Christmas Market Tips!

More people than ever are considering taking a trip to a Christmas market in Europe this year but do you know how to keep safe?


While some stall holders will take cards, in most instances cash is king, offering opportunities for buyers to barter and haggle. Travel money provider ICE – International Currency Exchange is reminding travellers to request low denomination notes when ordering their currency to maximise the chances of some good old fashioned haggling and reduce the risk of theft in busy markets, by taking a pin-protected prepaid currency card.


Top 12 Haggling Tips

1.         Do your research and shop around – make sure you know the types of crafts and products on offer and what they should cost

2.         Understand the exchange rate – make sure you know how much sterling is worth

3.         Don’t flash too much cash – take smaller denominations

4.         Learn the lingo – it’s much harder to negotiate in a foreign language so try to learn a few choice words – it may help the vendor to warm to you and lower the price

5.         Every city has its key take-home souvenir – ask the locals who does the best or cheapest souvenir

6.         Set a budget and don’t be tempted to exceed it

7.         Don’t haggle too soon

8.         Make sure you’re in control of the situation and lead the negotiation

9.         Offer half of the stated price as your first bid

10.      Stand your ground

11.      Get the vendor to include something extra for no additional cost

12.      NEVER tell them your budget