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10 Tips for Shopping in a Souq
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A souq, or outdoor Middle East marketplace, is frequently a labyrinth of crowded, busy and loud streets with masses of aggressive shopkeepers calling out at you to buy their goods. Other times, such as in the Gulf countries, souqs are smaller, quieter and actually even quite orderly.
No matter their size or their character, these marketplaces are full of energy, culturally revealing and also quite photogenic. They’re also intimidating, with their language barriers and the need to bargain rather than just buying stuff.
Spend some time in a souq, and it will help you understand the Middle East a bit better. I personally find souqs fascinating and fun. I’ve strolled through and shopped in at least a dozen throughout the Middle East while working and traveling the world. From Jerusalem’s chaotic souq near the Temple Mount to Qatar’s quiet Souq Waqif, from the huge crowds at Khan el Khalili souq in Cairo to the few Middle Eastern people who stroll through Al Husn souq in Salalah, Oman, I’ve experienced quite a few Middle East marketplaces.
Based on what I’ve learned, I’ve come up with the following 10 tips to help make your time in any Middle Eastern souq as pleasant and non-stressful as possible.
Doha, Qatar1. Don’t flash money around
Keep large bills in a zippered or hidden area of your purse, wallet or backpack and keep only smaller bills closer on hand. If you want to purchase something and the shopkeepers see big bills, they may suddenly raise the price. If you have to reach in to get one of your larger bills, do so very discretely.
Cairo, Egypt2. Leave the map behind
If you ever come across a map of a souq, don’t bother to bring it with you. Souqs have poor signage or no signage at all. They’re also usually winding and chaotic. A map isn’t going to help at all.
Nazareth, Israel3. Take a friend
Two heads think better than one, and a souq is one place you might need two.
Jenin, Palestine4. Take a break
If you find yourself getting overwhelmed, find your way out of the souq and go back later. You’ll be able to think more clearly and end up feeling less pressured.
Salalah, Oman5. Dress modestly
In some areas in the Middle East, like Israel, Palestine and Dubai, the locals are accustomed to foreigners. Because of this, seeing uncovered arms and legs doesn’t much faze them. In most parts, though, if you’re not properly covered you will be stared at. These are not necessarily leering stares, but curious stares. Make sure your legs are covered below the knee and your arms below the elbow to avoid harassment and stares.
Sharjah, UAE6. Don’t be shy
Shopkeepers in Middle East marketplaces are largely nice, and souqs are safe places. The shopkeepers may be aggressive sometimes, but this is just because they need to make a sale. Don’t act timid, though, or someone particularly aggressive may run all over you.
Jerusalem, Israel7. Don’t buy during your first visit
This could be your financial and emotional undoing. Visit a souq well in advance of when you’re going to want to buy so you can get a feel for its people, layout and goods for sale. You can go back later after you’ve gotten used to the probable hassling, with a clearer head and a better idea of how to handle it.
Dubai, UAE8. Practice
Since you’ve already decided you’re not going to buy on your first visit (haven’t you?) practice your haggling techniques on someone from whom you have no intention of buying. The shopkeepers are likely accustomed to experiencing dozens of failed sales attempts each day. So understand that your haggling won’t be hurting them and will help you get some valuable experience.
Akko, Israel9. Learn a little bit of the local language
Learn how to say things like how much and too much, as well as numbers from one to ten. You may not be able to have a fluent discussion about price in the native language knowing just this terminology. You will, however, be able to communicate better than if you don’t know how to say anything at all. Your little bit of local lingo will go a long way in softening shopkeepers’ financial stances.
Cairo, Egypt10. Show confidence
Don’t let people see you’re intimidated or confused by the chaos of the souq. Try to appear confident. This will place you in a better bargaining position. It will also help you have a chance at actually enjoying the experience.
Hebron, PalestineWhen people think of this region, they typically think there is only war in the Middle East. But the Middle East is a colorful and diverse place. Now that you know some tips for shopping in a souq, you’ll be able to enjoy the souqs of the Middle East.
A lifelong freelancer turned entrepreneur created World of Freelancers to help others discover how to work for themselves online and live the freelance lifestyle. She’s always really enjoyed the freedom that freelancing brings, including several years on and off of working online while traveling and living abroad.
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Maps never help, true 🙂
So true 🙂