Bargaining, Egyptian Style

Shopping in an Egyptian bazaar or souk is an experience that makes use of fine bargaining skills. If you lack such skills and you intend to visit the country anytime soon, then you better start learning the tips we have outlined in this brief guide to bargaining in the Egyptian way.

When you get to the souk, look around first so you can identify the item that you would like to purchase. Then approach a shopkeeper and greet him. Take the time to learn how to say “Good day” in the local dialect since this would certainly make a good impression on the merchant. Chat a bit with the vendor and compliment his store before you ask for the price of the item you want. This would usually be quite an expensive amount, but reject it politely and ask if he can sell it to you for a lower price. If the merchant asks you in turn how much you would be willing to pay for the item, name a price that is lower than the amount you are willing to spend. This whole process would take a good bit of back and forth in your conversation with the shopkeeper, but stick to a price that you consider fair. To convince the merchant to give you a good deal, offer to buy other items from his store. Remember to be polite throughout the whole conversation and avoid setting too low a price on the goods you are bargaining for. When the merchant finally agrees to give you a price that you are willing to pay, thank him and compliment him once again.