Haggling is a way of life in Asia.
A few weeks prior to the Philippines I created what I call "The 24 Hour Rule," which provides that a traveler passively go with the flow during the first 24 hours in a new country in order to smoothly adjust to their new environment. This means I do not argue, persist, whine, protest, or haggle for an entire day. Unfortunately this does mean I will not get the best value for my money, instead I sit back to watch and adapt (so I can legitimately negotiate next time). After all, wrongly over-haggling with the first taxi driver over a measly dollar could upset him enough to deliver you to the wrong side of town; No thanks.
For Example
The 24 Hour Rule became important in the Philippines, a country I had previously decided to avoid after hearing 'unfavorable' reviews. My first taxi driver and hotel owner both told me repeatedly they would give me protection, protection, protection... Protection from what? I wondered enough to send Brittany my current address until further notice. Thinking conservatively, I called it an early night. The hotel owner's son escorted me the following morning to the bus station where I witnessed a phenomenon.
Upon handing the equivalent of about US$15 to the ticket handler (via 3 men in between) a magic show ensued. I sat back and eagerly watched my $10 in change vanish before my eyes as the 3 middlemen magicians seamlessly performed their work. Thanks to their masterful sleight of hand, I received only $2 in change. [Note that $8 means up to 2 days of a typical food budget in the Philippines.]
Normally in the wake of this offense I would disapprovingly stare down the tricksters and politely request the conclusion of my change, but I hadn't been in this place long enough to play alpha-tourist. So I cheerfully give them my money and hope they use it to feed their family. What's the alternative? I didn't know at the time and wasn't in the mood to experiment in a potentially volatile area (which I later learned is perfectly safe).
Basically, I am temporarily naive to the area at first so it's highly likely I'll get ripped off a few times. Letting it happen and partially enjoying it can at least set a more positive mood for the visit, worth far more than eight bucks in my opinion.
Think of it as payment for local orientation.
2 comments:
Sounds like a good travel tip and policy when exploring strange countries without the benefit of a knowledgeable guide. So, what benefit have you found from the written guides for foreign lands?
Interesting read too...
The books are great for orienting to a new country. I sheepishly rely on them perhaps too much sometimes. Traveling and street smarts require trial and error rather than learning though. Like learning to ride a bike, you can only learn so much before you give it a try.
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