Bargaining in Vietnam: Our Guide to Engaging in the Cultural Practice

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bargaining in Saigon can be tricky, but proven to be useful with the help of the locals
Sometimes you will need somebody to help you out on bargaining in Vietnam

Bargaining is an ingrained cultural practice in Vietnam, and for many tourists, it can be both an exciting and challenging aspect of their travel experience. For locals, bargaining is not just about negotiating a lower price but is often seen as a social interaction, a way to connect with sellers, and a way to make sure both buyer and seller leave the exchange satisfied. Understanding the nuances of bargaining in Vietnam can help visitors navigate local markets and shops with confidence, respect local customs, and ensure a fair transaction for both parties.

The cultural context of bargaining

with a wide range of crafts and souvenirs, it can be difficult to decide what to buy
It can be tough to figure out how much you should pay when traveling in Vietnam

In Vietnam, you will notice bargaining is a common practice in traditional markets, street stalls, and mom and pop shops. The cultural importance of bargaining in Vietnam stems from the country’s economic background. For generations, Vietnam was an agrarian society where people traded goods directly. Haggling and bartering made for fair trade.

People has always been bargaining, so it is an essential life skill
Haggling and bartering have been around humankind for many centuries

While the economic system has modernized, the tradition of bargaining continues in and around markets. The interaction of bargaining is often seen as an exchange that should be respectful and an opening for enjoyable small talk.

Where and when to bargain

It's fun to wander around street markets and bargain when travelling to Vietnam
Wandering around local areas for shopping can be an exhilarating activity

The key to bargaining: when and where. Traditional markets, known locally as "cho," are the primary places where bargaining is expected. These markets sell a wide range of goods, from fresh produce and household items to clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Bargaining also takes place at night markets and weekend markets, which are often frequented by tourists.

If you find yourself in a high-end boutique, luxury stores, or chain retailers typically where the prices are fixed, don’t attempt to bargain as this would be viewed as inappropriate. Restaurants, cafes, and service-oriented businesses such as spas usually have set prices, though some flexibility may exist for services like transportation (e.g., when hiring a motorbike taxi or negotiating the cost of a private driver for a day).

Tips for successful bargaining

bargaining in vietnam is easy if you know the tips
Don’t be afraid to learn some tips about bargaining in Vietnam

For travelers new to bargaining in Vietnam, there are several strategies that can help for a respectful interaction and satisfied buyer and seller:

Research is essential to every tour - espcially in Vietnam It is wise to know the price and where to shop in Saigon or any big cities

Research is key! Before heading to a market, knowing the typical prices of the items you're interested in is helpful. Guidebooks, online forums, or fellow travelers can provide insights into standard price ranges. This will help you understand what a reasonable offer would be and avoid overpaying.

Start low, but not too low

When you start to bargain, it’s typical to start with a lower offer than the asking price. We don’t recommend making an unreasonably low bid, as it can be perceived as disrespectful and may offend the seller. A good starting point is around 30-50% of the quoted price, depending on the item and the location, like in Ben Thanh market, where you should start at 70% at least

Keep the interaction friendly

Bargaining in Vietnam is often viewed as a friendly social exchange rather than a battle of wills. Smile, be polite, and maintain a relaxed attitude will help your bargaining transaction. Sellers are more likely to offer discounts if they feel respected and comfortable with the buyer. On the other hand, appearing too aggressive or confrontational can sour the interaction and make it more difficult to reach a fair price or get you kicked out of the shop!

Walk away if necessary

Bargaining is a win-win kind of situation - so don't be afraid to walk away Walking away while bargaining in Vietnam is not rude but rather showing your intention

One of the most effective bargaining tactics is to show a willingness to walk away if the price doesn’t meet your expectations. More often than not, the seller will likely call you back and offer a lower price as you leave. However, if they don’t, it’s best to respect their decision and either agree to the price or move on to another stall.

Don’t bargain over trivial amounts

Bargaining is fun, unless it becomes a bit heated over trivial amount
It isn't worth your effort to haggle one or two bucks

While bargaining can be fun, it’s important to recognize when it’s appropriate. Haggling over very small amounts of money—especially for items that are already inexpensive—can be viewed as disrespectful. Consider the value of your time and the seller’s time before entering into prolonged negotiations.

Be aware of “tourist prices”

In tourist-heavy areas, it’s not uncommon for vendors to quote higher prices to foreign visitors, assuming that tourists are less familiar with local costs. While this can be frustrating, it’s important to understand that this practice isn’t meant to take advantage of tourists maliciously but is often based on the assumption that they are willing and able to pay more. If you feel that you are being significantly overcharged, polite bargaining can help bring the price down to a more reasonable level.

The importance of respect in bargaining

Respect the local customs to avoid misunderstanding while travelling to Vietnam Bargaining should be respectful to reach an agreement from both parties

While bargaining can save you a bit of cash, it’s also important to show respect for local vendors. Most sellers in Vietnam rely on their market stalls as their primary source of income, and while tourists may view bargaining a bit like a game, for local vendors, it’s a serious business. Bargaining should always be done in good faith, with the goal of reaching a fair deal for both parties.

Come learn how to bargain with Vespa A Go Go!

Bargaining in Vietnam is an integral part of the shopping experience in markets and small shops. Beyond the financial aspect, bargaining offers a different opportunity to interact with locals, learn more about Vietnamese culture, and make for a great story from your trip! Book a tour with Vespa A Go Go and we’ll show you all the ways to get the goods and save some money!

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