Beginner's Guide To Haggling In A Foreign Market

It's that time again when we think of our next holiday destination and consider various countries and cultures for our long awaited summer holiday. We picture ourselves on that sunlit beach with a book in our hand, doing absolutely nothing but unwinding and taking it all in. Beach, sun, sand, a cooling dip in the sparkling blue sea.... Do you ever feel that it can sometimes perhaps get too much? Well, this is a perfect time to hit the town and explore.

When on holidays in Turkey, Morocco or Egypt, we are bound to discover something new every day as the local life is full of surprises. Women weaving carpets on the side roads, street sellers offering fruits, vegetables, antiques, families enjoying al fresco lunches, men smoking water pipes and playing backgammon... and of course, the colourful street markets. You can find everything there from local handicrafts to silk cushions, textile and leatherwear, wallets, belts, accessories, carpets, silver and gold jewellery, bracelets, rings and locally produced delicacies as well as loads of souvenirs.

Losing yourself in the market for a day is simply the best cultural experience you can ever imagine in any foreign country. Each country has its specifics when it comes to goods offered and the personal style of salesmen trying to sell them. On holidays in Spain or Greece, you will find that the sales people are more patient and generally let you browse through the items on offer until you have made your choice. Of course, they are most helpful if you ask them for advice, but they will not insist on purchase if you have not made your final decision. Prices are usually fixed, but you can always negotiate, especially if your purchase is larger.

In oriental markets, especially in Turkey, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia and Arabic countries, the story is a bit different. Selling and buying is an art which takes a few lessons to master. First of all, if you expect a quiet walk and browse, forget it! Prepare yourself to be approached at every stall, the salesmen will want to talk to you about everything and anything, they will try to even speak your language. They will ask about your nationality, country, family and any most direct questions you can think of. And then, once you get involved in the conversation, they will start offering their goods. They will maintain eye contact to see your reactions and their pricing will very much depend on which country you come from or which hotel you are staying at on your holiday in their country.

Needless to say, for a beginner in a foreign market, this can sometimes be a rather intimidating experience. So how do you shop in foreign markets and bazaars? Here are a few useful points to remember.

1. Always look around and compare the prices before you buy.

2. If you are not interested in the goods offered, be firm but polite when saying 'No, thank you'.

3. Knowing the basics of the language of your holiday destination will always help, especially if you want to move from stall to stall faster.

4. If you are just browsing and not interested in buying anything, keep avoiding the eye contact with the salesmen

5. Once you have found the items you want to buy, start a conversation with a smile

6. Always ask about the lowest or the 'minimum' price. If it seems too high, try to bargain it down

7. Don't be afraid or embarrassed to enter into haggling with the salesmen. They expect it and they like to sell to clever buyers. It's their culture!

8. If you like the item and the price is acceptable, always try to meet the salesman half way through. Do not offend them by asking unrealistic prices or bargaining them too low. Don't forget, this is their business and they are also trying to make the living out of it.

9. Once you have made your purchase, shake hands with the salesman. It is also customary for the salesman to offer you tea and it is polite to accept.

10. Always be positive, smile and look at your shopping and haggling at the market as a fun experience. That way you will always be more successful at achieving the right prices and finding the right bargains to take home.