Last Updated on May 19, 2026 by Bruno Bianchi
Moving to Spain as an American? See Settleguru’s full U.S.-tax checklist for FBAR, FATCA, FEIE, and state exit.
Question
How are Americans are being perceived at the moment in Spain? I am looking for some first-person stories. To all my fellow Americans living in Spain, what sort of encounters have you had recently with locals when they find out you’re American, and has it changed with the political discourse?
Planning your move to Spain?
Get the free step-by-step roadmap used by 10,000+ expats — covering visas, budget, housing, and the mistakes to avoid.
Start the Moving to Spain Hub →Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“I’ve lived here 18 years and I have only had one occasion of being mistreated due to being American, and he was immediately shut down by the other Spaniards around me. In my experience people seem to understand that if you live in Spain, you’re probably not one of those Americans who thinks everywhere outside of the US is a communist shithole.
I even had clients write to me after Trump won the first election to offer me condolences. I’d never even discussed politics with them. They just knew. And as things continue to fall apart over there, I’ve received nothing but sympathy. Nobody has ever assumed I’m a Trump supporter.”
“Recently I’ve had more people trying to get me to clarify my views but they’re almost always friendlier after I make it clear I despise our government. Also once you get to know people, they’ll start to ask more questions about things like the health insurance system, lack of worker rights and other stuff that sounds almost make believe to people outside the US. Most people in Spain seem willing to judge you as an individual thankfully and not hold it against us.”
Not sure which city is right for you?
Compare cost of living, weather, expat community size, and lifestyle across 13 Spanish cities in our free guide.
Explore Cities →“I’ve Been here since September 2025. Started in Valencia and now in Alicante. Have been treated with extreme kindness by every native Spaniard that we’ve encountered. Literally “welcome to Spain” several times. When picking up our NIE cards, the police officer at the door and I spoke (in English) and he told me “you are very welcome here in our country”. That’s been my experience.”
“When someone asks where we’re from, the first thing I say is “From the U.S., sorry, it’s embarrassing”, or just put my head down & shake it in shame, after saying the US, they get it. No one has ever given us a hard time.”
“I’m immediately identified as an American the moment I open my mouth. The Spanish are curious about me and why I’m there. They are smart enough to separate me from American politics, but are always curious what I think about Trump. I have always been treated fairly and with respect because that’s the way I treat Spanish locals.”
“I’ve just moved here, my neighbor said , “ah your from America?! So very sad what’s going on! Glad you are here now!” That was my first experience.”
“People look to me to try to explain Trump…I couldn’t do it the last go round, now it’s impossible, it’s just a lot of, “I know I can’t believe it, I’m sorry”.”
“I have always been treated well. Since Trump was elected, many Spaniards ask questions like ‘how does someone like that get elected?’ Spaniards are appalled at what they see happening in the US. Still, it is weird being asked about that so often.”
“I have never met anyone who’s been rude or doesn’t like me because I’m a U.S. Citizen, in fact quite contrary. My wife and I have been splitting our time between the states and Euskadi for decades and I feel welcomed and loved. Do I have political conversations? Sure, all the time. But in the end we agree to disagree and toast to a beautiful life.”
“After walking three month-long Caminos, spending many more weeks allover Spain, I think I am done with Spain. Spanish people who never met a Jew are hating them so much, and loving Hamas barbarians. Entire Europe , and Spain, would be speaking German if if weren’t for The USA.”
“People in Spain usually don’t equate American = you love Trump. They might make assumptions culturally but I’ve only been asked, rather than accused, if I like/don’t like Trump. Most people talk to me fine and tell me “Trump está loco”.
If anything most people are very confused on how America got to this point.”
“I’ve been here almost 4 years and never experienced any negativity about being American from Spanish people. The expat community is a bit more judgmental and openly opinionated, however. My general approach is to keep my politics to myself, which has generally served me pretty well.”
“I have found them extremely supportive of our need to leave do to political persecution.”
“After walking three month-long Caminos, spending many more weeks allover Spain, I think I am done with Spain. Spanish people who never met a Jew are hating them so much, and loving Hamas barbarians.”
“I was talking with someone at a concert and when a guy found out I was American and even more, from Texas, he got PISSED and started screaming lol. But after I clarified I hated the things he hated he mellowed and talked to me for a bit.”
“I lie and say I’m from Canada these days.”
“On a recent trip, I was treated very well. In general Spaniards dislike Trump, but some mentioned that they dislike Sanchez as well.”
“Most people are shocked and in my city people are happy I am not English. If you follow the social rules, be polite, be patient, and try to speak even mangled Spanish. The people are welcoming and helpful.”
“Spaniards were very friendly and didn’t bring up politics to me on my recent visit.”
“Most people that I know are glad to see America coming off of a really tough 4yrs and closing their borders.”
“People in Spain usually don’t equate American = you love Trump. Most people talk to me fine and tell me “Trump está loco”. If anything most people are very confused on how America got to this point.”
Conclusion
This Facebook conversation among Americans in Spain shows a wide range of experiences when locals discover someone is from the United States. Most contributors reported being treated kindly by Spaniards and said locals generally separate individual Americans from U.S. politics.
Many participants said conversations often turn to questions about American politics, especially about recent administrations or policies. Some described curiosity or sympathy from Spaniards, while others noted occasional political debates or misunderstandings.
Overall, the discussion suggests that daily life for American expats in Spain is usually positive, with most interactions shaped by personal behavior, language efforts, and mutual respect rather than nationality alone.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
Get your free step-by-step Spain move plan
10 emails over 2 weeks covering visas, budget, housing & the mistakes to avoid.
Join 10,000+ expats who used this roadmap.
100% free · No credit card · Unsubscribe anytime
