Table of Contents
- Cash is King
- No need to haggle
- When and how to haggle
- Why do so many shops sell the same product?
- Finally
Visiting Bangkok Night Markets is undoubtedly one of the most famous things about Thailand are the Night Markets. And in Bangkok, travellers are spoiled for choice as to which ones visit.
Here are some local knowledge tips to make your Visiting Bangkok Night Markets adventure more enjoyable.
Cash is King
Always have cash on you when visiting the night markets. Most vendors will not accept Credit Cards, or International Payments. But you shouldn’t need much, if you’re going for food, then a meal can cost as little as 50฿. Even if you’re feeling like going big, then the largest river prawns will still be a lot less than 1,000฿. If it’s just food you’re going for, then you’ll be fine most of the time with just 500฿.
For more on what bank notes to use and how much to take around with you see our post answering that question.
No need to haggle
The vendors at the night markets will have prices listed on their products. This makes it easy for buyers and transactions. Ad when they don’t, they will still usually charge you the normal rate.
Sometimes when you’re buying electronics or clothes, the vendors may not have prices attached to all their products. In such a case the best thing to do is pay the price that you are willing to pay (that you are happy with). Or tell them “you’ll look around first and may be come back”. This is because you’re sure to find another shop selling the same/similar items. This way you avoid any confrontation.
When and how to haggle
If you have your heart set on something, but the vendor is not giving you the price you are willing to pay. Remember that the ultimate power is to be able to walk away. So if you’re just not seeing eye to eye, then walk away, some times the vendor will call you back and accept your lower price, or at least come down a little bit more from their position.
But if the gap between the both of you is a lot, then do remember that these vendors are often not making much money and are in need of cash, so be kind, and move your position a little bit to help a fellow human being.
Why do so many shops sell the same product?
In some case, for products that can be bought from wholesale outlets like Alibaba, you’ll find many sellers selling the same item! This is actually good for you as the buyer, as it means that you have increased your negotiating power.
However, for food stalls, although it looks like they are selling the same dish, every stall have their own recipe. In order to know which is the best one, you simply count the number of customers they have, the more the better. Of course, this is not the case for Food Chain Stalls like Five Star, Fire Bear, which are franchises. A Franchise will sell exactly the same thing.
“in order to know which is the best one, you just have to count the number of customers they have, the more the better”
Finally
Keep your money in a safe place, no need to take more than necessary.
Electronic often have problems and cannot be refunded.
Cloths are very cheap, it’s best to buy from the shops that are truly independent, though they cost more, you know that the seller makes it themselves or it’s in the family business.
And, practice safe food eating in Bangkok, try the fruits, the fried food, and avoid raw foods if your stomach is not accustomed to local cuisines.
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