Shopping & Bargaining التسوق
Shopping in Saudi Arabia — from the grand malls of Riyadh to the historic souks of Jeddah — rewards Arabic speakers with better prices and richer experiences. This topic covers 6 essential phrases for asking prices, requesting discounts with عطني خصم (A'tini khasum), and navigating transactions. Whether you are bargaining at a traditional souk or shopping at a modern mall, these phrases give you real negotiating power.
Key Saudi Arabic phrases
بكم هذا؟
Bikam hatha?
How much is this?
Asking for price
غالي عليك
Ghali 'alayk
It is expensive
Negotiating price
عطني خصم
A'tini khasum
Give me a discount
Bargaining
بدي أجرب
Biddi ajarrib
I want to try it on
Trying clothes
ما عندكم أصغر من هذا؟
Ma 'indakum asgar min hatha?
Do you have a smaller size?
Asking for different size
بدفع بالكارت
Badfa' bil-kart
I will pay by card
Paying by card
Frequently asked questions
- How do you bargain in Saudi Arabic?
- Start by saying "غالي عليك" (Ghali 'alayk — It's expensive), then follow with "عطني خصم" (A'tini khasum — Give me a discount). At traditional souks, bargaining is expected and enjoyed. In malls and fixed-price stores, prices are generally non-negotiable.
- How do you ask 'how much is this?' in Saudi Arabic?
- Ask "بكم هذا؟" (Bikam hatha? — How much is this?) or "كم سعره؟" (Kam si'ro? — What is its price?). The answer will include the number followed by "ريال" (riyal) — Saudi Arabia's currency.
- How do you say 'I want to try it on' in Saudi Arabic?
- Say "بدي أجرب" (Biddi ajarrib — I want to try it on). To ask for a different size: "ما عندكم أصغر من هذا؟" (Don't you have something smaller?). Fitting rooms are available in Saudi malls and are called "غرف القياس" (ghurfat al-qiyas).
- Do Saudi shops accept credit cards?
- Most shops, malls, and restaurants in Saudi Arabia accept credit and debit cards. Say "بدفع بالكارت" (Badfa' bil-kart — I'll pay by card). Saudi Arabia's Mada pay system is popular for contactless tap-to-pay transactions.