Posillipo Market, Naples

HRI (Haggling Rating Index) 2/5

How they'll get one over you: Posillipo has a reputation as one of the chicest markets in town and vendors will often inflate their prices accordingly.

How you'll get one over them: The best deals are had early on, but stick to your guns, and your prices, and you can find a bargain at any time of the day.

Haggling challenge: Posillipo is famous for its clothing and accessories. Can you dress and accessorise yourself for the evening on less than €50?

India

HRI 4.5/5

How they'll get one over you: Pretending to be disappointed or hurt by your offer.

How you'll get one over them: Stay calm. They're bluffing. A smile will get you a lot further than an angry tone.

Haggling challenge: See how much you can get off an Ambassador and a driver for a day in New Delhi. Target price: 2,500 rupees.

Camden Market, London

HRI 1/5

How they'll get one over you: The British don't haggle - do they? Don't be fooled by its UK location, a little bargaining won't go amiss in this sprawling market.

How you'll get one over them: Be bold. You might not get the same kind of discounts you are used to in Morocco or Egypt, but if you ask for a better price, or a deal on buying two items or more, chances are you'll get it. 

Haggling challenge: Flaunt local tradition and get a discount - of any amount on anything.

Marrakech, the Souk

HRI 4/5

How they'll get one over you: Claim to be a relation of someone you know - the owner of your riad, the shopkeeper you just bought from - anyone.

How you'll get one over them: Feign disinterest in an item. As soon as you show that you want it, the price will rocket.

Haggling challenge: What can you get for 100 dirhams?

Otavalo Market, Ecuador

HRI 2/5

How they'll get one over you: Claiming they have given you a good deal as it is the first sale of the day and therefore a lucky moment for the stallholder.

How you'll get one over them: Spend time looking around. There isn't as much hard sell here as there is in places such as Morocco, and you will find it easy to scope out prices before actually buying anything.

Haggling challenge: The people of Otavalo are famous for their weaving. See if you can pick up an alpaca blanket for less than $20.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

HRI 3.5/5

How they'll get one over you: Disarm you with jokes and offers of tea to get you on their side. It's all good-natured, and you can accept it without being obligated to buy, but they will shamelessly play on your guilt.

How you'll get one over them: Play good cop, bad cop with a friend who drives a harder bargain. Your offer is suddenly more attractive, especially if you seem to be swayed by what your companion is saying.

Haggling challenge: Bargaining is mostly limited to the Grand Bazaar, so try your hand with small items and pick up some Turkish coffee and an authentic copper coffee pot for the lowest price you can.

Medina, Tunis

HRI 3.5/5

How they'll get one over you: Claim they are offering you a good deal because they like you or they want to close.

How you'll get one over them: Be prepared to walk away if you are not getting the price you want. If it is a reasonable offer, chances are the vendor will come after you to continue to process. If they don't, you'll know how low was too low.

Haggling challenge: Take a taxi to Carthage. Admire the ancient site and your own bargaining prowess by haggling the price to around 70-80 dinar.

Ladies Market, Cat Street and Temple Street Market, Hong Kong

HRI 3.5/5

How they'll get one over you: Hong Kong market traders are notoriously aggressive. Some will also use bait and switch techniques - drawing you in with one product but packaging an inferior one. Keep your eyes peeled.

How you'll get one over them: Unlike many places in the Middle East and Africa, smiling won't necessarily get you further. Start off with charm, but as you barter let your face back up what you are saying - frown, look aghast, sigh... It will all be forgotten once the deal is sealed.

Haggling challenge: How much miscellaneous memorabilia can you pick up on Cat Street for HKD450?