Shopping in spain, spanish shops, buy products from spain here on the internet, buy from spain
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Shopping in Spain - buy Spanish products online here
Spain is a modern country with a well developed economy, however there are still some areas of Spain that remain untouched by the 21st century. In general, much of Spain has developed into a thriving tourist industry, yet most of it’s ancient traditions have been preserved. Indeed, many of the traditional manufacturing industries have thrived on tourism and have simply adapted to cope. This basically means that Spanish handicrafts are readily available to visitors and still remain good value.

   

Most will depend on the area that you visit as each area has its own particular specialties but some of the most common are;

Leather
Spain has an ample supply of very high quality leather and leather goods ranging from the smallest purse or handbag to leather furniture. Look out for the large factory outlets although watch the prices. You may find the range of goods better but the prices will be higher than those in the small shops.
 


A cake shop

 
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 in Spain
Most shops in Spain 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 in Spain
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. Foreign debit cards are rarely accepted. Cheques are not accepted unless they are Spanish Euro cheques and this is becoming rare. Be prepared to present your passport or driving licence 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.
Related pages
Related articles
 


Tobacconists
Florists
Tobacconists (Estanco)
Florists (Floresteria)
Ice cream
Toy shop
Ice cream parlour (Heladeria)
Toy shop (Jugettos)

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). See feature on Spanish post offices here


A post office (Correos)

Post box in Spain
Postbox in street
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.

Clothing in Spain

For details about fashion and styles in Spain see here

 

Cost of living in Spain

Spain is not the cheap destination it used to be but prices are still better than the UK for most things. For an up to date list of Spanish prices, see our cost of living charts here

 

 

 

   
Insurance in spain Bargain priced Insurance for your holiday home in Spain or for your Spanish home. Policies in English and English speaking helplines. The prices are the lowest you will find anywhere
 
 
Insurance in Spain
 
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