ITS CULTURE -

1. Bargaining - Almost anytime. From rooms, bus fare, cyclo fare, motorcycle rental, anything you buy on the street or in the market, guides and tours... In general you don't bargain in a restaurant if the price is listed on the menu. A lot of tourist shops also have price tags but it is often still acceptable to make an offer. If you don't negotiate a price before the service is rendered (i.e., a meal or a cyclo ride) then you are generally responsible for paying whatever is asked. Rules apply -

SMILE, they enjoy the act of bargaining, it's their way of life.
Don't bargain with the first person who approaches you. The further you go from the center of action, the cheaper the price.
Don't be afraid to use walking away as a bargaining tool. You can always come back.
Don't let pride get in the way of coming back.
Bargaining is a time/money tradeoff. If you're in a hurry, be prepared to pay for it.
Ask (Vietnamese) fellow shoppers the price of an item before you begin bargaining.
Always carry small bills. Otherwise all that work is likely to be for nothing.
No matter what your parents told you, when you're bargaining it's perfectly okay to lie.


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*VIETNAM, SPIRIT OF INDOCHINA*
Why \| Journey Begins \| Packing List \| Accommodation \| Bargaining \| Illegal \| Arrest \| Transportation \| Culinary Fare \| Hygiene and Conveniences \| Bank and Post Office \| Television Network \| End of my Journey
	ITS CULTURE - 1. Bargaining - Almost anytime. From rooms, bus fare, cyclo fare, motorcycle rental, anything you buy on the street or in the market, guides and tours... In general you don't bargain in a restaurant if the price is listed on the menu. A lot of tourist shops also have price tags but it is often still acceptable to make an offer. If you don't negotiate a price before the service is rendered (i.e., a meal or a cyclo ride) then you are generally responsible for paying whatever is asked. Rules apply - SMILE, they enjoy the act of bargaining, it's their way of life. Don't bargain with the first person who approaches you. The further you go from the center of action, the cheaper the price. Don't be afraid to use walking away as a bargaining tool. You can always come back. Don't let pride get in the way of coming back. Bargaining is a time/money tradeoff. If you're in a hurry, be prepared to pay for it. Ask (Vietnamese) fellow shoppers the price of an item before you begin bargaining. Always carry small bills. Otherwise all that work is likely to be for nothing. No matter what your parents told you, when you're bargaining it's perfectly okay to lie.