What I did in Viet nam was I would beat them down to ge the crazy deal and once I win I gve them a tip that worth more then the iteam..I just love a deal and I do not feel bad for that advantage of people...Because they got more money from be if they play along.

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Originally posted by miketg23 But it's still just over a buck a piece. I had this in Bali where it is encourage that you bargain with the merchants. They would often sell for 20-25% of their or original price. At first it was fun, but I started to feel bad trying to beat these people down to paying a few bucks for something that would cost me a lot more.

In Bali you can get most things for WAY less than 20%-25% off. But your right, the actual Balinese people are so wondeful and good natured. They beleive that if they can convince you to pay more for something it's fair (I agree), but they will not lie or cheat you.

Now, the other Indonisians (from Java ect..) are not Hindu but Muslim. THEY will screw you so hard if they can. I saw SO many money exchange places there that had the craziest scams and people got taken constantly...

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Originally posted by cammaxwell In Bali you can get most things for WAY less than 20%-25% off. But your right, the actual Balinese people are so wondeful and good natured. They beleive that if they can convince you to pay more for something it's fair (I agree), but they will not lie or cheat you. Now, the other Indonisians (from Java ect..) are not Hindu but Muslim. THEY will screw you so hard if they can. I saw SO many money exchange places there that had the craziest scams and people got taken constantly...

I did say 20% or 1/5 of the original price but I know you could even get down to a tenth in some cases.

Jakarta had to be one of the scariest places I have been, and I've been to more than a few sketchy cities. My aunt is from a wealthy family there and if I had not been traveling with her friends I may not have left my hotel.

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Originally posted by miketg23 But it's still just over a buck a piece. I had this in Bali where it is encourage that you bargain with the merchants. They would often sell for 20-25% of their or original price. At first it was fun, but I started to feel bad trying to beat these people down to paying a few bucks for something that would cost me a lot more.

dont feel bad... they wont sell it to you unless they are making money.

As a tourist almost anywhere in Asia and middle East, expect to bargain on almost anything.
One advice for travelers to Thailand is that there is so much availability of packages, hotels, etc., that you do not have to pre-book anything.
ex1. Book a hotel room when you arrive into the town. You can go directly to the hotel, or inquire at one of the street side travel agencies. If you have a few minutes to spare, you can go back and forth to compare.
ex2. If you are in Bangkok, flag down a taxi that is just driving down the street. They will usually put the meter on even without asking. Avoid taxi guys just waiting around.
ex3. I was able to book a Phi Phi island tour at 8pm the day before. Also the actual price of anything should be 1/2 of brochure noted price (i.e. if the brochure price is 2400 baht, actual cost should be around 1200 baht)
And when you are bargaining at any flea market places, use your best judgment, and start with 40% of what they initially ask and settle somewhere around 50-60%. Always remember to smile when negotiating and remember not to get angry. If you don't like the price just walk away. You are under no obligation to buy.
It is worthwhile to keep prices low for the next group of tourists. It may only be a dollar to you today, but the price will go up if the people are willing to pay. Before you know it, what was once inexpensive, and good for budget travellers, will be the same price as here. And my personal opinion is that prices here are getting out of hand.

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Originally posted by Jayx1 dont feel bad... they wont sell it to you unless they are making money.

But it made me feel ten times better giving a little bit more.

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Originally posted by Jayx1 dont feel bad... they wont sell it to you unless they are making money.

That's true, but when it comes right down to it the money means very little to us and so much to them. Most of these street vendors work very hard and for long hours to make peanuts in our eyes. I love to travel and experience other cultures, so I'll gladly give a little extra to the people.

Now I'm not saying pay full pop, just in the end put it all into perspective...

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Originally posted by SpeedJat It is worthwhile to keep prices low for the next group of tourists. It may only be a dollar to you today, but the price will go up if the people are willing to pay. Before you know it, what was once inexpensive, and good for budget travellers, will be the same price as here. And my personal opinion is that prices here are getting out of hand.

BINGO!

Somebody gets it.

This is why poor countries like mexico and cuba that pay their employees peanuts get away with charging so much money. Because people are willing to give it.

BTW: You arent helping *them* out. You are helping out whichever mafia gang owns that block.

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Originally posted by cammaxwell That's true, but when it comes right down to it the money means very little to us and so much to them. Most of these street vendors work very hard and for long hours to make peanuts in our eyes. I love to travel and experience other cultures, so I'll gladly give a little extra to the people. Now I'm not saying pay full pop, just in the end put it all into perspective...

Thats cool.. but read above as a guideline. Im not saying be cheap. But keep in mind that they do make little money but they also need little money to live.

Just a perspective... its like 1500 british pounds for rent is $3000 for us yet most brits have no problem paying it.