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Shopping hints & tips

Here we cover some of the things that you may not know about when shopping in Spain. And unless someone tells you how will you know?

Queuing
Queuing doesn’t really exist in Spain. In smaller specialist shops such as butchers and bakers there can be a free for all if it’s a busy time. There seems to be an unspoken rule that the old ladies go first so beware, as they can be a force to be reckoned with! Sometimes there is a numbered ticket system so look out for this or you could be waiting an eternity.

This also applies at the markets, where you need to stand your ground, make eye contact with the vendors and wave your arms a lot.

Bartering
Strangely enough bartering isn’t that popular at the markets. It’s always worth a try but sometimes stall holders just won’t budge as they know they’ll sell the goods anyway.

You can try bartering in shops, but the offer of cash isn’t always an incentive as most people pay with cash anyway.

Internet Shopping
Internet shopping is only just becoming popular in Spain. The Spanish aren’t a race for spending hours on the net surfing for the latest bargains – they’d rather buy the goods immediately in a shop. And there’s still the risk of you not actually receiving what you ordered as addresses can be very hard to find.

Security
Don’t relax just because it’s hot and you’re enjoying life. Foreigners are prime targets for pickpockets and we stand out like sore thumbs. Always keep bags zipped and on your person and purses and wallets out of view.

Be extra vigilant if your credit or debit card is taken away to make payment. It’s a good idea to go to the counter and watch the assistant make the transaction to avoid them doing it twice.

Identity
In the majority of shops you can’t pay by card without showing some form of photographic identification. This also applies to the Spanish.

Supermarket Shopping
Always have a euro or 50 cent coin in your purse or keep in your car as you won’t be able to get a trolley without one.

In some of the larger supermarkets, particularly those in shopping centres you’ll be asked to leave your bags (other than your handbag) in a secure locker at the entrance and collect them when you’ve finished your shopping.

When it’s hot take a freezer bag and ice packs with you to conserve your frozen food or it will almost certainly have melted by the time you get home.

Wine also doesn’t keep very well in a hot car and bottles can even explode.

Don’t expect to do your weekly shop on a Sunday or fiesta day. Unless you live in a tourist area the supermarkets will be closed.

Brands
Try and buy Spanish branded goods. They’re cheaper and are just as good as other European brands.

Customer Service
Don’t expect to be treated as a valuable customer as Spanish shop assistants are often miserable and won’t give you the time of day. It’s not in their nature to give you service with a smile. However, don’t let this put you off. If you want to buy something stick with it and you’ll get there in the end. Knowledge of Spanish often helps when shopping.

At the other extreme if you live in a village and shop locally shop owners will often talk to you, particularly if they have no other customers. They soon recognise you and this is a great way to practise your Spanish.

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