Finance, Forex and Investments

How do I know how much things should cost in New Delhi, India?

Since I'll be using a different currency and most likely won't have a local person around to inform me on prices, how will I know what's reasonable and what's not? Any tips for shopping in an Indian market and what type of prices to expect on common goods or little things (jewelry, figurines, skirts) that tourists like to buy? Thanks : )

Public Comments

1. go to any bank like HDFC OR ABN AMRO and you get best conversion rate. About buying clothes and traditionaljewelery, go to sarojini market or janpath market and hit a hard brgain ussually asking for a minimum 40 % discount and you get it ! Still any problem, email me for help neilcarrey@hotmail.com ! cheers.
2. I just spent a month in India. Most things are cheaper if they are made or manufactured in India. Soda will cost you about the same maybe more in India. Bottled water will cost about 30cents. a whole meal might cost $1.50 if your eating at a Indian restaurant. everything else you have to negotiate. from how much you pay to use the restroom to taking a auto rickshaw (taxi)
3. Write down a few conversions - like 100 $ = ? Rupee 30 $ = Whatever ! etc. Are you going to feel comfortable bargaining for basic items & food ? etc. ( neither would i ) You can have a smile and a laugh when asking for 25% off, worth a try. ok
4. things are cheap in delhi.bargain is must ..ask for atleast 50% discount in markets , in showrooms go for bills..........if you have enough to spend go to CP
5. Keep a cheat sheet of conversions with you- example:100/rs = $xx USD, 500/rs = $xx USD (or whichever is your home currency). Most hotels will exchange your money for you at no charge. Jewelry- semi precious stones (ruby, sapphire), diamonds, gold are all very reasonable compared to what I'm used to paying for in the US. I got a pair of ruby earrings for about $10 and they were appraised for $200 in the states. Clothing- I did buy a lot of shoes but not other attire. Shoes were about $5-$20 per pair, depending on the style and label. I got a beautiful Sari for about $10 at a street market. Cashmere / Pashminas go for about $10 USD average, too but may be less now that its summer in Delhi. Figurines- again inexpensive, maybe $2-$5, oftentimes less. Shop around before you buy anything to compare average prices between vendors / markets. Almost everything is negotiable and bargaining is part of the way of life. Start by asking for a 50% discount on the item and negotiate from there. You can get better deals if you're buying more than one item, also if you are paying cash rather than using a credit card. Listen to how locals negotiate and try to get a price close to what they pay, although being a foreigner you can expect be paying a bit more regardless. You can say "__ vendor is selling these shoes for -xx/rs, but I want to buy from you. Can you match that price?" or "I want to buy both these pashminas from you but I cannot pay that much. Will you take -xx/rs for both?" or "I'm looking at these earrings at your store but also at another store in the market. I am curious to know which store will give me a better price. What is the best discount you can give me?" Good luck!!