Shopping in Thailand is fun for westerners because of the low low prices of many of the goods and souveniers, but that is only the beginning of the fun. Not only can you expect fairly low prices, but Thai’s have a system of bargaining for goods that makes shopping an entertaining experience and great fun for everyone if done right.
At any of the markets and street stalls you can expect to pay anywhere from 10-50% less than the price that is initially quoted to you, but you have to hone your bargaining skills. Bargaining in Thailand is a science and an art form. A combination of market intelligence combined with humor and flattery in just the right proportions to secure the best price and to let everyone have a good time. Remember, the concept of “sanook” or fun is very important to Thai’s. Anytime you can add some humor and give the seller a bit of sanook you will do much better.
When bargaining it is important to remember some rules, this will ensure you get the best price and that a good time is had by all.
- If the shop or stall has fixed prices then no bargaining. Only bargain at places where there are no posted prices.
- You may want to shop around a bit to get an idea of the proper local price for an item before you seriously start to bargain.
- Learn some Thai and start the conversation in Thai. This will make you seem more like an expat resident rather than a tourist and the seller will be less likely to inflate the price excessively. Memorize this phrase: “Sawadee krap/kaa, nee tao rai na krap/kaa?” (Hello, how much is this? Men will use krap and women will use kaa). Try to learn Thai numbers as well, you can learn more about Thai number from my post “Counting in Thai“
- The initial price given to you will likely be twice as high as the actual selling price. If you look like a wealthy farang then the price could be as much as triple what the seller will actually accept. Decide ahead of time what you would be willing to pay and when the bargaining starts try to start about 20% lower than that price to give yourself some room. Don’t start insultingly low though either.
- Use humor and flattery. Thai’s love to laugh and they love to be flattered. Making a joke or giving a compliment is an easy way to lower the price of almost any item.
- Don’t lose your temper or get emotional about the bargaining. Thai’s do not like confrontation or excessive emotional displays and the only thing your outburst will do is make you seem rude and cause you to lose face with the Thai. Always be polite and smile when bargaining.
- Remember that bargaining for Thai’s is both like a game and a way to interact socially. If you can make the bargaining more like a conversation and less like a business transaction you’ll do much better and everyone will be happier.
- Don’t be afraid to walk away if the price seems too high. Many times this will prompt the seller to come after you saying “Ok ok” and agreeing to your price or very close to your price. On the other hand, don’t back out of a sale after a price has been agreed on. This is considered very bad form and quite rude. If you agree to a price then go through with the purchase.
Overall, just remember to keep a smile on your face and have fun. For most small items a difference of 50-100 baht only means a difference of $1-2 for you so don’t stress over it. 100 baht can go a long way for a Thai and you very likely won’t miss it. Bargaining should and can be a fun way to socialize with the Thai’s and to get a better understanding of Thai behavior. If you’re unsure how to start watch others and see how they bargain. Even though you aren’t Thai you can learn to bargain well, it just takes some practice. Golf has told me numerous times that I am a better bargainer than her and I have actually seen this first hand, so don’t think you can’t bargain well just because you’re a farang. Get out there and chat it up a bit and just have fun!
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