Souks can be a bit overwhelming for a newbie, and buying something at one of the shops will likely include a bit of bartering. Don’t worry, as it’s normal! Here are some tips that will help you to barter successfully, saving you money, and getting you some really neat things.

Never Go for the First Price

When you inquire about buying something at a souk, whether it be a blanket or a basket, the first price the shop owner tells you is going to be inflated. Don’t feel like you have to accept the price that they ask for, as it can always be pushed down.

Be Firm

Don’t let shop owners intimidate you with their expertise and experience. If you don’t want to pay what they are asking you for a product, don’t give in if it’s outside of your price range. Many times, they’ll fold and lower the price, and if not, you’ll save yourself from overpaying.

Try to Meet Halfway

While the people who work in shops likely won’t come down to your first offer for price, one of the best strategies that you can employ is to start with a price even lower than what you would realistically pay and try to meet the vendor halfway.

The post Use These Tips to Barter Successfully in Morroco’s Souks appeared first on Traveler Master.

This doesn’t mean that the souks are perfect or without potential dangers. It’s important to know how to stay safe and keep your wallet from shrinking too fast within them.

So, here are some essential tips to have a fantastic souk experience.

Don’t be Afraid to Say “No”

Souk vendors can be very aggressive. They may try to get you to buy things in a pushy, rude fashion. Don’t be afraid to refuse and say “no” if you feel uncomfortable or if you’re being hassled by one.

Forget Google Maps

The souks are truly a maze, and their complex and complicated structure aren’t handled well by Google Maps. It’s best to just feel your way through the souks and use reference points as a means of knowing how to navigate.

See Where the Locals Shop

If a store is packed with tourists and pushy sellers, you’ll want to avoid it. Instead, look for the stores and hawkers that deal with locals to know the best places to buy things.

Keep Your Possessions Close

The souks are packed with people and can be claustrophobic. Be sure to keep a close eye on your wallet and phone, because pickpockets are definitely a danger within them.

The post A Guide to Navigating Through Marrakech’s Souks appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains near the center of the Moroccan territory, Marrakesh is seen as the heart of Morocco in many ways.

With a population of nearly one million, Marrakesh is a bustling hub and a place where the native Berber culture of Morocco and Arabic culture interact to form an interesting mix.

One of the best things that any visitor to Marrakesh can do is to simply walk around and get lost in the sights, sounds, and overwhelming smell that it presents to visitors.

Much of the center of Marrakesh is composed of souks, narrow, winding streets and alleyways in which merchants hawk cheap goods aggressively and at a good price. You can find truly anything in the souks, from spices to clothing to lamps.

The central hub of Marrakesh is the Jena el-Fnaa Square in the center of the Medina. Here is where the largest concentration of vendors sell their goods and street musicians try to earn a buck.

Visitors to Marrakesh also must visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful minaret tower. Although non-Muslims cannot enter, anyone can admire its beauty from the outside. It’s a beautiful symbol of Marrakesh, and the cherry on top of any visit to the city.

The post Marrakesh is a Sensory Experience for any Traveler appeared first on Traveler Master.

Only Buy Legal Stuff

Avoid illegal items that could easily get you into trouble. Souvenirs made from animal products such as tortoiseshell, ivory and the fur, skin or body parts of protected species are a big no-no.

Bargaining

Bargaining is very popular in the African markets. Start by having the first asked price and start haggling from there. Walking away to get the price down quickly is a great method if your seller is a tough nut to crack. However, keep in mind that in poverty-stricken places the market sellers depend on their sales for survival, so paying a little bit more will make you feel better, knowing that you have helped someone to cover the day’s living costs.

Exchanging Good

In some African countries, you can exchange material goods for souvenirs. Clothes with brand names such as sneakers, jeans, baseball hats, T-shirts etc. are the perfect exchanging currency. Africans are also very much into soccer as well, so everything related to this popular sport can get you a souvenir.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Souvenir Shopping in Africa appeared first on Traveler Master.

Souks can be a bit overwhelming for a newbie, and buying something at one of the shops will likely include a bit of bartering. Don’t worry, as it’s normal! Here are some tips that will help you to barter successfully, saving you money, and getting you some really neat things.

Never Go for the First Price

When you inquire about buying something at a souk, whether it be a blanket or a basket, the first price the shop owner tells you is going to be inflated. Don’t feel like you have to accept the price that they ask for, as it can always be pushed down.

Be Firm

Don’t let shop owners intimidate you with their expertise and experience. If you don’t want to pay what they are asking you for a product, don’t give in if it’s outside of your price range. Many times, they’ll fold and lower the price, and if not, you’ll save yourself from overpaying.

Try to Meet Halfway

While the people who work in shops likely won’t come down to your first offer for price, one of the best strategies that you can employ is to start with a price even lower than what you would realistically pay and try to meet the vendor halfway.

The post Use These Tips to Barter Successfully in Morroco’s Souks appeared first on Traveler Master.

This doesn’t mean that the souks are perfect or without potential dangers. It’s important to know how to stay safe and keep your wallet from shrinking too fast within them.

So, here are some essential tips to have a fantastic souk experience.

Don’t be Afraid to Say “No”

Souk vendors can be very aggressive. They may try to get you to buy things in a pushy, rude fashion. Don’t be afraid to refuse and say “no” if you feel uncomfortable or if you’re being hassled by one.

Forget Google Maps

The souks are truly a maze, and their complex and complicated structure aren’t handled well by Google Maps. It’s best to just feel your way through the souks and use reference points as a means of knowing how to navigate.

See Where the Locals Shop

If a store is packed with tourists and pushy sellers, you’ll want to avoid it. Instead, look for the stores and hawkers that deal with locals to know the best places to buy things.

Keep Your Possessions Close

The souks are packed with people and can be claustrophobic. Be sure to keep a close eye on your wallet and phone, because pickpockets are definitely a danger within them.

The post A Guide to Navigating Through Marrakech’s Souks appeared first on Traveler Master.

Located in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains near the center of the Moroccan territory, Marrakesh is seen as the heart of Morocco in many ways.

With a population of nearly one million, Marrakesh is a bustling hub and a place where the native Berber culture of Morocco and Arabic culture interact to form an interesting mix.

One of the best things that any visitor to Marrakesh can do is to simply walk around and get lost in the sights, sounds, and overwhelming smell that it presents to visitors.

Much of the center of Marrakesh is composed of souks, narrow, winding streets and alleyways in which merchants hawk cheap goods aggressively and at a good price. You can find truly anything in the souks, from spices to clothing to lamps.

The central hub of Marrakesh is the Jena el-Fnaa Square in the center of the Medina. Here is where the largest concentration of vendors sell their goods and street musicians try to earn a buck.

Visitors to Marrakesh also must visit the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful minaret tower. Although non-Muslims cannot enter, anyone can admire its beauty from the outside. It’s a beautiful symbol of Marrakesh, and the cherry on top of any visit to the city.

The post Marrakesh is a Sensory Experience for any Traveler appeared first on Traveler Master.

Only Buy Legal Stuff

Avoid illegal items that could easily get you into trouble. Souvenirs made from animal products such as tortoiseshell, ivory and the fur, skin or body parts of protected species are a big no-no.

Bargaining

Bargaining is very popular in the African markets. Start by having the first asked price and start haggling from there. Walking away to get the price down quickly is a great method if your seller is a tough nut to crack. However, keep in mind that in poverty-stricken places the market sellers depend on their sales for survival, so paying a little bit more will make you feel better, knowing that you have helped someone to cover the day’s living costs.

Exchanging Good

In some African countries, you can exchange material goods for souvenirs. Clothes with brand names such as sneakers, jeans, baseball hats, T-shirts etc. are the perfect exchanging currency. Africans are also very much into soccer as well, so everything related to this popular sport can get you a souvenir.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Souvenir Shopping in Africa appeared first on Traveler Master.