by Lindsay Clark

Created on: February 17, 2009

A budget nomadic existence is a tough lifestyle to sustain for long periods of time, which is why the frugal mentality must be acquired in order to guarantee survival on a journey. Given, being a traveler, even to low-cost, developing locales, isn't all that money-smart in the basic sense, but if you're at all like me, you have no choice but to satiate your desires to be on the move.

For this reason, it is essential to learn how to haggle. For most Westerners (or maybe it's just us, America), the practice is lost on us. Fixed prices and non-confrontation make our shopping experiences easy-peasy; so what happens when you are caught in a sales pitch by a ten year-old Indian boy or a charming Italian with a golden tongue?

Here is one of the many tricks I acquired in the art of the bargain on my seven month trip alone around the world. This specific occurrence refers to a shopping experience in Phnom Penh, Cambodia at the Central Market, discussing a beautiful painting.

Seem uninterested at first, whether you are just walking by or perusing a stand's merchandise.

Find one item that you are determined to have and act like it barely stuck out to you.

Ask the price for that one item only, making it clear you will keep walking if it isn't low enough (note: the first price will be over double the price the locals, friends, and family members pay).

Once the first price is called, make a slight disinterested face and walk away like it wouldn't faze you to not own that piece.

The salesperson will immediately follow your turned back with a price that is lowered by only a fraction or two, or they will ask you what you would pay for it.

This is when you turn back and begin the real sport of it.

Now is the first time you should begin smiling (unless you are in Russia or the Ukraine, for they think those who smile are escaped mental patients), and with that grin, you reply, "Oh yeah? I'm not so sure. I don't think you're giving me the fair price. What do you think?"

"OH yes, very good price! You want? What you pay?" I apologize if I seem rude for imitating their improper English, but using the actual phrases with their flaws retains authenticity of their knowledge, experience, and intentions.

Start asking questions about who made it, how it was made, what it is made of, and what its function is. If they can answer your questions well enough, consider the purchase. If not, move to the next vendor of the exact same inventory.

If answers are good, you begin by saying, "Alright, I need you

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>