Everything is relatively cheaper in Central Vietnam, most especially in Hue. Shopping is very in the city because there are several items that can only be found in this previous Imperial Center of Vietnam. Learn how to save and buy affordable items without comprising the quality. Here are some tips you can use when shopping in the city.

Go to public markets. There may be several stores that sell the products you wanted to buy and the store attendant may speak better English than the vendor in the public market but usually special stores sell the same quality of the product higher than the ones in public market. This is due to the added benefit they are giving you – convenience.

Negotiate. No matter how cheap the product may sound to you, try to haggle. This is because vendors usually try to set higher prices most especially for foreigners. Start your offer lower than the half price. It may sound ridiculous but this is how to negotiate in most Asian countries, including Vietnam. Normally you’ll get at least 25% off after negotiating.

Try to speak in their language. There are several expats all over Vietnam.Vendors know that most of expats are English teachers, thus they will give the local prices when they hear that you can speak their language because they will think that you live among them and not just an ordinary traveler who is willing spend a large amount of money to buy stuff.

If you think that the sellers are ripping you off with the prices, which doesn’t usually happen in Hue, you may act that you are leaving and go for the other option. In this case, vendors will try to make you stay give cheaper price or even grant your wish on the prices.

There are several replicas being sold all over Vietnam. This is normal with luxury brands like Louis Vuitton, bags and clothing are the usual fake items. Make sure to check the tag and look if it is made in Vietnam, often, they have better quality than other items. Note that even with specialty stores sell fake items. You must be really careful when checking these items because they are close to the real ones which may have just a little difference when it comes to the price.

There are several times where the products are relatively cheaper than the usual. When buying several items, make sure to visit stores early in the morning or late in the evening. Opening and closing the store is very important for the vendors, they usually give in to negotiations and give you cheaper prices during these times because they think it is lucky to be generous.

Always pay in Vietnam Dong. Conversion rate is usually lower when you are paying with dollars. Instead of getting 22,000 VND or more, you’ll get a flat rate of 20,000 VND per US dollar. It is also easier for the vendor and you to compute all everything.

Above all else, make sure you are being friendly to the vendor.  There is a higher tendency that vendors will give discount when you act nicer to them even if the communication is not really that smooth. Smiling at them tells that you are a good person that deserves better treatment.

Tags: Hoi An to Hue, Hue travel guide, thing to do in Hue, tips on shopping in Hue city