A2 · Changing cash, asking prices, and how far to push
Money and haggling
Haggling is expected at markets and with unmetered taxis, and nowhere else. Doing it in a shop is rude; not doing it at a craft market means paying twice. These are the phrases that work without being aggressive.
Practise these
Cash
¿Dónde puedo cambiar dólares?
Where can I change dollars?
¿A cómo está el cambio?
What's the exchange rate?
¿A cómo está…? is the standard way to ask a rate or a price.
¿Tiene sencillo? No tengo cambio.Peru
Do you have change? I don't have any.
Breaking a big note is a daily problem. Get small notes whenever you can.
¿Me lo puede cambiar?
Could you break this for me?
Está roto, ¿me da otro?
This one's torn, could I have another?
Torn or taped notes are often refused, especially dollars. Check what you are given.
Asking the price
¿Cuánto cuesta?
How much is it?
¿A cómo el kilo?
How much a kilo?
At a market, the normal phrasing.
¿Cuánto es lo menos?Peru
What's the lowest you'll go?
The opening move at a craft market in Peru. Polite, and expected.
¿Me hace precio?
Can you give me a better price?
Softer than haggling outright, and works almost everywhere.
¿Me lo deja en veinte?
Would you let me have it for twenty?
Naming your number. Dejar en is the verb for settling on a price.
Pushing back, politely
Está un poco caro.
That's a bit expensive.
Un poco does the work. Está caro flat can sound like an accusation.
¿Es su último precio?
Is that your final price?
Si llevo dos, ¿cuánto me deja?
If I take two, what's your price?
The most effective move: volume rather than pressure.
Lo voy a pensar, gracias.
I'll think about it, thanks.
The polite exit. Often the price drops as you turn around.
Está bien, me lo llevo.
All right, I'll take it.
Taxis
¿Cuánto me cobra a San Isidro?Peru
How much to San Isidro?
Agree the price before getting in when there is no meter. This is normal, not rude.
Muy caro, le doy quince.
Too much, I'll give you fifteen.
¿Me deja en la esquina?
Can you drop me at the corner?
18 expressions in this pack