Coming from the U.S., there are some inevitable differences and quirks to Spain. I’ll share some, but before I do…

Did you know? There is no “tooth fairy” in Spain – only a little rat “Ratoncito Perez” who comes for the tooth. Here is the story of Raton Perez.

More importantly for U.S. travelers to Spain, I’ve compiled a dozen of my top tips – no surprise that they are mostly related to…food and beverage!

• A first floor in any building is not “1” it is “0,” so one might find oneself on the wrong floor.
• Spaniards all have a definite opinion about whether the Spanish Tortilla should be made with onions or without onions – a fun conversation starter.
• The afternoon siesta is anywhere between 3:30-7:30 p.m., when stores and restaurants shutter, especially in smaller towns across Spain.
• Enjoy your main meal of the day with everyone else, starting at 2:30 p.m. Then eat a light bite between 8-11 p.m.
• Ham, ham and more “jamon” – where else is a “hamburgesa” defined as a pork burger with more ham on top?
• Olive oil replaces butter and is taken with absolutely everything (butter is an afterthought or special request)
• For the uninitiated, make sure to specify “con gas” (with) or “sin gas” (without) when ordering water the way you’d like it.
• As everywhere, there are so many different ways to order coffee, even by province and region, so study up! Just asking for “cafe” won’t do. My favorite along the journey became Valencia’s “cafe bonbon.” Here’s how to make one.
• Don’t expect to catch a café open before 8 or 9 a.m., even for coffee or breakfast.
• And, don’t dare take a coffee “to go” unless you’re an alien from another planet – just drink it there, at the café.
• Beer drinkers will need to settle for lagers or pilsners beer, since craft beer and IPA’s are a very rare offering.
• It’s best to have a drink request in mind immediately upon sitting down at a restaurant, as a waiter will ask immediately (and expects an immediate answer). If you’re avoiding alcohol, ask for a cocktail “sin” alcohol (my go-to became the refreshing “Mosto,” some version of grape and apple juice served with ice in a wine glass. Find other favorite Spanish drink recipes here.
• In the Andalucia region, many establishments are known for setting down a plate of free “tapas” (“pintxos” in Catalonia) in front of you after you order a drink. Consider waiting for this before ordering more.

So many more to share, but hope this short list is a helpful start.