The Art of Pazarlık: How to Bargain in the Grand Bazaar

Is Bargaining Always Expected?

Before you start haggling over an apple at the supermarket, know the rules! You cannot bargain in grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, or on public transport. You can and should bargain in bazaars (like the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar), carpet shops, antique stores, and sometimes for long-distance taxi rides.

The Unwritten Rules of the Game

• Rule 1: Never accept the first price. The initial price quoted to a tourist is usually heavily inflated.
• Rule 2: Keep it light and friendly. Bargaining (pazarlık) is a friendly negotiation, not a battle. Offer a smile and accept the tea if it's offered.
• Rule 3: Don't start if you aren't going to buy. It is considered rude to negotiate a price down and then walk away. Only haggle if you genuinely want the item.
• Rule 4: The power of walking away. If the price isn't right, politely say thank you and start leaving. This often prompts the best "final offer".

Essential Bargaining Phrases

Using even a little Turkish will immediately earn you respect and often a better price!

Asking for the Price

• Ne kadar? → How much? (Use this for everything)
• Bunun fiyatı ne? → What is the price of this?

Starting the Negotiation

• Çok pahalı! → Very expensive! (Say this with a surprised smile, not angrily)
• İndirim var mı? → Is there a discount?
• Öğrenci indirimi var mı? → Is there a student discount? (Always worth a laugh, even if you clearly aren't a student!)

Making Your Offer

• En son ne olur? → What is your absolute final price? (A magical phrase that cuts to the chase)
• Bana ... lira olur mu? → Will you do it for ... liras for me?
• Param yok. → I don't have money. (A dramatic, playful way to say it's too expensive)

Want to practice? Head over to our Travel Turkish Deck to master your numbers before your next trip to the bazaar!