Doing Business in Spain

If you are one of those who like to say OK by forming a circle with your thumb and index finger, you shouldn't consider doing it in Spain as it refers to certain body parts and constitutes a deep insult. And don't be trapped by the apparent similarity between 'services' and 'servicios'. If you commend someone for their good 'servicios', you are basically praising their toilet.

Communication and behaviour - Spain

• Lifestyle in Spain is at odds with that of Northern Europe: it is unhurried, loud and smoke-filled.
• A general "buenos dias" (good-morning) or "buenas tardes" (good-afternoon) on entering a shop or bar and "adios" (good bye) on leaving is expected.
• In conversation, the Spanish aren't likely to stand uncomfortably close, but they may still pat your arm or shoulder.
• The expansive body language of a Spaniard should not be misunderstood or mistaken for anger.
• If you feel uncomfortable with such gestures, it will only cause offence trying to retreat into your own private space.
• Foreign blonde women continue to hold a particular fascination for the older generations. 
• Although it is now considered rude to whistle, women must be prepared for lengthy gazes from admiring males.

• A tip of 5% in restaurants and 10% in taxis will be appreciated.
• Public toilets are rare but it is quite acceptable to use the facilities of a café or bar even if you are not a customer.
• Yawning or stretching in public is considered vulgar.
• Meals in Spain (for coffee, lunch, tapas, dinner) are the perfect occasion for establishing personal relationships and rapport with your business partners.
• Spanish men are usually willing to accept a lunch or dinner invitation from a businesswoman although she must take care to remain strictly professional all times.
• During a meal, you should make an effort to eat everything, as it is considered rude to dump food. 

• You should only accept a refill if you are confident that you can finish it.
• When you have finished, you should place your knife and fork parallel on the plate, otherwise it will be assumed that you want more to eat.
• If you fancy a draught beer, you should ask for a "caa" (small) or "tubo" (300ml). Simply asking for beer ("cerveza") will bring you a much more expensive bottle.
• If you are up to drinking spirits, you should know that Spanish measures are usually extremely generous.

• Your home country, Spanish football and flamenco are good topics of conversation. Gibraltar, Franco and religion are likely to put your counterpart off.
• In the Spanish business culture, gifts are usually offered only at the conclusion of successful negotiations.
• You should ensure that it is a high-quality item and that it is finely wrapped.
• If you are offered a gift, you should open it immediately and in front of the giver.
• If you are invited to a Spanish home, you should bring chocolates, dessert items (pastries) or flowers (not chrysanthemums, white lilies or red roses) in an odd number that is not thirteen.

• Most offices are generally open Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:30 /2:00 pm (morning) and from 4:30 /5:00 pm until about 8:00 pm (afternoon).
• Banks and government offices open 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Monday to Friday and may not reopen at all in the afternoon.
• Whilst the "siesta" is still a distinctive feature of the Spanish way of life, Spain no longer 'shuts down' completely for the afternoon.
• Business can be conducted over meals but be aware that the Spanish regard eating mainly as a sociable activity.

• Spain is one of the least punctual countries in the whole of Europe. Be prepared to keep waiting for some 15-30 minutes.
• It is always polite to use the basic titles of courtesy: "Señor" (Mr), "Señora" (Mrs), Señorita (Miss) followed by the surname.
• Spaniards are very conscious about dressing and will perceive your appearance as an indication of your professional status.
• Designer clothes and brand names will be noticed with approval.
• Business cards should be printed in English on one side and in Spanish overleaf.

• You should hand your card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
• It is also recommended to bring plenty of literature about your company, samples of your products or demonstrations of your services.
• It is always helpful to provide a printout of the summary of your presentation in Spanish.
• Personal contacts are vital for all business success in Spain.
• You should select your Spanish representatives with care because, once you have made your choices, it can be extremely hard to change allegiance to other people.
• Honour and personal pride mean everything in Spanish culture. You should avoid insulting the Spanish ego at all costs.