Cross Talk: Do you really have to bargain for everything?

YES If you pay more money for something than you should - then you are a fool. In many countries haggling is expected, it's part of the culture and China is no different. Just about every price you hear is open for discussion and everything is negotiable. There is just no excuse to throw away money.

Last week I signed a new lease on an apartment in Beijing. The realtor quoted a price and told me it was "non-negotiable". I accepted reluctantly without attempting to barter. The realtor looked at me and said "really?" At this point I realized that "non-negotiable" meant flexible, and in a matter of seconds I wrangled 800 kuai back into my wallet.

I love bargaining for two simple reasons. First, it is economical, a kuai saved is a kuai earned and second, I get such a buzz when I get a good deal.