Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ilsanman]

I have heard stories of bargaining in Thailand. The general rule is, cut the price in half, and keep walking away.

My question is, what things can not be bargained for? I am guessing restaurant menu prices. What about hotel prices? Something with a price tag on it?

[D.D.]

Never ask what the price is. Offer the amount you want to pay. If you ask they will assume you are a newbie and jack up the price.

[Ilsanman]

Not knowing how much things cost in Thailand, that doesn't do me much good.

[itaewonguy]

never buy from your first shop... best to go around from store to store and keep asking the price of the goods you are interested in..
then once you have a rough idea how much it costs, offer half the price at another store.. if he laughs at you .. then you know its to low, and just do that until you get a price you want..

tuktuks you bargain for.. taxis are cheaper in bangkok..

[joeyjoejoe]

bargaining in thailand isn't like it used to be.

many shops in the markets (suan lum or chatuchak) around bangkok will just flat out refuse to bargain. offering only a minimal discount if you buy multiple items. around khao san or patpong they will bargain, but you'll still be paying much more than it's worth from suan lum or chatuchak.

make sure you have a smile on your face and joke and laugh, you will get better results.

bargaining for guesthouses is possible if it's not a busy time. hotels are less likely.

tuk-tuks are always more expensive than a taxi that is using the meter. but good luck getting a taxi to use the meter between 5 and 8pm on a weekday in bangkok if you want to cross the city. no driver wants to do it as it'll take 2 hours to get there and only cost an extra 20 bath or so as the "not moving rate" in taxis is really low.

food and anything in a large department style store cannot be bargained for.

[Ilsanman]

We're prolly going to Phuket.