Guest Author - Taisha Turner

Knowledge of the art of bargaining is a perquisite for the traveler to Vietnam. Here are three tips to ensure great shopping experiences.

First, acquire local currency to purchase items in the local markets. Often foreign currency is accepted, but it is worth more than the local. For example, two American dollars are worth much more than two Vietnamese dong.

Secondly, be prepared to bargain. Bargaining is a friendly haggle between the seller and the buyer. This haggle continues until the final price is about two-thirds of the original price.

Third, pay the agreed upon price. The seller smiles for selling her wares. The buyer is happy for obtaining the desired item.

Use these three tips for successful bargaining in Vietnam. Bargaining is done on all purchases. Children who sell postcards and trinkets on the street expect a little dickering over the price.

Return home and share your shopping purchases and experiences. Don’t forget to take pictures of the market stalls. All towns have at least one market area.

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