The Art of Haggling: Saving Money While Traveling Abroad

When it comes to traveling, everyone wants the best deals possible. But it’s not just flights and accommodation you can save big on. You could make savings on virtually anything you buy abroad.

The art of haggling revolves around one simple principle—asking for what you want. Travelers can get better value and stretch their budgets by negotiating prices. Don’t worry—it’s not as rude or offensive to do as you might think.

So how exactly do you get the confidence to ask for more, for less? What are the best ways of doing it? And are there any other simple ways of saving money when traveling?

How to haggle like a pro

Below are some tips to transform you into a seasoned negotiator. Whether it’s on the hunt for the best price or deal, these simple steps will help maximize your budget.

Get into the haggler mindset

Often, travelers want to be respectful and courteous when visiting a new country. The thought of asking for bargains might seem rude, selfish, or cocky to them. But when done correctly, haggling should not offend sellers.

So, put your insecurities to the wayside. The art of haggling requires you to be assertive, confident, and resourceful. Simple ways to adapt your mindset to this way of thinking include:

• Be positive: Set the tone for a friendly exchange. If you and the seller are relaxed, you will likely agree on a reasonable price.
• Be firm: Don’t hesitate when prices are discussed. Indecision can make you seem unreliable. Instead, be confident. Know your budget and the maximum price you’re willing to part with.
• Be honest: Don’t try to pull the wool over the seller’s eyes by claiming you’ve seen similar items at lower prices, especially in tourist hot spots where they have heard it all before.

• Be respectful: At the end of the day, sellers must make a living. Don’t diminish their ability to turn a profit. And if your haggling is unsuccessful, leave on a positive note and thank them for their time.

Knowledge is power—research before and during your trip

Haggling aims to get the best price possible. But first, you must know the average cost of something at your destination to judge whether it’s of good value. 

There are many ways to research prices before and during your trip. You can check travel websites and community forums for recommendations on tourist-friendly deals. You might also consider researching quieter markets to visit, where shops offer local prices instead of tourist ones.

You should ask your host, hotel, or even fellow travelers about the average price. There will often be tourist guides or brochures that explain different market prices and point you in the right direction.

Spend some time shopping around different stores and stalls. Comparing prices between competing sellers gives you information on how low a seller could potentially go to make a sale.

Finally, if traveling to a country with a different language, why not learn a few local phrases? This can help you focus the conversation on price while showing respect.

Suggest your own deals

Many people assume haggling involves getting the lowest price possible on a purchase. While ideal, there are other ways to make big savings and get more for less.

Sellers might be open to unique discounts and deals or throw in add-ons to complete a sale. For example, if you’re buying a new piece of equipment, like a smartphone or camera, you might ask for a carry case or protector to be included. If you’re buying souvenirs, you might ask for bulk discounts like 2-for-1 or 50% off repeat purchases.

While this varies case-by-case, sellers keen to complete a sale might throw in lesser-valued items to entice you. This helps stretch your spending that little bit further!

Know when and when not to haggle

Haggling is not for everyone. Especially in tourist hotspots, some sellers might have bad experiences and be unwilling to budge on prices. Be respectful of this, and don’t persist when it’s not welcomed.

It can depend on the location, the time of year, and what you’re buying. For example, it’s generally considered acceptable in the US and Europe to haggle for luxury-priced items—but not everyday things.

Similarly, chain or department stores usually have fixed prices that cannot be negotiated. Even if you’re speaking directly to artists or craftsmen at a market, they may be unwilling to reduce the price. If you’re unsure, try asking them whether the price is final. If they’re not budging, respect this and move on.

Other simple ways of making massive savings when abroad

Besides haggling, there are other ways to save on your travel bills. Take your smartphone, for example. Connecting to networks while abroad can usually be a headache, especially if you have to pay expensive data roaming charges.

In the past, travelers avoided this by buying local SIM cards to connect to regional networks. However, there is a new technology on the market—eSIM.

An eSIM is an inexpensive way to stay connected abroad. It allows you to switch to the best local networks in your area, saving you time and money. All you need to do is check your smartphone’s compatibility and research the best providers for your destination.

Tailor the data plan to your needs and trip length, and activate it before heading on your trip. For example, taking out an eSIM UK package lets you connect to local networks across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Once you land, you’ll enjoy reliable connectivity without hidden costs.

Other simple but effective ways of saving money include:

• Using a debit card: Standard debit and credit cards often charge travelers a 3% transaction fee, which can add up throughout your trip. Avoid this by taking out a specialist travel card with a fair rate.
• Planning your bookings: By researching the best time to book, travelers can get the best value for their money. For example, booking travel tickets during off-peak times can dramatically cut costs. Booking accommodation for a longer period can earn you a discounted daily rate.

Some final thoughts

Haggling is an art form. The more you do it, the better you become. By adopting the right mindset and being realistic, you stand to make big savings on your next purchase abroad. More money means you can do more throughout your trip.

But remember, there are many other ways to save money. eSIMs can boost your connectivity and avoid expensive data roaming charges. Using the right credit and debit cards can help you avoid transaction fees and cut costs for flights, accommodation, and food.