How to Say Key Spanish Phrases in a South American Grocery Store

Grocery shopping in Mexico is a wonderful experience. Whether shopping in a Mercado or a grocery store, taste buds are sure to go wild. Mercados are your basic Mexican markets, carrying the freshest produce, fruits, bakery goods and traditional Mexican candies. A couple of the biggest grocery stores are Gigante and Soriana. These places have everything imaginable, from food to cosmetics and even furniture.

Things You'll Need

• Grocery List
• Local currency
• Translation book

Instructions

1. Learn the phrase that will help you the most. This is "Yo quiero eso, por favor," which means "I want that, please." If you know how to say the product you want, you can replace "eso" with the word.

2. Know how to get the best produce or meat. Use the phrase "Cual es mejor?" This translates to "Which one is better?" Much like in the United States, there is usually someone in each department to help you out.

3. Ask someone how much the product costs by saying, "Cuanto cuesta esto?" Many items do not have the prices marked.

4. Negotiate if the price seems high and if there is not a price already marked on the product. Use the phrase "Tomarias cinco pesos?" It means "Will you take five pesos?" Substitute "five" with whatever price you are willing to pay.

5. Indicate whether you want paper bags or plastic bags when you check out. "Quiero bolsa de papel" means "I want paper bags." Substitute "papel" with "plastico" if you would rather have plastic.

6. Find out if a credit card is accepted by asking, "Usted toma tarjeta de credito?" Then hold up your credit card to verify your type is accepted.

Tips & Warnings

• Carry a translation book with you when traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.

• Exchange your currency to the local currency before you buy anything. This will keep you from getting ripped off in the exchange.

• Learning how to say and understand basic numbers in Spanish will make communication a lot easier.

• Never drink unpurified water while in Mexico or any country unless you are sure about the water standards. Carry bottled water with you.