Aahhhh, the bargain. Lets say I see a sarong set that I'm interested in. Besides ordering food, this is how almost EVERY purchase you make happens in Bali. If it doesn't happen similarly to this, you're paying too much:
I just entered the booth and the vendor is already talking to me about it, saying: "You try, yes, look."
Me looking at a sarong: What's the price?
Vendor: 300,000 ($34, an outrageous price)
Me: (look subtly disinterested or displeased while looking at item)
Vendor: What price you want?
Me: 70,000 ($8)
Vendor: (looks shocked) Can't do, impossible.
Me: (look like I've lost interest and moving on)
Vendor: 150,000 ($16)... special for you.
(the Balinese and the Thai try to exploit your sense of self-importance, on the idea that "I'm special". In reality, "special for you" usually means "I'm especially ripping you off, sucker")
Me: 80,000 ($9)
Vendor: No!! (like wow you are crazy)
Me: (Start to walk away)
Vendor: (yells after me) You give me 100,000 ($11), lowest price!
Me: (look back seem mildly interested, change my mind, walk away)
Vendor: OK, 85,000, you give me 5 more!
Me: Na, thatt's OK, I think I saw some over there. (start walking)
Vendor : OK 80,000.
And there it is, you've made your bargain. Once both parties agree to a price, the sale is over and you must buy it. So be careful to start low enough to get to an agreement that you are comfortable with.
HA! Try doing it every time you want to buy anything.
That was my favorite part about shopping abroad - endless bargaining - you know you're doing good when they drag in their boss or pretend to call them to get the okay - probably not so much in Bali but a lot in Singapore. Don't you wish you could get away with that here?
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