controversial opinion? not sure, but here is why I don’t barter when I travel — even in places where it’s common.
Bartering is a time-honored tradition in many parts of the world. Markets from Marrakech to Bangkok are built around it. Travelers, especially budget travelers, often talk about haggling is “part of the experience,” and then "brag about how cheap they were able to get x item by haggling. In my opinion, while yes, haggling is expected, and at times it can even be fun, I don’t believe that you should never pay full price.
This may be a bit controversial but I’ve stopped haggling when I travel. Here’s why.
1) I’m not local.
Yes, I know that bargaining is part of local culture in many countries. But here’s the thing: I’m not local. I’m coming in with privilege of traveling the world, living in different countries, and exploring cultures far from home. But that word, privilege, is key. I’m not entering these spaces as a local. I’m not living on local wages. I’m not navigating the same realities that the market vendor selling these goods is navigating. I have the privilege to hop on a plane, take time off work, and choose to be in a place where my money goes further. That in itself speaks volumes. The people working at local markets are often making local wages. They’re supporting their families, surviving rising costs, and putting in long hours. And while a few extra dollars might feel insignificant to me, it could make a real difference to them.
I get to choose to be there. I get to spend money in that country because of the economic advantages and freedoms I have. That means I also have the ability, and the responsibility, to spend with integrity.
2) Bartering wasn’t designed for tourists like me.
The practice of bargaining was never meant for someone who earns in a stronger currency or whose cost of living back home is significantly higher. It was created for locals dealing in the same economy, for people who understood the value of goods based on shared lived experiences. When I walk into a market with the knowledge that my dollars stretch farther, asking someone to go lower feels disingenuous. In most cases, the vendor isn’t trying to overcharge me, they’re simply trying to support their family, and to be paid fairly for their labor.
3) Understanding why some countries are “cheaper.”
One of the most common justifications I hear for bargaining is, “Well, things are just cheaper there.” But the reality is far more complex. If you understand basic economics, you’ll know that some countries aren’t “cheap” by accident. They’re “cheaper” because of long-standing global inequalities, colonization, labor exploitation, and systemic economic imbalances. When we treat that lower cost as a personal win instead of a reflection of disparity, we’re missing the bigger picture. So no, I don’t feel comfortable asking someone to lower their price just because I can. If I can afford to travel, I can afford to pay full price. That’s the least I can do.
4) I travel for the experience, not the discounts.
I don’t travel or live abroad to “hack” the cost of living. I’m not looking to live a Western lifestyle for half the price. I travel because I want to experience life through a different lens: to meet new people, witness different cultures, and understand how other parts of the world move. To do that meaningfully, I have to step into these spaces with humility and respect, not just for the culture. But for the economic realities that exist. I want to honor the people who create, cook, guide, and craft with care. And I want to pay them fairly for that.
You don’t have to agree, but maybe, just reflect?
I know this opinion won’t sit well with everyone. Some people enjoy the art of the bargain. Some will argue that bartering is expected. And yes, in some cases, especially when vendors price based on what they think tourists will pay, a bit of negotiation might be fair game. But for me personally, I’d rather walk away knowing that I respected someone’s time and livelihood, even if I paid “too much” by someone else’s standards.
So next time you’re traveling, ask yourself who really benefits from that extra dollar you saved… and who might have needed it more.