In Malaysia, I taught my kids how to bargain in the fabulous markets, selling everything from dried herbs to fake Burberry bags.

Should I have done that?

Should a child tourist really be asking an adult in a developing country to accept less money for their goods? - Dea

I think it depends on the childs understanding of the value of money, both in the UK and in the country they are visiting.

On the other hand, saving money is a great lesson to learn.

Bartaring is a great tool for general retail too, even for holidays. If you can get something cheaper elsewhere, mentioning it could get you a good discount.

i think bartering is fine

it should give kids confidence and they've got more chance of laughing at that great scene from Life of Brian when they're older.

If you can afford to pay the asking price then pay the asking price. Would you expect a visitor to this country to barter in our shops? I suspect not, so why should we?

It helps the economy and the society that you are visiting.

Personally, and generally having a good understanding of manufacturing costs, and marks ups, I'm not embarrassed to ask for a discount in the UK either.

My own salary does not come easy. I work very hard, and am generally underpaid. We have to make our family income go as far as possible. I'm not saying we wish anyone else to suffer as a consequence, but on holiday and at home I refuse to be ripped off and overcharged, (if I can help it).

Quite a lot depends on what you have chosen to buy.

To pay the initial price and not barter is an insult! It says "You've set an artificially high price but I'm so wealthy I'll pay your price".

To pay too little for goods based upon the sellers life threatening need to sell to make any money (as apposed to a 'fair price') is inconsiderate, unfair and devalues fellow human beings.

When travelling I like to make purchases where I look back afterwards and think

1)I got a good discount from that purchase
2)I paid a fair price
3)I encouraged free enterprise and enabled somebody to earn a fair days pay for a fair days work

To buy at too high a price harms relations between local and visitor, and can often lead to commodites and necessities being priced out of local price range. Why should a seller sell to the local market when unwitting 'bleading heart' travellers will pay extortionate prices and set the price point out of the range of local residents.

To buy at too low a price point makes me feel that the item I've bought has no value and that I have not engaged in purchasing something that is to be appreciated.

To go home with an item that has a 'story' behind how it was amicably acquired gives added value to it.

Has anybody ever heard the terms 'locals price' and 'tourist prices'