Repeat after me: You are getting ripped off. You are getting ripped off. You are getting ripped off. Even if you think you are getting a deal after an hour of haggling, you are still getting ripped off.

We had heard about the markets where you could bargain with the locals. This place was a pit with scummy sales people and obnoxious sales tactics. We went there expecting some of this, but it was completely over the top and we would never go back there again. Things we saw at this market were available CHEAPER in our fancy hotel gift shop. There is nothing offered at this market that is in any way unique or one of a kind.

Things to note: the sales people will ask for a tip. Since the economy seems to run on tips, we gave him one, only to find out later that we were taken advantage of. Don't give them tips. Also, watch how they calculate dollars/pesos. They consistently use a higher exchange rate to make you think that you're paying less US dollars.

But the best piece of advice: Stay away. It's so not worth it.

My friend read about Mercado 28 in her Cancun guidebook and I read about it on the internet. Both described it as an open air market where locals would shop. Yeah right. If 'locals' were in the market for an over priced souvenir shot glass... For the most part the vendors were relentless, aggressive and in some cases truly obnoxious (one vendor attempted to ply us with cheap tequila while making really inappropriate sexual jokes and offering all manner of illegal drugs). The prices were NOT cheaper than anywhere else. After purchasing very little, we escaped Mercado 28. The next day my friend and I visited Flamingo Market, the Mexican Outlet and Fiesta Mall, all of which seem to be one bigger mall with several differently named entrances. These malls are right on the main strip (in the same area as tourist places like Bubba Gump, Margaritaville and Pat O’Brien’s. Some of the smaller stores were obviously owner-run, and while the vendors did solicit business, they were not overly aggressive. Some of the larger stores were staffed by employees and goods were clearly marked with the price. We bought at least one item that we purchased first at Mercado 28 ($10), next at an owner-run store in the mall ($3), and finally, in one of the larger mall tourist store where the marked price was $1.

Don’t let descriptions of Mercado 28 fool you. It is nothing but a bunch of stalls selling cheap tourist trinkets, there is nothing 'local' about the market and the prices are way higher than the more conveniently located strip mall!

That's what this is...its like a used car lot where you can basically name your price for just about anything. They even have the kids doing it. It's neat to walk around and look but I would not buy anything if you can avoid it.

This place is a scam-! Do not buy anything from this place- especially jewelery. If you must buy only pay in Peso's. Never give your credit card information and if you do make sure you have everything in credit card receipts and the math is done with a personal calculator and not theirs! They rig their calculators- so when the math is done it seems you are getting a really good deal. When they calculate it is in peso's so by the time you get home and see your credit card bill its a lot more than it is in Dollars. We bought a ring for 500 dollars flat on agreed price- however when we saw our charge on the bill it was 580 dollars. Very dishonestly businesses here and ultra pushy sales people. This is why we should pay a little bit more and rather not get scammed by these low lives. STAY AWAY! especially from the store called. OPALO- the biggest jewelry store there. Apparently they are all connected and have deals with the cabbies that take us there.