I am going to Jerusalem. I want to visit the markets. What is proper etiquette when dealing with sellers?

Question

Can you barter? Are there any rules in how you talk to people when buying things? Is there a limit to how much you buy? How do you not offend anyone? Does anyone speak English? Will my lack of understanding in Hebrew and Arabic be a big problem?

Answer 1

i would advise you only to buy in the jewish section of the old city. not the arab section. you are less likely to be ripped off. no matter what the market sellers say about good quality , one of a kind , not many left,...............DONT BELIEVE THEM. also do not buy from the shops just inside the old city if you are entering from the western wall section. the biggest rip offs are here!!! personally, i dont like this kind of shopping (haggleing)

Answer 2

Yes keep handling and bartering .If you don't, you'll lose your face and be just another goja (from the Jewish slang "goy"),which includes everyone who is of not Jewish origin.

Answer 3

Bartering is a way of life in the old city, so barter away dear, the logic is simple, if you pay what they ask they will be sick for a week, figuring if she paid what I asked  than I should of asked for more.

All merchants in the old city and in the new speak decent English, you will be treated with much respect, when going into the the newer part rules change, prices are more or less set, the way to buy  is simply saying would you take ... for it.

Lack of understanding Hebrew and Arabic will be a "problem" only becouse turists pay more.

Answer 4

barter is the wrong word... you bargain, you try to lower the price to whatever price you think you're willing to pay.

the rule is that the item is worth as much as you're willing to pay and as low as the merchant is willing to go.

remember that most shops have the same things so dont buy anything in the first shop that you see.

however, dont start discussing prices unless you really want to buy something. there is no such thing as "no i dont want it" in the language of the suk, "no" means "i want it for a lower price, but we'll reach some aggreement".

also dont let the salespeople corner you in their shop in a position where you feel like you're trapped and have to buy whatever they sell.

they might be a bit aggressive at selling, so stand your ground.

as to language... everyone speaks english, at least at a level that allows them to conduct business.

Answer 5

you must barter with them.

when it comes to business, everyone knows english...lol

the only disadvantage in not knowing heb & arabic is when being a touring the store owners might take avantage and charge yo a higher price.

there is no limit to how much you must buy.the only way how you can prevent from not offending them is by not being rude.

Answer 6

Don't give out your charge card nos.--pay in shekels rather than dollars. See if you can get someone you can trust to do your talking for you. Try not to be too conspicuous, keep your eyes "open," and don't venture in out-of-the-way places. Watch out for hot spilled coffee or tea, and watch out for pickpockets and Arab hugs! The Hebrew word for "police" is "sho-tair"!