How to Bargain in an Egyptian Marketplace
Getting the Lowest Price for Souvenirs in a North African Souk
Feb 15, 2009
In Cairo, the best-known market for buying Egyptian souvenirs is the Khan el-Khalili, where two main arteries containing tourist stalls depart from Houssein Square. In between these roads, a maze of smaller alleys contains tiny jewel-box sized stores selling colorful spices, perfumes and oils, glass, water pipes (used for smoking tobacco), musical instruments, and enough scarves to outfit a ballet company of scarf dancers. Farther back, tourist merchandise gives way to clothing and foods bought by Egyptians themselves. Travelers who find their way here may save money - if they can bargain..
Bargaining: A Way of Life in Egypt
The sounds of prices being offered and countered, raised and lowered fill the market, as tourists flow through the stalls looking for souvenirs. For westerners used to paying the price on a tag, hard bargaining takes some getting used to. Not to mention that the Egyptians have 5000 years of practice,.
"Obama! Obama!" vendors are likely to greet western visitors, with a big smile of welcome. "We like Americans. Where are you from? California? New York? " What a coincidence that every Egyptian seems to have a cousin in his customer's hometown.
Some come right to the point, asking "How can I take your money?" Or promising that "everything in my shop is free."
If not interested, simply keep walking, looking neither right nor left. "Like a camel" is how one guide described it. To an American this seems rude, but to an Egyptian vendor, it simply indicates that there is no interest in buying.
Shoppers should feel free to engage in conversation: It is invariably good humored, and sometimes downright funny. While visitors may be told that a plastic bauble from China is a gold treasure, actual crime is rare;. The only real danger is being overcharged.
Think of a trip to the souk as a visit to Las Vegas: Have a set amount of money to spend, and stick to it. The difference is that visitors in the souk don't lose everything in the slot machines, but get to take home a memento.
Bargaining Strategies in an Egyptian Souk
Let vendors offer the starting price, then feign disbelief. Apologize for misunderstanding the value, and express reluctance to insult the seller with too low an offer. This will usually elicit an invitation to state the low offer. With expectations lowered, the visitor can offer whatever he pleases. Then the haggling begins. Have in mind a maximum. and don't be tricked by discounts for multiple purchases.
In more formal tourist shops where merchandise is handmade on the premises, prices may be more fixed (although never completely fixed; always ask for a "discount.") In the souk, it's a free for all, and the final price may be far less than half the seller's opening offer..
A few things to remember:
- Don't be swept away by the novelty: A bellydancing costume may be better to admire than to take home.
- Try to figure what the price at home would be.
- It's one thing to bargain down a vendor from 800 Egyptian pounds (about $150 US) to 300 (about $60), but don't let the haggling get too combative when the difference is only a dollar or two.
- Haggling may continue even after the visitor thinks it is ended. It's not uncommon to see visitors walking away, followed by vendors who are lowering the price, again, and again, and again..
- Check with guides, who can confirm whether an item is locally made (many items for sale in tourist stalls are made in China), or give information about a reasonable price range.
More of Karen Berger's articles on travel in Egypt.
 |
