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One of the things that American tourists may not be familiar with is the practice of bargaining while shopping. Except in the case of yard sales or big ticket items, in America most people assume that prices are non-negotiable. But in Ethiopia no shopkeeper will be suprised if you haggle over prices. In fact recently I read somewhere that in Africa a person is sometimes insulted if you don’t bargain a little. Bargaining in Africa is a form of sociability and the feeling is, ‘What? You don’t want to talk with me?’
However, there are definitely two schools of thought among tourists. The first is that Westerners are so rich compared to most Ethiopians — why bother to haggle over a few birr? Incidentally, there are about 9 birr to the dollar right now in Ethiopia, which means a birr is about 11 cents. I can certainly see that viewpoint, espeially when purchasing small items. It seems an easy and gracious form of charity to just accept the first price that is mentioned.
The other issue to keep in mind, however, is that overcharging ferengi is also a common practice in Ethiopia. Westerners who live in Ethiopia for extended periods get weary of being asked to pay double or triple what’s charged of Ethiopians, simply because their looks give them away as foreigners.
It is up to you to decide whether you wish to bargain while shopping.
If you do decide to bargain, here are a few phrases that you might find useful
Sent-no? = How much is it?
Wedd-no = That’s too expensive
EYE-dalem = No
Ishee = OK
Afelligum = I don’t want it.
In case you’re wondering how it might even be possible to bargain if you do not speak the language, the answer is – a calculator. A fair number of shopkeepers have calculators and will tell you prices by typing numbers into a calculator. You can then type in your counter-offer, and show it to the shopkeeper if his first offer is not acceptable. Happy bargaining!
For additional information visit:
Money in Addis
That is my favorite kind of shopping!
When I was living in the Middle East, it was considered rude to pay the asking price and “dickering” for a better price was an expected part of the process. I loved it!
I always feel too guilty to bargain. At the end of the day that 11cents, or 33 or 99 cents may help when hit with a rainy day for someone in Ethiopia!
It’s true that 11 cents to someone from a more economically strong country and living situation is nothing, but there is something to be said for culture.
Just because you bargain for a lower price, doesn’t mean you need to bargain for the “lowest” price. In this way both sides win, and you’ve shown respect for the process and culture.