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Culture
Art of Haggling
The short answer
Haggling is normal in many Southeast Asian markets and some Chinese markets, but not in Japan, Korea or most Taiwanese shops, where prices are fixed.
Where
Southeast Asia (also markets in China); rare in Japan, Korea and Taiwan shops
Category
Social Practice
When
Daily
Origin
Ancient
What it is
The common practice of negotiating prices for goods and services in markets and some shops. It is an expected interaction.
Why it matters
A part of the shopping experience that is both a social interaction and a way to get a fair price. It is not considered rude.
Fun fact
In Thai, 'lót dâi mái?' (ลดได้ไหม, can you reduce it?) is the essential market phrase.
Kungfucius says: Haggle in Bangkok and you're a savvy shopper. Haggle in Tokyo and you're a story the staff tell for years.
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