Shopping Abroad
Shopping in an English-speaking country uses predictable phrases. Whether you are in a supermarket, a clothing store, or a market, knowing the right expressions lets you shop confidently.
In the Shop
| Situation | Phrase |
|---|---|
| You need help | ”Excuse me, could you help me?” / “I’m looking for…” |
| Asking for an item | ”Do you have [item] in [size/colour]?” / “Where can I find [X]?” |
| Asking the price | ”How much is this?” / “How much do these cost?” |
| Asking about stock | ”Is this available in a larger/smaller size?” / “Do you have any more of these?” |
| Browsing | ”I’m just looking, thanks.” (when approached by staff) |
Sizes and Measurements
Sizes in the UK, USA, and Australia differ from European sizing. Useful phrases:
- “What size is this?”
- “I normally take a size [EU size] — what would that be here?”
- “Could I try this on?” (changing room = fitting room)
- “Have you got this in a medium/large?”
In the UK, clothes sizes are often labelled as 8, 10, 12, 14 (UK sizes). In the US, women’s sizes run differently again. Always ask or check — do not assume your European size translates directly.
At the Till (Checkout)
| Situation | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Paying | ”Can I pay by card?” / “Do you take contactless?” |
| Cash | ”Can I pay in cash?” / “Do you have change for a twenty?” |
| Receipt | ”Could I have a receipt, please?” |
| Bag | ”Could I have a bag, please?” |
Returns and Exchanges
| Situation | Phrase |
|---|---|
| Returning an item | ”I’d like to return this, please.” / “I bought this [yesterday/last week] and it’s faulty.” |
| Asking for a refund | ”Could I get a refund?” |
| Exchanging | ”Could I exchange this for a different size?” |
| No receipt | ”I’m afraid I don’t have the receipt — is it still possible to exchange it?” |
In most UK and US shops, you need the receipt for a return or refund. Some shops allow exchange without a receipt, but always ask. Items marked as “final sale” or “non-refundable” cannot usually be returned.
At a Market
Markets (e.g. farmers’ markets, street markets) may be more informal:
- “How much for these?”
- “Could you do [price]?” (gentle bargaining — acceptable at some markets)
- “I’ll take two of these, please.”