India is a shopper’s paradise. Jewellery, clothes, handicrafts, textiles, homewares, folk art, carpets and toys are available at varying degrees of quality and price. Bargaining is part of the process – it might not come naturally to everyone, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll come to enjoy it. Shopping in the local bazaars and markets is lively and exciting, and though goods may be cheaper, you need to pay attention to quality. In the larger ‘emporiums’, things are more relaxed and prices higher than in street. Your local guide will normally ask at some point if you want to go shopping, and if you agree, you will find yourself whisked off to one of the larger emporiums. Keep in mind the guide will get a commission on what you buy. Bargain hard, but keep a perspective on the amount you are haggling over – a dollar extra here or there isn’t going to break your bank. It is more important to bargain hard if you are making a larger purchase, such as a rug or jewellery, as the amounts in question will be larger. If you want to go to the local market for shopping, tell your guide as much and insist on doing so. Their sense of duty will win out over their short term gain of taking you to the emporium.

We provide more extensive information regarding shopping, bargaining and guides in our pre-departure ‘guide to preparation’, a 15 page booklet that provides all the information you need to be fully prepared for you time in India.