Martin Lewis: Don't shop at Zara before you go to Spain, Greece, France or Italy

Martin Lewis
Martin Lewis
Updated 18 June 2024 | Created 27 May 2014

If you're one of the millions planning a trip to Spain at some point this summer, stop shopping at Zara right now. The giant Spanish fashion brand sells clothes in its native country far cheaper than here, so wait until you get there if you're planning on buying something. It's also usually cheaper, though not as much of a difference, in other countries where you pay in euros too.

The price difference is enormous. The pound price is often higher than the euro price before you even convert the currency (which further cheapens the euro price).

And while you can't get English delivery from its Spanish website, the big boon is it gives you the option to select 'English' as the language – and the websites in other countries are almost identical – so you can easily browse in advance for pricing research purposes.

And this isn't just about Zara. Similar pricing structures apply for other members of the same group, like Massimo Dutti and Pull & Bear.

From the Spanish website (English language selected)
100% Linen suit blazer

89.95 EUR


From the UK website (at the same time)
100% Linen suit blazer

109.00 GBP

Using TravelMoneyMax to convert at the top card rate, this shows the pound cost of this jacket is currently £77. In other words, it's £32 cheaper than the same jacket bought in the UK.

Zara EU price comparison June 2024 (when £1 = €1.17)

  Zara UK    Zara Spain   Zara France   Zara Greece Zara Italy

Women's floral organza dress

£45.99

€35.95 which is £30.90

 €45.95 which is £39.40

€35.95 which is £30.90

€45.95 which is £39.40

Women's crochet dress

£109

€89.95 which is £77.20

€99.95 which is £85.80

€89.95 which is £77.20

€99.95 which is £85.80

Men's comfort suit blazer

£79.99

€69.95 which is £60

€79.95 which is £68.60

€69.95 which is £60

€79.95 which is £68.60

Women's red leather mini bucket bag

£69.99

€59.95 which is £51.40

€69.95 which is £60

€59.95 which is £51.40

 €69.95 which is £60

Kids' palm tree sweatshirt

£16.99

€15.95 which is £13.70

€17.95 which is £15.40

€15.95 which is £13.70

€17.95 which is £15.40

Men's baggy fit jeans

£35.99

€29.95 which is £25.70

€39.95 which is £34.40

€29.95 which is £25.70

€39.95 which is £34.40

So from this small sample, it shows that on average prices are 31% cheaper in Spain and Greece than the UK, 14% cheaper in France and Italy.

If you were planning a big Zara shop, it may cover the flight cost

When I first wrote this blog in 2014, I found a Ryanair flight to Santander in Spain (not the bank) for £42 return (hand luggage only). So it was actually cheaper to jump on a plane to Spain and buy the jacket there – though of course add in airport transport and hotel costs and it skews the equation.

Even now, though flight prices are higher, there's a chance that may happen. Off-season for Zara fetishists who regularly stockpile (especially if for a family, and perhaps taking orders for friends too), there will be circumstances where the saving on the clothes covers the cost.

This is especially powerful as Zara rarely gives out vouchers or discount codes. To get reductions, you're reliant on waiting for things to move into the sale – so there are only limited opportunities for reductions on full-price goods (and sale prices are cheaper in Spain too).

Do pause though to think of the environmental impact of flying, and of overbuying fast fashion. I wouldn't suggest you do a trip just for this, more that if you're going anyway and need to buy, take advantage.

If you spot a euro price on British labels, don't assume it's the Spanish price

Rather interestingly, when I first wrote the blog I noticed there was no homogenised euro price. As you can see on the table above, the French price in euros is more than the Spanish one.

So if you see a tag with a pound and euro price on in the UK, don't assume it's the Spanish price, it's probably the more expensive French one (though still likely cheaper than the UK cost).

Do let me know what you find the price difference to be, and if ever (here's hoping) the UK price is cheaper.

Join the MSE Forum Discussion

Full MSE Forum Discussion

On the web

MSE email

3 December 2024

FREE weekly MoneySaving email

For all the latest deals, guides and loopholes simply sign up today – it's spam-free!

FAQs Privacy Past Emails Unsubscribe

Recent Blogs

Team Blog | Deals Hunter Blog

Blog Topics

Archives