Moving to a new country is exciting, but it often comes with adjusting to a different way of life. For expats moving from the UK to Spain, the cultural differences between the two countries can be both fascinating and surprising. From daily routines to social customs, Spain offers a unique rhythm and approach to life that’s different to the British way of doing things. Understanding these differences not only helps you settle in more comfortably, but it also ensures you make the most of your experience embracing a new culture.
Below, we’ve explored the key cultural differences between Spain and the UK to help you navigate your relocation with ease.
Cultural Differences: Spain vs. UK
It doesn’t matter where in Spain you choose to live as an expat, you’re sure to notice some of these cultural differences.
Work-Life Balance
In Spain, there is a bigger emphasis on work-life balance than there is in the UK. The famous siesta culture – though it’s not quite as prevalent in urban and city areas anymore – reflects the Spanish value of taking time to recharge, relax and have a break from working. Businesses often operate on split schedules, with a long lunch break in the middle of the day, especially in smaller towns. This is hugely different to the UK, where work schedules are typically more rigid. You’ll notice a slower, more relaxed pace of life in Spain.
Meal Times and Food Culture
There’s a lot of delicious Spanish dishes for you to enjoy, but one of the biggest differences between Spain and the UK is the timing of meals. In Spain, lunch is the main meal of the day, and it’s usually enjoyed between 2 pm and 4 pm. Dinner is then served a lot later, sometimes as late as 10 pm. This can take some adjusting if you’re used to the UK’s earlier meal times, where most people have dinner around 6pm or 7pm. The Spanish like to take their time over meals, focusing on socialising and savouring their food, whereas in the UK, meals tend to be quicker and more functional.
Plus, when you move to Spain, you’ll notice that the country’s culinary culture emphasises fresh, locally sourced ingredients and regional specialties, especially when it comes to tapas. Instead of having big, hearty meals, Spanish culture tends to favour sharing small plates and ‘tapas’ restaurants.
Language Nuances
Though many Spanish speakers do speak English, especially in cities and areas popular with tourists, learning Spanish is key if you want to properly integrate into the community; language barriers can impact daily interactions like banking, shopping, or healthcare appointments. There are a few different dialects of Spanish spoken in Spain, including Catalan or Basque, so what you’ll hear could vary depending on the region.
Social Norms and Communication
The Spanish are known for their warmth and expressiveness, often greeting with two kisses on the cheek, which is rarely seen in the UK. In contrast, Brits tend to be more reserved, typically sticking to a handshake or brief hug, depending on who’s being greeted. Small talk and pleasantries are common in Spain, with locals taking time to build personal relationships, whether in business or social settings. This contrasts with the UK, where interactions can sometimes feel more formal or efficient, and striking up a conversation with a complete stranger isn’t something that everyone feels comfortable doing.
Punctuality and Timekeeping
If you’re used to the UK’s punctuality, Spain’s more relaxed approach to time may come as a surprise, especially if you’re regularly arriving slightly earlier and your Spanish counterparts are arriving a little later. Meetings, social gatherings and even public events often start later than scheduled in Spain, and it’s not something people think twice about. While this relaxed attitude can be refreshing, it’s essential to adjust your expectations and practice patience when settling in.
Festivals and Traditions
Spain’s vibrant cultural calendar is packed with festivals, from the lively Feria de Abril in Seville to the famous La Tomatina in Buñol. These events are deeply rooted in Spanish tradition and offer a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in local culture, with both locals and holidaymakers getting involved. There’s also a lot going on in the UK, but the cultural calendar tends to revolve more around national holidays and seasonal events, which are generally less extravagant compared to Spanish celebrations.
Family-Centric Culture
Family is at the heart of Spanish life, and the culture is very family-centric. It’s common for multiple generations to live together or remain very close, which is less common in the UK. Sundays and holidays are often reserved for family gatherings and there’s a big focus on spending quality time together. Though family is important in the UK, there’s generally a greater emphasis on individualism and independent living.
Grocery Shopping
Unlike the UK, supermarkets are the ‘go to’ for groceries, with many households doing a big supermarket shop once a week. Spain has a thriving culture of local markets and specialty shops, which people tend to favour over large supermarkets. Though big supermarkets are easy to find in Spain, many people prefer to buy fresh produce, fish and meat from dedicated vendors. Sunday shopping is limited in Spain, with many stores closing, which can be an adjustment for expats used to shops being open seven days a week.
Organising Your Move to Spain
From sorting out paperwork to packing your belongings, every aspect of moving to Spain benefits from being planned well in advance. Utilising the help of a professional removals company, such as United International Removals, is one of the best things you can do to reduce stress during your move.
As an experienced removals team, we specialise in international relocations and can guide you through every step, including packing, transportation and customs clearance. We have the expertise to handle delicate or valuable items, ensuring your belongings arrive safely at your new home. Get in touch to find out more.