Serious shoppers will be able to indulge their weaknesses in Madrid, Barcelona and some major cities and resorts, though elsewhere retailing lags behind northern European countries. In general, shoppers can find items of high quality, not only in the cities, but in the small towns as well, at prices much lower than in the UK. In Madrid, the
Rastro Market is recommended, particularly on Sundays. Half of the market takes place in the open air and half in more permanent galleries, and it has a character all of its own.
Catalonian textiles are internationally famous and there are
mills throughout the region. Spanish
leather goods are prized throughout the world, offering high-fashion originals at reasonable prices. Of note are the suede coats and jackets. In general, all leather goods, particularly those from Andalucía, combine excellent craftsmanship with high-quality design. Fine,
handcrafted wooden furniture is one of the outstanding products; Valencia is especially important in this field, and has an annual international furniture fair. Alicante is an important center for
toy manufacturing. Shoe manufacturing is also of an especially high quality; the production centers are in Alicante and the Balearics.
Fine
rugs and carpets are made in Cáceres, Granada and Murcia. The numerous excellent
sherries,
wines and
spirits produced in Spain make good souvenirs to take home, as do bottles of Spain’s excellent olive oil.
Shopping hoursMon-Sat 0930-1330 and 1630-2000. However, most commercial stores and malls stay open from 1000-2100/2200.
Currency Information:CurrencyEuro (€) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of €2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents.
Currency ExchangeMoney can be changed in any bank, and at most travel agencies, major hotels and airports.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMsAmerican Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available.
Traveller's ChequesInternational traveller's cheques are widely accepted. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in Euros or Pounds Sterling. Traveller's cheques should be changed at banks or exchange bureaux.
Banking HoursMon-Fri, generally 0830-1330.
Exchange Rate Indicators| Date | Jan 09 |
| £1.00= | €1.06 |
| $1.00= | €0.73 |
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