From "Rafiki Price" to Self-Checkout: My Shopping Experience in Hamburg vs. Tanzania
After spending seven months in Hamburg, Germany, I’ve come to realize that everyday activities—like shopping—can offer deep insight into cultural differences. One of the most striking contrasts I’ve noticed is the shopping experience in German supermarkets and drugstores compared to the markets and shops in Tanzania.
Shopping at a Tanzanian "duka" Two people are shopping at a Tanzanian “duka,” a small local shop selling everyday goods. Various products are displayed at the front. [Foto von Hanna Schnack, Alle abgebildeten Personen haben der Veröffentlichung zugestimmt.]
A Quiet Treasure Hunt
Walking into a typical store in Hamburg—whether it is Kaufland, dm, Rossmann, or ALDI—feels like stepping into a well-organized treasure hunt. The shelves are neatly arranged, the aisles are quiet, and the price of every item is clearly labeled. There’s little noise, no background music, and hardly any human interaction unless you need help. Even then, it’s usually brief and straight to the point. One of the biggest surprises for me was the self-checkout system. You scan your own items, pay by card or cash, and bag your groceries yourself—all without speaking to a single person. It’s efficient, fast, and very convenient. However, for someone coming from a culture where shopping is also a social experience, it took some time to adjust.
Shopping as a Social Experience
In Tanzania, shopping is about much more than just buying things. It’s a social ritual. You greet the shopkeeper, ask about their day, and maybe even discuss a little neighborhood news before getting to business. Prices aren’t always fixed, so bargaining is expected—and sometimes dramatic! You can walk into a shop, joke around with the seller, and eventually settle on a “rafiki price” (a “friend’s price”). In many cases, shopping feels like community bonding. It’s not unusual to be offered a better price just because you’re a regular customer or because you shared a laugh with the seller. The market vibe is lively, full of energy, voices, smells, and spontaneous conversations.
No Bargaining Here!
Back in Hamburg, the idea of negotiating a price is unheard of. Prices are fixed. The barcode decides everything. Whether you're shopping for groceries at ALDI or picking up shampoo at Rossmann, you pay what the system tells you. And the machine certainly won’t smile back at you when you try to joke! At first, I found it a bit cold and mechanical. But over time, I began to appreciate the efficiency and clarity. You know exactly how much something costs. You don’t waste time
negotiating. And the self-checkout lanes, though emotionless, are actually quite empowering once you get used to them—I’m now scanning my items like a pro!
Finding Balance Between Two Worlds
While I still miss the warm and lively nature of shopping in Tanzania, I’ve come to respect the structure and independence that German stores offer. Each system has its own strengths. In Tanzania, shopping builds relationships. In Germany, it saves time and promotes personal responsibility. Living between these two worlds has taught me that culture can be experienced in the smallest routines, like buying toothpaste or vegetables. And as I continue to adapt, I realize I carry a bit of both worlds with me every time I shop.
Sources:
Own observations and experiences in Tanzania and Germany.
