Bargain, bargain, bargain

The idea of a fixed pricing system is still quite novel in most commercial contexts, which means that a little good natured haggling is an important habit to develop. Anywhere outside of supermarkets…
The idea of a fixed pricing system is still quite novel in most commercial contexts, which means that a little good natured haggling is an important habit to develop. Anywhere outside of supermarkets, restaurants and anything controlled by the state, bargaining is probably possible and usually essential. The price of fresh goods can fluctuate quite a lot, depending on quality, season, availability, origin and type of goods. Mangoes for instance, come in many varieties from cheap and fibrous to expensive and juicy… Paying the lowest price might not always be the warned that, as you are always easily spotted from a distance as a foreigner, you will be asked to pay more than locals. Sometimes just a little more, but often outrageously more, even if this is not always immediately obvious to you, especially when relatively small sums are involved. It might seem like a snip, but you may be paying ten times the going rate. If you feel mean haggling over such small sums or are tempted just to pay up for a quiet life, DON’T forget to think of other people who will pass this way after you. You shouldn’t be too afraid of offending local sensibilities: if you pay vastly over-inflated prices without a murmur, you’ll simply be seen as the sucker you’re letting yourself be taken for! In order to hone your purchasing skills to a fine art, see our Ten Tips to Savvy Shopping at the end of this section.