| Place | Haggle? |
|---|---|
| Dong Xuan market | Yes, it is customary |
| Hang Dao night market (Fri to Sun, roughly 18:00 to midnight) | Yes, for souvenirs and clothes |
| Small Old Quarter shops without price tags | Yes, in moderation |
| Supermarkets, malls, chain stores | No, fixed prices |
| Street food with a posted price | No |
How to negotiate
- Ask the price without showing enthusiasm and compare two or three stalls.
- Counter well below the first price and rise in small steps. None of the sources I read gives a reliable percentage, so set your own ceiling before you start.
- If you cannot agree, walk away politely: the seller often calls you back with a better price.
- For fruit and vegetables, do not argue over a few cents: goodwill matters more.
Tourist traps to avoid
Street sellers who place a shoulder pole on you and then ask a high fee for the photo: decline firmly. Agree the fare before getting on a cyclo. See also scams and safety in Hanoi and Grab and taxi scams.
A guide to learn fair prices
A first walk with a local guide helps you spot normal prices: see the Hanoi walking tour. For a made-to-measure suit the rules differ: tailors in Hanoi.
The Hanoi Authority editorial team
