It was interesting that they were wherever we went, that they all called my bearded husband Mr. Whiskers, and that they knew exactly what price we had been offered previously. Give them their due, though - when we finally bit the bullet and decided to buy something that we knew was too high a price, and as soon as they discovered we were Australian and not American, the comment was made that our exchange rate is lousy and the price was dropped. As we left the stall, the call went around to the rest of the market that Mr. Whiskers was not American, and the prices all of a sudden became reasonable. Consequently, we came away with an armload of sombreros and blankets, probably still a higher price than in rural areas, but we thought they were worth what we paid for them, and they’re a brightly coloured reminder of a holiday.

Remember, at the markets you are dealing with astute business people who know exactly what there margins are and at what point they draw the line on the bargaining. They are obviously also in touch with the daily exchange rates for the countries of their main tourists.

Take the time to walk the whole market and compare. The sellers know their competition and so should you. Don't be put off by their friendliness. Americans are used to being hustled and that isn't always the case here. At the same time, beware and don't hesitate to walk away.

Don't buy Mexican vanilla here. Find a local grocery and buy it there--less than a third the market price elsewhere.

I wouldn't recommend the shopping malls, as they are not anywhere near what we have in the States. They are set up the same, indoors with many stores, but many of the shops are Cancun t-shirts, beach towels, and things along those lines. I tried to find a new outfit for dinner and found nothing suitable.