[Z K]

Originally Posted by xQx

[*]You will be "ripped off". If you haven't been offered an item that you've already bought for less than what you paid, you haven't really been shopping. Don't let it get to you. You earn more than they do, you can afford it.[*]If you find something that you've already got for cheaper; you're default reaction should be to 'average down'. Most stuff doesn't last long, it never hurts to have a second [item] - even if you buy two, it's probably cheaper than one at home.[*]If you want to be a bastard, negotiate a price for quantity of 10, then when you agree on the price, offer to buy one for that price. (note: this really isn't cool, but it is good for price discovery.)[*]Never be afraid to walk away. In fact, even if you want it, you still should walk away.
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On the bargaining, this is spot on... the 1st price is never a good price. You should kind of have an understanding what that item is worth and work with that.

Your best strategy if you want an item is browse, look at it, seem interested, then walk away. They'll chase you and keep dropping the price until you buy it.

Do not buy a fake Rolex... they all look pretty good but the real good fakes are not sold at the markets.

[PshhhhhMW]

Thanks for all this. Extremely helpful!

[Run Silent]

Originally Posted by Ross61

One other thing - while sitting on the beach at Phuket; use the kids as intermediators to fetch your beer. If the store price for the local beer is $1 (35 baht), give the kid a 50 baht note.

Your beer will be cold and fast. The kids typically do not rip you of because, if you give him/her 15 baht per beer, they will be happy. (give them 70 baht per beer, then ask where you can get some good food. if the kid is cool, buy for them too - you'll be spending about $20 total for you, your partner, and the kid )

Oh and just hope/pray a US aircraft carrier doesn't arrive when you're there - ALL prices will double for the first day or two.

Damn inflation. Last time I was there, it was 40 Baht to the dollar and a beer was 5 baht at the cheaper local outdoor beer bars.