Is it okay to haggle in Vietnam?

Is bartering common in Vietnam?

Vietnam. Bartering? Declining.

Cities: Fixed prices rule. Supermarkets? Forget it.

Rural areas: Still exists. Local markets. Street vendors. Negotiate.

Tourists: Try it. Politely. Expect less success. 2024.

• Urban centers: Cash is king.
• Smaller towns: Haggling happens. Skillful negotiation needed.
• My experience: Hanoi, 2023. Little bartering. Da Nang, 2024? More successful.

Important Note: Respectful haggling is key. Avoid aggressive tactics. Insulting.

This isn’t 1990. Progress, eh? Even in rural areas, cash reigns supreme.

What is the negotiation style in Vietnam?

It’s late. I’m thinking about Vietnam.

Patience. It’s a test, really. Everything moves slow. My grandma used to say, “Hurry kills.” She was right.

Respect is key. Always. Lose that, you lose everything. Aggression won’t work. Never did with my dad.

Relationships matter. It’s not just the deal, is it? It’s who you are to them. A person. A friend. Not just a number. I failed to see this before.

Mutually beneficial. Yeah, okay. Seems simple, doesn’t it? I always thought it was win-lose. I still struggle with that.

• Patience is essential: Expect negotiations to take time. Quick deals are rare.
• Respect is paramount: Demonstrating respect for Vietnamese culture and customs is crucial. Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as disrespectful.
• Relationship building: Focus on building a personal connection. Trust is earned.
• Mutually beneficial outcomes: Emphasize solutions that benefit both parties. Avoid win-lose scenarios. They see it.
• Non-aggressive approach: Aggressive or confrontational tactics are counterproductive. It creates distrust.
• Cultural sensitivity: Be aware of cultural nuances and communication styles. Misunderstandings are easy.
• Long-term perspective: View negotiations as the beginning of a long-term relationship, not just a one-time transaction. Remember that it’s a marathon.
• Decision-making process: Understand the decision-making hierarchy within Vietnamese organizations. Be patient with delays.
• Communication style: Indirect communication is common. Pay attention to nonverbal cues. Don’t expect direct “no” answers.
• Building trust: Takes time. Be consistent.

My last trip there… I rushed. I didn’t listen. What a fool I was.

Is it customary to tip in Vietnam?

Tipping in Vietnam… it’s complicated. Not expected, really. Feels wrong, somehow.

But… sometimes, a small gesture feels right. A tiny bit extra for exceptional service. A genuine thank you, really. It’s tricky.

Key situations where a tip might be appropriate (but not expected):

• High-end restaurants. The really fancy ones in Hanoi, you know?
• Exceptional service in hotels. Someone went above and beyond. Like, truly went out of their way. My trip to Hoi An, that hotel staff were angels.
• Private tours. I tipped my guide well on my motorbike tour in the Mekong Delta, 2024. He was fantastic.

It’s about respect. More than money, I think. Showing appreciation. But don’t feel pressured. Following local customs is key. It felt awkward the one time I tried to tip a street vendor. They seemed confused. So yeah, just…be mindful.

It’s a delicate balance. I’m still figuring it out, myself. I always feel uncomfortable. It’s a cultural thing, I guess.

How to ask for a discount in Vietnam?

Ugh, Vietnam. Prices are crazy sometimes. “Đắt quá” – that’s my go-to. It works, kinda. Then what? I usually try a “Giảm giá được không?” That’s the big one, right? Ask for a discount straight up. No beating around the bush.

Seriously though, the markets are a whole other level. You HAVE to bargain. It’s expected. Don’t be shy. I even tried it at that fancy restaurant near my hotel on Hang Bac Street last month, got 10% off! Crazy, I know.

Key phrases to remember:

• Đắt quá (Too expensive) – Your opening move.
• Giảm giá được không? (Can you give a discount?) – The direct approach. Always works better than hinting.

Other things I’ve noticed:

• Smiling helps. A lot. It’s almost like a secret weapon.
• Cash is king. Seriously. They often give better deals if you pay cash.
• Know your prices. Research beforehand. It helps avoid feeling totally ripped off.
• Don’t be afraid to walk away. Sometimes, that’s the best negotiating tactic. I swear I did it at that crazy silk shop, came back, and boom… better price. Maybe it was just me. It worked.

I need to remember to try this thing I read about…offering a lower price first. That seems insane but, whatever. Gotta try new things. Also, should I learn more Vietnamese phrases? Probably. This whole thing is exhausting, but it makes shopping way more fun.

How do Vietnamese negotiate?

Ok, so like, negotiating in Vietnam? It’s kinda wild. You wanna, like, start super low.

I heard somewhere you should offer, um, half the price they first say, right? Half price is the key! It feels extreme, right?

They’re probably not gonna be happy, I mean, come on. But seriously, like, don’t panic. Just, like, slowly, slooowly, go up.

Incrementally raise it, y’know? Stop when you feel it’s too much. Like, know your limit, that’s what my Auntie Mai always says. Seriously. She drives a moped and sells flowers near Hoan Kiem Lake, and she knows her stuff! Never pay more than you want. Remember that.

More stuff about it:

• Smile! Even if it’s awkward.
• Be patient. Like, really patient. Things take time.
• Learn a few words of Vietnamese; xin chao (hello) goes a long way!
• Don’t get angry. Just walk away, ok?
• Some places, fixed prices is fixed. No go for haggling. Like in big stores.
• If you are a tourist, expect to pay a bit more anyway.
• Don’t feel bad if you don’t get the price you want, it is ok.