Top Tips for Shopping in India for Tourists:
- Try to limit your shopping at government-run stores to avoid scams and highly-inflated prices. When you do feel the need to buy something from the local markets, do ensure that you bargain – and bargain hard.Most products are actually priced at just 1/3rd of the price quoted and can be bought at that price by bargaining. If a shopkeeper quotes 2000 bucks, suggest just 400 and let the shopkeeper suggest a lower price, if the price does not seem satisfactory, just walk away and you will have the shopkeeper running after you with a much lower price.That is how we Indians do it – however, this only works in shops with no fixed prices. In malls, department stores, government-run shops and outlets with Fixed Rates displays, there will be no need to bargain.
- When shopping for souvenirs such as rugs and other heavy products, ask if they can ship it to your home address – and that too only if it is from a reputed shop or more preferably a government-run shop.There have been instances of shopkeepers showing you one thing and shipping a lower-quality replica or goods being damaged while in transit due to incorrect packing techniques. Better still, get it packed and head to the nearest courier service outlet and ship it yourself. You will be sure to get it intact.
You can also request your hotel to arrange for the courier service or suggest the best one.
- Under Indian Law, Antiques that have been purchased have to be registered with the local police along with its photograph.
