Bargaining for goods and services is customary in Egypt and many visitors relish negotiating for that elusive ‘best’ price. But for those unused to the concept, haggling can seem daunting. Securing the ‘right’ price, even for Egyptians, is an acquired skill that takes practice, patience and above all a sense of humour.

Visitors, when hunting for those vital gifts and souvenirs, should never feel pressurised to purchase quickly. Competition is stiff between traders and most shops and markets are open until midnight, seven days a week, affording the visitor plenty of time to browse the wealth of exotic goods available and compare prices.

However, there are exceptions to this. Generally, charges are not open to negotiation in coffee shops, restaurants and at fruit and vegetable stalls where profit margins are low. Stock in supermarket chains and pharmacies are mostly computerised and prices are fixed. Private taxi fares should be agreed before acceptance and getting an idea of the real cost of public transport is to be recommended before using.

The local bazaar (souq), where haggling is practically obligatory, can be especially intimidating for the novice shopper on a first visit. Having a drink at any one of the numerous coffee shops is a good way of adjusting to the cacophony of noise and overpowering aromas from spices and smoke. Vendors work extremely hard at enticing potential buyers to inspect their wares. Careful scrutiny of the pantomime of negotiations that follow a successful engagement is the best introduction to the art of Egyptian street trading.

Shopkeepers are more than happy to discuss prices, but most are reluctant to put a value on any item until they have an idea of how much money is likely to be spent. For the serious bargain hunter patience and use of some acting skills is vital. Hesitating, pretending lack of funds and walking away all help.

No trader worth his salt willingly lets a potential buyer go and will eventually name a figure. When he does, a counter offer of at least half is acceptable and from thereon a right good ‘haggling banter’ can be enjoyed by all.

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