Mérida - Useful tips
Bargaining - how and when to do it
Bargaining or "regateo" is considered something of an art in Mexico, but visitors should know when and where to do it. Shops in malls and on main streets always have fixed prices and are not open to bargaining. It can even be considered impolite to ask the sales assistant for lower prices. Many, however, often offer discounts and may give you a special price if you buy several items. The best thing is to wait and see what happens.
Bargaining really can be fun. Body language is all important here, and you will notice that many vendors are accomplished actors. Bear in mind that when you first ask how much an item costs, you will be given a much higher price. You must respond with a counter offer.
Decide before you start to bargain whether you really want the article and how much you would pay for it. You also have to take into account the quality of the item you are interested in. Now you should tell the seller an amount that is a little bit below the price you would agree to pay. If you go too low you are signalizing that you do not want to buy, or are ignorant of the item's value. The idea is to beat the vendor down to a price that you are pretty sure is close to the real value of the item.
Tipping
Due to the very low wages in Mexico, people working in services such as hotel maids, hotel bell boys, waiters, strolling trios or mariachis, gas station attendants, park car helpers , etc., count on their tips.
A fair amount in restaurants is 15% of the bill, for hotel bell boys a dollar (or 10 pesos) is the standard and for maids 2 dollars (or 20 Pesos) a night.
Gas station attendants will be happy with a couple of pesos, park helpers with a peso, strolling trios with 2 dollars (or 20 pesos) for 3 songs.
Credit cards
Major credit cards are welcome in most establishments. Though we recommend you to check first.
Travellers checks and Us. dollars are also welcome as cash.
Note: This page has been created for you to get familiar with the beautiful city of Mérida, its surrounding and our culture. Services, opening hours and prices can vary. We sincerely hope you find the information provided useful and informative.
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