Bargaining in Asia: tips and tricks

Vagablogging :: Rolf Potts Vagabonding Blog

A fabric vendor and traveler at a market in Luang Prabang, Laos. Photo: Joaquin Uy / Flickr

It’s a well-worn practice the world over: customers and vendors talking price. CNNGo tackled this issue in a post titled How to bargain: the ultimate guide to scoring a deal in the markets of Asia.

Many of the tips will be familiar to experienced vagabonders: shop around, be polite, and be ready to walk away. What makes the article special is the little details about particular destinations. Some examples:

The superstition over the first sale of the day and how it’s phrased in Cantonese and Thai.
The term that Indians for overcharging travelers is called the “Skin Tax.”
When to get discounts in the non-haggling culture of Japan.

Have you negotiated over a purchase at a market? Please share your stories in the comments.

Original article can be found here: Bargaining in Asia: tips and tricks