Shopping in the UK

Compare prices between Aldi and Lidl (the cheapest), Tesco, Sainsbury's, ASDA and Morrisons (mid-range), and Waitrose and M&S (the dearest).

• The big supermarkets work daily from early morning to night, but on Sundays their hours are shorter (six hours for large shops in England and Wales by law).
• And in the neighbourhood there are small shops (corner shops) that open late and sell basics at a higher price.
• And weekly markets are held for fruit, vegetables and fish at suitable prices, and farmers' markets.
• And there are pound shops, Poundland and B&M for low prices, and charity shops such as Oxfam for used clothes and books at reduced prices.
• And read price labels to learn the unit price (price per kg) when comparing.

Most shops accept cards (debit and credit) and contactless payment (up to 100 pounds) and the phone (Apple Pay and Google Pay), and cash is used less.

• You need a bank account for a debit card.
• Self-checkout is available in supermarkets.
• Some shops ask a charge for bags (5 pence or more) so bring your bag.
• Keep the receipt since it is the proof of purchase for returns and warranty.
• And loyalty cards (Tesco Clubcard, Nectar and Boots Advantage Card) give you points and discounts, and price comparison apps.
• And the big shops sell gift cards.
• And note meal deal offers in supermarkets for a cheap lunch.
• And ID may be requested to buy alcohol, tobacco and knives (often for those under 25).
• And selling alcohol to those under 18 is prohibited.

The big sales are held on Boxing Day (26 December) and continue into January, and summer sales in July, and Black Friday in late November and Cyber Monday.

• And shops offer buy one get one free (BOGOF) and 3 for 2 offers.
• Compare the previous price to make sure the discount is genuine, since prices may be raised before the reduction.
• Use voucher codes on sites such as VoucherCodes, MyVoucherCodes, TopCashback and MoneySavingExpert, and delivery prices.
• In foods there are yellow stickers in the evening on products near expiry at very reduced prices, and they can be frozen.
• And apps such as Too Good To Go offer surplus food bags at a low price.
• And avoid impulse buying and costly instalments (buy now pay later such as Klarna and Clearpay) as much as possible since it may put you in debt.

Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 goods must be of satisfactory quality, as described and fit for purpose.

• If faulty you have within 30 days the right to a full refund, and after it up to six months the right to repair or replacement (then a reduced refund), and up to six years in England and Wales (five in Scotland) for a claim of reasonable remedy.
• Returning for not liking is not legally binding in the shop but many shops offer a return policy (14 to 30 days) with a receipt.
• And in online or phone buying you have 14 days to cancel after receipt without reason (Consumer Contracts Regulations) and a refund of the amount.
• To complain speak to the shop then ask for help from Citizens Advice and Trading Standards, and you may be able to request a refund from the bank (chargeback or Section 75 if you paid by credit card over 100 pounds).

Halal butchers and Asian, Arab and African shops are widespread in the big cities, and big chains (Tesco, ASDA and Sainsbury's) allocate a halal section in some branches, and online halal delivery services are available.

• Read labels since some products contain gelatine, alcohol or pork derivatives (E120 and E441), and producers must state the fourteen allergens in bold.
• And look for halal certified with the logo of an approved body (HMC or HFA).
• And check names: bacon, ham, pork, lard and sausages may contain pork.
• For fraud: beware of fake delivery messages (Royal Mail and Evri) asking payment of fees, imitation shopping sites at very low prices, and fake profit offers.
• Pay by credit card or PayPal for protection, and verify the site (https and correct address), and report to Action Fraud.

How many days for a full refund for a fault?