How to grocery shop in Caracas with limited Spanish
To honor my adventurous spirit, I decided I wanted to go grocery shopping on my own during my first week in Caracas; even though my Spanish is very basic. After several trips to finally get everything I need, I came up with the following strategy that seems to be successful 80% of the time (hey, nothing’s perfect 
.
Step #1: Make your shopping list with the Spanish translation of each item.
Step #2: On your way to the store, repeat over and over in your head ”Permiso senor(a), tiene…?”
Step #3: If you are anything like me, when in the US I frequent the same stores simply because I know where everything is – so you must search the whole store for every item that you want since they are not likely to be where think they’ll be.
Step #4: In case of emergency and you cannot find your item after looking through the whole store at least twice, find the nearest employee (one who’s stocking shelves) and use your memorized text “Permiso senor(a), tiene <missing item>?” He/she will likely answer you with what seems like a thousand words that you have yet to memorize. Simply nod and say “Bueno, gracias”. Walk away and do another walk through the whole store to try and find your missing item.
Step #5: Now for paying – the cashier will ask you for your Cedula (your ID number that gets used for EVERYTHING), but it will sometimes sound like “Grrbbb”. Simply say your number. The easiest way to complete the transaction is by using cash, but if you must use a debit or credit card – you’re going to need more memorized words. In this instance, the cashier will ask you if it will be with the same cedula – again “Grrbbb la misma?”. You say “si” and then he/she will swipe your card for you. Once it has been read, he/she will hand you the keypad to enter your PIN. Please note: you can avoid everything but the Cedula by paying cash.
Step #6: This one should actually be done simultaneously to step #5 – start bagging your stuff. Sometimes, a roaming bagger will come around and help you out, but for the most part – you are on your own.
Step #7: Some of the stores will ask to see your receipt as you leave (sometimes to stamp them). This is similar to the Wal-Mart practice in the states.
And presto, your shopping trip is complete! Like I said, this has worked pretty well for me. It isn’t easy, but it can be done 
.
One more thing, at some of the larger supermarkets, they offer babysitting services for FREE. I have used them on two different occasions and the kids love it!
Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wcouch/ / CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
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Tags: Assimilation, Caracas, Getting by with limited Spanish, Getting settled in foreign country, Shopping, Venezuela
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Wow, you have to give ID for every purchase you make, even cash? That seems awfully Big-Brotherish. Congrats on getting a shopping routine down!
Thanks! I'd like to think I'm getting better everyday
I love your photo of the fresh produce! Why does everyone have to use a national number even to do grocery shopping? Is this something introduced under Hugo Chavez, or has it been long-standing procedure there?
Mary in Marrakesh
From what I read about the Cedula, it's been around since the 1940's. I'm not sure if using it to make every single purchase came about recently (under current administration) or before. I'm thinking it may be due to the fact that the number links to everything – your bank accounts, driver's license, voter's registration, etc., so it's an easy way to "keep track". As soon as I uncover how and why this practice came to be, I'll let y'all know.
I read your Twitt about Parque del Este and liked it very much ! Love the PArk !
Your blog is fun and interesting and I like the way you see us (venezuelans crazy people) !
I have a tip for improving the Step # 2 at the grocery shop :
instead of saying "PERMISO Senor" is better to say "DISCULPE senor"
You say PERMISO if you want to pass through and someone is blocking your way
also is used to request permission or authorization
You better say DISCULPE to attract the attention of someone !
As far as I know the CEDULA requirement is because it is required to issue the receipt and also required by the bank to verify the owner of the debit / credit card
I hope you keep on writing and sharing (and practice you spanish!!)
Greetings !
RAquel
Raquel
Thank you for the correction, Raquel! No wonder when I say "permiso", I get a funny look – although, they usually stick around to listen to what I have to say
I'm glad to finally hear from a Venezuelan who doesn't think I'm crazy for moving here. I love it so far and I can't wait to keep learning about the country and culture.