Laws and ethics in Spain

Planning a trip to Spain requires a lot of care, attention and research. The local culture, traditions, laws, way of living, etc., in the region is quite different to what people are used to in most European and Asian countries. So, if you are interested in a vacation to this remarkable international holiday destination, consider learning about the important things every tourist must know before their journey begins.

From local laws, cultural aspects, and ethics to where to look for help, crucial tips and things to avoid, find all the necessary details about Spain on this page for a memorable trip experience.

Local laws and rules in Spain

Here are some of the major laws and rules in Spain that you should know about and follow during your trip;

• Laws on medication: As an international visitor, you have to be aware of the local laws on bringing medications to a foreign country beforehand. According to Spanish law, you can carry your personal medications as long as it is accompanied by a medical prescription. However, there's a limitation, which states you can only carry your medication for up to 3 months.
• Laws on driving: If you are looking to grab a rental car or motorcycle in Spain and explore the region on your own, there are a few documents you will need to present, such as a driver's license, IDP, rental documents, passport, insurance documents, etc., along with all safety gear. The legal age to drive in Spain is 18, whereas you must be 21 years old to rent a vehicle. You must also learn about and follow the local traffic laws in Spain, such as driving on the right-hand side of the road, overtaking on the left, etc.
• Laws on photography: Clicking photos and taking videos in public places in Spain is allowed; however, there are a few laws that you must know about. For example, you can't take pictures of people in public without consent unless they are participating in a festival or other cultural event.
• Other laws: There are tons of area and city-specific laws and regulations in Spain that you must enquire about prior to your visit. For example, it is prohibited to play paddle tennis on the sand in Malaga during summer or build sand castles on the beaches in Tenerife, and so on.

Foreign nationals outside the EU/EFTA, planning on driving in Spain should know that the international driving permit (IDP) will only be valid for up to a year. You are also required to have an accompanying IDP in case you have a license issued in a language other than Spanish. Also, make sure to use ticket machines when parking vehicles in city centers or towns. A pro tip that you should know is that parking on Sundays or sometimes during Siesta hours is free, whereas normally, it costs around €1.

Local culture in the Spain

Here are some crucial aspects of the local culture in Spain that you should know for your trip;

• Food: Food plays a massive role in the culture of Spain. It brings people together, even by sharing quick appetizers like the renowned tapas in Spain. Breakfast and dinner are light meals, while lunch is the main heavy meal of the day.
• Religion: The dominant religion in Spain is Roman Catholicism. Also, recent statistics suggest nearly 30% of the local population in Spain is irreligious.
• Language: Spanish, more precisely Castilian, is the main language and one of the official languages in Spain. The other four official languages include Basque, Galician, Valencian and Catalan.
• Work culture: An average Spaniard works around 36.4 hours every week, with workdays starting between 08:00-10:00 AM and ending by 05:00-08:00 PM.
• Festivals and holidays: There are tons of regional events and festivals celebrated across Spain every year, most being of religious origin. Some of the most famous ones include Good Friday, Easter Monday, Christmas, Maundy, etc.

If you are visiting Spain for the first time, remember not to call a Catalan Spanish. In most cases, they prefer to be referred to as Catalans or Basques. A pro tip is that you should look for the street signs and names if they are in any other language than Spanish, it's a clue that you are in a different region.

Local ethics in Spain

When visiting a foreign nation like Spain, it is important to learn about the local ethics. Here are some important points you can refer to;

• Spaniards are known for their friendly behavior and hospitality. So, make sure to treat everyone with respect. Also, if you are greeting someone, make sure to have a smile on your face and consider using a few Spanish phrases.
• If you are visiting someone's house in Spain, you should know that bringing gifts is not expected. However, a simple and thoughtful gift is always appreciated.
• Do not leave immediately after having a meal at someone's house in Spain. Make sure to stay for a few more moments for some upon-the-table conversation over some beverage.
• It is better to avoid drinking too much during a meal, especially when accompanied by guests.
• The basic communication style of the locals is informal and direct yet welcoming. Sharing opinions on their own, speaking a bit loudly and being expressive when talking are common traits of a friendly conversation in Spain.

When talking to strangers in Spain, consider leaving out sensitive topics, such as politics, Franco, the civil war, etc. A good way to connect with the local masses in Spain is by talking about happy topics such as food, family, recommendations for tourists, etc.

Laws to abide by in Spain

Here are some important Spanish laws that tourists must abide by;

• Noise pollution: There are some strict laws and regulations on noise pollution in certain places of Spain, such as Alicante. The fines for breaking the anti-nuisance laws can range anywhere from 600 to 30,000 Euros.
• Illegal parties: Attending unlicensed parties in Ibiza and Majorca can lead to hefty fines. The Balearic Island government has imposed hefty fines for this misconduct, ranging up to 300,000 euros.
• Smoking: There are strict laws on smoking in Spain that every tourist must follow. The authorities have prohibited smoking in indoor public places, some beaches, workplaces and on public transportation.
• Drinking limits: Some places in Spain, such as Sant Antoni de Portmany, Palma Beach, Magaluf, etc., have imposed restrictions on serving alcohol. Individuals are limited to only six alcoholic drinks a day, even if they are on an all-inclusive package at one of these resorts.
• Nudity: The local laws in Spain restrict nudity at non-nudist beaches in the region, along with severe fines for the offence. If you want to go all-natural, stick to nudist beaches like Playas de Vera, Maspalomas Beach, Platja des Cavallet, etc.
• Dress code in public: Tourists must follow the local laws on dress code in public places according to the cities they are visiting in Spain. For example, wearing swimwear in public places beyond beaches is strictly banned in Barcelona and Majorca.

Not just swimwear, you must also refrain from wearing flip-flops on the streets of Barcelona. Also, locals suggest against wearing ruffled dresses and flip-flops as they scream "tourists" and can make you a target of pickpocketing.

Why you should respect the local laws in Spain as a traveler

There are plenty of reasons why travelers should follow and respect the local laws in Spain;

• One of the main reasons why travelers visiting Spain must respect and follow the local laws is that they apply to both locals and foreigners.
• Not following the laws in Spain can lead to serious legal trouble and hefty fines, which can ruin your tour experience.
• The local laws in Spain are placed to protect the integrity and maintain the safety of the locals and international visitors, so everyone should respect them.
• Following the laws in Spain is a massive sign of respect you can show to the locals as a foreigner.

What to do if you run into legal trouble in Spain

Here are the steps you need to follow if you find yourself in legal trouble in Spain;

• In case you get arrested, make sure to comply with the police and local authorities. Be respectful and try to understand your misconduct properly.
• You can hire a private lawyer or go with the court-appointed lawyer for legal aid during the situation.
• You have the right to contact the local consulate or the embassy of your home country. Make sure to treat the consular staff with respect and be honest when seeking their assistance.
• You can settle minor offences on your own by paying the fine and going through the legal formalities.

Where to find help in Spain as a tourist?

If you want to seek help during your Spain tour, here are the places you can contact;

• The nearby consulate or the Embassy of your home country,
• Police stations or on-road law enforcement officials, and
• Official help or support groups dedicated to assisting tourists.

In case of an emergency, such as loss of passport, death, etc., Indian tourists can contact the Embassy at +34 628319030.

Things to avoid when in Spain/ Tips

If you are in Spain, here are some things you should avoid and essential tips you must follow;

• Spaniards are not too strict about punctuality, so don't be furious if things run late and you have to wait around 10-15 minutes.
• Avoid discussing sensitive topics with the locals in Spain, such as religion, politics, cultural differences, etc.
• Don't assume everyone speaks English in Spain. Consider using some common Spanish phrases yourself to get your point across in the region.
• Avoid wearing overly casual clothing when visiting a fine establishment, especially pubs, bars and restaurants.
• Don't expect to see the gruesome bullfight sport in the Spanish region of Catalonia and the Canary Islands, as it is banned.
• Don't schedule your Spain visit in winter if you are looking to be a part of tons of fun outdoor activities.

If you are visiting Spain during the summer, avoid outdoor activities between 2:00 and 5:00 PM when staying in Andalusian cities. Also, if you are planning on visiting Alhambra, make sure to book your tickets in advance in order to avoid the long queue.

Conclusion

This concludes our point regarding some of the most essential rules and regulations in Spain. Despite some strict laws and regulations, Spain is one of the most fun and upbeat holiday destinations in the world. You can enjoy each and every second of your stay in Spain while being respectful of the local laws and cultural aspects.

FAQs

1. What is the fine for smoking in restricted locations in Spain?

The fine for smoking in unauthorized spaces in Spain can range between 30 to 600 Euros.

2. Where is the Embassy of India in Spain?

The Embassy of India in Spain is located on Avenida Pio XII, 30-32 28016 Madrid City.

3. What is the legal age of drinking in Spain?

The minimum legal age for drinking across Spain is 18 years.

4. What are some essential Spanish phrases tourists can use to greet locals?

Some common Spanish phrases tourists can use to greet locals during their tour include Hola (hello), Buenos dias (good morning), Buenas Noches (good evening), ¿Cómo está? and so on.