10 Culture Shocks That Surprised Me When I Moved to Spain

Moving to Spain has been one of the best decisions of my life, but it didn’t come without surprises. As an American stepping into a totally different rhythm of life, I was hit with culture shock almost immediately. Some things were hilarious, others were frustrating, but all of them made me realize... I wasn’t in the U.S. anymore.

If you’re planning to move to Spain or just curious about what real expat life looks like, here are 10 cultural shocks that totally caught me off guard when I made the move.

1. No One Is in a Hurry

In Spain, time moves differently. Deadlines? Flexible. Appointments? More like suggestions. At first, it drove me nuts. I came from a culture of urgency and punctuality. But after a while, I began to appreciate the slower pace. People are present. They savor moments. It’s frustrating at first, but kind of beautiful once you surrender to it.

2. Warm Milk on Shelves

I walked into my first Spanish grocery store and saw rows of milk cartons not in the fridge. What?! Turns out, UHT (Ultra Heat Treated) milk is the standard here. It stays fresh for months unopened and only needs refrigeration after opening. Once you get past the weirdness, it’s practical, shelf-stable, and saves space in your fridge.

3. Dinner at 10:00 p.m.

My stomach was in full rebellion during our first week. In Spain, people don’t even think about dinner until 9 or 10 p.m. Restaurants fill up when Americans are thinking about bed. It took some time to adjust, but now I find myself loving the late-night meals and slower evenings.

4. It’s Totally Normal to Break a Multipack

At U.S. supermarkets, opening a multipack to take a single item might earn you side-eyes. In Spain? No big deal. Locals regularly open packages to grab what they need. It’s practical, flexible, and speaks volumes about the local approach to everyday life.

5. Gender-Neutral Bathrooms Are Common

Finding shared or mixed-gender bathrooms was definitely surprising at first. In the U.S., that’s still considered taboo in many places. Here, it’s not a big deal. You’ll find shared sinks or unisex stalls, and you quickly learn that no one really cares. You just get on with it.

6. Athleisure Is Basically Banned

Okay, not officially. But culturally? Wearing gym clothes in public, even just to grab coffee or take out the trash gets you serious side-eye. Spaniards dress well, always. For the first year, I felt underdressed 90% of the time. Eventually, I upped my wardrobe game. You will too.

7. Kids Are Out Past Midnight

I couldn’t believe it the first time I saw toddlers playing in the plaza at 11 p.m. But here in Spain, family life rules, even late at night. It’s common for families to enjoy dinners and strolls together long past what we’d consider “bedtime.” And honestly? It’s kind of amazing.

8. The Mystery of the Second Toilet

Every apartment has one. No one explains it. At first, I thought it was a second toilet... or a weird sink... or some sort of fancy fountain. It’s a bidet, and once you figure it out, it’s a game-changer. Took me months to use it, but now I get the hype.

9. Tapas Will Ruin You for Life

Order a drink, and free food just shows up. That’s right, free tapas. It’s one of the best parts of Spanish dining culture. Small plates, meant to be shared, are often served complimentary at bars or restaurants. You’ll never want to go back to paying $12 for cheese sticks again.

10. Healthcare That Doesn’t Break the Bank

Spain’s healthcare system is accessible, high-quality, and affordable. From walk-in appointments to routine care, it’s efficient and no surprise bills. Coming from the U.S., it was honestly a bit emotional to experience healthcare that prioritizes people over profits.

Final Thoughts: Culture Shock Means Growth

Every country has its quirks and perks. But Spain has taught me to slow down, question my habits, and truly enjoy life. These cultural differences reminded me that there’s more than one way to live, and sometimes, a different way might be better.

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Until next time, friends, keep dreaming big and we’ll see you on the road.