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Haggling Tips For Your Holiday in Dubai

Haggling Tips for your Holiday in Dubai

The UAEýs markets and souks are legendary. In particular, Dubaiýs holiday makers are spoiled for choice when it comes to their shopping options, with everything from leather goods to gold available to buy and sell on the markets. Everyone knows that haggling is to be expected, and yet somehow British tourists often feel uneasy with this ý especially when it comes to the legendary gold souks. Donýt be intimidated ý learn these handy bartering tips, and youýll be boasting about the bargains you got on your luxury holiday in Dubai for months to comeý

Know the market and the currency

The first thing to remember about bartering is that you shouldnýt head off to the souks on the first day. Spend the first few days of your Dubai holiday browsing the shops and markets to help you get your head around both the currency and the general value of goods. Itýs all too easy to be drawn in by a shop keeperýs smooth tongue and end up badly overpaying for low quality goods ý especially if youýre new to the currency.

Spend a little time figuring out the currency (you donýt want to realise days later that you spent half an hour haggling over 10p!), and the general value of goods so that youýre in an informed position when it comes down to making your bids.

When it is finally time to hit the souks for the first time, remember that a lot of haggling is in how you look. This may seem unfair but consider this: if you were a shopkeeper, would you be more inclined to accept a low offer from an inconspicuously dressed person or the tourist in the expensive looking suit flashing a rolex watch? Dress down for the occasion and make sure they donýt see you coming to ensure the best bargains on your luxury holiday in Dubai.

Itýs all about the mannerisms

The interesting thing about haggling on holiday in Dubai is that itýs less about the words that are said, and more about the things which are not. A well placed sign of hesitation can have a shopkeeper instantly offering you a lower price as he senses you ýweakeningý, for example. On top of this, facial expressions play a huge part in the process ý a quick flash of amusement, surprise or horror can see an instant advantage to you. Imagine youýre an actor and convince the shopkeeper that he must lower his offer, or lose the sale.

Do bear in mind during this that the haggling process is supposed to be fun, though. Never be rude, and enjoy it as the game it is. A playful, likable demeanour is more likely to get results than a surly attitude.

Be ready to walk away

Before you begin haggling on the item you want, set an absolute top price youýre prepared to pay, and if the shopkeeper doesnýt offer it be prepared to walk away. With all the souks in Dubai, youýre best off saving your money for a better deal (providing youýre being reasonable), plus the very act of walking away is often the sign for the stall keeper to throw in one last gasp attempt to make a deal. Walking away, bizarrely, can be the ace up the expert hagglerýs sleeve, and can get Dubai holiday bargains beyond your wildest expectations!

Itýs quite possible to enjoy the markets of Dubai without haggling, but itýs definitely more satisfying if you can talk your way into a bargain during your holiday. Dubaiýs store owners expect it, so give them what they want and hopefully bag yourself some high quality souvenirs in the process!

Peter Vasilou is a Dubai specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in luxury Dubai holidays, as well as holidays in Australia, Cuba, the Caribbean, Europe, the Far East, the Maldives, Mauritius and the Seychelles, Egypt and Southern Africa. Key2holidays has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

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