If you’re traveling around Southeast Asia, chances are someone has told you, “Don’t pay the first price they give you!” That advice sort of applies in Malaysia — but not in the dramatic, back-and-forth, calculator-slamming way you might imagine from scenes in Hanoi or Marrakech. In Malaysia, haggling exists, but it’s generally low-pressure and depends a lot on where you are and what you’re buying.
So, if you’re wondering, “Can I bargain here?”, “How do I do it without being rude?”, or “Am I just being cheap?”, here’s a full breakdown to help you navigate the subtle art of haggling — Malaysian style.
Where you can (and can't) haggle in Malaysia
Let’s start with the obvious. You can’t haggle everywhere — and trying to do so in the wrong place will just make you look like a clueless mat saleh (foreigner).
Places you can haggle
- Street markets
- Souvenir stalls (especially in touristy areas like Chinatown, Central Market, Langkawi)
- Beachside vendors or roadside stalls
- Independent clothing or accessories stalls
- Flea markets or car boot sales
These are usually informal setups, and the sellers are used to some back-and-forth. Prices might even be marked up with the assumption that you’ll bargain. So asking for a lower price isn’t just accepted — it’s expected.
Places you can't (or shouldn't) haggle
- Shopping malls and department stores
- Chain stores (7-Eleven, Watsons, Mr DIY, etc.)
- Restaurants, cafes, kopitiams, food courts
- Supermarkets or minimarts
- Grab or other ride-hailing apps
Public transportation or official ticket counters
In these places, prices are fixed. Trying to haggle just makes it awkward for everyone involved. If the cashier gives you a deadpan stare, that’s your sign.
But is it ethical to haggle?
Now here’s the tricky bit. If you come from a first-world country where haggling is not the norm, you may be feeling a little conflicted. Should you even be bargaining over a few ringgit?
Well, from a local point of view, it really depends on the situation.
When it's fine
If you’re buying souvenirs, mass-produced T-shirts, or trinkets, go ahead and bargain.
Some sellers do assume tourists, especially from Western countries, are loaded. And because many travelers don’t bother to haggle or feel uncomfortable doing so, sellers learn that they can get away with charging more. What ends up happening over time is that future tourists get quoted even higher prices, and local customers — who know the actual price — might get brushed off or ignored entirely.
In touristy areas, it’s not uncommon for sellers to hold out for a tourist sale because they know they can make double or triple the profit. So by haggling, you’re not just saving a few ringgit — you’re also helping to keep things a little fairer across the board.
When to think twice
If the item already seems fairly priced, or you’re down to haggling over RM2 (about 40 cents USD), ask yourself if you’re pushing too hard just because you think you should.
Sometimes tourists treat it like a game and try to drive prices down to the lowest possible ringgit, not realizing how much effort or cost goes into what they’re buying. A hand-stitched batik scarf, for example, isn’t the same as a bulk-made fridge magnet.
In general, I don’t haggle over things below RM10, unless I’m making a bulk purchase.
Haggling over food? Not so fast!
There’s this weird unspoken rule that most locals follow: we don’t bargain over ready-to-eat food or drinks. If someone is selling kuih, nasi lemak, satay, cendol, we usually just pay the price. Even if it’s a roadside stall with no menu or price sign, haggling over a few ringgit for food is generally seen as… tasteless. Pun not intended.
I think this stems from the belief that food is rezeki — a blessing from God. If you argue or cause upset to the seller over food prices, the food may ‘lose its blessings’, and since what you eat becomes part of you, people feel it’s better not to take that risk.
That said, we do bargain over fruits, vegetables, fish, chicken, and other fresh produce (at the local markets or independent sellers, not big-brand supermarkets). Don’t ask why — somehow it doesn’t carry the same emotional weight. Maybe because you’re not eating it straight away, or because it’s understood that prices can vary depending on season or quality? I can’t explain.
So, if you’re picking up a bag of rambutans or a fresh pineapple, feel free to ask for a better price. But if you’re standing in front of a kuih stall with a plate of RM1 onde-onde, just smile, pay, and enjoy it!
How to haggle without being 'that tourist'
Phew, now that you know what you should and shouldn’t haggle over, here’s a simple guide on how to go about it without being obnoxious:
1. Be friendly first, always
Start with a smile. Greet the vendor. If you’re in a touristy spot, they’re probably used to people diving straight into price talk — so slowing down and having a human moment sets a better tone. A bit of small talk or even just a cheerful “Hi!” can work wonders.
2. Ask for a better price -- don't demand it
A polite way to start is by asking, “Boleh kurang sikit?” which means “Can it be a bit cheaper?” You can also try “Ada diskaun?” (Any discount?) or the very casual “Berapa best price?” Sellers will usually quote you a slightly lower number, or offer a better price if you take more than one item.
3. Be reasonable with your counter-offer
A good rule of thumb is to aim for 10–30% off the asking price. If something is RM60, you might go for RM45. Don’t go in with RM10 for something clearly worth more — that just signals that you’re not serious and may even come across as insulting.
4. Bundle for a better deal
If you’re buying a few things from the same shop, that’s your bargaining window. Instead of haggling each item individually, ask for a price on the whole set. Most vendors are happy to shave a bit off the total to make the sale.
5. Walk away (nicely) if it's not working
If the price doesn’t budge and you’re not keen, just say thanks and move on. Often, the seller might call you back with a lower offer. Or they might not. Either way, no hard feelings. Bargaining isn’t personal, and locals do this too.
A few final tips for first timers
Use Bahasa Malaysia if you can. Even a few words like mahal (expensive) or murah sikit (cheaper, please) can help break the ice.
Don’t get too attached. If you’re only willing to pay a certain amount, stick to it — but don’t expect the seller to meet you there every time.
Have fun with it. It’s not a war — it’s part of the travel experience, and usually quite chill in Malaysia.
Final thoughts
You don’t have to haggle in Malaysia, but in many cases, you probably should. It’s not just about getting a better price — it’s also about maintaining some balance. When tourists stop bargaining altogether, it warps the market for everyone. Sellers start quoting inflated prices and locals get sidelined.
So yes, go ahead and ask for a discount. Be polite, keep it friendly, and don’t stress too much about winning every time.
Also read:
Have you ever haggled in Malaysia? Share your experience in the comments below!
