- The American dollar is the preferred currency and is what comes out of the ATM machines.

 

- Nothing! Nothing! Nothing is Free! Don’t accept any help, extras, or anything from anybody.

 

- Everything is Negotiable and Negotiating is Expected! Every first offer will be an optimistic one. Knock off 33% and see what happens. The ultimate bargining tool is just walking away with the confidence that you can do better. Just be respectful and remember:

 

“It’s not personal; It’s business. A little patience can save you a lot of money.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

- You are going to be hassled A LOT: By children, tuk-tuk drivers, massage girls, children, street vendors, beggars, and children.  Don’t make eye contact, don’t even verbally acknowledge anyone because that’s considered the beginning of a negotiation and will bring more attention to you. Just shake your head, give a palm down wave, and keep walking.

 

- If you buy stuff from children ... Sorry ... You are supporting child labor. These kids need to be in school ... Not on the streets.

 

- Always ask what something will cost before accepting a service.

 

- Every sales tactic will be used. Some include changing the price after rendering the service, getting aggressive, guilting you, and crying. Be firm, be polite, and do what’s right, not what’s easy. If you fold, it just gives that person more reason to scam the next guy.

 

- Hotels are a really good value for the money. A/C is going to double cost in some instances.

 

- Food is cheap.

 

- Marijiuana is illegal but tolerated. If you decide to partake, use discretion and common sense when deciding where to “light up.”

 

- The “Happy Pizzas” can be a very intense experience. We’ve met more than one traveler who vowed, “Never Again.”