Everyday errand shops, the tobacconist (estanco), hardware store and more

Terms used

• Estanco — The estanco is a licensed tobacconist that also sells stamps, official paper and, in many cases, transport tickets.
• Ferretería — The ferretería is a hardware store selling tools and parts, and usually cutting standard keys.
• Cerrajería — The cerrajería is a locksmith for special keys, lock changes and emergency openings.
• Papelería — The papelería is a stationery shop that often also photocopies and prints.
• Copistería — The copistería is a copy and print shop.
• Locutorio — The locutorio is a call shop offering phone, internet, printing, money transfers and top-ups.
• Droguería — The droguería sells cleaning products and household chemicals.
• Mercería — The mercería sells sewing supplies such as thread, buttons and zips.

Key rules

• Estanco: An estanco sells stamps and fiscal stamps, but not every one offers every service.
• Keys: Take standard keys to a ferretería and special or security keys to a cerrajería.
• Printing: For printing or photocopies, try a papelería, copistería or locutorio.
• Transport cards: Cards are specific to your city or region, so check local outlets.

Stamps and official paper: the estanco

Go to an estanco for postage stamps (sellos) and fiscal stamps (timbres). It also sells official stamped paper and pays for some forms. Besides tobacco, many also sell public transport tickets and top-up cards, lottery and betting items, prepaid mobile top-ups, envelopes and stationery. Some offer parcel services. In some towns you can also buy the tasa stamp for administrative fees.

Services vary by shop, so ask before you queue for something specific.

Keys and hardware

• Ferretería: Buy tools, screws, bulbs, plumbing and electrical parts here. Most also cut standard keys.
• Cerrajería: Go here for special or security keys, lock changes and emergency door openings (apertura de puertas). A call-out can be costly, so use it when a ferretería cannot help.
• Zapatería or shoe repair shop: These often cut keys (duplicado de llaves) and repair shoes. Many do small repairs such as heel replacement.

Transport cards

Many estancos in cities such as Madrid and Barcelona sell and top up local transport cards. You can also use station machines, ticket offices, and city or operator apps. Some systems accept a contactless bank card or phone payment at the gate. Cards are specific to a city or region. A personalised pass usually needs registration or an appointment at an office.

Printing and copies

• Papelería: Sells stationery and school and office supplies. It often does photocopies and printing.
• Copistería: A copy and print shop for photocopies, binding, plans, posters and printing documents.
• Locutorio: A call shop offering phone, internet, printing, money transfers and phone top-ups.

Cleaning and sewing

• Droguería: Cleaning products, household chemicals, paint sundries and basic hardware.
• Mercería: Sewing supplies, thread, buttons and zips. Some do small repairs.
• Arreglos de ropa: Go here for small repairs to clothes.

Large cities have more specialised shops. The questions below cover quick answers.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a standard key cut at a ferretería?

Yes, most ferreterías (hardware stores) cut standard keys, but special or security keys need a cerrajería (locksmith). A cerrajería also changes locks and opens locked doors in an emergency, though the call-out can be costly. A shoe repair shop often cuts keys too, under the name duplicado de llaves.

Where do I print or photocopy a document?

Go to a copistería, which is a copy and print shop for photocopies, binding, plans and posters. A papelería (stationery shop) often prints and photocopies too. A locutorio, a call shop, usually offers printing and internet as well.

Where can I mend clothes or buy sewing supplies?

Use an arreglos de ropa shop for small clothes repairs. A mercería sells thread, buttons, zips and other sewing supplies, and sometimes does small repairs itself.