If you’re planning to purchase any souvenirs while abroad then we suggest buying locally-made crafts that support the skills of those in the local community. Avoid buying items that exploit or threaten endangered wildlife species (e.g. ivory, animal skins, etc), many of which are illegal, wouldn’t clear customs control anyway!
You’ll find that prices tend not to be as fixed as they are in UK supermarkets, so be prepared to haggle. In our experience, the starting price tends to be on the high side. But do remember that these folks are nowhere near as affluent as you, and the difference in a few pence will mean far more to them than it does to you!
Sadly, young Westerners tend to walk round market stalls in the third world with a large dollar sign halo hovering over them. By revealing your interest in something you may end up the victim of some unsolicited attention. It’s not always a bad thing - other items will likely appear before you in a matter of seconds and offered at reduced prices. Sometimes, however, when you’re accosted by several salesmen simultaneously, each vying for your custom, it can all become a little too much…
Remain calm and respectful when negotiating the price. It’s easy to let things get a little heated - just bear in mind the locals will likely have crafted these items themselves, and selling them represents their livelihood. In saying that, don’t take for gospel any claims of an item’s authenticity. We’ve all heard of that awkward moment where a buyer returns home and gets their newly-purchased ‘ancient artefact’ appraised, only to find it isn’t worth the paper it’s wrapped in!
Remember, too, you’ve got a bus and a plane to catch before you can get this souvenir back home: so the practicalities of your return travel may render your purchase ill-advised. The same goes for fragile and delicate items. Make no mistake, it’s a lovely idea to bring home a couple of souvenirs, but please consider the logistics of transporting them back beforehand!
Generally, as long as you walk into any encounter in a positive frame of mind, you shouldn’t experience anything more than a slight nuisance when it comes to local street vendors. Go into any negotiations with an acceptable figure in mind, be prepared to walk away, and don’t flash the cash until you’ve agreed on a price. Above all, though, take the bargaining light-heartedly, and remember that the locals may well have designed the item themselves, so hopefully a fair figure can be mutually-agreed.
We hope the above information is helpful. If you have any questions or concerns about your particular destination, please don’t hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to help.