It is a well-known
fact that every holiday includes the delight of shopping. Even though you may
promise yourself you’ll resist the bargains (that often become clutter around
the house after a couple of months), nevertheless you’ll end up in the souvenir
shop for little shopping for your loved ones. If you are traveling to Turkey,
Egypt, or Morocco it becomes harder to resist this incitement. As a person who
travels frequently to Middle East, I’d like to share some of my personal
experiences with North American travelers who are planning to visit these
countries:
1.
First rule: Always bargain at the bazaars and Souks.
Salesmen in carpet, jewelry and leather shops work on commission basis; so
never accept the first or second offer. Sometimes you can even get up to 70%
discount over the original price.
2.
Try to judge the price by how much you would be willing
to pay for it in your home country. Fix the price in your mind and stick to it.
On the other hand, always keep in your mind the value of the local money. Try
to think in the local currency; most items might sound cheap when converted to
USD but might be very expensive for local people. So purchase like a local.
3.
Most salesmen understand many languages, so do not
discuss anything in front of them.
4.
Use power of No thank you! At least learn this phrase
in the local language and use it when you are hassled. Smile and walk away.
5.
Keep your own currency and credit cards out of sight.
It is easier to haggle over a price with your limited local currency.
6.
Guides get commission over your purchases. If you are
not satisfied with the price, try to come back on your free day and check the
similar item at the other shops. So another golden rule: Have a free day for
shopping!
7.
The top touristy places such as Khan El-Khalili usually
visited in Cairo tours or Grand Bazaar in Istanbul will have the most expensive
prices. Find out the residential shopping areas for better bargains.
8.
For items where quality is important try to find a
fixed price shop. You may pay little more but the quality will be superior.
9.
Haggling is necessary if you are buying high value
items, such as gold and jewelry, but with low value goods it is not always
worthwhile the time and effort.
10. Shops
in Middle East prefer cash. If you pay with cash rather than a credit card, you
should have more power for getting a good discount.
11. Always
shop around. Never buy at the first shop; you can always come back. Shopkeepers
will try to persuade you that they offer you the best value, but will not be
offended when you say you want to look around and would come back.
12. When
buying gold/silver bargain on the price per gram not the price per item.
13. Usually
little grocery shops, coffee shops, supermarket chains will have fixed prices
and bargaining is not accepted.
14. Shopkeepers will show great hospitality. They
will tell that purchase is not necessary, they will invite you to their shop,
offer you tea, coffee; at the end you’ll feel so ashamed to walk away without
buying anything. Don’t fall into this trap.
15. If
you are buying more than one item or shopping with a group, you can haggle for
a greater discount.
Very informative
ReplyDelete