bali market bargain

How Expensive Are Bali Markets? Video Shows A Tourist’s Bargaining Experience

Share:

Bargaining for goods at the market is nothing new in Bali, Indonesia. This habit of Bali’s people is apparently also imitated by foreign tourists visiting Indonesia.

In a video uploaded on TikTok by the account @martinaliang, it appears that she was choosing some beautiful accessories made in Bali. She made his choice and continued to ask the seller for the price.

@martinaliang Could i have gone lower ?? 🤣 #bali #bargaining #fyp ♬ original sound – Martina Liang

She also bargained for the seller’s original price and got a cheaper one. However, in the caption on her upload, she wrote if she could bargain for a cheaper one.

Some comments on the video stated that she could have bargained even cheaper.

“Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to be very firm with the Bali people. Tell them a lower price and drop the price when they bring the price slightly down,” wrote one netizen.

Another netizen wrote that the price is quite expensive in the market. “Literally, Bali is so expensive in the markets,” wrote Fiona, another netizen.

It’s actually okay to bargain in some Bali markets, especially traditional markets.

Bargaining in traditional markets is a unique experience that offers aspects of interaction and negotiation that are hard to find elsewhere.

First, bargaining creates an interactive atmosphere that cannot be expressed through electronic transactions or online purchases. Buyers can see, touch and feel the goods they want to buy, while sellers have the opportunity to communicate directly with potential buyers.

Second, bargaining in traditional markets also provides flexibility in adjusting the price and quality of goods. Buyers can negotiate directly with sellers, considering the quality, condition, and value of the goods offered.

Moreover, bargaining in traditional markets is not just a transaction, it’s a reflection of deep cultural values. It’s a practice that requires both buyers and sellers to be respectful, knowledgeable, and skilled in negotiation.

Buyers must be wise in determining a reasonable price and know about the products they are buying. Meanwhile, sellers must understand the value of their products, offer competitive prices, and demonstrate expertise in communicating with potential buyers.

Have you had the chance to bargain in the Bali market? We’d love to hear about your experiences and tips!

Find this article helpful? Check out our other articles from Social Expat for more News recommendations in Indonesia:

SEO Writer

Imelda is a content writer specializing in viral news and Indonesian culture. Her work revolves around researching and analyzing current events, social media trends, and popular culture.

Related News

Indonesia has made a bold move in 2025, slashing the minimum paid-up capital for foreign-owned companies (PT PMA) from Rp 10 billion to Rp 2.5 billion, under the freshly adopted BKPM Regulation No. 5 of 2025. But before you celebrate, it’s crucial to understand that capital investment requirements remain distinct, and in many cases, still […]

The Miss Grand International 2025 beauty pageant is in full swing in Thailand. One of its most anticipated segments is the National Costume round. Held on Monday, 13 October 2025, contestants from around the globe took to the stage to showcase their countries’ heritage through symbolic attire. Contestants showcased their nation’s heritage, with judging based […]

Several regions in Indonesia, particularly from Java to Bali, have been experiencing scorching heat in recent weeks. The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) explained that the high temperatures are linked to the apparent movement of the sun towards the Southern Hemisphere. “Why does it look so hot now? Because in the south, the sun […]

In December 2024, 27-year-old Polish woman Karolina Krzyzak died at the Sumberkima Hill Resort in Bali. She weighed only 22 kilograms. Her death was caused by severe malnutrition after years of following an extreme fruitarian diet. The news resurfaced in early October 2025, reported by The Cut and later by international outlets including The Sun […]

Indonesia Guide

Just For Fun

Write For Us

Exclusive Promotions

Event Gallery