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Shopping
Except for a few of the more
exclusive shops in Khartoum, bargaining is expected. Before you
start bargaining it is good to get an idea of how much something
costs - ask friends what they think a good price is, ask in a few
stores until you have a general idea of the going rate. Then you
are in a position to begin bargaining. Never argue. Never demean
what you are trying to bargain for. And don’t bargain unless you
intend to make the purchase - once you begin the bargaining process,
you are expected to follow through and make a purchase. You will
find that bargaining takes time (and lots of smiles), but it is well
worth it when you know that you’ve driven a fair bargain, make a
friend and are respected by the shopkeeper as a person who cares
about values.
Souks (Markets)
Omdurman Souk is one of the most interesting places to go to shop
for gifts to send home. Get there by about nine in the morning
before it gets too hot. Shops close up about 3:00 p.m. and do not
open again until after 5:00 p.m. Items that people usually shop for
in Omdurman Souk are ebony wood carvings, necklaces, bracelets,
beads, gold and silver jewelry, clay coffee pots, Sudanese baskets,
food, spices and much more.
The main shopping area in Khartoum
is located on Gamhouria Street. There are numerous stores supplying
a variety of items, including fabric, perfume and cosmetics. There
is a shopping arcade under the Sahara hotel where you will find the
Dinder Bazaar, and an arcade off of Gamhouria Avenue near the SATA
shoe store. Across the street from the arcade is another arcade
leading to Barlaman Avenue and in there is a shop called “Slimming”
- a source of local paintings, some locally made clothing and lots
of Sudanese handicrafts. On Babiker Badri Street, also running
north from Gamhouria Street to Barlaman Avenue, there are several
souvenir shops, and across a large plaza is the Sudanese Folklore
shops where many shoppers find interesting things to buy.
Hourria Street is a good source for
electrical supplies, plugs, extension cords, light bulbs, batteries,
electric irons, tea kettles etc.
In Souk II in Khartoum II at the
crossing of Mek Nimr and 47th Ave. East, is a bakery on one corner
and several little “fast food” places in the area.
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