How to Barter in Mexico

While visiting another country there is bound to be some great shopping. Mexico is one of many places that have a long standing and unspoken rule about shopping; everything is negotiable. Bartering the prices down on nearly every item in any store can be done with a little preparation, and a willingness to walk away.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• US dollars in 1’s, 5’s, 10’s, and 20’s
• Pesos in 10’s, 20’s, 50’s, and 100’s
• Calculator

1. Find out the current currency conversion rate for dollars to pesos. Conversion rates are ever changing, so the rate you look up may be different in just a few weeks time. This rate will be the key to your bargaining power while you are in the markets in Mexico, so have this dollar to peso ratio handy.

2. Read the Mexico travel guide for the specific region of Mexico in which you are staying. Each year a new guide is published, so be certain to either purchase or borrow a current edition. Locate the largest outdoor or flea market in the area and write out directions. Ask the concierge at the desk of your hotel to arrange safe transportation to and from the shopping market.

3. Locate an item that sparks your interest and inquire the price from the seller. Tell the seller their price is not what you were looking to spend. The seller will likely ask you to tell them the price you are willing to pay. Tell the seller half of the amount of what they said the price originally was.

4. Turn and begin to walk away from the seller and the item. Show general disinterest and say that you can find the item elsewhere cheaper. Tell the seller that you only have a certain amount of money and that will be your final offer.

5. Walk out of the store if their price does not meet your needs, or the seller is unwilling to compromise. If the seller accepts your offer then pay them with exact change in either pesos or US dollars. Calculate the value of the dollar to peso ratio in the store with your calculator to ensure that you are indeed paying the correct amount. If you have told the seller you only have a certain amount of money, then do not offer them a large bill and ask for change. Purchase your goods, thank the seller and leave the store.

Tips & Warnings

• Be kind with sellers and do not offer extremely low-ball offers, as the seller may become offended.

• Watch your purse or wallet closely in markets in Mexico. Petty theft against tourists is very common and little can be done once your items are stolen.