Post at Ait Ben Haddou, in the desert of Morocco.
Few experiences are more authentic than walking through the traditional market of a city in an Arab country. Whether you call it a souk or a bazaar, whether the country is in the Middle East or North Africa,** the sensory stimulation of weaving between stalls** and vendors won't leave you until long after your trip is over.
But if there is a particularly real experience, it is time to haggle. You know what In a souk, buying goes beyond seeing something you like and exchanging it for money: first you have to get into the art of negotiating the price. If the prospect intimidates you, don't worry: with these ten tips, you'll do it expertly the first time.
1. CARRY CASH
Super important: do not depend on plastic. Although some stalls and shops in the souk may accept cards, the vast majority will be handled only in cash. It is also recommended that you carry small bills and coins, so that you do not have to deal with exchange problems. In addition, this way you can give the reason that you have the money just as an excuse to try to get a good price.
Always pay with coins or small bills.
two. GO EARLY OR LAST TIME OF THE DAY
Traveling rumors tell that sellers usually give the best prices first thing in the morning, when they are still opening and ordering the merchandise, and at the last, when they want to go. It's worth checking out.
3. HAVE AN IDEA OF HOW MUCH YOU WANT TO PAY
Although it is true that the starting prices (and the real ones) are unpredictable, it does not hurt to inform yourself in advance about how much you should pay for certain items. Ask at the hotel, local friends you have or even in forums how much is the most you should pay for that pashmina or hookah, and you'll have an idea of what to expect before you even start.
Sunset in the square of Jemaa el Fna, Marrakech.
Four. START BY CUTTING THE PRICE IN HALF
First golden rule of haggling: they tell you the price they tell you, cut it in half. It is an open secret that the first price they give is usually inflated for tourists with the expectation that they will start to lower it, and it is a good idea to give a very low figure first. This way there are more guarantees that you will arrive at a price that seems good to both of you.
5. BE FIRM, BUT POLITE
In a word: smile. It doesn't matter if you think you're being taken for a ride or you're getting frustrated with the endless negotiation, you nod and smile throughout the process. Buying in a souk is more than an exchange of goods: it is an experience of social interaction.
Be clear about what you want and how much you want it for.
6. BE PREPARED TO LEAVE IF NECESSARY
If you see that the negotiation is going nowhere, don't be afraid to turn around and keep walking. most likely follow you and offer you a lower price.
7. BE REASONABLE
Things with measure: do not hesitate to go to the other extreme and offer a ridiculous price for a craft that you know is worth much more. Don't be obsessed with getting exactly the price you want, either. and think about the currency exchange. Do you really care so much that they deduct the equivalent of 65 cents?
Do not be afraid to abandon the negotiations if the price does not convince you.
8. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BUY, DO NOT ACCEPT THE TEA
In many stalls they will make signs to you, they will shake your hand, they will invite you to come in to teach you "without obligation" and they will tell you to sit down to bring you a tea (depending on the country, it will be mint or spiced) . After so much ceremony, you will feel bad not buying anything...
Don't be tempted to just drink your tea and leave. If you really don't want to buy, take a look at the store and tell them you're not interested ASAP.
If you're not going to buy anything, don't accept the complimentary tea.
9. WHEN IN DOUBT, TAKE TWO
For things that you really like, or that can be a good gift, or that don't weigh much (think scarves, jewelry or spices) consider taking two (or three, or ten) . This can help you negotiate a good offer, and even take some of the items for free.
10.**GIVE THANKS (FROM YOUR HEART)**
If everything has gone well you both have won. Haggling can be intimidating the first few times, but the more you do it, the more you'll get out of the experience.
If you buy more than one product, you will get a better price.