Insee Première · October 2025 · n° 2075

In 2024, purchases beyond the border accounted for up to 14% of physical shopping by households living in border departments

In 2024, more than half of all households in border departments crossed the border and made physical purchases using bankcards in a neighbouring country, particularly in Germany, Belgium, Spain, Switzerland and Luxembourg. Total average household spending was particularly high in Luxembourg and Switzerland (1,600 euros over the year). Compared with purchases made in France, purchases in neighbouring countries were more often made at service stations and tobacconists, mainly because of more attractive prices, but also in hotels and restaurants. In Switzerland, Luxembourg and Monaco, purchases were often made by very regular consumers, while in Italy and Andorra mainly by occasional consumers. Purchases were more seasonal in Spain, Italy and Andorra than in the other countries, and more often made at weekends.

Compared to 2023, household spending in value terms in border departments increased by 6% in Italy, while it fell by 5% in Belgium, mainly due to tobacco purchases in both countries.