Lace
Many areas of Spain are known worldwide for the intricate lace and linen. Qualities do vary considerably and be wary of street sellers selling lace and linen in sealed packs; chances are the set will not be complete or the goods will be seconds. You are better to buy from a shop where you can handle the goods first.

Buying cigarettes and tobacco in Spain - a rough guide here

Shop opening hours
Most shops open at 10.00am and close for siesta at 2.00pm, re-opening at 5.00pm until 8.30 or 9.00pm. Many shops open 10.00 – 2.00 on Saturdays and most close on Sundays. You may find several shops open on Sundays in coastal holiday resorts.
 

Etiquette
It is not normal to barter in shops unless they are very small establishments or on market stalls. Most shops now take all major credit cards. Debit cards are rarely accepted. Cheques are not accepted unless they are Spanish Euro cheques. Be prepared to present your passport if paying by credit card.

Queuing is normal in Spain and in general everyone is polite and complies.

Types of shop
Markets
Most towns and cities have their own weekly market where bargains can be had as well as an insight into local crafts and produce. It is quite acceptable to barter prices at markets and one should be careful for opportunist thieves who target tourists handbags and pockets.

See our video of market shopping here

Hypermarkets
These are becoming very popular especially in tourist resorts and cities. In the larger stores it is quite common to find a variety of small outlets alongside a major supermarket. Many incorporate hair salons, tobacconists, dentists, shoe repairs, camera shops etc, etc.

Language
It is common for most large shops to have English speaking staff, especially at customer service counters.

 

Here are some Spanish shops to help you: Bank- Banco Chemist - Farmacia Bookshop - Libreria Shoe shop or cobblers - Zapatero Dry cleaners - Tintoreria Florist - Florista Butchers - Carniceria Jewellers - Joyeria Post Office - Correos Bread shop or bakers - Panaderia Pastry Shop - Pasteleria Fish shop - Pescaderia Fruit and vegetables - Verdulero Tobacconists - Estanquero Stationery - Papeleria Travel agent - Agencia de Viajes Vets - Vetinario Lawyer or solicitor - Abogado	Signs you might see whilst shopping: Entrada - Entrance Salida - Exit Empujar - Push Tirar - Pull Se Vende - For sale Prohibido Fumar - No smoking Perros No - No dogs No Tocar - Do not touch Abierto - Open Cerrado - Closed
Post offices in Spain are called Correos (see pic below). They can be recognised by the yellow sign with a white post horn. Post boxes are yellow and located in the street. You will also find post boxes in hotels and some shops. You can purchase postage stamps from the post office or from a tobacconist (Estanco).
If you are looking for a chemist (farmacia), see our section on healthcare here. A farmacia can be recognised by a green cross. Farmacias operate a rota system for late opening. Each farmacia will have a list posted on the door.