It’s common to bargain in small shops in Hainan, but not in larger stores with marked prices.

1. Keep a poker face. Don’t show your interest in any particular item. Remember that many shops offer the same goods, and check the prices at several shops before deciding.

2. Ask for the price, and then counter with a much lower price. You can begin anywhere from 1/10 to 1/3 of the original price, but remember that once you’ve offered a price, you can’t go lower, only higher.

3. Observe others. If someone else has bought something at a reasonable price, you could tell the seller you want the same price.

4. Be determined but polite. It’s important to remain calm and collected. Some sellers may refuse to sell to you if they don’t like your attitude, but many will offer you a better price if you can joke and smile with them a bit.