1. Region:
* Latin America: Generally more relaxed about time than Spain.
* "Llegar tarde" (arriving late) is often acceptable, but not excessively so.
* "Hora española" (Spanish time) might be a concept, but it's not as exaggerated as in Spain.
* Spain: Known for its "hora española" – a culture where arriving 15-30 minutes late is not unusual for social gatherings.
* Business meetings are an exception, requiring punctuality.
* However, even in formal settings, arriving a few minutes late might be acceptable.
2. The Occasion:
* Formal events: Always aim for punctuality.
* Social gatherings: Flexibility is more common, but consider the age of the group and the formality of the event.
* Business meetings: Punctuality is generally expected, especially for meetings with people from outside of the culture.
3. The Person You're Meeting:
* Close friends and family: More leeway is given.
* People you don't know well: It's best to err on the side of caution and arrive on time.
General Advice:
* It's always better to be a few minutes early than late. This shows respect for your host's time.
* If you are going to be late, communicate with the person you are meeting. Send a text or call and let them know you're running behind.
* Be prepared to explain your lateness. A sincere apology will go a long way.
* When in doubt, follow the lead of the locals. Observe how others behave and adjust accordingly.
In short, arriving late in Spanish-speaking places can be acceptable in some situations, but it's best to be mindful of the context and communicate effectively.