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.

• Lifestyle in Spain is at odds with that of Northern Europe: it is unhurried, loud and smoke-filled.
• A general "buenos días" (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 of beer, you should ask for a "caña" (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 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.