Essential Knowledge: Tips for Bargaining While Shopping Abroad

On your travels, especially in countries such as Morocco, Türkiye, Egypt, India, Peru, Vietnam, Nepal, and more, you’ll find local markets, bazaars, and roadside vendors where bargaining is not only expected, it’s a tradition.  So that you don’t miss an opportunity to participate in this age-old practice, we offer the following tips for a successful exchange.

Please note that bargaining will not be expected everywhere; many retail shops in these countries have fixed prices.

Get the Lay of the Land

First, before you even start browsing for something you may want to purchase, check with your tour director or hotel staff to see if bargaining is even a common practice in your destination.

Know the Fair Price

Do not buy anything without knowing the fair price of an item of significant value such as leather goods, jewelry, and artwork.  You can find this out by looking in stores or by asking your tour director or hotel staff.  This will enable you to bargain fairly and effectively.

Don’t Seem Too Interested

When you walk into a vendor’s stall or market, look at everything.  Don’t hone in on one item or openly announce you want something.  Shop owners are strong people-readers; if you give the impression that you must have the item, they will ask for a higher price.

Shop Around

If you see something you just have to have, chances are pretty good that you'll find it somewhere else, too – and maybe even for less money! Worst-case scenario, if after comparison shopping you don't find your prize somewhere else, you can always return to the original shop to start the bargaining process.

Start Low

In general, your opening offer should be about half of the price the vendor first states – the seller may scoff at it, but that response is normal and all part of the routine.  Continue to bargain.

Don’t Feel Pressured to Buy

Sometimes the shop owner will strike up a friendly conversation and offer tea.  Many travelers find that they feel bad taking up so much of the shop owner’s time and feel pressured to buy something in return.  But this exchange is common practice, so even if you accept the tea and continue to bargain but don’t reach the price you had in mind, it is okay to walk away.

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Consider how much you're haggling over the price. If the distance between your price and the seller's price amounts to little more than pocket change, consider just paying the seller's price – a few cents might not matter to you, but it may make a huge difference to the vendor.

Take it Seriously

Once you and the merchant agree on a price, you should complete the transaction and purchase the item.  If you are not serious about making the purchase, don’t bargain at all.

Have fun!

The prospect of haggling over the price of something can seem daunting to the uninitiated, but it doesn't have to be! Bargaining with shopkeepers is an important aspect of many cultures around the world, so embrace the experience and try to enjoy it. After all, when in Rome...

If you follow these tips, you will feel more comfortable when bargaining at some of the unique markets and bazaars around the world.

You can put your bargaining chops to the test on several of our small group tours, including Egypt & the Eternal Nile, Treasures of Egypt, Moroccan Discovery, Southeast Asia Odyssey, Journey through Vietnam, Mystical India, Legendary Türkiye, and more.