Visiting Traditional Markets in Saigon

Of course, the majority of foreign tourists who visit HCM City are not here only to shop. However, many find visiting a local market an interesting and exciting experience. Being amidst thousands of articles on display at these markets, they cannot resist the temptation to buy something, whether it is an unexpected souvenir or a dirt-cheap item.

The Art of Bargaining

Bargaining is at the heart of making a purchase in a market. One of the great virtues of traditional markets is that shoppers can find items that are not available in shopping malls or supermarkets. But one thing you'll rarely see in a traditional market is price tags. And price tags or not, shoppers must bargain skillfully if they don't want to be overcharged. Here is a bargaining primer for foreign shoppers:

 

• Your first offer should be 40% of the shopkeeper's price.

• Add 10% for the second offer.

• If the shopkeeper cuts just 10% off the original price, don't accept it. Hint that you are about to leave.

• If the shopkeeper offers a further 10% cut, still don't accept it. Insist on what you offered as your second price, which was 50% of the original price.

Created on: 2007.02.10

Return to the    Vietnam Home Page

Updated on: 2022.11.30