Here in Vietnam where the average annual salary is 11.32 million Dong, or 600 USD, even $1 can go a long way. Needless to say, A LOT of bargaining is to be expected just about anywhere money changes hands. I used to really struggle with this part of traveling but over the years I’ve learned to tolerate and even appreciate the bargaining process. Now I find myself negotiating for everything from hotel accommodation to even “fixed” prices on a restaurant menu! I’ve learned to approach it as a sort of game. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?!
Here I’ve listed some of the best, and worst, deals I’ve negotiated this week (converted to appx. USD for ease of reading).
One Night’s Hotel Stay, w/ private bathroom
Asking Price: $9.50
Final Price: $5.30
One Day Motor Scooter Rental, helmet included
Asking Price: $4.12
Final Price: $2.20
One Small Pineapple, peeled & quartered
Asking Price: $2.12
Final Price: $0.79 (w/ 1 free banana included!)
One Hour, 25km Bus Ride
Asking Price: $2.60
Final Price: $0.53
Spring Rolls on Restaurant Menu
Asking Price: $1.32
Final Price: $1.06
TOTAL savings negotiated this week: $9.78
Do only the tourist bargain as I suppose the locals do not? You seem to have the game of bargaining down to an art!
Sandra, I’ve had lots of practice! I can’t be sure if the locals bargain, per se, but they know the right price. Westerners just get quoted outrageous prices sometimes because vendors have learned that they can get away with it. The key is to be willing to let go. I guess that mirrors the way life works as well-what do they say? Something like “when you release attachment to the outcome is when it finally appears”??