Are there any specific regions in Latin America where haggling is particularly common
Haggling is particularly common in many regions of Latin America, especially in tourist areas, traditional markets, and street markets. It is highly prevalent in countries such as Mexico, Central America (notably in weekly markets called “tianguis”), Colombia, and Peru. In these places, bargaining is part of the cultural norm and is expected in many market situations.
However, in some parts of Latin America, such as Chile and the southern cone countries, haggling is less common and can even be considered impolite, especially in certain local contexts like Chiloé Island in Chile. In these regions, customers tend to negotiate less aggressively, and a polite approach with modest requests for discounts is preferred.
In general, haggling is more common in:
- Tourist areas throughout Latin America
- Mexican and Central American street markets (“tianguis”)
- Colombian markets where tourists are expected to negotiate prices
- Peruvian markets where bargaining is a cultural norm
It is less frequently practiced or done politely in Chile and parts of southern Latin America.
Haggling often involves starting with a higher price from the vendor and negotiating down, and buyers are advised to be polite, patient, and aware of the local customs to succeed in bargaining. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7