One of the most favorite activities during travel is shopping. It may not the main purpose for when someone travelling. However, indulging yourself to buy various authentic items from local stores can be very satisfying. Even if you are not a shopping lover, you may find it interesting to do during your travel abroad. It is different from when you shop at your hometown. The interaction with the local shop owner itself can be a wonderful moment to remember.
Tips for fun, worthy shopping during travel abroad
Shopping abroad can be rewarding but sometimes it also comes with its pitfalls. One of the most common things of shopping for traveler is the overpriced products especially when the seller know that they charge a tourist. However, your lack of knowledge about the local culture may out you in difficulty to know whether the price is fair or not. Also, it is often that travelers manage to buy affordable souvenirs but they find it to be fake at home.
The very easy and important tips for shopping abroad is do your own research in advance. If you plan to go for a shopping, do your research at home or when you are in your hotel room. Window shopping and spontaneous spending often cause more troubles than fun. Do your homework prior the shopping endeavour especially when you aim for having a major purchase.
Even after you have done thorough research, it is recommended to shop around before deciding your purchase. This is a good way to compare price and quality of the items you want to purchase. If you travel with an agent, they may suggest you to shop at certain store. However, always be cautious because the seller may charge higher because they have to give commission to your travel agent. Don’t feel pressure to buy from the shop your agent point out. You can also shop from a store you find on your own if you think it offers a better deal.
Haggling or bargaining is still used practice in some countries especially in some local markets. It may not be your cup of tea to bargain the price until you get a good deal. However, it can be fun as long as you do it with respect. You can test your negotiation skills during shopping abroad. It is recommended to learn more about the local culture in advance because the process can be assertive in some countries while in other places it can be done in softer tone and approach.
Regardless of where you shop, always bring positive attitude during the transaction. Avoid unnecessary fight and you’d better find other places to shop if you cannot get the best deal. Also, it is best to have decided how much you are willing to pay for the item so you won’t look confused or indecisive. Also, be careful when choosing shipping method if you choose to ship your purchased items to your home. Make sure that the seller offer insurance and make the transaction as clear as possible.