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A shop in Istanbul has sparked both laughter and controversy after an Instagram reel showcased a sign directly addressing South Asian tourists. The sign read, “India, Pakistan and Bangladesh brothers, please don’t ask for discount,” leading to a wave of online reactions ranging from amusement to outrage.

The viral video, believed to be filmed in a tourist-heavy part of Istanbul, shows a handwritten notice inside a local store. While it appears to be a humorous or lighthearted attempt to communicate with South Asian shoppers, it also touched a nerve with many viewers. The overlay text on the reel claimed, “I spotted a ‘no discount’ notice specifically for South Asian people in Istanbul.” This specificity immediately caught the attention of South Asian Instagram users.

Reactions Pour In

The reel quickly racked up views and comments. Some users saw the message as playful, while others found it offensive or even discriminatory. One user labelled it as “Turkish racism,” while another quipped, “Divided by borders, united by international embarrassment,” pointing to the shared cultural habit of bargaining in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.

Others, however, took a more humorous stance, joking that the sign was simply acknowledging a universal South Asian trait: “We are born to haggle—this is an attack on our culture,” one commenter wrote.

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Haggling As Cultural Practice

In many parts of South Asia, especially in informal markets and bazaars, bargaining is not just accepted but expected. Shoppers often engage in friendly negotiations with vendors, with both parties enjoying the banter and seeking a fair deal. For some, bargaining is a skill passed down through generations and seen as part of the cultural fabric.

Because of this, many South Asians travelling abroad instinctively negotiate prices, sometimes unaware that this practice may not be as welcome in other countries.

Cultural Sensitivity Or Clever Marketing?

While some viewers criticised the sign for singling out specific nationalities, others speculated that it might be a savvy marketing tactic. By addressing the behaviour with a humorous tone, the shop may have hoped to avoid awkward interactions without offending anyone outright. Still, it raises the question of where to draw the line between cultural humour and stereotyping.

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