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. |
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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
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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. |
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| Buying cigarettes and tobacco in Spain - a rough guide here |
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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. |
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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. |
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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 |
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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. |
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Tobacconists (Estanco) |
Florists (Floresteria) |
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Ice cream parlour (Heladeria) |
Toy shop (Jugettos) |
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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 |
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| 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)
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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 |
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