Budget Travel Webpage

Bargaining is common in markets and stalls in many parts of Asia as well as in South America and Asia. It is an advantage to have an idea of how to bargain in order to avoid being cheated as well as strike a good deal. 

Bargaining should be done with goodwill so that neither party’s integrity is undermined. It is indeed an art that has to be mastered. Use smiles and good humour.  Beware of the fact that the business of bargaining can be brutal! 

Here is how I approach a bargaining process:

A vendor starts quoting a product for, let’s say, $20.  I say ‘No, too much.’  The vendor then says, ‘OK, $15.’

I say, ‘No,no. I will take it if you sell it for $10.’

The vendor says, ‘Oh, too low. $13?’

I say ‘$11. I have to go soon because my bus is waiting. If you don’t give me I will have to go.’

The vendor says, ‘No no. $13 or I cannot break even.’ 

I say ok, I will take it for $12. I have to go now if you can’t give that to me.’ 

Voila! A deal is struck. That’s a 60% price difference!

In such cases, I get to buy two of the same items such as souvenirs by asking for $24. Doubling the items will be a win-win situation for both as the vendor gets to sell more at one go.

Shopkeepers have a healthy tourist margin built in and will always aim high, taking full advantage of a good profit from the unsuspecting shopper.  I try to say no gently but firmly and laugh with them and quote a lower price.   

In many cases, I tend to successfully strike good deals by getting a price for 60% less than the original. If I am lucky, I get to buy an item for 50% less. Bargaining can be fun and satisfying when a good price is struck. It may not work with everyone but it takes some practice to be good at it.

Overseas travel, whether for business or pleasure can sometimes be stressful without careful planning. You may end up paying a high room rate or worse still without hotel accommodation if you book too late. You may even end up with insufficient cash or get lost while trying to find your destination. Here are some tips to avoid the unpleasant surprises:

First of all, choose a reputable airline that has years of experience flying to the destination of your choice. Nowadays, several airlines have partner airlines that they do business with and so your trip overseas may comprise flying one leg of the journey in one airline and a second leg with another. In cases like this, make sure both airlines are reputable. Additionally, you want to ensure that there is sufficient time between the arriving time of the first airline and the departing time of the second airline. Consult with the airline office ahead of time regarding their policy on accommodations in case the second airline takes off before the first lands. Many reputable companies will pay for a hotel room and meals while you wait for the next connection. Missed connections are by far the biggest headaches of overseas travelers and you do not want to be arguing with the airline offices in the midst of the crisis. Pre-planning is always helpful.

Secondly, find out the correct rate of currency exchange prior to your travel and see if you can get a small amount of currency exchanged for sundry expenses as soon as you land at your destination. Get to know ahead regarding approximate taxicab fares and rates for meals at your destination so you are budgeting properly for your trip and at the same time do not get overcharged at every step of the way just because you are a tourist. Keep a list of credit card numbers for the credit cards that you plan to carry and make also a notation of the telephone number to call and cancel and get replacement cards just in case your wallet or purse gets stolen.

Thirdly, learn some of the basics of the local language of the place you are planning to go to. You do not need to become an expert, but knowing the basics of the language, especially the emergency terms such as heart pain, stomach pain, need a doctor, calling the police, needing an ambulance, etc can be of great help especially under dire circumstances. Try to see if you can give your whereabouts and local contact data to friends and family back home everyday so they know about your safety and any special needs that you may end up having. Knowing the basic local language will also help you to find directions to your destination and order food in the restaurant or café or even haggle for souvenirs. These tips are likely to make your overseas travel safe and enjoyable.

Your travel can be enjoyable and safe if you plan and prepare ahead. Always bring a small notepad and pen to write in case of emergency or in case you need to ask for directions. With the conveniences of modern technology, information can be gathered at the click of the mouse or a dial on the phone.