Beijing Travel Bug

I usually shop in flea market like that near Beijing Zoo, or the more organize ones in Silk market or Yashow market. I can’t help but notice how the vendors would give higher prices to foreigners or those who can’t understand Chinese well. Of course, I couldn’t buy an overpriced jacket that normally would cost half the price, I tend to haggle until they get pissed off.

My friends have developed some ‘walk away” strategy when shopping. When the vendors shout a high price, my friends say that it’s expensive, then walk away slowly until the vendors would lower the price. Usually they would lower it a bit but don’t get excited at their price. Act nonchalantly. Then they usually ask how much you want it, don’t say your price (of course since they know you don’t know the running price for the item)..just say, “What’s the lowest price you can offer?” = (Ni zui di de jia ge shi she me?)

Can’t imagine it gets me 10-15 minutes haggling for the best price of a shirt or jacket. But I end up getting my money’s worth.

I got imitation of Seven jeans at around 85-90 rmb, shirts for 20-30 rmb. The flea market near Beijing Zoo is cheaper but they usually give big discounts to wholesalers.

Shopping terms you can use:
ä»·é’±–jiàqian (price)
现金—xiànjÄ«n (cash)
è´µ—guì (expensive)
最低价—zuìdÄ« jià (lowest price)
刷卡—shuākÇŽ (swipe card)
送—sòng (give for free)
便 -pian (cheap)

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