We were thinking we would like a day to travel into Cancun and do some shopping since this is our first time there, and figure we should bring some souvenirs we can show our friends and family back to Canada! Is it better to book a tour for shopping or can we venture out on our own? Want to make sure we get out early enough and also back in time to not miss out on any fun!
Last year we went to the "Market" and it was fine. A simple bus ride east then a couple of blocks walk and we were there. Make sure to have your negotiating skills sharp. Before you ask a price, get a price in your head; not what you think it's worth, but for what you are willing to buy it for. Then cut that price by a 1/4 and let the games begin. LOL. Two strategies that ALWAYS work for me are: Me: How much? Seller: $25 Me: $18 Seller: $23 Me: $16 That normally gets them. Or the second is: Me: How much? Seller: $25 Me: $18 Seller: $23 Me: Thank you, but never mind. Bye. For whatever all of this is worth.....
you can take the bus to Market 28 right in front of the hotel or just grab a cab since they are always in TTR parking lot. The cab will be about 15 one way. I know alot of people that take the bus there and then a cab back since if they get alot of things it is easier in the cab. You should also float the idea of going to town with some of the people you meet since many want to do the same and you might find someone that knows their way around and also if you split the cost of the cab it makes it quicker and more enjoyable. But be warned I do believe that the market really doesn't get going till about 9 or 10 I believe. But you should be able to make it back to the resort by 1. Also sundays seems to be slower at the resort so that would be a good day to go also. I am sure you will find others that want to go also. Rob
Thanks folks, we won't be going anywhere near the city on Sunday, we'lll be boob-cruisin'!! We'll just play it by ear I guess!
guess I am cheaper then you I usually go half seller 25.00 me 12.00 ok a bit more then half...lol and then I will agree to about 16.00 or so. Also if you get there early in morning when they open up you can get a great deal often since they believe the first sale of the day is lucky. So you both luck out. Example 2 yrs ago I wanted a fishbone carving of the Last Supper for my parents and they wanted 75.00....offered them 25.00 got them down to 30.00 since it was their first sale of the day. Just told them some other seller down the block was going to sell it to me for 30.00 and they took it.
We didn't leave the resort last year on our first trip to TTR and didn't bring anyone back anything! Depending on what day you go out shopping and if you go early in the morning we might be interested in tagging along if you'd like some company
Don't bother with Market 28 if you're useless at haggling like me. Only stayed about 30 mins before I got fed up of every single bloomin stall holder harassing for business. Personally I didn't think it was worth the effort. Prices seemed ridiculously over inflated and it was too much hassle to haggle. I did however manage to get a silver bangle reduced from $3000 pesos to $500 because that's all I had left in spends. They kept haggling over the price but I physically couldn't go up more than $500 because that's all I had - they took the deal. Looking at prices in jewellery stalls at craft fairs back home, I reckon I saved about £7 buying in Mexico, so you don't really get that great a saving. Other stuff they were selling you could easily get equivalent for same price or cheaper on internet e.g. sombreros, tie dyed clothing, charm bracelets, little bottles of tequila, pottery etc. I also bought some novelty gifts like fridge magnets and miniature bottles with sand and shells in from Xel-Ha gift shop - these were reasonably priced for a tourist resort, and were a fixed price (not quoted by the seller at time of sale). Also bought some token charms from a small stall down a side street on Isla Mujeres near Hotel Avalon on north side - these were a bargain at about £0.50 each. Oh also don't be surprised if you're offered to be sold cocaine at the market. Was annoyed about this, but maybe we just look like the type that would be interested!?
I think this price inflation for tourists happens everywhere though. About a month ago we were stopped in our home town (Liverpool) by some tourists looking for directions. They'd hailed a taxi from the main train station, and he'd dropped them 2 mins away from there and charged them £10 for the privelage (should have cost no more than £2). They were still a fair distance from where they'd wanted to go, so taxi driver had blatantly taken advantage! Pretty stupid really, if you rip off a tourist, chances are you won't get repeat business, so why do they do it?
I agree with Trish, the prices at the market were ridiculous and I can't haggle well either. In Jan, we didn't even bother going to town. You can buy souveniers across the street from TTR. As far as a cab, we paid a cab driver $30.00 and he took us anywhere we wanted and waited for us to shop. That was convenient.
