Barcelona Local Custom Tips by magictravelers

Yes! It does exist, and it can be very anoying sometimes. Small stores do close from 1:30 (sometimwa 2 or 2:30) until 4 (or even 5), for lunch. And they are very strick with their time. If you are in a store at closing time, you will be kickced out. Most places don´t open until 9 or 10, and close at 8 or 9. So plan accordingly. Restaurants, and stroes at Ramblas do stay open, but ask at a Tourist Information Center or Hotel if you are in doubt so you can take advantage of all your time and vacation. Oh yes! Sundays are a rest day also. And in August, you won´t be able to find to much either!

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Barcelona is an Autonomic Community, with a President, laws and police of its own. The culture is a it different than the rest of Spain and you will notice it directly with the language.
While everyone knows Spanish, the official language is Catalan, which is very similar to Spanish, but could be hard to understand if you don´t know the pronuntiation relues.
Most signs are written in catalan, as well as menus, and such.
You might find some people who refuse to speak Spanish and a few that can´t speak it. Don´t take it personally, and rtry someone else.

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Spanish people are very lucky here. Most workers have contracts and will earn the same amount of money every month. If they are fired, they must receive a compensation.
A waiter could make the same amount of money as any secretary, so they don´t depend on tips.
They will be very greatful if you do leave a tip and put it in a common pot to divide at the end of the day or week. But you are not required to leave a minumun amount of tip, unless otherwise requested (large groups).
There is an exception: as in many countries, ilegal residents are starting to work as waiters/waitresses in Barcelona (mostly southamericans). They get paid very little for a lot of work and have no health insurance.

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