Madrid Dress Code

The dress code is relatively standard and for those on business in Madrid, suits are the norm. Visitors who wish to simply to relax should choose casual clothes. This is acceptable in most situations with the exception of some restaurants and hotel lounges. Visitors are advised to remember Madrid's changeable climate when packing.

Greeting Someone in Madrid

Spaniards are conservative, expecting business cards, personal meetings (rather than telephone or fax communication) and comparitively formal relations. Some fluency in Spanish would be preferable, as only a few percent of Spaniards are fluent in English and many people prefer to conduct business in their own language. Shake hands at both the beginning and end of meetings, and use an appropriate greeting; remember that Spain is European and for this reason business conduct is more similar to the Italian or French custom than that of Latin America.

Madrid Business Hours and Banking

Most government offices in Spain are open weekdays from 09:00 to 14:00 only. Businesses will operate longer hours with some closing for a couple of hours in the afternoon. This varies from company to company. Banks are generally open weekdays from 09:00 to 14:00 and Saturday from 8:30 to 13:00. In the summer, most banks close at 13:00 on weekdays and stay closed on Saturday.

Madrid Smoking

Spanish restaurants are keen to offer areas that cater for those who smoke and those who don't, with some operating complete No-Smoking policies. In business, it is advisable to refrain and take cues from the host.