Dealing with shop and bar staff without seeming rude

Key rules

• Getting attention: Use eye contact, a small raised hand or a calm "perdona"; never snap, whistle or shout.
• The bill: Ask for it yourself with "la cuenta, por favor"; it will not come on its own.
• Queues: In small shops, ask "¿quién es el último?" when you arrive.
• Language: Greet in Spanish first, then ask if they speak English.

Calling the waiter: use your voice, calmly

Catch the waiter's eye and raise a hand or your chin slightly. If that fails, say "perdona", "oye" or "por favor" in a clear, normal voice. "Camarero" or "camarera" is also accepted, so it is not rude.

Avoid snapping your fingers, whistling, shouting across the room or waving hard.

Don't expect the bill to arrive

Waiters often do not come to you unprompted. The table is yours, and pushing the bill on you would feel like hurrying you out. When you are ready, ask: "la cuenta, por favor".

Plates and glasses often stay on the counter or table until staff clear them. In busy places tables are cleared fairly quickly, but nobody expects you to leave promptly after eating.

Small shops: chat and wait your turn

In neighbourhood greengrocers, bakeries and butchers, customers are served one at a time. A short friendly chat is normal, so do not rush it or the person ahead of you. Greet with "buenos días" or "hola".

When you arrive, ask "¿quién es el último?" ("who is last?"). Someone will answer, and you then know whose turn comes before yours. Waiting is accepted.

Big supermarkets and tourist areas are faster and less chatty.

Which language to start in

Start with "hola, buenos días" and a few words of Spanish, then ask "¿habla inglés?". This goes down much better than opening in English.

Younger staff and people in tourist areas and big cities often manage some English. Many older shopkeepers and public-service staff speak little or none. Simple Spanish, gestures or a translation app work in most places.

Reading the tone

Staff may sound brisk or direct. That is usually not rudeness. A warm greeting and a "por favor" and "gracias" keep things friendly. The questions below cover the most common doubts.

Frequently asked questions

Is it rude to call 'camarero' to get a waiter's attention?

No, calling 'camarero' or 'camarera' is accepted in Spain, but 'perdona', 'oye' or 'por favor' in a normal, clear voice works just as well. Catching the waiter's eye and raising a hand or your chin slightly is often enough.

Why does the waiter never bring the bill unprompted?

Waiters do not bring the bill on their own because the table is yours for as long as you want it, and pushing you out would be rude.

Should I start in English at a shop counter?

No, start with 'hola, buenos días' and a few words of Spanish, then ask '¿habla inglés?'. This is received much better than opening in English.

Is a bit of chat at a small shop counter normal?

Yes, a short friendly chat is normal at small neighbourhood shops such as bakeries, greengrocers and butchers, because customers are served one at a time. Greet the staff and accept the wait without hurrying them.