Comments on: China Haggling Tips For Dummies

By: Semi

Semi — Mon, 10 Nov 2014 04:25:28 +0000

Always ask for a cheaper price at a hotel or hostel, especially if you arrive late at night! This works everywhere, not just in China. While some places will give you a flat-out “no”, others are willing to ask their manager. For example, in Uzbekistan we were able to snag a lux double room for the price of a regular single just by being persistent and nice, and in Dublin we snagged a room at the airport Mariott for our six-hour overnight layover for €20 cheaper than the official rate. If they know they’re not going to be able to fill a room otherwise, most hotels are willing to negotiate. :)

This is a great post for all of Asia! We’ve done miserable at haggling so far but will start practicing your tips! :)

By: Hong Huzi

Hong Huzi — Tue, 04 Feb 2014 20:29:55 +0000

repeat after me, (phonetically) “tye gway lah” this plus a shocked look on your face and a walk-away and you are golden. Use their calculator or your phone’s keypad to communicate if you don’t speak Chinese. Do a little research on your city and/or market, the typical Beijing Silk Market quoted price to actual price was usually 4 to 1 or so. For most items, if you can’t buy it from one vendor another will be happy to give you the deal. Check out taobao.com for prices to compare (again phonetically) “wo kan jigga zai taobao ______(number)_____”. Basically “I saw this on taobao for ______”. This tactic is more and more useful as most vendors are competing with online sales. Also point out any defects (real or imagined) and watch your price drop.

By: Zara

Zara — Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:30:26 +0000

Does it normally work in hotels too? I mean.. street markets and all yes, but I didn’t think it would work as much in hotels, unless it’s low season in a particularly touristic area.
Good for you to like it now.. haggling is a very good skill to have as a traveler!!

By: Gaetan

Gaetan — Mon, 02 Dec 2013 13:26:39 +0000

One thing that never fails is to inspect the merchandise or whatever you want to buy and point out all the defects (if any).
Walking away is usually a great way to seal a deal at a very cheap price.
I did not like haggling but after almost 10 years in China, I got to like it. Even when I go to a hotel, I ask for a discount price now.

By: Sara @ The Let's Go Ladies!

Sara @ The Let's Go Ladies! — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 18:37:46 +0000

Oh man! I lived in mainland China for a short while in my teens and these were all lessons I had to learn the hard way. Great tips for anyone who’s planning on visiting the country!

By: Anwesha

Anwesha — Wed, 27 Nov 2013 06:43:32 +0000

Such a useful post Agness. Ahh, I am absolutely ready for China now :)

By: Hitch-Hikers' Handbook

Hitch-Hikers' Handbook — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 10:39:33 +0000

Another great and useful post, Agness! We always haggle as much as possible, so be sure we will try your tips in practice during our trip next year!

By: Sam

Sam — Sat, 23 Nov 2013 13:24:41 +0000

This is an excellent guide! I had a lot of fun learning the hand gestures for numbers – very useful to be able to do 1-9 with just one hand! I didn’t know that about older generations of Chinese not liking to bargain as much as younger people, how interesting. I wonder why that is.

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 16:14:39 +0000

haggling is a much needed skill in Asia that’s for sure!

By: Zara

Zara — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 12:57:48 +0000

Agness, it’s our pleasure to share your tips here on Backpack ME.
And when we visit China again, we’ll be sure to put them into practice too!
Beware China… we’re gonna be ready to haggle!! ;)

By: Agness

Agness — Fri, 22 Nov 2013 11:26:16 +0000

Just wanted to say thank you guys for having me here. I’m glad I don’t need to haggle that much as everyone knows me here in Dalang :). It feels great to be treated like a local :-).