The Culture Of Bargaining In Vietnam: A Comprehensive Guide

Bargaining is deeply rooted in Vietnamese society; therefore, it is a frequent practice across the country. Whether shopping in busy marketplaces or interacting with street vendors; price negotiations are to be expected and encouraged. This cultural norm derives from Vietnam's flexible pricing structure, in which initial rates are generally set higher, allowing room for negotiation. The practice enhances the purchasing experience by instilling excitement and adventure, as well as encouraging cultural interchange between consumers and vendors.

Aside from being an interactive and enjoyable experience for visitors, bargaining in Vietnam has other benefits that make it worth considering. For example, it allows you to purchase things at reduced prices, letting you stretch your budget and get greater value for the money you spend. Moreover, the flexibility and customization offered through negotiation enable you to tailor your purchases to meet your specific preferences and needs.

One time, I got the chance to observe my customer bargaining in Vietnam for the first time. It was his first time in Ho Chi Minh City, so he did tons of research about places to go, what to do, and things to keep in mind. That was how he found out about the culture of bargaining in Vietnam, and he learned some basic tips that he found online. 

During his stay in Ho Chi Minh City, I took him to the Ben Thanh Market, where he put all his online bargaining lessons to good use. He was looking for a Non La (conical hat) to buy as a souvenir, and the vendor told him the initial price was 500,000 VND. Now, 500,000 VND is too expensive for a Non La, so they had a short interaction like this:

- Customer: “It’s too high; how about 100,000 VND?”  Keeping his friendly smile, he repeated the words in Vietnamese: “Cao quá (too high), giảm đi giảm đi (please give me some discount)”

- Vendor: “No, too low, too low; how about 200,000 VND?” She declined, but with a little laugh, not a grumpy look. 

- Customer: “No, no, 100,000 VND.” He continued to repeat it with a smile while firmly persuading her to let him pay the lower price.

- Vendor: “How about 150,000 VND?” She thought for a while and put out another reasonable price

- Customer: “No, no, 100,000 VND, please; if not, I will just go.” He smiled when he said that, but began to put the Non La down and started pretending to walk away. 

- Vendor: “Okay, okay, I sell for 100,000 VND.” She agreed,  looking defeated but still smiling throughout the negotiation, and started putting the hat in a bag for him.

- Customer: “Okay, 100,000 VND, right? Cam on, cam on. (Thank you, thank you.)” He was happy that his bargain worked out, then he paid and gave her a smile before taking off. 

In Vietnam, bargaining is typically practiced in local markets, street stalls, and smaller, independently-owned shops. Here are some common places where you can engage in bargaining:

However, you can't bargain everywhere in Vietnam. There are certain places where bargaining is not typically practiced, or may be considered inappropriate. Here are some examples of where you generally should not bargain:

Before practicing your negotiation skills in the marketplaces in Vietnam, here are a few things to keep in mind in order to have a fun, fair, and exciting interaction with the locals:

You don’t actually need to learn a lot of Vietnamese words to improve your bargaining experience; just some basic words and numbers will help convey your desired price to the vendors.  

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to walk away from a bargain without buying when traveling in Vietnam. Don’t be afraid to walk away, but remember to show respect by saying thank you before walking away. Here are a few reasons to consider if you should walk away from a bargain:

Bargaining is an essential part of the shopping experience in Vietnam, and it can be a fun and rewarding way to get a good deal. However, tourists often make common mistakes that can lead them to overpay or get scammed. Here are some of the most common mistakes tourists make while bargaining in Vietnam and how you can avoid them:

Before you start bargaining, it's important to have a general idea of what the fair price for an item is. You can do this by researching online, asking locals, or checking out prices at other shops. If you don't have a good idea of what the fair price is, you're more likely to overpay.

When you start bargaining, it's important to start with a price that is lower than what you're willing to pay. If you start too high, the seller will be less likely to negotiate with you. A good rule of thumb is to start at about half of the asking price.

Bargaining can take time, so it's important to be patient. Don't get frustrated if you don't get the price you want right away. Just keep walking away and coming back, and eventually, you'll get a price you're happy with.

If you're not happy with the price, don't be afraid to walk away. The seller may come back to you and offer you a better price. If they don't, there are plenty of other shops where you can buy the same item.

Bargaining should be a fun and respectful experience. Always be polite and respectful to the seller, even if you're not happy with the price.