Bargaining in Turkey

Shopping in Turkey is pleasant but it is inseparable and even impossible without bargaining, haggling, or "Pazarlik", as Turkish people would call it. Bargaining or haggling is a tradition in Turkey as in many other countries from the East, such as Egypt and China. European and American shoppers bargain over prices of cars, houses and other expensive items.

The situation in Turkey is quite different, though. Bargaining in Turkey is extended to include many less valuable items, especially unique hand-made stocks such as artwork, antiques, carpets, crafts, and items which do not have specialized markets. In Turkey you not only can bargain but you should do so! You can even haggle for prices of hotel rooms. Usually, thought, bargaining takes place in the typical traditional Turkish bazaars where you can find all kinds to goods and items. If you don't haggle, it is highly likely that you will get ripped off, because sellers expect at least a bit of haggling and firstly state their prices higher than what they expect to receive. A typical feature of the Turkish culture, haggling is recommended in most situations plus it can be fun and can make your holiday in Turkey a real adventure. Therefore, feel free to haggle once you cross the Turkish border!