You’re overpaying in more places than you think if you don’t know how the locals do it.
There’s something exhilarating about walking through a bustling market in a foreign country, surrounded by spices, colors, and people calling out prices. But if you don’t know the local bargaining customs, that thrill can quickly turn into regret. Tourists often pay double—or worse—simply because they didn’t understand how to play the game. Haggling isn’t just a skill; it’s a cultural dance, and the rules change with every destination.
Each region has its own unspoken code. What’s polite in Morocco might be offensive in Japan. In some places, negotiation is expected and even respected. In others, it could cost you more if you even try. If you want to avoid being labeled as a gullible outsider, it pays to understand how the locals approach pricing. These 12 haggling tricks from around the world will help you avoid overpaying and maybe even earn a nod of respect from the shopkeeper.
1. In Morocco, walking away shows power.
In the crowded souks of Marrakech or Fes, haggling is a full-blown art form. The seller will start with a price that’s often triple what they expect you to pay. This isn’t an insult—it’s just how the game begins. If you react too quickly or agree too fast, you’ll mark yourself as a naïve tourist with money to burn. The key is to act mildly interested, ask the price, and then look unconvinced.
The real magic happens when you take a step back and turn to leave. Sellers in Morocco are masters at reading hesitation. Walk away slowly, and they’ll often call you back with a lower offer, Jenny Lynn at Explore Essaouira reported. Don’t smile or look desperate—stay calm and disinterested. They respect cool composure far more than charm. If they don’t follow you, you probably went too low. Try again at the next stall. There’s always another vendor selling something just as beautiful.
2. In Vietnam, bundle deals get the best price.
Vietnam’s street markets and stalls are known for their variety and affordability, but only if you play it smart, the authors at VinPearl mentioned. Haggling here isn’t aggressive—it’s friendly and matter-of-fact. Vendors are used to negotiating, but they’ll take offense if you insult the product by suggesting an absurdly low price. Instead, focus on buying multiple items and asking for a “good price for all.”
If you’re eyeing a few souvenirs or articles of clothing, group them together and ask what they’d offer for the whole batch. This approach builds rapport and makes them more likely to shave off a significant chunk of the price. Smile, show respect, and stay playful. You might even get a laugh or a compliment thrown in. It’s not just about getting a deal—it’s about creating a mini relationship in the span of five minutes. And in Vietnam, that’s exactly how they like to do business.
3. In Egypt, the first price is just the opening act.
Cairo’s bazaars, especially the famous Khan el-Khalili, are loud, energetic, and full of sellers ready to charm you into a purchase, according to Caleb Caswell at AMA Travel. The prices are theatrical—meant to shock you into reacting. But that number is more of a suggestion than a real offer. Vendors expect you to counter, and if you don’t, they’ll assume you’re either not interested or wildly inexperienced.
Start your counteroffer at about a third of the original price. The seller will gasp, protest, and act offended—it’s part of the dance. Stay firm but polite. The rhythm usually goes: offer, protest, counteroffer, mock shock, another offer, and eventually a final price. If you stay calm and respectful, you’ll usually land at about half of the starting price. If you overthink it, you’ll likely lose out. In Egypt, confidence and humor go a long way—so keep your poker face and enjoy the ride.
4. In India, your accent will raise the price.
The moment a vendor in Delhi or Jaipur hears a foreign accent, the price tag doubles. It’s not personal—it’s just business. In tourist-heavy areas, they assume you’ve got money to spend and little awareness of local rates. That’s why you need to ask around or observe locals first to get a rough idea of what something should cost before jumping in.
When you do engage, it helps to start with a smile but quickly pivot to firm negotiation. Speak clearly and directly. If you speak even a few words of Hindi or use a local greeting like “Namaste,” you’ll instantly gain points. It shows you’ve done your homework and you’re not completely green. Be prepared for a bit of back-and-forth, and don’t be afraid to laugh and say no. Walking away is a powerful move here too—but only if you actually mean it. Sellers respect sincerity.
5. In Mexico, friendly banter sets the tone.
Markets in Mexico—from Oaxaca to Playa del Carmen—are lively places where conversation is just as important as the transaction. If you jump straight into haggling without a greeting or small talk, you’ll come off as rude. Start by asking how the vendor’s day is going or commenting on the craftsmanship of the product. It opens the door to a more relaxed exchange.
Once you’ve established a bit of rapport, you can ask, “¿Cuánto cuesta?” and follow up with, “¿Me puede dar un mejor precio?” (Can you give me a better price?). Smile, be charming, and enjoy the interaction. If you’re polite and engaged, they’ll often offer a discount before you even ask. Trying to haggle like a robot won’t work here. Mexicans appreciate the human connection, and if you treat it like a warm social exchange rather than a hard business deal, you’ll leave with a better price—and maybe even a story to tell.
6. In Turkey, tea means the deal is serious.
When shopping in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar, don’t be surprised if you’re invited to sit down and have tea before any numbers are mentioned. In Turkey, haggling is a ritual that blends hospitality with negotiation. Accepting the offer of tea shows respect, and declining can come off as dismissive. But once the tea is served, the real talk begins.
The vendor might compliment your taste or ask where you’re from. These questions aren’t just polite—they’re part of sizing you up. Once you name a price, be prepared for a dramatic performance. Sellers will talk about the quality, the family tradition, the difficulty of making the item. Stay patient and keep countering with smaller increments. Don’t rush the process; if you try to close the deal too fast, you’ll look disrespectful. The longer the talk, the better the final price. In Turkey, the best deal often comes just after the second cup of tea.
7. In Thailand, keep it light and never lose your cool.
Markets in Bangkok or Chiang Mai are packed with energy, and the vendors are seasoned pros. They’ll quote you a high price at first, not to cheat you, but because they expect a little game. The trick is to stay cheerful and never show irritation or anger. Haggling here is a playful exchange, and losing your cool will only make the vendor dig in their heels—or stop negotiating altogether.
Start with about half the asking price and let them come down gradually. A little laughter and a smile go a long way. If the deal’s not moving, politely thank them and walk away—often they’ll call you back with a better offer. Just don’t get too pushy or aggressive; Thais value harmony, and anything that creates tension is frowned upon. If you stay relaxed and enjoy the back-and-forth, you’ll often end up with a fair deal and a good vibe to match.
8. In China, silence is a powerful weapon.
Haggling in China, especially in street markets or souvenir shops, is fast-paced and often intense. Sellers will fire prices at you quickly, trying to gauge how much you’re willing to pay. But one of the most effective tactics you can use isn’t a word—it’s silence. When they name a price, pause. Let the silence stretch. This unsettles them more than any counteroffer.
If they keep talking, nod slowly, but don’t speak right away. Then calmly offer a lower price without sounding desperate. If they reject it, shrug and act like you’re ready to leave. Silence and indifference show that you’re not easily manipulated. Vendors in China are sharp—they respect someone who seems in control. Don’t smile too much or act overly friendly; this isn’t the place for banter. Keep it direct, short, and businesslike. You’re more likely to score a better deal if they believe you’ve done this before.
9. In Indonesia, your body language seals the deal.
In places like Bali or Yogyakarta, the vibe may be laid-back, but haggling is very much part of the shopping experience. The trick is to read the room—and your own body language is just as important as your words. Don’t look too eager, and never clutch the item like you’ve already fallen in love with it. That signals desperation and kills your leverage instantly.
Approach casually and show a little curiosity, then ask the price and respond with a thoughtful pause. Cross your arms or lean slightly away from the stall—it creates a subtle signal that you’re not committed. Indonesians tend to avoid confrontation, so if your manner is cool but friendly, you’ll get better results. Say something like, “It’s nice, but a little expensive.” That opens the door for a revised offer. Keep your tone light, and be ready to smile. A small compliment at the end never hurts, especially if you get the price you wanted.
10. In Peru, locals use comparisons to get lower prices.
At Andean markets or stalls near Machu Picchu, vendors often expect tourists to negotiate—but they’re also watching how you do it. A trick many locals use is comparing the same item across different stalls, then bringing that information back as leverage. You can do the same. Walk around first and ask prices at several booths before making any offers.
Once you return to the vendor you liked best, you can say, “The one over there offered it for less—can you match or beat it?” This makes it clear that you’ve done your homework and that they’ll need to compete to win your business. Keep your tone respectful and direct. Peruvians value fairness and honesty, so being aggressive won’t help. If you buy more than one item, don’t hesitate to ask for a combined price. They’ll usually knock something off the total just to close the deal and keep you happy.
11. In Tunisia, it’s about drama and persistence.
Markets in Tunis and Sousse thrive on dramatic flair. Haggling here is loud, animated, and full of exaggerated reactions. Sellers will put on a show, and you’re expected to play along. If you’re quiet or passive, they’ll either ignore you or push harder for a high price. Start low—ridiculously low—and work your way up slowly. Expect loud objections, but don’t let them throw you off.
Use big gestures, act shocked at the price, and throw in a joke or two. They’ll likely respond in kind. This kind of lively exchange is part of the fun, and vendors enjoy it when a buyer engages with some flair. Just don’t get too theatrical if you’re not comfortable—focus on being confident and sticking to your budget. They’ll respect your persistence more than your politeness. If they sense you’re not backing down, they’ll usually come down to a reasonable number, eventually with a grin and a handshake.
12. In Kenya, be cautious with humor but firm with prices.
Kenyan curio markets are known for their handmade goods and energetic sellers, many of whom speak several languages and know how to spot a tourist from a mile away. They’ll often start the conversation warmly, but quickly pivot to prices. While friendliness is welcomed, humor can be tricky—too much and they might think you’re not serious, too little and they’ll see you as cold.
Start by asking, “How much for a friend?”—a common phrase that shows you know the local approach. When they give a price, offer about half and then stay quiet. If they push back, hold your ground without raising your voice. In Kenya, firmness is respected, but showing genuine interest in their craft can also soften the negotiation. Ask how the item was made or compliment the work. That human connection matters, especially if you’re buying directly from the artist. It shows respect, which often leads to a fairer, more satisfying price.