Backpacker's Guide to the Universe

So after mornings spent in rustic huts, afternoons on white sands, and evenings basking in the orange glow of the gorgeous sunsets, we're finally here - our last night in Phuket. Tomorrow evening we leave for Ho Chi Minh City. After 8 days in Thailand, I think certain things have to be said!

BARGAINING WITH A CONSCIENCE!


Now, I know Singaporeans are THE hagglers of South East Asia - I have reason to believe we have acquired a reputation for being one of the cheapest around. That said, I think that if you haggle, at least haggle with a conscience!

1. Never stay for too long at a shop while you're browsing, and leave without buying

You're just gonna annoy the hell out of the shopkeeper! Staying for a short while in certain markets, and leaving, will instantly induce the shopkeeper to, usually, cut the price drastically. This is the case in Mongkok in Hong Kong, and true for really dense night markets here in Thailand.

2. Don't squeeze every single cent out of the shopkeeper
While you would be , as it is known in economics, maximising your consumer surplus, you're genuinely being a bloody stinge. The fact that you're here, thousands of kilometers away from home is proof enough that you can afford a few cents and dollars more. While you can get your bargains, be mindful of the times when shopkeepers are really trying to make an honest living, and not swindle the hell out of you. If they are trying to swindle the hell out of you, haggle the hell outta them!

3. Always smile! (:
More often than not, several shops will be selling the same things - different fronts for a few main vendors. Therefore, smile! Why? Smiles are the most disarming thing in the world, and will get you awesome prices, better goods, and maybe a new friend. The differentiating thing between the different shop fronts will be the service they offer, and the response to your smile will help you determine that. In Chiang Mai, I can remember a lady taking out the newest and nicest T shirts she had on display, and making sure it was the best quality she had - all because the group of friends had been polite.

I've seen too many times the farangs or angmohs ignore the Thais when they call out. A smile will suffice, they are people after all.

We've been brunching at this place next to our hostel (Phuket Backpackers Hostel - awesome place!) that sells Thai-Chinese fare. I ordered bak mee kio ( mee kia with charsiew and wanton ) btw, really delicious!

The place also sells 'Old Man Coffee' which is manned by, as you would have guessed, a very kindly old man. Whenever he says 'Ko-faye' to farangs passing by, he just gets ignored. Which is really a pity because he makes fantastic coffee!

So what I'm trying to say here is, just because you're the one with the spending power, doesn't make you anymore superior, smile and politely refuse. And trust me, the trip gets a whole lot more pleasant, even the cut throats tend to leave you alone more (: