Bargaining in Vietnam: Culture and tips for you!

Bargaining in Vietnam (or haggling) is a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Vietnam, particularly in traditional markets and with street vendors. It’s often viewed less as a confrontation and more as a polite, playful, and even social interaction that’s a normal part of the buying and selling process.

Bargaining in Vietnam: Culture and tips for you!

Where and When

• Traditional Markets: This is the primary place where bargaining in Vietnam is expected and commonplace. You’ll find it for everything from fresh produce, meat, and seafood to clothing, souvenirs, handicrafts, and household items. Famous examples include Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi.
• Night Markets & Tourist-Oriented Stalls: Bargaining in Vietnam is also common here, as prices are often inflated for tourists.
• Street Vendors: Whether for food, small items, or services like xe om (motorbike taxi) rides, negotiation is often possible. Always agree on a price before you get in a taxi or motorbike taxi.
• Small, Independent Shops: For smaller businesses, especially those selling souvenirs or clothing without clear price tags, bargaining is usually welcomed.
• When NOT to Bargain:
  • Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Prices are fixed.
  • Restaurants and Cafes: Prices on menus are typically set.
  • High-end Boutiques and Luxury Stores: Fixed prices.
  • Chain Retailers: Prices are set.
  • Established Pharmacies: Prices are fixed.

Why Bargaining is Common

1. Cultural Norm: It’s simply part of how business has been done for centuries. It’s a traditional exchange between buyer and seller.
2. Inflated “Tourist Prices”: Vendors often quote significantly higher prices to foreigners, sometimes double or triple the actual value, expecting that you will negotiate. This isn’t necessarily a scam, but a business strategy. Not bargaining means you’ll almost certainly overpay.
3. Livelihood for Vendors: For many vendors, especially in local markets, their stall is their primary source of income. Bargaining in Vietnam is part of their daily routine to make a living.
4. Social Interaction: It can be a way for the seller and buyer to engage, build rapport, and even share a laugh. A successful negotiation is often seen as a mutual agreement rather than one side “winning.”

Etiquette and tips for successful bargaining in Vietnam

• Be Friendly and Smile: This is paramount. Maintain a polite, cheerful, and respectful attitude. A smile and a friendly demeanor go a long way in softening the interaction and getting a better deal. Avoid aggressive or confrontational behavior, as this can be offensive and counterproductive.
• Start Low, But Not Insultingly Low: A common starting point is to offer 30-50% of the initial asking price, especially in highly touristy markets like Ben Thanh where prices are heavily inflated. The vendor will likely “chuckle” or react, but it sets the stage for negotiation. Gradually increase your offer.
• Do Your Homework: Before you start, try to get an idea of the item’s actual value. Look at prices in other stalls, ask hotel staff, or check online. This gives you a baseline for your offers.
• Don’t Show Too Much Interest: If a vendor sees you’re absolutely in love with an item, they’ll know they have the upper hand. Try to remain calm and somewhat indifferent.
• Learn a Few Vietnamese Phrases: Even simple phrases like:
  • “Xin chào” (Hello)
  • “Bao nhiêu tiền?” (How much money?)
  • “Đắt quá!” (Too expensive!)
  • “Giảm giá được không?” (Can you give a discount?)
  • “Cảm ơn” (Thank you) Using these shows respect and can often lead to a better deal.
• Be Prepared to Walk Away: This is one of the most effective bargaining tactics. If you’re not getting the price you want, politely say “Không, cảm ơn” (No, thank you) and start to walk away. Often, the vendor will call you back with a lower offer. If they don’t, there’s usually another stall selling the same thing nearby.
• Use Small Denominations: Avoid flashing a large wad of cash. Keep smaller bills handy for payments.
• Bargain in Vietnamese Dong (VND): While some vendors might quote prices in USD, always bargain and pay in VND. You’ll likely get a fairer price and avoid unfavorable exchange rates or rounding errors.
• Consider Bulk Buying: If you’re buying multiple items from the same vendor, use this as leverage to negotiate a better per-item price.
• Don’t Over-Haggle Trivial Amounts: While bargaining is fun, don’t get stuck negotiating over 5,000 or 10,000 VND (which is only 20-40 US cents). Remember that this is a livelihood for the vendor. If the price is fair, or you’ve already saved a significant amount, it’s polite to accept.
• Go Early for “Morning Blessings”: Some vendors believe the first sale of the day brings good luck, making them more willing to offer a discount to secure that initial transaction.

Bargaining in Vietnam is an authentic cultural experience. Approach it with a sense of fun, respect, and patience, and you’ll not only get better deals but also gain a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese daily life.

See also: What is Vietnamese Family Day?

Common mistakes to avoid when bargaining

• Translating to Your Home Currency: Don’t constantly convert the price to USD, EUR, or GBP in your head. A few thousand VND might seem negligible to you, but it can be a significant amount for a local vendor. Focus on the value within the Vietnamese economy (e.g., “Is this item worth two cups of coffee?”). This prevents you from overpaying simply because something seems “cheap” to you.
• Not Knowing What You’re Willing to Pay: Go into the negotiation with a mental (or even written) maximum price you are comfortable paying. This helps you stick to your budget and prevents buyer’s remorse.
• Showing Over-Enthusiasm: As mentioned before, if you visibly adore an item, the vendor knows they have you hooked and will be less likely to drop their price significantly.
• Being Disrespectful or Impatient: Yelling, being rude, or showing frustration will shut down the negotiation instantly. Patience and a calm demeanor are essential. Remember, it’s a social dance, not a battle.
• Haggling Over Trivial Amounts: Don’t waste your time or the vendor’s time haggling over 5,000 VND (about 20 cents USD). It can come across as petty and disrespectful. Save your bargaining energy for larger purchases.
• Comparing Vendors Directly: Avoid saying “The shop next door offered it for less.” This can be seen as rude or confrontational. If you found a better price, simply walk away towards that other stall.