The price of items in bars and cafes

[Bedspring]

How do people know how much things are in Spanish bars and Cafes.

Sometimes there is a price list for drinks near the door, and sometimes not. But the price of food is really difficult to obtain.
I am working on my Spanish, but non the less enquiring the price of every single item is tedious.
I have been in bars, ordered a beer, €1.50 and have a plate of chicken wings, free.
Next bar, Beer €2.50 and an array of food to buy, but no indication of price.
When you ask the price, quite often I get a look as if I am rather stupid.
Obviously there is a cultural thing going on here, but can anyone give any insights.

 

[Flog]

I dunno. Spain is considerably cheaper than where I come from and I can afford to go there, so I don't concern myself with bar prices too much. I order, I eat and drink and then ask what I owe. If service is good, I tip. I don't frequent posh places and avoid touristy places best I can.

 

[markie6]

Yes It can be harder to budget when you are unaware of the prices. Don't be afraid to ask when ordering , some give out snacks , some don't

 

[Sirage]

Yes It can be harder to budget when you are unaware of the prices.

Normally I would think if you are having to budget that tightly your experience of a Camino will be somewhat too stressful.

Spain is generally quite cheap so just go with the flow and pay what they ask for. You will get the general idea of prices as you go. There might be a surprise or two with prices higher than elsewhere - put it down to experience and move on and enjoy the Camino.

If not, delay your Camino till you have saved a bit more.

 

[blind fool]

Normally I would think if you are having to budget that tightly your experience of a Camino will be somewhat too stressful.

Spain is generally quite cheap so just go with the flow and pay what they ask for. You will get the general idea of prices as you go. There might be a surprise or two with prices higher than elsewhere - put it down to experience and move on and enjoy the Camino.

If not, delay your Camino till you have saved a bit more.

perhaps its just me.
whether I have funds in the bank (or not) I like to know what I'm letting myself in for. Camino or otherwise.
I don't like the idea of just running up a tab with no idea of the costs.
I would suggest most on here will be working to a budget of some kind and to do so requires a little insight as to what you're paying - be that for food, accommodation, souvenirs or travel. Personally I think its rather inconsiderate to suggest someone goes away saves a little more.
there might be those out there that could afford to jump on a plane flying half way around the world and choose 1st class over economy and not bat an eyelid at the £15k price over £1k. the reality is however most need to choose based on their budget. not unreasonable in my opinion.
In fact here's a thought - those that don't need to budget might want to make a contribution to those that do need to budget?

 

[Bedspring]

Normally I would think if you are having to budget that tightly your experience of a Camino will be somewhat too stressful.

My daughter asked me why when I have so much money, why do I always ask the price and why am I so cheap, and I told her to go away and think on it.

 

[Bedspring]

perhaps its just me.
whether I have funds in the bank (or not) I like to know what I'm letting myself in for. Camino or otherwise.
I don't like the idea of just running up a tab with no idea of the costs.
I would suggest most on here will be working to a budget of some kind and to do so requires a little insight as to what you're paying - be that for food, accommodation, souvenirs or travel. Personally I think its rather inconsiderate to suggest someone goes away saves a little more.
there might be those out there that could afford to jump on a plane flying half way around the world and choose 1st class over economy and not bat an eyelid at the £15k price over £1k. the reality is however most need to choose based on their budget. not unreasonable in my opinion.
In fact here's a thought - those that don't need to budget might want to make a contribution to those that do need to budget?

I met one young woman, walking Namur to SdC and back, €10 per day budget.
Lovely woman, would take nothing from anyone, smiled all the time.

 

[blind fool]

I met one young woman, walking Namur to SdC and back, €10 per day budget.
Lovely woman, would take nothing from anyone, smiled all the time.

....and quite possibly she had a shed load in the bank but wanted to budget all the same. her Camino, her choice.

 

[Kathar1na]

What I find the most intriguing in this novelty thread is this line: ordered a beer, €1.50 and have a plate of chicken wings, free. Chicken wings! Is that a thing in Spain in the typical pilgrim bars of the Camino Francés?

And I googled, of course. Apparently, bars and restaurants are obliged by law to have a price list in Spain. As so often, it appears to depend a little on the regional law, too. Consumers and transparency and all that. I've never paid attention to this and I've actually never asked beforehand what a coffee or an orange juice (whether from a bottle or freshly made) costs. Why not? I don't do this at home either and the bars along the Camino Francés are not typically known for being outrageous rip-offs, unlike some establishments in the global tourist centres of the world, for example in Rome.

Although, before I ordered my café crême recently on the terrasse of a bistro just opposite the Gare du Nord in Paris I had a look at their price list. Just out of curiosity. I would have ordered anyway, though. It was €4.90 if you must know, and it came with a "free" biscuit (cookie). And you don't get that everywhere either.

 

[Silvermomma]

I understand the need to budget, but I find that when on camino I actually spend less than I do at home. Probably because I'm not shopping! And not wasting food.
And where in the USA could you get freshly squeezed orange juice for under 2 euro???

 

[Flog]

My daughter asked me why when I have so much money, why do I always ask the price and why am I so cheap, and I told her to go away and think on it.

On that basis.. you would prefer to check at every bar what ever single item of food will cost you? And if you decide it's too much you.. what, try the bar next door, the one across the street, the one in the next village? If it makes you happy to apply that prudent approach to your camino, as you clearly do in your daily life, then good for you, but I would feel I was missing out.

I met one young woman, walking Namur to SdC and back, €10 per day budget.
Lovely woman, would take nothing from anyone, smiled all the time.

From how you describe that young woman, it sounds like she had limited means and was budgeting out of necessity, and kudos to her for not imposing herself on others or expecting handouts like a few do. But in your our own situation, is your tight budgeting not out of choice, when you have 'so much money' as you describe?

Life is short, let the little things go..
Buen Camino

 

[Marbe2]

We usually request (in Spanish) a menu when entering any place with food. Most places have some items posted or a menu if you can sit down. If it doesn’t have one, then, we might ask how much an item is? We usually stop at bars for coffee/tea/soda/OJ + croissants and we accept whatever the charge is. Frequently we leave early in the morning so by the time the first bar or cafe is open, I am just grateful to find an open establishment to order sustenance. Likely, the next open place is Kms down the path!

 

[David with new Kit!]

As to why sometimes there is a tapa, or not.

Depending on where you are in Spain, it can be customary to bring a small tapa with your drink order. The tapa is usually free, but the price of the drink could be a little bit higher. This is very common around and in Madrid for example. Other parts of Spain you could find that the prices are a bit lower, but the tapa is an extra cost.

When ordering lunch or dinner I always ask for a menu, even if just to see what is on offer. Otherwise, I just ask for what I want (normally a beer!)

 

[Liica]

How do people know how much things are in Spanish bars and Cafes.

Sometimes there is a price list for drinks near the door, and sometimes not. But the price of food is really difficult to obtain.
I am working on my Spanish, but non the less enquiring the price of every single item is tedious.
I have been in bars, ordered a beer, €1.50 and have a plate of chicken wings, free.
Next bar, Beer €2.50 and an array of food to buy, but no indication of price.
When you ask the price, quite often I get a look as if I am rather stupid.
Obviously there is a cultural thing going on here, but can anyone give any insights.

Just ask for the "CARTA" and check the prices. Maybe asking for the prices of eat item displayed will annoy them because they have a lot more things to do.

Usually you always get something (free) to eat with a beer.

 

[Kathar1na]

So, just out of curiosity, how many of you have actually made an effort to see whether there is a price list anywhere in a Camino bar and how many of you have actually asked in reasonably understandable Spanish how much a beer or a piece of tortilla costs in a Camino bar before they ordered it and then quite often got a look as if they are rather stupid?

I am just curious to know how typical the observations of the OP are. And I mean the typical pilgrim Camino bars and cafes and not say Mallorca or the Costa del Sol.

 

[naplesdon]

I think the expectation that there is some sort of lighted-up menu board above the bar is ridiculous, ala Mickey D's. Sure, there may be some prices posted on a chalk board and/or a discreet carte near the bar but the price is the price; but where else can you get a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for 2 or a beer or a glass of wine for 2.5? Stupidity abounds in this thread. You are walking through rural Spain and paying the same prices as a hardworking local pays for the same food and service.

 

[Bedspring]

Z2.

So, just out of curiosity, how many of you have actually made an effort to see whether there is a price list anywhere in a Camino bar and how many of you have actually asked in reasonably understandable Spanish how much a beer or a piece of tortilla costs in a Camino bar before they ordered it and then quite often got a look as if they are rather stupid?

I am just curious to know how typical the observations of the OP are. And I mean the typical pilgrim Camino bars and cafes and not say Mallorca or the Costa del Sol.

As there are Caminos, all over Spain, this question is widely applicable.
I will never do another "Camino" but will very likely do other Camino routes, or parts of, so this is of interest to me.

 

[Bedspring]

same prices as a hardworking local pays for the same food and service.

I suspect nor, I know in tourist areas in the UK they have local and non local prices, and I suspect this happens in Spain.
Did you rudely say people have made stupid comments?

 

[naplesdon]

Yes, I did and there is no two tier pricing structure!

 

[Kathar1na]

I suspect nor, I know in tourist areas in the UK they have local and non local prices, and I suspect this happens in Spain.

Okay, now this thread makes sense to me: You know that there are tourist areas in the UK with different prices for locals and non-locals and you suspect that this applies to the bars and cafes along the Camino de Santiagos in Spain, too. Why did you not say so from the beginning? I wonder whether you met at least one local that confirmed this to you and you both could compare prices for beers and the mark up?

 

[Molly Cassidy]

On thing I would say about Spain, in contrast with some other countries, is that there doesn't seem to be a big difference in prices between one bar and the next. There isn't the same mark-up that you might see in the UK, where going to a fancier establishment can double or triple the price of your drink. In general, my experience was that the bars with cheaper prices sold smaller measures. I don't think I ever felt I had been ripped off in Spain.

Price guide (rough):

coffee (small) €1.30-1.60
beer (small) €1.80-2.50
glass of wine (depending on quality) €1-3
small snack, pincho €2-3
larger snack €5-6

I don't ask the prices as everywhere was reasonable.

 

[trecile]

We usually request (in Spanish) a menu when entering any place with food. Most places have some items posted or a menu if you can sit down. If it doesn’t have one, then, we might ask how much an item is?

Most of the bars that I stopped in on the Invierno had no kind of menu at all. It was often hard to know what food, if any was available, without spending a lot of time asking questions. I assume that locals just know what's available.

On thing I would say about Spain, in contrast with some other countries, is that there doesn't seem to be a big difference in prices between one bar and the next

There's not much difference in anything from one bar to the next.

 

[SDJunkMan]

Having not done my Camino yet (starting next month), I can't speak from experience, but' Im with the OP, I like to know what things cost before ordering them. It's not a budget issue, I can afford whatever I want to get (maybe because I watch prices), but if I don't like the prices, I may just get a drink and have a bite to eat later, or if I like the prices I may stay a little longer and enjoy something to eat.

As for the bartender being too busy to hand out menus, it doesn't take much to point at a chalkboard or a printed menu sitting on the counter. I doubt if the menu changes too much from day to day.

 

[henrythedog]

I can confirm dual pricing on at least one occasion. Whilst consoling myself after an abandoned first attempt on the C. Madrid some years ago with a flare-up of plantar fasciitis I regrettably took @Tincatinker s advice and embarked on orujo with a couple of locals. I did note that their round was surprisingly inexpensive and they were served (fortunately) in something resembling a small bucket.

 

[Kathar1na]

Having not done my Camino yet (starting next month), I can't speak from experience, but' Im with the OP, I like to know what things cost before ordering them.

More likely than not, this is what you are going to encounter as a Camino pilgrim: food and drink for €2, 6€, 11€ (the world famous 3 course pilgrim menu) and you will know the price before you even set foot into the bar.

 

[Bedspring]

Okay, now this thread makes sense to me: You know that there are tourist areas in the UK with different prices for locals and non-locals and you suspect that this applies to the bars and cafes along the Camino de Santiagos in Spain, too. Why did you not say so from the beginning? I wonder whether you met at least one local that confirmed this to you and you both could compare prices for beers and the mark up?

Yes, Gaspar in that tiny village in the middle of the Meseta said to me, you do know that there is two tier pricing here.
I said really, I am surprised, thanks for telling me.

 

[Camino Chrissy]

I do not speak Spanish beyond a few short pleasantries, so I don't ask questions. I also know that Spain is one of the least expensive countries in the EU to visit, so I know that all the basic items of food and drink are reasonable, especially along the Camino, so I do not worry about the cost or overpaying even if there is no pricing listed. Living in the US, Spain (and Portugal) are both a value to me.

 

[Kathar1na]

in the UK they have local and non local prices, and I suspect this happens in Spain.

Gaspar in that tiny village in the middle of the Meseta said to me, you do know that there is two tier pricing here. I said really, I am surprised, thanks for telling me.

Another surprising turn of the thread : So you don't just suspect that this happens in Spain, you know it for a fact. Thanks for sharing. Did Gaspar happen to mention the markups to you, like +72% or +0.05 eurocents or something?

 

[peregrina2000]

I wonder whether you met at least one local that confirmed this to you and you both could compare prices for beers and the mark up?

Like @henrythedog, I also have had that experience, though I don’t know what the mark-up was. It was in Santiago, in the Tertulia bar years ago. I had a long conversation with the owner after having had a couple of cafés con leche and a whole wheat croissant. This was at the point that the forum was trying to establish some kind of forum meet-up place. The owner was not at the cash register, and when I went to pay my tab, he told the person at the cash register to give me the “precio de la casa” (actually it was probably in gallego). I for one think it’s not so ridiculous for an establishment to give its known local patrons a slice off the posted price.

We should also be clear about the extent of this practice. I have never ordered a meal in Spain without knowing the prices. I think what we’re talking about are drinks and snacks.

 

[Bedspring]

Another surprising turn of the thread : So you don't just suspect that this happens in Spain, you know it for a fact. Thanks for sharing.

Happy to help.

 

[Grousedoctor]

Price guide (rough):

coffee (small) €1.30-1.60
beer (small) €1.80-2.50
glass of wine (depending on quality) €1-3
small snack, pincho €2-3
larger snack €5-6

@Molly Cassidy offers an excellent general guideline for the cost of drinks and snacks at Spanish café/bars. To my eye, and in reference to what I pay for drinks in bars in the US, these prices are delightful! But more than that, they are typical in what you will find across Spain in bar after bar after bar (assuming you’re not at places where to tourist buses pull up to).

As I do in The States, if I go into a bar and order a drink, my money is on the bar counter before the drink arrives. I do the same thing in Spain. When I order a caña, I pay for it then. No surprises. I’ve yet to be ripped off in a café/bar! If it were that I didn’t like the price of a drink, I’d just quietly go somewhere else for my second one. As I don’t ask the price of a Budweiser when I walk into local bar, I don’t do it in Spain either. And this has nothing to do with what I can or can’t afford. I generally have good idea as to the price range an item is going to cost. I don’t need to see it on a menu (unless I’m ordering a meal). Just enjoy how really reasonable it is to order drinks and snacks in a Spanish café/bar without knowing to the penny the cost up front. It’s not like going into a Starbucks and leaving half your paycheck there. Buen Camino!

 

[trecile]

, 11€ (the world famous 3 course pilgrim menu)

The price of a pilgrim menú has definitely gone up since that photo was taken!

 

[peregrina2000]

Stupidity abounds in this thread. You are walking through rural Spain and paying the same prices as a hardworking local pays for the same food and service

Does my experience suggest that this was unnecessarily harsh?

 

[Mahuri]

Thanks Molly!

 

[peregrina2000]

I hope we can keep things civil from here on, because this is an interesting thread. Please no more rudeness!

And it occurred to me as I was thinking about it that the idea of “special local prices” is really nothing more than an informal way of setting up a “one free drink after you buy ten” system that is very common in a lot of cafés in the US. Years ago, my local pizza place gave us one free pizza after we bought 20. Etc. etc. Same result, different method.

 

[Kathar1na]

Type bares precios site:.es into Google Search and you get plenty of search results that say that information about prices must be made available to the public. For example even this: ¿Puede el bar o restaurante ofrecer su carta sólo a través de códigos QR? No, los precios de las comidas y bebidas y de los servicios ofertados tienen que exponerse obligatoriamente al público mediante cartas de comidas y bebidas y/o listas de precios. And we know that there are these hojas de reclamaciones.

As I wrote earlier I've never paid attention as to whether there is a price list on display in a Camino bar or Camino café (I simply don't remember) nor have I asked for one before I bought a drink or a snack. I'm telling myself that Spanish consumers are as smart as consumers in similar countries and if this were a major issue in the bars along the Caminos de Santiago they would have acted or would act upon it.

 

[David Tallan]

How do people know how much things are in Spanish bars and Cafes.

Sometimes there is a price list for drinks near the door, and sometimes not. But the price of food is really difficult to obtain.
I am working on my Spanish, but non the less enquiring the price of every single item is tedious.
I have been in bars, ordered a beer, €1.50 and have a plate of chicken wings, free.
Next bar, Beer €2.50 and an array of food to buy, but no indication of price.
When you ask the price, quite often I get a look as if I am rather stupid.
Obviously there is a cultural thing going on here, but can anyone give any insights.

Yep, not all places post prices. But I think with no prices posted, asking for the price is quite reasonable. I expect most people working in such establishments would agree. Perhaps you are misinterpreting the look. If not, I wouldn't worry about it or let it dissuade you.

 

[Bedspring]

I have just risked it and bought a beer without asking the price in Santander, €2.50.
On a serious note, I am extremely fortunate and am currently traveling the world, and getting a grip on prices in different places and currencies can be difficult.
In general, I consider that in tourist areas, be that St Mark's Square in Venice (did I get that right) or along the Camino where the tourist is the income stream, it is wise to be on guard, however away from tourist areas, where tourists are less usual, one does not tend to need to be as wary.
At the end of the day, I just want to know up front to avoid any potential embarrassment on both sides.
Ps got a tapas with the

 

[Molly Cassidy]

I hope we can keep things civil from here on, because this is an interesting thread. Please no more rudeness!

And it occurred to me as I was thinking about it that the idea of “special local prices” is really nothing more than an informal way of setting up a “one free drink after you buy ten” system that is very common in a lot of cafés in the US. Years ago, my local pizza place gave us one free pizza after we bought 20. Etc. etc. Same result, different method.

Yes, a place in Dublin gave me a loyalty card, but it wasn't the usual points or collect so many stamps for a free drink. It was literally just a locals discount card.

 

[bullingtonce]

perhaps its just me.
whether I have funds in the bank (or not) I like to know what I'm letting myself in for. Camino or otherwise.
I don't like the idea of just running up a tab with no idea of the costs.
I would suggest most on here will be working to a budget of some kind and to do so requires a little insight as to what you're paying - be that for food, accommodation, souvenirs or travel. Personally I think its rather inconsiderate to suggest someone goes away saves a little more.
there might be those out there that could afford to jump on a plane flying half way around the world and choose 1st class over economy and not bat an eyelid at the £15k price over £1k. the reality is however most need to choose based on their budget. not unreasonable in my opinion.
In fact here's a thought - those that don't need to budget might want to make a contribution to those that do need to budget?

It's who you are. Not to shock anyone, but we are all individuals in one sense. From what I gather reading the bile, but I could well be mistaken, God wasn't thrilled with clones. And I actually do not think it is the price of an item that concerns you as, as one person stated, we are dealing with expensive places or, generally, places wanting to rip you off. Rather, you like to just 'know' the price of an item. At the same time, consider these establishments--they are not 'formal' establishments, they generally are casual establishments so do not expect a Chinese menu listing one hundred items (am NOT taking a sb at Chinese menus or Chinese culture). Since the world does not cater to you and never will, just deal with it. There are, after all, bigger issues to do with in this world and most of them have nothing to do with the world itself but with the individual. Chuck

 

[Pelegrin]

Before 1980s, in Galicia there was no prices indication everywhere in restaurants and " casas de comidaa" . Everybody knew that you were going to have a lot of good food very cheap, so nobody asked the price before. This fact has remained in certain restaurants where the menu is not written and for that reason it is assumed they give a lot of food for a low price, but sometimes this is not true especially for the price. So be careful.

 

[Tortilla]

In general, I consider that in tourist areas, be that St Mark's Square in Venice (...) where the tourist is the income stream, it is wise to be on guard

In Venice, if you go for a coffee at St. Marks Square during high tide, maybe you could get a discount ("sulla terrazza, per favore")

 

[TravellingMan22]

I have just risked it and bought a beer without asking the price in Santander, €2.50.
On a serious note, I am extremely fortunate and am currently traveling the world, and getting a grip on prices in different places and currencies can be difficult.
In general, I consider that in tourist areas, be that St Mark's Square in Venice (did I get that right) or along the Camino where the tourist is the income stream, it is wise to be on guard, however away from tourist areas, where tourists are less usual, one does not tend to need to be as wary.
At the end of the day, I just want to know up front to avoid any potential embarrassment on both sides.
Ps got a tapas with the

All countries are different of course re transparency of prices (aome countries/regions it’s a legal rule to display prices) but the good thing re the Camino is that a) food and drink is very cheap esp, when compared to USA, and b) they don’t vary much form bar to bar so your risk is low. It’s nice to know up front tho. I certainly take your point And the price when quoted in Spain is the ‘end’ price. I just returned to London this morning after a couple of weeks in USA. A $7 beer in Nevada Saturday was a different price to a $7 beer in LA yesterday, because the prices are quoted before the various taxes are added. Obv. Gratuities are then another cost. We have it good on Camino. It’s hard to get away with laying less than $10 in most USA cities for a beer or wine when you factor in taxes and gratuities.

You are right to be on guard though esp. in the more tourist places worldwide.

 

[C clearly]

These are family-run village bars, which serve as social centres for locals, as well as pit stops for pilgrims passing through. It seems totally reasonable that the bar owners might treat their friends to a break-even price or even an orujo or three, "on the house." I like the comparison to a loyalty discount - the owner just keeps the account in his/her head. I'm sure that restaurant owners everywhere do this from time-to-time with their 20 best friends.

I would hate for the offical laws on transparent pricing to be enforced so strictly (because of visitor complaints) that this cultural feature would be eliminated.

By the way, freshly squeezed orange juice in Spain usually costs significantly more than €2, unless you are getting a microscopic glass. So, don't feel ripped off when you are charged €4!

 

[oursonpolaire]

I think the expectation that there is some sort of lighted-up menu board above the bar is ridiculous, ala Mickey D's. Sure, there may be some prices posted on a chalk board and/or a discreet carte near the bar but the price is the price; but where else can you get a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice for 2 or a beer or a glass of wine for 2.5? Stupidity abounds in this thread. You are walking through rural Spain and paying the same prices as a hardworking local pays for the same food and service.

I am not certain if I would call it stupidity, but rather a shock/surprise that in Spain some issues are just not critical or relevant in ways which they are in one's home country. As an example, buying coffee in Ottawa my eyes (of Loyalist and expelled Scottish crofter provenance, and therefore genetically sensitive to price) automatically rush to the right side of the menu. Spain is a different world, and I don't search for at the price list (which can be found, with squinting, on a notice near the door). The price does go into my notebook and I total my expenditures at the end of the day.

Otherwise, I try to slide into local practice as much as is possible. When I ask for olives to munch on with my order of beer or vermut, I don't ask the price or indeed if there be one. Enjoy that you are in a place where for a moment price is not the most important thing. I want to be there, and not in Ottawa. Ottawa is a lovely place, but it is different from rural Spain! The OP should enjoy being in a different space for a little while.

As the cat said in the New Yorker cartoon; "Tiger -- comparison is the thief of joy."

 

[Molly Cassidy]

So, don't feel ripped off when you are charged €4!

This may be true, but I know a colleague of mine when I worked in a non-touristy area of Asturias was outraged that she was charged €2.90 for a juice.

 

[dick bird]

Remember that if prices aren’t posted, locals don’t know either. We are talking here about very low price items such as a coffee or a glass of wine, things that tend to be priced more or less the same everywhere, so displaying the price is not necessary. But why would a business bother to try and rip you off for the sake of a few cents? The answer is, they generally don’t.

 

[Patico]

I understand the need to budget, but I find that when on camino I actually spend less than I do at home. Probably because I'm not shopping! And not wasting food.
And where in the USA could you get freshly squeezed orange juice for under 2 euro???

I speak pretty fluent Spanish (university degree in Spanish linguistics + lived and worked in Spain a year and Mexico a year) and when I was charged €3,80 for a small caña sized glass of OJ at Albergue de Gaia in Mansilla las Mulas, I really wished I’d asked the price prior to ordering. Why? because 1) maybe she would not have charged this high a price (no menu or price list in sight) or 2) If that really is what she charges everyone, I would not have ordered it. By not asking, you may unwittingly put yourself in a situation where you support a business that takes advantage of pilgrims / tourists. Even if you know the typical price range for an item, what can you do to avoid a rip-off once you’ve ordered it?

 

[bks]

I dunno. Spain is considerably cheaper than where I come from and I can afford to go there, so I don't concern myself with bar prices too much. I order, I eat and drink and then ask what I owe. If service is good, I tip. I don't frequent posh places and avoid touristy places best I can.

I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not but it's disrespectful to tip!

 

[SabsP]

I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not but it's disrespectful to tip!

No it is not! If you make yourself familiar with local customs you will see that some customers round up the bill and leave the change.
In all my years I visited Spain I never met a waiter who found it disrespectful.
I remember from last camino when three of us had some raciones and beers. Total was 27.5 € and we gave 30 € and left the change. That is less than 1 € per person " tip".

 

[naplesdon]

These are family-run village bars, which serve as social centres for locals, as well as pit stops for pilgrims passing through. It seems totally reasonable that the bar owners might treat their friends to a break-even price or even an orujo or three, "on the house." I like the comparison to a loyalty discount - the owner just keeps the account in his/her head. I'm sure that restaurant owners everywhere do this from time-to-time with their 20 best friends.

I would hate for the offical laws on transparent pricing to be enforced so strictly (because of visitor complaints) that this cultural feature would be eliminated.

By the way, freshly squeezed orange juice in Spain usually costs significantly more than €2, unless you are getting a microscopic glass. So, don't feel ripped off when you are charged €4!

I will freely admit during the 10 years or so that I lived in Biarritz, the locals, like me, got freebies at closing time after lunch. We would get free pours from the open wine bottles left behind during the mid-day repas. They were excellent restauranteers, who were not going to leave wine bottles sitting uncorked for several hours turning to dreck before dinner. However, during the tourist season this was not the practice. First of all they treated the locals like riff-raff and second they saved the open wine bottles for dinner to serve to the tourists.

 

[David with new Kit!]

No it is not! If you make yourself familiar with local customs you will see that some customers round up the bill and leave the change.
In all my years I visited Spain I never met a waiter who found it disrespectful.
I remember from last camino when three of us had some raciones and beers. Total was 27.5 € and we gave 30 € and left the change. That is less than 1 € per person " tip".

I have, in Torrejón de Ardoz in the suburbs of Madrid. He was well put out when I left him a tip!!

It was my fault, I should have simply left the small change as that is more customary.

 

[naplesdon]

Does my experience suggest that this was unnecessarily harsh?

Laurie,
You know me very well. Harsh, perhaps but the gist of the OP's subject really got under my skin. There are very, very few places along the Camino bent on ripping-off pilgrims, they know there is a grapevine among us and if they do try something dodgy it will certainly come back to haunt them and possibly destroy their business. I think the OP needs to smell the roses, rather than post negativity.

 

[Tincatinker]

Ooooh, I've just realised I've stayed out of this thread till now: careless, so many opportunities for a sarcastic poke. Maybe my self-control is improving?

Meanwhile: once one has learnt to parrot "Hola", "buen día/tardes and, the inevitable "Buen Camino" one can start work on "¿ Cuánto cuesta una cerveza?, "¿Cuánto cuesta una copa de vino?,"¿Cuánto cuesta el perro en la ventana?

The only control on this excellent advice is that you'll need to understand the answer: "Uno cincuenta" frinstance

 

[Flog]

I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not but it's disrespectful to tip!

Seventeen caminos and more than 10,000 kilometres of walking in Spain, as well as countless other non camino related trips over the years, have given me some idea of what's disrespectful and what isn't. I don't honestly recall ever getting a bad reaction to leaving a few coins on the bar or rounding up the price of a meal. Quite the opposite.

Tipping culture is a little more subtle in Spain than in some parts of the world. They just don't make a big drama about it, neither do I. Do you?

 

[KeyserSoza]

€2.80 for all the above in a cafe on the Invierno. Nuff said.

 

[Tincatinker]

View attachment 174136
€2.80 for all the above in a cafe on the Invierno. Nuff said.

I hope you left €3 on the jump

 

[Sue127]

It's not walking in to a McDonald's, is it!

Thank goodness!

 

[peregrina2000]

There are very, very few places along the Camino bent on ripping-off pilgrims,

I totally agree with this. Our disagreement comes from the interpretation of the questions asked. You took the question to be saying — Do places along the Camino routinely rip off pilgrims? To that we both answer NO.

I took the question to be — is it possible that pilgrims will be charged a higher price than locals? And in answer to that, I say, yes it is likely that in places along the camino, there is a local price and there is a non-local price. Nothing astronomical, nothing to feel ripped off about, just a fact of life that recognizes that the residents of a small village constitute a different market than the pilgrims walking along the camino.

 

[Patico]

View attachment 174136
€2.80 for all the above in a cafe on the Invierno. Nuff said.

Excerpt from my journal (2 weeks ago in the city of León): “While doing laundry @ Blue, we went to Bar Montreal and paid 4.50 for 2 cortados, rosquilla, mini-croissant, agua mineral con gas (+hielo) and decent sized pincho de tortilla. Reviewed with bargirl thinking she’d missed something but no. OMG how nice to be charged like a local !! And alone without any Spanish friends!”

 

[naplesdon]

Moderators, is it time to close this thread?

 

[Patico]

You are walking through rural Spain and paying the same prices as a hardworking local pays for the same food and service.

I don’t know about hardworking locals but when traveling on & off with a Spanish pareja (also peregrinos) for about 3 weeks, there were múltiple times our friends were charged less / my husband and I were charged more for identical orders. We’re talking beers and tostas, coffee & tortilla, not full sit down meals.
The price difference was awkward for everyone & bothered our friends more than us (& they would intervene, apologize, etc.) so we just started taking turns paying for each other.
My impossible-to-prove-as-fact sense was prices often seemed lower than I expected when I’d let the bartender know I was treating the Spanish couple.
I don’t have a problem with a 2 tier pricing system for Spaniards vs. non-Spaniards or peregrinos vs. locals. It’s not 100-300% more like I saw happen in Sicily! But I disagree that ‘we’ always are paying what locals pay.

 

[Tincatinker]

In Naples in May the price of an espresso and a grappa varied from €2:50 to €4:50. In the same bar at roughly the same time of day and seemingly entirely dependent upon who was behind the bar though they all seemed to be from the same family. Various aphorisms regarding price and value spring to mind. I just took care as to who served me

 

[Bedspring]

I don’t know about hardworking locals but when traveling on & off with a Spanish pareja (also peregrinos) for about 3 weeks, there were múltiple times our friends were charged less / my husband and I were charged more for identical orders. We’re talking beers and tostas, coffee & tortilla, not full sit down meals.
The price difference was awkward for everyone & bothered our friends more than us (& they would intervene, apologize, etc.) so we just started taking turns paying for each other.
My impossible-to-prove-as-fact sense was prices often seemed lower than I expected when I’d let the bartender know I was treating the Spanish couple.
I don’t have a problem with a 2 tier pricing system for Spaniards vs. non-Spaniards or peregrinos vs. locals. It’s not 100-300% more like I saw happen in Sicily! But I disagree that ‘we’ always are paying what locals pay.

In one bar I ordered a Tortilla and a Vino Tinto, when I went to pay, I could tell the barman was thinking of a price to charge for the wine.

 

[dick bird]

In one bar I ordered a Tortilla and a Vino Tinto, when I went to pay, I could tell the barman was thinking of a price to charge for the wine.

Or simply doing the maths rather than attempting telepathy. Do you honestly think you were overcharged? If so, by how much? My experience is that businesses in Spain do not rip you off.

 

[Anamiri]

How do people know how much things are in Spanish bars and Cafes.

Sometimes there is a price list for drinks near the door, and sometimes not. But the price of food is really difficult to obtain.
I am working on my Spanish, but non the less enquiring the price of every single item is tedious.
I have been in bars, ordered a beer, €1.50 and have a plate of chicken wings, free.
Next bar, Beer €2.50 and an array of food to buy, but no indication of price.
When you ask the price, quite often I get a look as if I am rather stupid.
Obviously there is a cultural thing going on here, but can anyone give any insights.

I found that if you ordered from a menu (eg dinner) the prices are clearly printed on the menu.
Breakfast is usually ordered from the counter, so I could expect tostada and cafe con leche to be from 4.50 - 6.00 euros. I dont think coffee prices are displayed - but then I probably never looked.

 

[Bedspring]

I found that if you ordered from a menu (eg dinner) the prices are clearly printed on the menu.
Breakfast is usually ordered from the counter, so I could expect tostada and cafe con leche to be from 4.50 - 6.00 euros. I dont think coffee prices are displayed - but then I probably never looked.

My benchmark for coffee and toast is 3.50, if I got charged 6, there would be a situation.
It's a shame really, I get that in some tourist hot spots, they meet to charge more because of high rents and other costs, so charging locals less seems kind of fair, and I mean charging locals 10 percent less.
But charging visitors 50 or a 100 percent more, well that's something else.

 

[TravellingMan22]

My benchmark for coffee and toast is 3.50, if I got charged 6, there would be a situation.
It's a shame really, I get that in some tourist hot spots, they meet to charge more because of high rents and other costs, so charging locals less seems kind of fair, and I mean charging locals 10 percent less.
But charging visitors 50 or a 100 percent more, well that's something else.

I have spent much of my life travelling and spend a lot of time in Spain and if you asked me to name a country that is least likely to rip you off it would be Spain. Even in the tourists areas I find the value and service to be fantastic. The ‘two tier’ pricing is news to me but I don’t doubt folks personal recollections. In fact I often think the prices charged on Camino are too cheap given the affluence of the walkers and the sometimes shortage of bars!

 

[Tincatinker]

My benchmark for coffee and toast is 3.50, if I got charged 6, there would be a situation.

Hang on just a cotton picking minute, I’ll rephrase that: d’yuwot? You’re from the UK I think. If you can suggest anywhere in the UK where you can get coffee and toast for £3:50 that isn’t a food bank or community cafe I’d love to know where. £3:50 mostly gets me a coffee and a spoonful of indifference just about anywhere south of Watford. Toast? Tostado con tomate comes in at a straight £5 at my local laughable.

Aach. Time I went to bed. The weird just got worldlier

 

[Marbe2]

I suspect nor, I know in tourist areas in the UK they have local and non local prices, and I suspect this happens in Spain.
Did you rudely say people have made stupid comments?

Well, I have relatives South of Rome. They have told me when I visited that locals charge visitors more than locals. I asked them why? There answer was because tourists like , Americans, Germans, English and French, they can afford it!

 

[TravellingMan22]

Well, I have relatives South of Rome. They have told me when I visited that locals charge visitors more than locals.

That’s not been my experience at all in many trips south of Rome. That said I am always cautious re pricing in Italy as it can be very expensive so I do always ask the price. I don’t feel the need to ask the price on the Camino. Obv the prices are sky high on the Amalfi Coast!

 

[Anamiri]

My benchmark for coffee and toast is 3.50, if I got charged 6, there would be a situation.
It's a shame really, I get that in some tourist hot spots, they meet to charge more because of high rents and other costs, so charging locals less seems kind of fair, and I mean charging locals 10 percent less.
But charging visitors 50 or a 100 percent more, well that's something else.

I dont think I was ever charged 3.50. It was normally 4.50, and I was grateful for that. A warm cafe, seat, nice coffee, and a usually large toast often 2 pieces.
But in Santiago itself it was dearer.

 

[Marbe2]

That’s not been my experience at all in many trips south of Rome. That said I am always cautious re pricing in Italy as it can be very expensive so I do always ask the price. I don’t feel the need to ask the price on the Camino. Obv the prices are sky high on the Amalfi Coast!

How would you know,if the place has no menu? Or when you go to local outdoor fruit/veg. market…no prices, or prices for tourists.

 

[TravellingMan22]

How would you know,if the place has no menu? Or when you go to local outdoor fruit/veg. market…no prices, or prices for tourists.

It’s easy to get a price menu in Italy in my experience and prices are often displayed. It always feel quite transparent to me.

 

[Marbe2]

It’s easy to get a price menu in Italy in my experience and prices are often displayed. It always feel quite transparent to me.

That may be where you go, however, my family does not live in a major tourist area, but in a rather quiet area. The locals know the prices. There is only one bar in the town.

 

[Friend from Barquinha]

How would you know,if the place has no menu? Or when you go to local outdoor fruit/veg. market…no prices, or prices for tourists.

I don't know the rules for Spain, only Portugal, but I would be surprised if there wasn't something similar in Spain as well: a government-issued/required price list in all food-supply locations.

Even if it's a tiny cafe-bar, and they have no real menus, in Portugal there's always a government-style printed menu of everything they serve, alcoholic beverages/coffees-teas/snacks/baked goods, that has a posted price for each. Usually almost invisible small type; small notice posted in the corner on a wall. Some sort of government business-establishment rule. I would imagine similar bureaucracy in Spain--maybe a local can confirm or correct?

 

[Bedspring]

Hang on just a cotton picking minute, I’ll rephrase that: d’yuwot? You’re from the UK I think. If you can suggest anywhere in the UK where you can get coffee and toast for £3:50 that isn’t a food bank or community cafe I’d love to know where. £3:50 mostly gets me a coffee and a spoonful of indifference just about anywhere south of Watford. Toast? Tostado con tomate comes in at a straight £5 at my local laughable.

Aach. Time I went to bed. The weird just got worldlier

€3.50, it's Spain.
Just ordered my Cafe con Leche, Tostada y Maemalada y Vaso de Agua, FEVE Estacion bar Santander, €2.80, sat down, a bit cheaper at the bar, a bit more expensive on the terrace.

 

[Pegstar]

I suspect nor, I know in tourist areas in the UK they have local and non local prices, and I suspect this happens in Spain.
Did you rudely say people have made stupid comments?

Sorry, I’m from the U.K. and having a local and non local price would be illegal. It’s true that in touristy places prices are higher but us locals have to pay that price too

 

[Bedspring]

Sorry, I’m from the U.K. and having a local and non local price would be illegal. It’s true that in touristy places prices are higher but us locals have to pay that price too

Illegal to offer a specific group a discount.
Could you please quote which law says this?
I think that you just think it is illegal.

 

[Kathar1na]

Even if it's a tiny cafe-bar, and they have no real menus, in Portugal there's always a government-style printed menu of everything they serve, alcoholic beverages/coffees-teas/snacks/baked goods, that has a posted price for each. Usually almost invisible small type; small notice posted in the corner on a wall. Some sort of government business-establishment rule.

I strongly suspect that the situation in Spain is very similar to Portugal.

As to Camino restaurants catering for pilgrims and/or locals alike, I am pretty certain that there was always a menu available with a list of food and drinks on offer including prices. That's in addition to the large noticeboards with details and price of the "menu del peregrino". Numerous times, certainly at the beginning, I have been pondering about the Spanish words on the menu/carta because I could not remember what kind of meat is meant by ternera and what alubias are. Because under no circumstances would I eat something that was as easily recognisable and ubiquitous as espaguetis a la boloñesa for example and one tires quickly of the ensalada mixta.

As to those places that are more bar / café than restaurant: So far, I find the evidence that bar staff actively and on purpose conceal their prices pretty slim. And whether there are different prices or discounts for locals and friends on the one hand and strangers passing through on the other hand: ok, interesting little detail, but we generally agree that Camino prices are low compared to the prices in our various home countries and the majority among us does not have the impression that they are constantly getting ripped off on a large scale.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Sorry, I’m from the U.K. and having a local and non local price would be illegal. It’s true that in touristy places prices are higher but us locals have to pay that price too

I don't believe that to be correct. It's called Price discrimination, and done appropriately is perfectly legal in the UK. For example many businesses charge students or pensioners less for exactly the same service. Supermarkets have a club scheme where club members get significant price discounts. At other places you get a discount if you produce proof that you live within the area.

Edited to add: it's not illegal to charge somebody less than the posted price, it is however illegal to charge them more.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

we generally agree that prices are low compared to the prices in our various home countries and the majority among us does not have the impression that they are constantly getting ripped off on a large scale.

I agree completely. I would add that it's not about pilgrims being ripped off, rather think of it as a loyal customer discount (for the locals)

 

[TravellingMan22]

I don't believe that to be correct. It's called Price discrimination, and done appropriately is perfectly legal in the UK. For example many businesses charge students or pensioners less for exactly the same service. Supermarkets have a club scheme where club members get significant price discounts. At other places you get a discount if you produce proof that you live within the area.

It’s not illegal but the consumer laws are complex and nuanced, certainly in UK, EU and USA.

If you offer a discount to a certain group they need to be clearly identifiable and a rationale as to why they are being offered a discount.

As you say, residents of a borough may be offered discounted rate to enter a local attraction. Or members of a club may have access to better prices. In the marketing world they are broadly referred to as ‘closed user groups’.

 

[markie6]

It’s not illegal but the consumer laws are complex and nuanced, certainly in UK, EU and USA.

If you offer a discount to a certain group they need to be clearly identifiable and a rationale as to why they are being offered a discount.

As you say, residents of a borough may be offered discounted rate to enter a local attraction. Or members of a club may have access to better prices. In the marketing world they are broadly referred to as ‘closed user groups’.

Loyalty cards and the such .... I get charged more by Tesco in the UK if I forget my card to swipe. However this thread will veer off on tangents rather than from it's purpose that Katharina identified earlier on , Bedspring has had his pants pulled down once and now he's worried it's happening a lot

I concur with naplesdon .. comments have already been removed / deleted and it's served it's purpose .. probably time to close it

 

[Bedspring]

It’s not illegal but the consumer laws are complex and nuanced, certainly in UK, EU and USA.

If you offer a discount to a certain group they need to be clearly identifiable and a rationale as to why they are being offered a discount.

As you say, residents of a borough may be offered discounted rate to enter a local attraction. Or members of a club may have access to better prices. In the marketing world they are broadly referred to as ‘closed user groups’.

In my opinion, and it is only my opinion, the issue for some people is that in the UK, the upper price is clearly marked, therefore one knows up front what it will cost, it maybe, that all the locals get a 100% discount, but this does not matter as one knows what one is going to pay, and that's the deal you did.
Whereas, in Spain the price could be at the whim of the waiter or bar owner and totally arbitrary.
Having said that, and as some people have said, in any event, it is usually so inexpensive, it hardly matters.
Just finishing my Menu Dia, Salad, chicken and chips, apple pie and a bottle of wine and pan, €12. Possibly the locals paid €1, who knows.
I still like to know up front though.
I will work on my Cuenta Cuesta.

 

[trecile]

I will work on my Cuenta Cuesta

Cuánto cuesta.

 

[Pegstar]

Illegal to offer a specific group a discount.
Could you please quote which law says this?
I think that you just think it is illegal.

It's against racial, equality laws. I'm aware that some institutions like museums can offer free entry to British residents or locals may get discounted entry/parking on proof of address and there is now a tourist tax which would increase holiday accommodation prices but in the context we are using it here, in terms of food and beverage, taxis and especially if it wasn't disclosed (like someone walked into a cafe and was just them being cheated really) I think it would be a discrimination case. I know that this does happen overseas as I've been a victim of it, I just don't think it's an approved practice or even common in the U.K

 

[henrythedog]

Sorry, I’m from the U.K. and having a local and non local price would be illegal. It’s true that in touristy places prices are higher but us locals have to pay that price too

Come to Cumbria; it’s commonplace - most often in pubs, although that may reflect my ‘shopping’ habits.

 

[peregrina2000]

Since we are veering off into discussions of price discrimination in the UK, I think we can conclude that anyone who reads this thread will now have sufficient information about the possibility of discounts being offered to loyal local patrons and also to know how to proceed if they are concerned about tiered pricing on the Camino or in Spain generally.