Haggling, or pazarlık, is an inseparable part of Turkish bazaars and markets. For many tourists, it seems intimidating, but it is actually a friendly social ritual. Here are 5 practical tips to get the best price and feel comfortable doing it.

1. Always Be Friendly and Smile

The most important rule is to remain polite. Start the conversation with a greeting like "Merhaba". Ask for the price, and if it seems high, smile and shake your head slightly. Never be aggressive – it's a game, not a battle.

2. Make a Realistic Counteroffer

As a rule of thumb, you can start with an offer that is about 40-50% lower than the asking price. The seller will then make their own offer, and you will meet somewhere in the middle. The goal is not to "rob" the seller, but to find a price that is fair for both parties.

3. Buy Multiple Items at Once

If you plan to buy several items from the same seller, don't bargain for each item separately. Put everything you want together and ask for a "total price" (toplam fiyat). This gives you a much better negotiating position.

4. Be Prepared to Walk Away

If the price doesn't suit you, thank the seller politely ("Teşekkür ederim") and start to walk away calmly. This is the most powerful haggling technique. If the seller is interested in the deal, they will very likely call you back with a better offer.

5. Use Cash

Although you can pay by card in many places, it is always easier to get a better price when haggling with cash. Keep smaller bills handy.