Perfume and cosmetics
The classic category, with broad ranges of fragrance, skincare and make-up across the central shopping axis.
— Discover Andorra · Shopping & tax
Shopping in Andorra
Andorra can offer good value on perfume and cosmetics, electronics, tobacco and alcohol, and sports equipment. The reason is fiscal: the general IGI rate is 4.5%. Savings are reflected in the price rather than an EU tax-free refund. Customs limits apply on return, including €900 in general goods per adult and specific tobacco and alcohol allowances.
More than a thousand shops operate across this compact country. This local guide explains the useful areas and real limits, and we can include a shopping day within the wider trip.
What to buy
Electronics and photography
Phones, computers, lenses and cameras. Compare the exact model before travelling because savings vary by campaign.
Tobacco and alcohol
Often the largest price difference, but subject to strict customs allowances listed below.
Sport and skiing
Technical mountain and ski equipment, including outlets and end-of-season reductions.
Fashion and accessories
Fashion, watches and eyewear across central boutiques and multi-brand stores, with strong January and July sales.
Local produce
Andorran cheese, charcuterie, mountain honey and high-altitude wine, each subject to relevant customs limits.
Where to shop
The Shopping Mile (Meritxell–Carlemany)
More than 1.5 km, much of it pedestrian, linking Avinguda Meritxell and Fener Boulevard with Vivand and Avinguda Carlemany.
Shopping centres
Illa Carlemany in Escaldes and Pyrénées in Andorra la Vella are central references; Sant Julià also has large stores near the Spanish border.
Pas de la Casa
A compact French-border shopping centre beside Grandvalira, particularly strong in tobacco, alcohol, perfume and sports.
Upper parishes
Canillo, La Massana and Ordino combine local shops with a strong mountain-sports offer near the ski areas.
Outlets
Previous-season sport, fashion and electronics around the central axis and Pas de la Casa.
What you can take home: customs allowances
Leaving Andorra for Spain or France means crossing a real customs border. These limits apply per traveller and per journey:
| Product | Allowance |
|---|---|
| General goods (electronics, fashion, perfume…) | €900 per adult · €450 for travellers under 15 |
| Food | €300 per adult · €150 under 15, with product-specific sub-limits |
| Tobacco (age 17+) | 300 cigarettes, or 150 cigarillos, or 75 cigars, or 400 g smoking tobacco |
| Alcohol (age 17+) | 1.5 L above 22% or 3 L up to 22%, plus 5 L table wine |
| Perfume | 75 g perfume and 375 ml eau de toilette |
| Coffee and tea | 1 kg coffee · 200 g tea |
* Allowances are not cumulative between travellers or agricultural and industrial categories, and under-17s have no tobacco or alcohol allowance. Figures reflect the Andorra–EU allowances referenced in July 2026. Verify large purchases with Andorran Customs: duana.ad ↗.
Local shopping advice
- Avoid major Spanish holiday weekends when the River Runer border can develop long queues.
- Keep receipts accessible for random customs checks.
- Compare the exact model and capacity before buying electronics.
- Typical hours run to 20:00 Sunday–Thursday and 21:00 Friday–Saturday.
- Shops close on only a small number of national holidays; check exact dates before travelling.
- January, July and Black Friday are the main sale periods.
- Official complaint forms and government consumer protection support purchases.
- Without a car, combine central shopping with Caldea or arrange transport after skiing.
Any questions?
Frequently asked questions
The answer may already be here. If not, message us—we are local.
1. How much tobacco can I take from Andorra?
For travellers aged 17 or over: 300 cigarettes, or 150 cigarillos, or 75 cigars, or 400 g of smoking tobacco. Excess goods must be declared and taxed.
2. What is cheaper in Andorra?
Perfume, cosmetics, tobacco, alcohol, some electronics and sports equipment can offer value because IGI is 4.5%, but exact prices should always be compared.
3. Is Andorra worth visiting only for shopping?
The walkable Meritxell–Carlemany axis can fill a day, though combining it with Caldea, food or snow creates a more complete trip.
4. Do shops open on Sundays?
Yes, most Andorran retail opens on Sundays and almost all year, with longer hours on Friday and Saturday. Verify national-holiday closures.
5. Is there VAT refund or tax-free shopping?
Not in the EU sense. Andorran prices already include the lower 4.5% IGI; customs allowances apply when returning to the EU.
A shopping day that fits the trip.
Transfer, a central hotel and the rest of the plan—Caldea, snow and a booked table—coordinated by a local agency.
Plan your trip