Haggling Tips + Panda!

First, here's a picture of me petting one of the 1,000 Giant Pandas left in the world.



Now a word about haggling. The trick to haggling is estimating how much a product would cost you in the states and then taking into account the currency rate. For instance, if a handmade scarf cost you $10 in the U.S., your goal is to get the vendor to either match that price or go below it. This is quite easy in China since the currency is like 7.8 yuan to $1. Therefor you just need them to go down to 78 yuan to match the price.

A handy way to haggle is using a calculator to show the amount you are willing to pay. This will only work if they understand international numbers. While in Egypt, I had to learn the Arabic 1- 10 to get by. You can also use a cheat sheet. Just write down the countries number system (1-10) with the universal numbering system below it and point to the amount that you want.

Now some country's economy are not really up to par with places like U.K, U.S.A or Canada. So what's cheap for you might be a lot to them. So don't feel bad if the vendor has a smug look. As long as you are satisfied with the price and know the item you bought is worth twice what you paid, just be happy. Nothing like ending a shopping trip with a win-win situation.

How do you know the item can be haggled over? Usually the items without price tags are a good bet. Even if it does have a price tag, it never hurts to ask if there is a "discount". NOTE: Watch the locals and see how much they pay. If the prices get jacked up when you approach, walk away. In some countries, it is illegal for the locals to rip off the tourists. Find out the laws. If you are in a situation where you KNOW they are scamming you, threaten to call the police. Believe me, they all know that word.

Tips: Never let the vendors think you NEED something or you'll have a hard time of haggling. Keep in mind that its likely that there is another shop close by with the same products as the one you are looking at. Tell the vendor that another vendor quoted a lower price, even if they didn't (but make it believable). Walking away sometimes helps. DO NOT pull out a big wad of cash. Not only will the vendors see but also pickpockets.

To recap: figure out the price of an item from where your from then calculate the difference in currency rate. Then haggle until you are satisfied or walk away.