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.



