Specialist shops (estancos, droguerías, ferreterías) and what each sells

Terms used

• Estanco — An estanco is a licensed tobacconist that also sells postage stamps, fee stamps and small everyday items.
• Droguería — A droguería is a shop selling cleaning products, detergents and basic household consumables.
• Ferretería — A ferretería is a hardware shop selling tools, screws, locks, electrical and plumbing parts, and often cuts keys.
• Bazar — A bazar is a general store selling cheap homeware, stationery, toys and seasonal goods.
• Pólizas — Pólizas are official stamped fee documents that some estancos sell for certain administrative procedures.

Key rules

• Estanco: Besides tobacco, an estanco sells postage stamps and, in some places, fee stamps.
• Fee stamps: Which stamps and forms an estanco has depends on the shop and region, so ask first.
• Droguería: Go to a droguería for cleaning products, not for tools.
• Ferretería: A ferretería is the place for hardware, locks and key cutting.
• Bazar: A bazar is the cheap, long-hours option for general homeware and small items.

Which shop do you need?

Spanish neighbourhoods have many small specialist shops. Each one focuses on a narrow range of goods. Pick by what you need:

• Stamps or official fee stamps: estanco.
• Cleaning products: droguería.
• Tools, screws, locks, keys: ferretería.
• Cheap homeware and general items: bazar.

Estanco: tobacco, stamps and small extras

An estanco is a licensed tobacconist. Tobacco is sold only through this network, and the state regulates it.

Estancos also offer some official services:

• Postage stamps (sellos). They sell them as authorised agents of the post office, so you can buy stamps without going to a post office.
• Fee stamps (timbres) and official stamped forms. Some sell pólizas and certain state or regional fee stamps for particular fees. What is on offer depends on the shop and the region. Ask the shop, or the body that issues the fee, before you go.
• Many administrative fees are now paid online or at banks, so you may not need a stamp at all.

Most estancos also sell the following. The range varies by shop:

• stationery, pens and envelopes
• lighters and smoking accessories
• sweets and crisps
• phone top-ups
• some lottery and scratch cards
• newspapers, cards and small gifts
• in some cities, prepaid transport cards or top-ups

Droguería: cleaning and household basics

A droguería sells cleaning products, detergents, paint sundries, basic hygiene items and household consumables. Some sell loose products by weight or volume. Go here for cleaning supplies, and ask the staff for advice on which product suits a job.

Ferretería: hardware

A ferretería is a hardware shop. It stocks tools, screws, locks, electrical and plumbing parts, and some paint. Most also cut keys. For a high-security key you may need a specialist locksmith (cerrajería).

Bazar: cheap variety

A bazar is a general store with low-priced homeware, stationery, toys, decorations, small appliances and seasonal goods. Many are run by Chinese-owned businesses. They often keep long opening hours, which helps when other shops are closed.

Other shops for repairs and health

The questions below cover key cutting, shoe and clothes repair, and the difference between a farmacia and a parafarmacia.

Frequently asked questions

Where can I get a key cut in Spain?

You can get a key cut at a ferretería (hardware shop), a cerrajería (locksmith), or a kiosk in a shopping centre or supermarket. Some zapaterías (shoe repairers) also do it. High-security keys may need a specialist locksmith.

Where do I take shoes or clothes for repair?

Take shoes to a zapatero (shoe repairer), which often cuts keys too. For clothes alterations, go to an arreglos de ropa shop, a costurera or tailor, or a tintorería (dry cleaner).

Can I pay official fees with stamps at an estanco?

Sometimes, but it depends on the region and the fee. Estancos can sell fee stamps (timbres) and stamped forms for certain tasas. Many fees are now paid online or at banks, so ask the office that issues the fee first.

What is the difference between a farmacia and a parafarmacia?

A farmacia dispenses prescription and over-the-counter medicines under a pharmacist, while a parafarmacia may not dispense prescription medicines. A parafarmacia sells non-prescription health and beauty goods, often at lower prices. Both sell cosmetics, sun care, baby goods and vitamins.