Egypt is a beautiful nation of sands, sunsets, oases, and pyramids. Every year, millions of holidaymakers worldwide go to Egypt to see the mysterious Pyramids of Giza, the stunning Nile River, the dark Tomb of Tutankhamun, the mammoth Great Sphinx, and other sights. In the Middle East, Egypt is one of the most often visited lands.
During your holidays to Egypt, you may experience another sort of attraction that is not often stated in guide books — the street stalls, souks, and bazaars. All around Cairo and other urban areas in Egypt, there are hawkers offering all types of merchandise, from classical pottery to ultramodern electronics. Best of all, you can get them at very reasonable prices — if you know how to bargain.
1. Don’t hesitate to ask for a lower price. Indeed, bartering and haggling is considered a normal way of doing business in the country. Thus, hawkers already expect you that you will bargain for a better price.
2. Due to the fact that not all folks in Egypt speaks English (or your native tongue), it may be difficult to talk when it comes to figures and numbers. Bring a small calculator. Just type in the price you want to pay for the selected good and show it to the merchant.
3. Sellers will first show you with the published price of the good. Do not agree with the figures immediately even if they seem extremely cheap. The first price that is shown is often ten times the actual value of the good.
4. A hawker may swear or blabber if you suggest a lower price. Don’t let that let you feel sorry for the vendor. Take note that displaying “emotional fits” is the seller’s strategy of haggling, as they want profit also.
5. Once you determine an agreeable figure that you deem good to both you and the seller, adhere to it. If the merchant refuses to honour the rate, turn around and walk away. Most likely, he will have second thoughts, afraid that you will get the same item from a another store, and he will agree to your price.
6. Do not get ripped off by taking a closer look at the currency being quoted. Inquire if they are in English pounds or Egyptian pounds.
7. Drop by other stalls. Most likely, you will find similar items at better rates.
Whether you are going for cheap holidays to Spain, Egypt, Turkey, or some other country, it is beneficial know the art of bargaining.
