Scam in SpainShopping
Convenience-store price markups in Spain
How it works
Small corner stores tend to charge more for convenience. Higher prices alone do not mean a shop is committing fraud.
Warning signs
- Everyday goods cost more than at nearby supermarkets.
- You have not checked the shelf price before buying.
How to avoid it
- Check prices before paying.
- Use supermarkets for routine grocery purchases.
- Compare the total before accepting a convenience premium.
If it happens to you
Ask about any charge that differs from the displayed price.
- Move somewhere safe. Do not chase thieves or fight over belongings. Call 112 if you are threatened, injured or need urgent help.
- Freeze or cancel stolen cards immediately. Tell your bank or payment provider about any fraudulent payment or transfer.
- Write down what happened. Save receipts, messages, payment records, times, locations and descriptions.
- Report the crime to police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia, the police report, for insurance or replacement documents.
- Contact your embassy or consulate if your passport was stolen. Contact the rental company if a rental vehicle was involved.
- Contact your insurer and keep your report and receipts. If a phone was stolen, secure affected accounts and contact your mobile provider.
What travellers report
Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.
- Redditr/Barcelona2023Supermarkets and not having prices on their productsA visitor reports paying €5.80 for two water bottles and a Pepsi in an unpriced shop, while commenters describe inflated checkout prices.Read on Reddit
- Redditr/Barcelona2022Do locals pay outrageous prices in "supermercats" without receipts or do they scam tourists only?Contributors report small Barcelona convenience stores charging inconsistent prices based on the customer and targeting tourists willing to pay more.Read on Reddit
Questions
What is the convenience-store price markups scam in Spain?
Small corner stores tend to charge more for convenience. Higher prices alone do not mean a shop is committing fraud.
How can I spot it early?
Everyday goods cost more than at nearby supermarkets. You have not checked the shelf price before buying.
How do I avoid convenience-store price markups in Spain?
Check prices before paying. Use supermarkets for routine grocery purchases. Compare the total before accepting a convenience premium.
What should I do if it happens to me?
Ask about any charge that differs from the displayed price.
Where in Spain does this happen?
Small corner stores. It has been reported in Barcelona.
How common is this scam in Spain?
Occasional. Spain is generally safe, but pickpocketing and distraction theft are common in busy tourist areas, especially in Barcelona and Madrid. Travellers may also face taxi overcharging, padded restaurant bills, pushy street offers and online payment scams.
Are there similar scams in Spain?
Yes: no-change trick, souvenir-shop tourist traps, low-quality goods sold from street blankets.
Who can I report it to?
Emergency services: call 112 for urgent police, medical or fire help. The number is toll-free. Policía Nacional: report crimes in cities to the National Police. Ask for a copy of the denuncia if you need evidence for insurance or replacement documents. Policía Municipal or Local; Guardia Urbana in Barcelona: ask local police for help finding where to report. They can escort you to Policía Nacional headquarters if required, but do not directly take crime reports as described here. Regional police: regional forces with similar responsibilities to Policía Nacional include Mossos d'Esquadra in Catalonia, Ertzaintza in the Basque Country, Policía Foral in Navarre and Policía Canaria in the Canary Islands. Guardia Civil: seek help for incidents outside cities or on roads between cities. For urgent help, call 112. Your bank or card issuer: use your banking app or a trusted contact number to block cards, report fraud and ask whether a payment or transfer can be stopped or recovered. Your embassy or consulate: contact them through their official contact details if your passport is stolen. Keep your police report for the replacement process. Your travel insurer: report the loss promptly and follow the claim instructions. Keep the police report, receipts and evidence of ownership. Your rental company: use the contact details in your rental agreement to report vehicle damage or theft. Keep the police report and photographs of damage.
What number do I call in an emergency in Spain?
Police, medical and fire emergencies: 112.
Reviewed by @snuck