I have been in Morocco for a little over a month and all that I have experienced would probably take a year to write in words. One of the first trips I took here was to the Fez Medina, the school organized a tour for the exchange students here. The Fez Medina is the biggest in Morocco with over 9,000 streets in an area of 1.3 miles squared. On this trip, I learned about how essential the art of bartering prices is in Moroccan markets, especially in the Medina. In the US when you go shopping everything has a set price, there is no room to negotiate or bargain for a better deal. Some stores in Morocco are the same but the majority of shopping is done in markets. Where there is no set price and you always need to barter the price down, especially as a foreigner. I was told in orientation that a good rule of thumb is whatever price they say at first, never pay more than half of that. On the trip to Fez, I was taken to a few shops that make and sell traditional products of Morocco. In one of these stores, I was able to barter the price down from 250dh to only 125dh. I’ve learned that it’s not seen as disrespectful to barter the price down, it is an essential part of a transaction. The salesmen are often so shocked that a foreigner is bartering with them that they will compliment you. Many times the salesman will seem mad and upset but then come back and agree to your offer. It’s all a game and the goal is to find a middle ground in which both parties are happy. In only the short time since I have gotten here I’ve learned how to barter effectively and even to have fun while doing it.
