13 Things You Should Never Do in Spain (We Learned the Hard Way)

Just moved to Spain? Planning a trip? Or just curious what not to do when living abroad?

In this video, we’re sharing the biggest cultural mistakes we’ve made since moving to Spain — and what we’ve learned from locals, from experience, and from… some very passionate internet commenters 😅

We cover everything from dinner times in Spain, regional identity, Spanish greetings, fruit shopping etiquette, and yes — the great siesta debate.

This is your lighthearted, honest, and slightly humbling guide to common expat and tourist mistakes in Spain, whether you're relocating or just trying to be more culturally aware.

🇪🇸 Topics we cover:
– What time do people actually eat in Spain?
– Do siestas still exist?
– The truth about Spain’s 17 autonomous regions
– Why you shouldn’t touch the fruit at the market
– Spanish etiquette in stores, restaurants, and bureaucracy
– Using tú vs usted (hint: don’t tú the abuela)
– Is Spain religious? Well… it’s complicated.

🧳 We’re Cheryl and Cliff — we left the U.S. in search of a slower, more joyful life, and this channel is where we share our journey toward living “Closer to Happy.”

💬 Tell us in the comments: what did you get wrong in Spain? What should we learn next?

🎥 SUBSCRIBE for weekly episodes on moving abroad, integrating into Spanish life, and building a life of more meaning and less stress.

#SpainTravel #LivingInSpain #MovingToSpain #ExpatLife #WhatNotToDoInSpain #CloserToHappy #SpainTips #AmericanInSpain

⏱️ YouTube Chapter Timeline:
0:00 – Intro: Things We Got Wrong About Spain
Welcome and setup for the episode — how our cultural blunders and passionate comments led to this list.

0:42 – #1: Don’t Expect Dinner Before 8pm
Our funny restaurant story about showing up too early and dining with confused tourists.

1:30 – #2: Don’t Assume Spain Is Just One Thing
Why Spain’s 17 autonomous regions matter — and how we learned not to generalize.

2:35 – #3: Don’t Say Siestas Are a Thing (Or Not a Thing)
The great siesta debate, what we’ve observed, and why we’re not taking sides anymore.

3:45 – #4: Don’t Skip the Greeting (“Hola” Matters!)
How saying “Buenos días” changes everything — especially with shopkeepers.

4:55 – #5: Don’t Try Bureaucracy in August
Why August is not the month to get things done — unless you’re going to the beach.

5:56 – #6: Don’t Assume Everyone Speaks English
Our language learning journey, cultural humility, and Cliff’s hilarious coffee order fail.

6:58 – #7: Don’t Call Spain a Religious Country
How festivals and culture fooled us, and what we’ve learned about Spain’s secularism.

7:52 – #8: Don’t Touch the Fruit at the Market
The wrath of the abuela — and why it’s best to let the experts pick your produce.

8:35 – #9: Don’t Expect Fast Restaurant Service
Why slow service is intentional — and why we’ve come to love the relaxed pace.

9:44 – #10: Don’t Use “Tú” Too Soon
Why “usted” is safer with new people (and dogs), and how Americans tend to be too informal.

10:45 – Final Thoughts + Your Turn
We're still learning, loving Spain, and inviting viewers to share their mistakes or tips in the comments.