Bargaining in Vietnam Markets, Fairly
A simple way to bargain that stays friendly and leaves both sides content.
Bargain in markets and at souvenir stalls, and pay the asking price at fixed-price shops, supermarkets and restaurants. Name a lower price you would be happy with, smile and meet in the middle. If you cannot agree, thank the seller and walk away.
Where should you bargain, and where not?
Sort places into three groups before you shop.
- Bargain: markets, souvenir stalls and some street sellers.
- Ask once: small shops where a price is listed. Ask if there is a better price, and accept the answer.
- Fixed price: supermarkets, restaurants, Grab fares, entrance tickets and anything with a printed price tag.
Hoi An and the Hanoi Old Quarter are the two places where visitors bargain most. The Hoi An guide and the Old Quarter guide say what each area sells.
How do you bargain in four steps?
Keep it light. It is a conversation, not a contest.
- Ask the price and do not react. Look at two or three similar items first.
- Decide your own top price before you speak. That is the number that makes you happy, not the lowest the seller will take.
- Name a lower figure, with a smile, and let them counter.
- Move once or twice, then settle. If you cannot agree, say thank you and leave.
Never bargain unless you intend to buy. And never refuse to buy at a price you agreed.
What cash should you carry?
Carry small notes. Banknotes in frequent use are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong1. Paying with the exact amount avoids a second round of haggling over change.
Do the sum in ringgit before you reply. Our ringgit cost worksheet lets you convert at today’s rate, so a price in dong does not feel bigger or smaller than it is.
What if you are shopping with children or elders?
Tired shoppers pay too much. Take a break for a drink before you decide on a big purchase.
Send the family member who enjoys haggling, and let the others rest. If you are not comfortable, ask at the hotel desk what a fair price for the item is. Tailors and made-to-measure items need time, so look at our trip budget builder to leave room in the plan.
What should you read next?
For the other small money question, read tipping in Vietnam. The food and daily travel hub collects the everyday guides in one place.
If you are planning a shopping day in Hoi An or the Hanoi Old Quarter, tell us your dates and we can suggest how to fit it in without rushing.
Common questions
Should I bargain everywhere in Vietnam?
No. Bargain in markets, at souvenir stalls and with some street sellers. Do not bargain at supermarkets, restaurants, fixed-price shops, Grab fares or entrance tickets. If you see a printed price tag, it is usually fixed. When unsure, ask politely whether the price can be adjusted.
How do I start?
Ask the price, smile and look around before you answer. Name a lower figure you would be happy to pay, and expect a counter-offer. Meet somewhere in the middle. Keep your voice friendly, because a calm and good-humoured exchange gets better results than a hard one.
What if the seller will not move?
Thank them and begin to walk away. If the price was close, you may be called back. If not, you lost nothing, and another stall may sell the same item. Never bargain and then refuse to buy at an agreed price. That is the one move that causes real offence.
Is a first price in the old town a trap?
Prices in tourist areas start high, and that is part of the game, not a trap. Compare at two stalls before you buy. If a shop will not shift, you can still decide it is worth the price to you. Fair for you is fair enough.
Sources
- Banknotes in frequent use are 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, 100,000, 200,000 and 500,000 dong. Wikipedia
Keep planning
If you are planning a shopping day in Hoi An or the Hanoi Old Quarter, tell us your dates and we can suggest how to fit it in without rushing.