]

Yo haría un referéndum para derogar esa ley, es su cultura y hay que respetarla

[@gaueko7952]

Balconing

[@IanMay-g5u]

Por que no? Tengo otra cabeza

[@pedrosmith4529]

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]

Good tip,thanks.

[@marcelfahle]

Exactly the same here.. :)

[@pepemapache]

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]

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]

​​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.

[@vNymeria]

I'm a Spaniard, here's a small hack for the public toilet problem: Big malls, some train/bus stations and also supermarkets like mercadona or carrefour have clean toilets and you don't need to pay to enter or use them!! They are easy to find, I always use them. If you're a bit more daring, you might consider looking for crowded hotel halls or restaurants and sneak into the bathroom...

[@G-Racing33]

100% agree and I'd like to add Faculties/University buildings. These are public buildings anyone can enter, and Barcelona, Valencia and Sevilla have at least one faculty in the most centric area (not sure about Madrid tho)

[@migueeeelet]

The "buy a coffee" is more of a courtesy, nobody's really going to stop you from using the bathroom

[@olalla4828]

​@@migueeeeletActually, they do, they stop you and say it's only for clients

[@zackmyballs]

@@vNymeria hope you leave them just as clean as they were when you go in to use them "for free". Telling Brittish tourists your little "public toilet hack" may very well end forever that hygienic state of matters.

[@antoniocastillofernandez5272]

I'm a spaniard and aprove these coments

[@DietermiGamzD125]

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

[@adriadarnes]

El algoritmo se confunde cuando miras contenido ingles

[@alexcsr6450]

​@@adriadarneseeso tiene sentido

[@quifri]

Pues a mi ninguno me parece acertado, la verdad.

[@alcarma34]

​@@quifripues tú dirás, pero creo que ha dado bastante en el clavo

[@on_another_rabbit_hole]

Pienso igual! Está claro que vive aquí. Además los kiwis molan mucho.

[@perro0076]

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

[@Trikipum]

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]

@@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]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@miguelangelgarcia7965]

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]

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

[@algual888]

Correcto, no va a los empleados, no lo hagáis.

[@claudiacosta3426]

Hahha es lo que quería decir, ningún jefe va a darte eso 😂😂 normalmente

[@ShereeR99]

You don't need to tip at all except maybe in tourist trap restaurants. I live in Spain. I have been chased after by waiters to give me money back that I have left on the table as a tip. I have never been asked to tip and Spanish people have said many times Spain doesn't have a tipping culture and they don't want the US tipping culture here. Here they pay their wait staff and, for some, waitering is a profession so it is an insult to tip them.

[@noone0]

​@@ShereeR99Hi, I'm Spanish, I've been a waitress, and I don't agree... You have to say it is a tip, otherwise they would think you forgot your money and if course they will chase you to give it back. "Quédate el cambio" works perfectly in that situation. I'm sure they will happily accept it 😉

[@hsavietto]

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]

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

[@Sun_S3t_22_Official]

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

[@osasunaitor]

​@@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

[@1kili2]

blinking orange lights are actually just a traffic light version of shark teeth, they can be applied for both pedestrians but also car crossings, sometimes they are however applied in a stupid way, right around the corner from me theres a traffic light thats red when the pedestrians have green and blinks orange when they have red and theres no other direction that other traffic can come from

[@osasunaitor]

@@1kili2 maybe there used to be other traffic but at some point they changed the traffic flow and forgot to remove the blinking amber lights

[@T2EESP]

As a Spaniard, this is the most accurate video I've ever seen about Spanish culture from a foreigner experience. You have done a really good cultural immersion.

[@04steen]

Living abroad, now I really apreciate the self-confident and highly efficient tempo of spanish waiters. They are (normally) not rude, just working really hard. And we do not say por favor and gracias that often, but we express kindness in many different ways: "cuando puedas", "perdona", "ahora mismo os atiendo" "aquí tenéis". We would not say "un café, por favor" but rather "'¿me pones un cafecito cuando puedas?" The tone and the "-ito" are not casual, but ways to express politeness. It's just much more about popular culture and neighbourhood. Of course in a restaurant things can get much more formal.

[@matthewsingh3933]

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]

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]

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

[@Scott-de3rd]

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]

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

[@raul.huertas]

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.

[@chronic2023]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[@LMCBZ]

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".

[@PHYSIOWODS]

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

[@stevemichael8458]

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

[@corcoos]

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]

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]

@@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]

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

[@Tanychuma]

Soy camarera y la manera en la que al incio del video explicas como dirigirte a nosotros me ha sorprendido, con mucha educación! Es algo muy fácil pero casi nadie entiende el volumen de trabajo que tenemos en este país. ❤

[@diversionesconvenuslausinr8791]

Yo he tenido camareros y camareras extranjeras del norte y no aguantan ni una semana en un sitio turistico

[@YoMismoConMiMecanismo139]

As a Spanish I can explain the orange light rule. When exiting a roundabout your light might be flashing orange to indicate the possibility of pedestrians. At this point craning over to see their light is unnecessary since it will be green for them without fail. What you should be on the lookout for is any pedestrian approaching with intent of crossing. You might ask why we don’t have alternate red and green light for cars and pedestrians. If you ask me, its done this way to clear crossings and roundabouts faster, since cars don’t have to wait for a set time but can go through as soon as the pedestrians are across.

[@javiersuarez4288]

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

[@rotciv1492]

I also live in ireland, and also found it quite shocking how some guys just go shirtless the moment they catch a bit of sun. But honestly, I don't find it too strange. People here are white as a sheet of paper, and they never get nearly enough sun hours, so some of them just make it a little more "worth it". I heard it's even more exaggerated when you go to Germany or Sweden. I myself got sick 2 times until I learned to take my Vitamin D supplements regularly.

[@juangames452]

Well here in spain walking shirtless is not normal on cities, but it's a different story on small towns.

[@alcarma34]

​@@juangames452yo soy de pueblo de costa (11k hab) y solo es normal si estás saliendo o entrando a la playa y quizá algún runner en verano. Nadie entra en establecimientos con el torso desnudo, es de mala educación

[@CARCINOHARDKISU]

@@rotciv1492 I'm from the south, And it's only the foreigners who go without a shirt on the promenade, which may seem logical because you are right next to the beach, but no, everyone else puts on their shirts as soon as they leave the sand on the beach XD

[@dw300]

Sun's out, guns out! Anything over 10C here in Ireland!

[@Kipperlab]

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)

[@simonpike2625]

"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]

Never thought that would be weird :)

[@stevemichael8458]

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

[@unokepasaba]

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]

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]

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.

[@410ns0]

As a bartender for years, all I can say is that I like to attend tourists tables because they usually give tip. The prices in Spain are increasing because inflation and our economy is based on tourism and Spanish clients have less economy power to give tip. There is another problem; the new buildings are very expensive to buy and a spaniard can't afford that cost so each more news appartament are bought by investment funds to rent. Sorry for my english but i have learned on the bar

[@jbsv2979]

El problema son nuestros políticos corruptos y progres , que de progresistas no tienen nada 😡😡

[@camiller4916]

As a waiter in the US, everyone tried to avoid the Europeans due to lack of tipping

[@kaliswablu9889]

This is a good video! Im from Barcelona myself, and while almost everything is on point, adding some courteous words in your interactions with service workers is never seen as too much. A ‘buenos dias’ when you come in or board a bus, a ‘por favor’ and ‘gracias’ when placing your orders and paying… you can be assertive and grateful, treating the locals with kindness will always come a long way! No matter how busy people are, we are still people and not machines

[@AlanMynah]

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]

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

[@AlanMynah]

@@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

[@lovienyoutube420]

@@AlanMynah you can get them in a normal traffic light at night, some specific traffic lights (very few in my city) may get "switched off" at night and they will be permanently blinking amber till morning...in case of no lights or signs at a cross, cars comming from the right have always the right of way

[@Beaqueen11]

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]

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

[@Beaqueen11]

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

[@mateo2202]

nos gusta mirar a la gente no hay nada malo, hay que mirar tu entorno, analizar.

[@morganmadison366]

@@mateo2202 Yo se.

[@M.Nihankin]

Jamás lo hubiese catalogado como algo “típico”; pero un colega volvió de vivir 2-3 años en los EEUU y me dijo que una de las cosas que se le hacía más rara era esto: cómo la gente miraba fijamente en la calle. ¡Las cosas que uno no se da cuenta!

[@peregrintuc]

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

[@catwise]

True. We are not taking a siesta, that is only for no working people 😅

[@perelliar3661]

Cool video! As a spaniard, I would add two things: 1) Try not to get an AirBnB or similar. These kind of accomodations have a negative effect in the neighbours, replacing the tipical shops for tourist traps and destroying the essence of the places. 2) Try to say anything in our language, people is in general very happy if you try to speak in catalan in Barcelona, for instance.

[@dasnolonger]

It's interesting w using Spanish. I find Latin Americans and others will always give you kind license when you are speaking in Spanish. Some Spaniards seem to jump straight into English if they speak some. I realise this is usually a kind act but it is sometimes a bit jarring and kills the incentive to keep trying to use Spanish.

[@TraskySim]

Thanks for promoting RESPECT when visiting Spain ❤ It is something most of turists dont show when they come here.

[@brugudel]

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.

[@user-wm3rh8ne9k]

I totally agree on the quality of service in Spain: Want to know what bad service looks like? Visit Paris! (The full-blooded Parisian Waiter is almost a species on its own...) 🤭

[@Agora1981]

Spot on !

[@timfellows2]

@@user-wm3rh8ne9k It's worth going just to experience it! I've never had an issue in Spain - they do their job, and they don't bother you. They do appreciate a thank you, even though it's not an insult if you don't, and I'll always tell them if the food was good and to thank the cook if it was exceptional.

[@wavyjenny602]

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 👍

[@SrCactilio]

The same in Alicante, the yellow lights are a caution sign, just brake a little, take a look and be careful. The same way when the lights are about to change from green to red there are a few seconds when it sets in yellow, its a caution sign that indicates that is about to change to red, so start braking. The caution in this case is to warning you to stay alert because you can keep driving if there is no pedestrians crossing, because they have priority.

[@Miquelet12]

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

[@Sarsange]

@@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]

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

[@graziano1688]

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 😂

[@llepaconysbcn]

Tap water isn't a good recomendation in most of the cities of Spain, ask for bottled ever,be smart

[@gabrielpocharoa5311]

@@mdl9376It depends on the situation and location in Spain. If you are having some beers, in most places you get some chips, olives or small tapas for free. If you go to a restaurant to eat, they will bring bread without asking and charge it later on the bill. Maybe if they bring other appetizers like olives, they won’t, but that depends on the restaurant and even the zone. The southern culture is more generous and usually brings out more appetizers or more elaborated ones. In the north they are more plain and can also not bring out anything. I live in a Madrid town and here normally we get what I said at the begging.

[@AtalayaSullivan]

I was born in Madrid and I've lived here all my life, and I swear that I couldn't have explained Spanish culture better than this men. Nice video ❤

[@danebirbhaha7520]

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

[@eimere]

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]

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

[@irnalonso]

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

[@ZohGaEri]

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]

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😂

[@SrCactilio]

Yo eso lo achaco al numero, a mas ciudadanos mas conductores, a mas conductores mayor probabilidad de inutiles al volante jajajaja. Yo soy de Alicante y cuando voy a Valencia me dan panico las rotondas, algunas tienen 6 carriles pero no hay lineas que los delimiten, asi que ya es un desafio hacer la rotonda en "tu carril", a eso sumale lo de los intermitentes y ya apaga y vamonos 😂😂😂

[@melissamorse]

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]

You nailed it❤

[@aurorapazviruet4289]

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]

@@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]

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

[@TheSimmpleTruth]

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.

[@kathyr.1141]

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

[@JohnsonJude-ss2ig]

Nice

[@spainrevealed]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@JohnsonJude-ss2ig]

Hoop your so cute dear

[@jording1443]

I love seeing how much in depth you got into Spain culture. You investigated stuff I just took for granted my whole life. And eith so much respect and love. Thanks!

[@irenedominguez6506]

I am Spanish and I have to say that I found this video very accurate. Except for indicating when changing lanes. I think that in Spain it is usually indicated. I am a flight attendant and every month I spend it in a different country and I can assure you that Spain is one of the countries where traffic rules are most respected, although, obviously, there are always exceptions. Another thing you haven't mentioned is that in Spain cars stop at zebra crossings to let pedestrians pass, this is not done 100% of the time so you still have to be careful.

[@rogermoredaarzo6245]

Most of Spanish don't indicate when they go out of roundabout. I hate that and I have also the feeling that I'm the only Spanish that I do it.

[@MarinaGolodnikova]

It probs depends on a city. Valencia is one of the worst traffic wise, but Madrid is quite good. I lived in Ireland for 13 years, and after it Valencia is simply shocking, I'd say similar to Mexico

[@llioncurt4679]

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

[@beltrangarrote1982]

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]

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]

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

[@DIDACbcn52]

@@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]

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

[@powidlkm]

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

[@utdminiman]

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]

Hey! top tip.

[@afasico9669]

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

[@utdminiman]

@@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 😂

[@OnMyWayVirtualCityTours]

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

[@falconeshield]

How do you pronounce it? Best Google says is that it means grey hair, which I doubt 😂

[@rubydtl8449]

I'm from Madrid and I can say this is a great video. You really do know us well jaja!! About the traffic lights being orange/yellow while the pestrian's is green, this is usually when there's a crossing close to an intersection. It's done so that cars that have just turned right/left can get through if there are no pedestrians crossing the street, instead of waiting at the traffic light and potentially blocking the intersection. About tiping with your credit/debit card, I've read a few comments warning not to do so because the staff doesn't get the tip. Personally, when I worked as a waiter we would take the extra paid on the bill from the cash register and put it into the 'tips jar', at the end of the shift we would take the jar and split the money evenly among waiters and cooks. Don't know if this is the standard but it definitely should be.

[@damian8369]

I'm from Madrid and this is so true, thanks for appreciating our culture.

[@Jaiv74]

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

[@joseestevezhernandez558]

Y ha entendido como funcionamos de verdad

[@mizginavale22]

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]

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

[@barawen_who]

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

[@hoosomio]

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

[@fredcookerly9385]

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.

[@timfellows2]

The narrow streets have a lot of junctions with pedestrian crossings (as we call them) all along and at the junctions, where you aren't always sure who has priority. You really have to concentrate and keep your speed down.

[@elArchiduque8]

As a spainard, I found this video unexpectly true. Even the driving experience. Congratulations! But I must say we really say “thank you” and “please”, I think your experience in “La Mallorquina” is very specific of a crowded place, but you won’t get a “hurry” service in most of the places. And if you are from a small town like me, they will be really nice. I think that smaller the town, nicer the service.

[@guachimiri]

Thank you so much for sharing this info in English. I'm from Barcelona and so many times we come across problematic situations; drunk tourists, people peeing even in front of our houses... It is good that they know us better and know how to act when they visit our home. Thank you ❤❤

[@manuelfresco6879]

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..

[@rachel_Cochran]

Guiri = güero?

[@videojenico]

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!

[@keithalderson100]

In the London Railway-Tube-Line, standing on the right is stated, in a couple of languages... probably because these are often very long escalators AND folks are pressing to catch connecting trains; so they walk as they ride! Normal shops or shopping centres in The UK have such short steps almost no-one also walks while using them.

[@LauraTp-o8i]

Standing on the right on staircases is a manner of education no matter what city you are in. I feel like murdering someone when they stay on the left 😠😠😠😠

[@jeffjensen4901]

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 saludan. Keep up the good work!

[@NickLitten]

As a Brit recently moved to Spain, I wish I had watched this a year ago. Every Single point resonates and is excellently delivered. Spanish lifestyle is fantastic but these small differences from my previous UK and USA lifestyle are keen. Love this - keep it up!

[@giuliafornaciari9235]

Watching this video in my home in Madrid, recognising every single place you go in and chuckling. So accurate!

[@miguimau]

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]

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]

@@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]

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]

@@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]

@@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.

[@Akymma]

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]

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]

@@Symbelle Yup 👆

[@j.mrodriguez1493]

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

[@euroschmau]

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

[@spainrevealed]

Have a great trip!

[@surfingtheoceanoftheinterwebs]

We're planning a short trip to Spain for the first time next year and this was very helpful. Thank you from California!

[@RenoFriends]

I'm from Spain, KZbin recommended me this video and I am amazed how this guy totally understood our culture and way of doing things 👌

[@RenoFriends]

PD: Come to Andalucía instead of Madrid, you will find mountains, nice villages, beaches and great people 😎👌

[@IzquierdoFogued]

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

[@caballoloco100]

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

[@heavenlymermaid2192]

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

[@Sarsange]

@@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

[@Yoids]

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.

[@AGPremium-99]

Spaniard here, from Madrid. Fantastic video, everything is spot on. Listen to this guy fellow foreigners! Welcome to Spain, be respectful and have fun!

[@pitot312]

As a Spanish, i think this is a really beautiful respectful video with a lot of useful info. Thanks!

[@Lxz3]

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

[@gailnelmes1098]

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.

[@JohnsonJude-ss2ig]

Where exactly In Spain did you visit

[@animo005]

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]

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]

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]

@@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.

[@carlosdeandres4774]

This was really fun to watch as a spaniard, I love this kind of videos, cause living in a touristic city like Valencia, tourists that have no clue about hlw stuff works can REALLY be a nuisance.

[@claudiasoler7328]

Hi!!! I'm Spanish!! This is actually really really good advice!!! Just one quick thing: about * p a e l l a * Paella is a specific dish typical from Valencia (a region on the east coast). You can have paella pretty much everywhere in Spain although it is very... "touristy" and not real. A typical paella has: chicken, rabbit, green beans, garrofon beans (and maybe snails and artichoke depending on tastes or season). If it has anything else other than that it is not traditional paella. No chorizo. No peas. No fish and meat all together. If you are served that. You are getting scammed. If you are ever in Valencia and you want to try some good rice you can order: - Paella Valenciana (the one I described above) - Arroz a banda (seafood paella) - Arroz del senyoret (seafood paella but all seafood is pealed) - Arroz negro (black rice, made with fish and squid ink to give it it's colour) - Arroz al horno (rice made in the oven with pork ribs, blood sausage, potato, tomato and chickpeas) - Arroz meloso (can be made with a variety of ingredients maybe rabbit and mushrooms or maybe lobster. "Meloso" refers to the amount of broth. It resembles more italian risotto rather than the above dishes which are more "dry") In a nutshell, here in Valencia rice is one of our specialities and it pains us to see tourits eating just anything and call it a day. I have seen real attocities being called "paella". Please don't fall for that. AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD WEAR SUN SCREEN. PLEASE. I'M BEGGING Y'ALL. SKIN CANCER IS NOT FUNNY.

[@diversionesconvenuslausinr8791]

Bueno, la gente extranjera lo entiende como paella, no arroces no los liemos mas

[@claudiasoler7328]

@@diversionesconvenuslausinr8791 bueno, yo creo que educarlos está bien. No es liarlos más. Si yo voy a X país de vacaciones, me gustaría que algún nativo me hablara sobre la comida auténtica del país en vez de guiarme por lo que venden las paraetas de turistas

[@layerbera-shadowsoulherbol8269]

You could do a whole video just about! I think it would be really great.

[@isashax]

Well said! I am from Valencia and drives me nuts when I see "paella" with stuff like ham, chorizo, turkey, olives, boiled egg, tinned peach (really!), pepper or similar atrocities!

[@AlyAlyAlyAlyAly]

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

[@silviaamor9103]

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!

[@edelgado94]

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!

[@TheQueenofcat]

It's so true what you are saying about customer service, one thing is efficiency another is waiting for ages for someone holding up the rest of us.

[@chuchonmc]

The point in Spain about public toilets is to know which companies have the cleanest ones and open to public without consuming. And example: galería Canalejas in Madrid, 2 mins from Sol.

[@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.

[@JackR772]

Yo diría “mirar fijamente”. Es igual que tenga una palabra o dos.

[@8bitenial313]

Bien visto. Nunca lo había pensado haha

[@G0A7]

The orange light is mostly a "be careful" light, most of the time it means that the lights gonna turn red soon so if you are very close just go ahead and if you are a little far start reducing the velocity to stop (or just speed up to pass before it changes, its not what your supposed to do but its what most people would do), the pedestrians ALWAYS have the priority doesnt matter the situation even if theyre crossing in the middle of the road where they shouldnt (not uncommon but not a huge deal most of the time, theyre usually carefull since they could die) and the yellow light just points that its highly possible to be some people that gonna start crossing as soon as they see a green light

[@tombaonline4829]

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]

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

[@Gudmundur]

I stayed for a while close to Calle Arenal in Madrid around 2000. It's now a pedestrian zone, but the traffic there used to be quite heavy. When we first tried to cross the street over a zebra crossing, the traffic was non stop, but no traffic lights. We stood there for what felt like 10 minutes and nobody stopped. We figured it out eventually, when a lady arrived, took one step out on the zebra crossing and like magic all the cars stopped. I don't know if that is a general rule in Spain, but it seemed to work in Madrid.

[@MissInesuky]

Never add tips to the bill if you are paying with credit card or debit card in Spain. The waiters wont see a peny of it, it would go directly to the restaurant owner. If you dont have cash, just smile and say thank you while you go.

[@barrufetalila]

Not true. To make sure leave it in cash. But that is not true. Many small business share the tips in credit card. But those tips have to go to the payroll, and they pay taxes for them. many employees ask employer to translate in cash because this one does not tax tribute . But it’s not always easy or capable.

[@Ana-Maria-Sierra]

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

[@JoseOchoa-dw9vk]

Noticed the same. James is buffing up.

[@JohnsonJude-ss2ig]

It's really great

[@JohnsonJude-ss2ig]

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

[@bkm2797]

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.👍❤️

[@alonsoxoraique]

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]

So the KZbinr has become a madrileño? Progress!

[@razvanpopa7294]

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]

Literalmente donde peor conducen es en valencia 😂

[@WromWrom]

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

[@LewdProductions]

@@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"

[@TeresaCook-de6jo]

I like your attitude towards the differences from a home country. It is a positive reminder.

[@BartMan59]

Retired military/USN. I was very fortunate for my family/I to have been stationed/lived in Andalucia/Rota, SP for nine years. Loved every moment/day.

[@YUAN_TAO]

I like this variation on your format, thank you!

[@oskarobit]

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.

[@onepunch5015]

Not my experience in Malaga or Alicante lol both places had shitty drivers.

[@AlexMontgomery-i7s]

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.

[@Hyunkeru]

Hello ! I Live in Madrid and these indications are quite accurate I Lived 2 years in Auckland and your English seems more standard than the actual kiwis who Lived in CBD The only thing I would like to point out is about driving: 1.- The ones who do not indicate are Audis & BMWs, they do not care to do so (we joke that indicators are an extra when you buy those cars) 2.- Roundabouts are like a new road. You have to give way to get in, and the one on the outer lane (right lane) has preference over the ones who are in inner lanes... But some people forget about this rule, so sometimes they can crash your car. Indicate to the left that you are still turning and not taking the next exit, and it might feel easier to navigate in roundabouts Anyway, good summary And I Hope to see you in Madrid some day... Even though it is almost impossible!

Orange light is simple! -Blinking: you should yield for pedestrians (zebra crossing) or incoming traffic (intersection). You can go but you don't have priority. -Still: it is about to turn red in a couple of seconds Nice video man! I am Spanish and loved it! I found the staring thing surprising haha. I hadn't realized that. Also you are so right about Madrid roundabouts: you never now what is going on and just go with the flow. It can be nerve racking :)

[@Merseyrock]

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.

[@delsiag.7226]

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]

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

[@johnmarshall2722]

Last Sunday my wife and I st on a restaurant terrace and ordered a couple of wines from the waitress. Ten mins later, nothing. There were no other customers (late afternoon) and the waitress was just messing around, cleaning up, etc. So we just left withou tsaying a word. Bad serve is bad service anywhere.

[@coppercloud]

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

[@leefigueroa8531]

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]

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

[@flpalacios9633]

Ojalá te hagan caso, macho. Se nota que estás bien adaptado a nuestras costumbres. Y hablas muy bien español. Un saludo desde Lugo, la pequeña ciudad romana de Galicia.

[@mararhcp]

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

[@raktasenya5374]

Join a working class syndicate

[@Helsvga]

Guess what, it doesn't happen either. Yeah, it is supposed to be paid a living wage and not need tips, but there's a lot of bosses that break the law. Besides of that, even if they take the minimum wage, in lot of places minimum wage is not enough to live. Spain economy is sadly fucked up.

[@mararhcp]

@@Helsvga i know, i live in spain, my answer was directed at that specific sentence cause it sounds like paying your waiters a living wage is something special and not the bare minimum lol

[@TomaszRykala]

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]

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.

[@kenlymendoza3708]

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.

[@cassaleelee]

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

[@clmclachlan]

I live in a smaller Spanish community and whenever someone locks eyes with me I'll hold the gaze and then when we get within speaking distance we greet each other with "Hola, buenas!" Or "Hola buenas dias/tardes/noches" It's a simple courtesy and it feels so great - even if you never saw that person in your life you greet them as if you've known them forever.

[@jasenjahn]

Spain is my favorite country hands down. Spaniards are chill but to the point. Their culture, even in different parts of the country, is absolutely beautiful. Now Spains is amazing. Deep in history with insane architecture. Each region has its own natural beauty. I’ll be going back every year now. My biggest mistake was not going sooner.

[@HereBeBarr]

Getting ready for Madrid in May!

[@davidjames3787]

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]

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

[@MrTrellheim]

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]

@@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]

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. 😂

[@CoastHobbit9340]

Major annoyance about shopping in Spain: For virtually everything you buy (cakes, jamón, cheese...) the server will use metal tongs and not actually touch your food. Yet go to a bakery and you will immediately notice the difference with BREAD: In 99% of bread shops, they grab the bread with their hands and might put it in a bag or a large sheet of paper but without gloves. Those same hands will have touched coins and notes, and might have been coughed or sneezed onto. Yuk yuk yuk. Same for ice cream cones in most cases, unfortunately. It's very little effort to grab a piece of paper and pick up the bread with it before handling it. No excuses for such poor hygiene. End of rant.

[@anaesperanzag]

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]

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]

​@@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]

​@@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]

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

[@carmenfernandez5234]

A split shift or split schedule.

[@JoeDegado-nc1uz]

I need to comment on your video. You are right, in Spain in general one needs to persist and often even exaggerate. But ALWAYS be polite and never omit “hola qué tal”, “porfa”, “cuando puedas” and “gracias”. Yes, we always find time for that; maybe that’s different in Madrid or crowded tourists’ places, but we consider you rude in the rest of the country if you don’t take the time to be nice. Next, don’t use “usted” unless you’re really sure that you want to express either huge respect or distance yourself some miles from the person you’re talking to. Some people find it offensive if you don’t use “tú”. I certainly do. It is true, there is no obligation to leave a tip. But please, do. The salary of those working in restaurants and bars are low, very low. If you only take a quick coffee, it’s ok not to tip. But if you spend hours sipping your coffee or even eat, don’t be an asshole, please. If you drive a car your experience in Spain will vary hugely depending on where you are. Madrid is a bit Wild West, València is quite ok, in Andalucía they take ages to decide if they find it safe to enter a roundabout or what not with no traffic at all. But you know, over time someone may show up, so you better wait, and wait, and wait … And generally, for tourists, behave at least as good as you would in your own neighborhood where everybody knows you. We are already quite pissed off by those typical drinking tourists, and as for me, rest assured, I’ll give you a hard time if you misbehave.