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Bargaining
 In
markets, small stalls and street vendors, bargaining is the norm.
Expect to pay around 10-40 percent less than the original asking
price - depending on your bargaining skills and the the vendor.
Check around with other stalls first so you have an idea of the
price range.
Bargain with a smile and good humour and you'll be surprised
at the results. For Thais who generally work long hours, humour
is always appreciated.
Department stores like Central, Robinsons and large retail outlets
sell at fixed prices. Although discount cards are often available
to both visitors and locals, with bigger discounts if you spend
over a specified amount. Check with the information desk at each
store.
Often in Bangkok you'll be approached by taxi drivers and tour
guides recommending places to shop. Sometimes these are genuine
and you'll get good value, but be aware that The Tourist Authority
of Thailand warns against following up shopping recommendations
from touting taxi drivers and tour guides who receive commissions
for bringing tourists to places to shop. Often the experience
is a waste of your valuable shopping time.
Export
Restrictions. It is forbidden to take images of Buddha, deities,
and some antique artifacts from the country without first obtaining
approval from the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok.
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