Haggling in Palau

I had read and had been told by frequent visitors to French Polynesia that haggling is not done there and really annoys the business owner. I also recall reading something like that about Tonga. I have not haggled anywhere in Pacific.

So, I'm planning my upcoming trip to Palau. I've gotten some prices and see that some places want to charge too much (comparing the very same item with other vendors, I mean things not a big tour vs. a smaller one). I also got an email from a tour operator who said that he would give me prices when I get there and then we can negotiate.
I personally don't want to spend my precious time and energy there haggling. I was wondering what the norm was. Should I ask for their best price? Should I enquire about weekly discounts? Tell them what others are charging me? Is everyone on a tour going to be paying a different price?

You might try to get in contact by PM with 5Waldos, she lived there for a while.

I haven't been there, but with tourism dropping to the Pacific due to higher fares from oil costs, etc., I would probably wait and book things like tours once I was there. Even accommodations after the first couple of nights might get a lower price once you were there. But again, these are just some general thoughts, 5Waldos would know more about Palau in particular.

I agree with Raro, I find prices much more negotiable now than three years ago. I found Palau in general to be pretty straight up in terms of pricing in general. After all, there is a difference between attempting to get a reasonable price and "haggling" prices. I was there in 2005 and I found pricing for diving to be fairly comparable amongst the main operators. Have a good trip Silvanocat and PM me if you need any specific information.

Papa Mikie
Papa Mike's Palau Islands Handbook

Oops, I should have mentioned Mike as well!!