Skip to main content
EF Ultimate Break logo
EF Ultimate Break logo
Food stalls at a Thai night market.

How to Haggle and Act Like You Don't Give a F***

Really though, it's not as intimidating as it seems.

Former EF Ultimate Break staffer Emily wrote about her experience haggling her way through the markets of Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Markets are a staple throughout Asia and Southeast Asia. And in all my travels, I’ve never seen anything like the night market in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The market has something for everyone. Noodles. Ice cream. Jewelry. An entire stall of penis memorabilia. Plus, the constant chance to practice your haggling skills.

Haggling is the norm in this part of the world. However, it can feel intimidating (and maybe just a tiny bit awkward) if you’ve never tried it before. Especially after years and years of being told to “respect your elders” and “not to cause a scene.”

But, not only did I fight through the social anxiety of bargaining with strangers, I came out on the other side with 7 rules for successful haggling! And with a lot of stuff.

People walking under string lights through the vendors of a Thai night market.

1. Confidence is key

Just like in life, when you're confident, others pick up on it. Act like you've been there before. Even if the amount of sweating you're doing says otherwise.

2. Take a lap

In order to get the best deal, it’s best to be strategic. Walk through the market and take stock of what’s being offered at what price.

3. Cut the price by at least half

A good rule of thumb is to cut the offered price for an item in at least half and then get ready to negotiate. (Except with food. Food prices are non-negotiable.)

A woman holding up a large accordion fan at a Thai night market.

4. Bulk up

Found a pair of knock-off Birkenstocks but can’t get the price you want? Try buying two. Vendors are more willing to give you a good price if you buy more.

5. Put the money in their hand

This is bold, but effective. Offer up the cash for what you want and put it in the vendor’s hand. Once it’s there, it’s too enticing for them to give back. If you try this tactic, make sure you have exact change.

6. Know when to walk

If you can’t seem to get the price, don’t quit just yet. Shrug your shoulders, say “thank you”, and walk away. If you’re going to get the price you were looking for, the vendor will stop you.

7. Be respectful

Using excuses such as “but I walked all the way here!” won’t win you any sympathy, and neither will bargaining a price down by an insignificant amount of money, such as 5 Thai baht ($0.16).

A woman standing on an optical-illusion painting on the sidewalk of a Thai night market.

Happy haggling and not giving a f***!

The letters "EF" on a background that fades from purple to green.

About the author

EF Ultimate Break Staff

The EF Ultimate Break editorial staff includes experts in travel and hospitality journalism, social media and content creation, tour design, and consumer trends. When they’re not writing about travel, creating new tours, and researching what’s next, you can find them—you guessed it—traveling.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
SAVE ON BEST SELLERS

Up to $500 off

For a limited time, book our most popular trips on sale.

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Travel advice

Photobooth Confessionals: Italy

Travel advice

Airplane Mode Podcast | Emma Topp on Crying in Italy and Finding Empowerment Traveling Solo

A waiter adjusts tables in a cozy restaurant with framed art on the walls. Text reads "Hidden Gems Trattoria Da Romano."
Travel advice

Trattoria Da Romano: Burano’s Best Kept Secret

Travel advice

Exploring Venice: 5 Places You Can’t Miss (with a Soundtrack to Match)

two smiling women toasting wine glasses at a vineyard
Travel advice

Winery Vignaluna: Home to Wine, Sustainability, and Sunset Serenades

two smiling women toasting wine glasses at a vineyard
Travel advice

Winery Vignaluna: Home to Wine, Sustainability, and Sunset Serenades

A gondolier floating past a restaurant window
Travel advice

Venice’s Unhidden Gems: 5 Places You Need to Visit

A man rowing a boat while standing
Travel advice

The Art of Rowing in Venice: A Local’s Perspective

Travel advice

Food. History. Landscapes. The Best of Italy, According to EF Ultimate Break’s Teresa

The facade of the Pantheon in Rome
Travel advice

The Roman Neighborhood That’s “Part Hogwarts, Part Wes Anderson,” and More From an Italy Native

The skyline of a small Italian city
Travel advice

“The Waiter Isn’t Angry…He’s Just Being Italian.”—Italy Tips From Our Resident Expert, Claudia

The view of a basilica from across the Venetian lagoon
Travel advice

Visit the island of San Giorgio Maggiore, Venice’s best viewpoint

Coffee, juice, and pastries on a table
Travel advice

How to Order Coffee Like an Italian (and What to Eat With It)

Travel advice

Affordable & Authentic: Pro Tips for Venice Souvenirs from Ultimate Break Tour Directors

A vaporetto, water bus, moving through a Venetian canal
Travel advice

Navigating Venice Like a Pro: Public Transport Tips From Ultimate Break

Four people laughing together in front of a lake at the base of a mountain.
Travel advice

25 Reasons to Travel in 2025

Travel advice

The State of Gen Z & Young Millennial Travel

Travel advice

Ultimate Black Friday 2024 is EXTENDED!

Travel advice

POV: You booked a trip and need to prepare

A woman looking through a stone arch at a river and a grand, ornate building below.
Travel advice

You Can Include Travel on Your Resume. No, Really.

Skip to start of carousel