Spaniards are very open people and will talk to pretty much anyone who’s around without slightest feeling of embarrassment. It’s not unusual for people in a bar to get involved in a conversation with complete strangers. So, the first rule for approaching a Spaniard is don’t be shy. Just go right on up and say hi.

Let’s say you walk into a bar and see some young people. You walk up beside them and say hi. Then you turn to the bartender and order a beer. Just after the bartender gives you your beer you turn back to the people next to you and say “¿Me pasas una servilleta, por favor? Gracias. ¿Sois estudiantes?” And with that you’ve just initiated a conversation. Most Spaniards will feel quite comfortable carrying on the conversation with you. They’ll probably be curious about you and ask you questions like where you’re from.

If the conversation goes well, treat them to a round of drinks and they’ll immediately consider you a friend.

Wanna get together with them again sometime. Just before you or they leave say…

“Oye, deberíamos quedar un día para tomarnos otra cerveza.”

They’ll respond with something like “Vale. Cuando quieras.”

So, you say, “Mira, te doy mi número de teléfono. Es el 600 555 555. ¿Y el tuyo?”

And that’s all there is to it. Piece of cake.