Haggling Tips For Your Holiday in Dubai

Haggling Tips for your Holiday in Dubai

The UAE’s markets and souks are legendary. In particular, Dubai’s 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 – especially when it comes to the legendary gold souks. Don’t be intimidated – learn these handy bartering tips, and you’ll be boasting about the bargains you got on your luxury holiday in Dubai for months to come…

Know the market and the currency

The first thing to remember about bartering is that you shouldn’t 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. It’s all too easy to be drawn in by a shop keeper’s smooth tongue and end up badly overpaying for low quality goods – especially if you’re new to the currency.

Spend a little time figuring out the currency (you don’t want to realise days later that you spent half an hour haggling over 10p!), and the general value of goods so that you’re 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 don’t see you coming to ensure the best bargains on your luxury holiday in Dubai.

It’s all about the mannerisms

The interesting thing about haggling on holiday in Dubai is that it’s 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 ‘weakening’, for example. On top of this, facial expressions play a huge part in the process – a quick flash of amusement, surprise or horror can see an instant advantage to you. Imagine you’re 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 you’re prepared to pay, and if the shopkeeper doesn’t offer it be prepared to walk away. With all the souks in Dubai, you’re best off saving your money for a better deal (providing you’re 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 haggler’s sleeve, and can get Dubai holiday bargains beyond your wildest expectations!

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