Here’s the best place to shop tax free in Europe

With tax savings of up to 15.7 per cent and an additional 10 per cent reward card at is most famous stores, this is the country to choose for your next getaway

From sun to sandy beaches and delicious food to stunning scenery, there are plenty of reasons to book a Spanish holiday.

But did you know that Spain also has one of the highest tax-free allowances in Europe, meaning you could save up to 15.7 per cent on your shopping?

There’s no minimum spend, so you can start saving straightaway and the more you spend, the higher the tax reduction.

And if you hit the country’s most stylish department store, you can enjoy a special 10 per cent reward card, as well as some seriously special treatment. 

Whether you’re looking for fabulous designer labels or up-and-coming Spanish brands, the best of beauty, or foodie delights so you can take a taste of Spain home with you, you’ll find it all in El Cortes Inglés.

It’s the style secret of the Spanish and the ultimate destination for sophisticated shoppers looking for a truly luxurious experience.

Tax-free treats

El Corte Inglés makes shopping tax-free a breeze.

You can pick up your tax refund form at the International Customer Areas at any of the stores across the country and the friendly staff will be able to answer any questions you might have.

But if you’re shopping at the Castellana and Serrano47 stores in Madrid, the Diagonal Store in Barcelona or the Marbella Store in Puerto Banús you can claim back your refund on the spot, rather than wait (no doubt in a long queue) at the airport.

Take advantage of the convenient and luxurious amenities offered at the dedicated lounges where, using the latest instant tax refund facilities, you’ll enjoy a seamless tax-free shopping experience.

At El Corte Inglés, you can also combine all your purchases into one tax-free form, meaning you’ll receive a higher percentage of refund.

In addition, thanks to a partnership with Global Blue, you’ll find exclusive Global Blue Lounges in Madrid and Marbella and self-validation kiosks at selected stores.

These will allow you to receive your refund in advance and you can choose between cash, a credit card refund or have the balance added to an El Corte Inglés gift card. And, even better, you can claim refunds for items you didn’t buy at El Corte Inglés too!

With personalised services, these one-stop-shops will make your shopping experience even more enjoyable.

But that’s not all. El Corte Inglés has an exclusive 10 per cent reward card for non-resident foreign visitors. Request yours at one of the International Customer Areas and you’ll accumulate a 10 per cent saving on your first purchase, which you can redeem on your next purchase.

It’s valid for five days so there’s no pressure to use it straight away. Genius!

If that weren’t enough, British Airways Executive Club members can also collect three Avios for every euro spent in tax-free.

With so many ways to save, shopping at El Corte Inglés is a no-brainer.

The VIP experience

If you’re looking for some VIP treatment, you’ve come to the right place.

Luxury shopping services are on offer at all the flagship stores, with friendly, experienced concierge teams on hand to create a truly unique day just for you. Plus, there are stylish VIP lounges for added privacy, where experienced personal shoppers are ready to help. Starting with a colorimetric test, they’ll find the best styles to suit you from across the store. 

And with a very helpful hands-free shopping service, you can pick up as much as you want, without the hassle of carrying all your bags with you. Simply choose what you want to buy in each department and the staff will gather them all together for you to collect in one place. And at the International Customer Lounge, they’ll even arrange for your items to be delivered to your hotel or accommodation, so you can just carry on exploring the city or head straight out to dinner.

If you’ve shopped ’til you’ve dropped and don’t have enough space in your luggage allowance, don’t worry! The team can arrange to have your shopping shipped to the address of your choice, arriving within 10 to 15 working days.

Plus, international shoppers can enjoy tapa y copa – a free welcome drink and snack at The Gourmet Experience – to ensure your time at El Corte Inglés, gets off to a delicious start.

Style finds in stylish places

At El Corte Inglés, not only can you shop tax-free you can do it in style too.

Madrid, one of Europe’s hottest city break destinations, has not one but two flagship El Corte Inglés stores to discover.

Castellana and Serrano 47, offer a curated edit of key designer brands and are located in the most stylish shopping district.

In Marbella, you won’t have to choose between a beach break and sophisticated shopping – the Puerto Banus store offers you the opportunity to experience both at once. And in Barcelona, loved for its combination of beach and city you’ll find flagship El Corte Inglés store, Diagonal.

With international luxury designers alongside up and coming local brands, fashion lovers will be in heaven. And from accessories and watches to jewellery and beauty, there really is something for everyone, no matter your style or budget.

Gourmet goods

Looking for the perfect souvenir or gift? Look no further than Club del Gourmet. With distinguished gourmet brands and a carefully chosen selection of local delicacies, it’s perfect for foodies.

And when you’re ready for a bite to eat, head to The Gourmet Experience, a food hall like no other. You’ll find an amazing and varied range of cafes and restaurants serving cuisine from around the world.

Anyone looking for something extra special will find it at the Madrid Castellana store where you can indulge in a Michelin starred meal at RavioXo, courtesy of visionary Spanish chef Dabiz Muñoz.

The ultimate shopping destination

Spain has become the number one shopping destination in Europe, and El Corte Inglés is leading the charge.

With the best savings, easy tax-free shopping, and luxury experiences designed to make you feel like a VIP, it’s simply the best spot to snap up a new style, pamper yourself with beauty products, or enjoy international gourmet treats.

Click HERE to find out more about tax-free shopping at El Corte Inglés