subject: Expertise For Shopping Inside the Middle East [print this page] Expertise For Shopping Inside the Middle East
It is a well-known reality that each and every holiday consists of the delight of shopping. Even tough you could promise yourself you will resist the bargains (that often become jumble across the home following a couple of months), nonetheless you'll wind up in the souvenir shop for 'little' shopping for your family. If you are traveling to Turkey, Egypt, or Morocco it becomes harder to resist this incitement. As somebody who travels often to Middle East, I'd like to share some of my personal experiences with North American travelers who're intending to visit these nations:
1) Initial rule: Usually bargain in the bazaars and Souks. Salesmen in carpet, jewelery and leather shops work on commission basis; so never accept the first or second provide. Sometimes you can to even get as much as 70% discount over the original cost.
2) Attempt to judge the price by how much you'd be willing to pay for it in your house country. Fix the price in your thoughts and stay on it. On the other hand, usually keep inside your thoughts the value of the local money. Attempt to believe in the nearby currency; most items may sound cheap when converted to USD but may be extremely expensive for local individuals. So purchase like a nearby.
3) Most salesmen comprehend numerous languages, so do not talk about something before them.
4) Use energy of 'No thank you!': A minimum of learn this phrase in the nearby language and employ it when you are hassled. Smile and walk away.
5) Maintain your own currency and charge cards out of sight. It's simpler to haggle over a price with your 'limited' local currency.
6) Guides get commission over your purchases. If you're not satisfied with the cost, attempt to return in your free day and check the comparable item in the other shops. So another rule: Have a free day for shopping!
7) The top touristy locations like Khan El-Khalili more often than not visited in Cairo tours or Grand Bazaar in Istanbul will have probably the most costly costs. Discover the residential shopping locations for much better bargains.
8) For items exactly where quality is essential try to find a set cost shop. You could pay little more but the high quality will likely be superior.
9) Haggling is essential if you're buying high worth items, such as gold and jewelery, but with low value goods it's not always worthwhile the time and effort.
ten) Shops in Middle East choose money. If you pay with money rather than a charge card, you need to have more energy for getting an excellent discount.
11) Usually shop around. On no account purchase in the initial shop; you can always come back. Shopkeepers will attempt to persuade you that they offer you the best worth, but won't be offended when you say you want to appear around and would return.
12) When buying gold/silver bargain on the price per gram not the cost per item.
13) Generally little grocery shops, coffee shops, supermarket chains will have fixed prices and bargaining isn't accepted.
14) Shopkeepers will show great hospitality. They will tell that purchase isn't necessary, they'll invite you to their shop, offer you tea, coffee; in the finish you'll really feel so ashamed to walk away with out buying something. Do not fall into this trap.
15) If your buying more than one item or shopping having a group, you are able to haggle for a higher discount.
