It is a well known fact that every vacation includes the pleasure of shopping. Even difficult you could promise yourself that you will be able to resist the bargains (who often become clutter around the House after a few months), however you will end up in the souvenir shop for shopping "little" for your loved ones. If you travel to the Turkey, Egypt or the Morocco, it becomes hard to resist this incentive. As someone who frequently goes to the Middle East, I would like to share some of my personal experiences with North American travellers who intend to visit these countries:
(1) First rule: always negotiate in bazaars and Souks. Sellers of carpets, jewellery and leather shops work on basis of the commission. If ever accept the offer from the first or the second. Sometimes you can even get up to 70% discount on the original price.
(2) Try to judge the price by how much you would be willing to pay for it in your country of origin. Set the price in your mind and to y. On the other hand, always keep, in your mind, the value of the local currency. Try to think of the local currency; most of the articles may appear good markets when converted into USD, but could be very expensive for local populations. Therefore buy like a local.
(3) Most vendors include multiple languages, not to talk about what that is in front of them.
(4) Power use of "No thanks!": at least learn this expression in the local language and use it when you are harassed. Smile and walk.
(5) Keep out of sight credit cards and your own currency. It is easier to haggle over a price with your local currency "limited".
(6) Guides get commission on your purchases. If you are not satisfied with the price, try to come back to your free day and check the element similar to other stores. If another golden rule: having a free shopping day!
(7) Top tourist sites such as Khan El-Khalili usually visited in tours of Cairo or Grand Bazaar in Istanbul will be more expensive prices. Discover the residential areas of shopping for the best deals.
(8) For the items where quality is important are trying to find a fixed price store. You can pay little more but the quality will be higher.
Haggling 9) is necessary if you buy items of high value, such as gold and jewelry, but it is not always helpful with goods of low value the time and effort.
(10) Shops in the Middle East prefer cash. If you pay with cash instead of a credit card, you must have more power to obtain a good reduction.
(11) Always shop autour. Never buy in the first shop; You can always return. Traders try to persuade you that they offer the best value, but will not be offended when you say that you want to look around and come back.
(12) During the purchase of gold and silver negotiate on the price per gram, not the price per article.
(13) Usually little grocery shops, café, supermarket chains will be have fixed prices and bargaining is not accepted.
(14) Traders will show great hospitality. They say that the purchase is not necessary, they will invite you to their shop, offers a tea, coffee; in the end, you'll feel so much shame to leave without buying what either. Do not fall into this trap.
(15) If you buy more than one element or shopping with a group, you can haggle for a greater discount.
About the author:
Nile Aykut is the Director of the Anatolia in travel Marketing. Anatolia travel offer tours private and escorted to the Morocco, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan & Greece. http://www.anatoliatravels.com/
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