CEFR A1-A2
Spanish Shopping Phrases: Prices, Sizes, Returns and Haggling
Spanish-speaking countries vary widely in how shopping works. Spain and the upmarket parts of Latin America operate fixed-price retail similar to most European norms; markets across Latin America have lively haggling cultures. These phrases handle the standard retail interactions and the situations where the cultural cues differ.
How much does it cost?
cuesta?
IPA /ˈkwanto ˈkwesta/
KWAN-to KWES-ta
The default question. 'Cuanto vale?' (how much is it worth?) is also widely used in Spain.
Could I see this one, please?
, ?
IPA /poˈðɾia ˈbeɾ ˈeste poɾ faˈβoɾ/
po-DREE-ah ver ES-teh por fah-VOR
The polite conditional 'podria' is the default for retail interactions across the Spanish-speaking world.
Do you have it in a smaller / larger size?
talla pequena / ?
IPA /lo ˈtjene en ˈuna ˈtaʝa ˈmas peˈkeɲa / ˈmas ˈɡɾande/
lo tee-EH-neh en OO-na TA-ya mahs peh-KEH-nya / mahs GRAN-deh
'Talla' is used for clothing; 'numero' for shoes.
What size do you have?
talla ?
IPA /ke ˈtaʝa ˈtjene/
keh TA-ya tee-EH-neh
The shop assistant asking you. Have your continental size ready; UK and US sizes do not map cleanly.
Can I try it on?
?
IPA /me lo ˈpweðo pɾoˈβaɾ/
meh lo PWEH-do pro-BAR
Universal phrase for trying on clothing. The fitting room is 'el probador'.
Where are the fitting rooms?
probadores?
IPA /ˈdonde esˈtan los pɾoβaˈðoɾes/
DON-deh es-TAN los pro-ba-DO-res
Do you have it in another colour?
?
IPA /lo ˈtjene en ˈotɾo koˈloɾ/
lo tee-EH-neh en O-tro ko-LOR
I am just looking, thank you.
, .
IPA /ˈsolo esˈtoj miˈɾando ˈɡɾasjas/
SO-lo es-TOY mee-RAN-do GRAH-syas
Polite brush-off for shop assistants who approach you immediately. Common across all Spanish-speaking countries.
Can I pay by card?
?
IPA /ˈpweðo paˈɣaɾ kon taɾˈxeta/
PWEH-do pah-GAR kon tar-HEH-ta
Card payment is universal in Spain and major Latin American cities. Smaller shops and street markets may be cash-only.
Do you take pounds / dollars / euros?
Aceptan libras / / euros?
IPA /aˈseptan ˈliβɾas / ˈdolaɾes / ˈewɾos/
ah-SEP-tan LEE-bras / DO-la-res / EH-oo-ros
Worth asking only in tourist areas; most shops outside tourist zones accept only local currency.
Could you give me a discount?
hacerme descuento?
IPA /poˈðɾia aˈseɾme un desˈkwento/
po-DREE-ah ah-SEHR-meh oon des-KWEN-to
Appropriate at markets (Mexico's mercados, Argentine ferias, etc.) and at independent shops. Not appropriate at chain retailers or upmarket boutiques.
Can I return this if it does not fit?
devolverlo ?
IPA /ˈpweðo deβolˈβeɾlo si no me ˈkeða ˈbjen/
PWEH-do deh-vol-VEHR-lo see no meh KEH-da BYEN
Return policies vary widely. Spanish chains usually accept returns within 30 days with the receipt; smaller shops may be more restrictive.
Could I have a receipt, please?
darme ticket, ?
IPA /poˈðɾia ˈdaɾme el ˈtiket poɾ faˈβoɾ/
po-DREE-ah DAR-meh el TEE-ket por fah-VOR
Spain uses 'ticket' (loaned from English) for the small receipt; 'la factura' is the formal receipt or invoice. Latin America uses 'la boleta' or 'el recibo'.
It is too expensive.
caro.
IPA /es demaˈsjaðo ˈkaɾo/
es deh-ma-SYA-do KA-ro
Negotiation opener at markets. Pairs with 'le doy X' (I will give you X) for a counter-offer.
Regional notes
Spain
Spanish chain retailers (Zara, Mango, El Corte Ingles, MediaMarkt) operate with fixed prices and standard European return policies. Sales seasons ('rebajas') run in January and July with significant discounts. Sunday opening is restricted in much of Spain; check before planning a Sunday shop.
Mexico
Mexican markets ('mercados', 'tianguis') expect light haggling. The opening offer is often 20-40% above the seller's target; expect to negotiate down. Modern shopping centres ('plazas') operate fixed-price retail. Mexican shoes and clothing use European sizing in modern retail.
Argentina, Chile and the Southern Cone
Strong fixed-price retail culture in central urban areas. Markets and street vendors expect light haggling. The price tag is more often the firm price than in Mexico.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked
Is it rude to haggle in Spain?
Yes, at most retail establishments. Spanish retail outside small markets and antique fairs is fixed-price, and trying to negotiate at a regular shop or boutique reads as inappropriate. The flea markets ('rastros' in Madrid, 'mercadillos' generally) and antique markets are the exceptions; haggling there is welcomed.
What is the difference between 'el ticket', 'la boleta' and 'la factura'?
'Ticket' (Spain) and 'boleta' (Latin America) are the small printed receipt you get at the till for most retail purchases. 'La factura' is the formal invoice; you ask for it when you need a proper receipt for business expenses or when buying something significant (a major appliance, etc.).
How do I ask for a specific clothing size?
Una talla M / una talla 38 / una talla S (an M size, a 38 size, an S size). European sizing is universal across Spain and modern Latin American retail. UK and US sizes are not used; have your continental size memorised before shopping.