Bargaining at a souq (market) is part sport, part conversation — and half the fun of the Arab world. Prices are expected to move, so a friendly haggle is normal. (Arabic varies by region; these common phrases are understood widely.)
- السلام عليكم. — as-salāmu ʿalaykum — Peace be upon you (the universal greeting).
- بكم هذا؟ — bikam hādhā? — How much is this?
- غالي! — ghālī! — (That's) expensive! Say it with a smile.
- آخر سعر؟ — ākhir siʿr? — What's your best (last) price?
- ممكن خصم؟ — mumkin khaṣm? — Can I get a discount?
- شكراً. — shukran — Thank you.
- لا، شكراً. — lā, shukran — No, thank you — walking away politely is often the best bargaining move.
A little Arabic and a good-natured smile go a long way in the souq. Practise these with an Arabic speaker — hearing the rhythm and the sounds is the fastest way to make them stick.
