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Bargaining is a big part of the culture. In the markets, similar to flea markets in
North America , you can find everything from fabric to vegetables, artwork to shoes, clothing to jewelry. In the city the markets are huge, while up country they vary in size.
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Gambians tend to hike up the prices when they see a foreigner. Most speak the local languages, but some speak English in and around the city. Bargaining is expected. Start really low and act like you really don’t care if you buy the item or not. Show emotion. If the vendor will not bring the price down to where you want it, then start to walk away. At this gesture the vendor will accept your last price.
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Sometimes the vendor won’t budge and let you walk away. At this point you have to decide if you really want the item. Bartering can take anywhere from two to ten minutes. Food prices are usually set.
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In the local small shops, called bitiks, all prices are set. In any indoor shop away from the market area, albeit clothing or food, all prices are set. One exception is the fabric and clothing indoor stores that are located on the fringes of an open air market.
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