We compared the regular (not sale) prices of 8,123 Zara items sold in both Spain and the US, from each country’s Zara website on 3 October 2026. Every one was at least 15% cheaper in Spain for someone who lives in the US, once the tourist tax refund is taken off. The typical (median) saving was 51%.
Spain is Zara’s home market, and it was the cheapest country for 88% of the items we could compare. Portugal came second.
How much you save, by country
The typical saving on Zara compared with buying at home, after the estimated tax refund:
| Shopping in | US shoppers | UK shoppers |
|---|---|---|
| Spain | 51% | 36% |
| Portugal | 44% | 26% |
| Germany | 35% | 15% |
| France | 33% | 15% |
| Italy | 33% | 15% |
| Japan | 32% | 11% |
Regular prices from 3 October 2026, converted at the European Central Bank’s rates of 2 October. US prices here leave out sales tax, so the real saving for US shoppers is a little bigger.
An example
Zara’s trainers with heel detail (reference 5425/710) were US$45.90 in the US and €19.95 in Spain. After the tax refund, the Spanish pair worked out at about US$19.48: 58% less.
The tax refund in Spain
- Spanish prices include 21% VAT. If you live outside the EU, you can claim it back.
- Spain has no minimum spend, so even one T-shirt qualifies. Ask for a tax-free form at the till and show your passport.
- Before you check your bags, scan each form at a DIVA kiosk at the Spanish airport or port. Leaving the EU from another country? Take a printed copy.
- Take the goods out of the EU within 3 months of buying.
- Refund companies keep a fee. We assume you get about three quarters of the tax back, roughly 13% of the price on the tag.
EU residents can’t claim the refund in Spain. UK residents can, since 2021.
Portugal: nearly as cheap
Portugal is usually the second-cheapest country for Zara. Its refund needs €50 or more before VAT (€61.50 on the tag) on one receipt, so pay for things together.
In a shop right now? Scan the tag and see its price in 11 countries, in your own money, with the tax refund taken off.
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