Shopping sometimes can be a problem, if you can’t control your expenses, especially in Bandung, where you can find shops and factory outlets on every corner. If you are foreign tourists, most of the times local merchants will give you higher prices. Or when you are being overwhelmed and shopping with your desire, not with your brain, you can end up with many things that you actually don’t need. Don’t worry! As an expert travel agent, Bandung Tour Expert has many shopping tips to share.
1. Check attentively condition of the products that you want to buy
Factory outlets can sell their products much lower than the official stores because they bought them directly from the manufacturers. Sometimes, defective goods can be pass sorting process. Therefore, it is important for you to check thoroughly the products before buying it, especially parts like armpits, crotch, zipper, buttons and pockets.
2. Learn some simple Indonesian vocabularies for trading and use calculators
This vocabulary might be necessary for foreign travelers who like to shop in open markets, like Pasar Baru, Cihampelas and Cibaduyut. Usually, you are able to bargain from 350% until 75% from the price that the merchants offer you for the first time. To show prices that you want, you can use calculator on your cellphone.
| How much does it cost? | Berapa harganya? |
| Too expensive! | Mahal sekali! |
| I bargain. | Saya tawar. |
| I only have … | Saya hanya punya |
| Thank you! | Terima kasih / Nuhun (in Sundanese) |
3. Buy from wholesale merchants
Common rule is if you buy more, you will get cheaper price. It applies also in Pasar Baru or Cibaduyut. It benefits those who travel in a group in case one or two of you would like to buy the same items. You can also remember the tips when you would like to buy souvenirs for your family and friends.
4. Mind your wallet and bags in public spaces
Shopping can be very fun and makes you forget to watch out your valuable goods, like bags and wallet. Unfortunately like in Paris, in Paris Van Java exist pick-pockets. So always be alert and put your stuff inside you bag! It is good to use shoulder bag or put your backpack on your chest. At the same time, don’t be paranoid because usually in factory outlets there are some security and CCTV to ensure your safety.
5. Always remember weight limit of your luggage
The rule of low budget airlines which only allow passenger to have maximum 10 kg free luggage on cabin might be a nightmare and a good thing for shopaholic, at the same time. If you really in a condition to tighten up your belt to shopping spree, it is advisable for you not to buy any extra luggage. Usually, it is effective to reduce your desire to buy excessive things that are actually unnecessary.
6. Travel with Bandung Tour Expert to get shopping voucher
Occasionally, we can give you discount coupons or voucher for participated factory outlets. For more info, check our websites regularly or contact us.
Travel and shopping with Bandung Tour Expert because we have the expert tour guides to accompany you explore Bandung while shopping and may give you more shopping tips.