Comments on: “Special” Price for You

By: Matthew

Matthew — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 20:28:33 +0000

“If it is fair to charge more to foreigners, how much more?”

Depends on who’s asking, who’s benefiting, who’s defining the term (fair), and who’s defining the terms of the arrangement.

Is it fair to you? Probably not. Is it fair to the person collecting the profit? Most certainly so. Is it fair to the locals? Sure, if they see it as fair.

I think if you are approaching this question from “fairness,” you are not going to get much of value.

If people are willing to pay the price, it’s more than fair – if we are talking within capitalistic constructions. Being that’s the United States’ operating method, I can only chuckle when that bitch that is capitalism is adopted by other countries and turned on Americans.

I mean this in a friendly tone. There are definitely some people who would think they are getting “ripped off.” The shame.

By: Gregory

Gregory — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 18:58:27 +0000

This doesn’t apply to the federal level, but I know of instances where museums and other attractions in Louisville have offered “Hometown Day/Week/Month” and if you show a Kentucky/Southern Indiana ID you get discounted/free admission. I also took full advantage of the student discounts allowed with my ISIC while traveling abroad. Granted most of the time the rate wasn’t at 25 to 75 times greater, but I think all “tourist” attractions play this game to get as much money as possible, be it goes to maintenance, restoration, or unfortunately somebody’s pocket.

By: Gillian

Gillian — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:08:45 +0000

I totally don’t mind that locals pay way less than foreigners – especially in developing countries. It would be a shame if a person could not afford to visit an attraction in their own country while foreigners got run of the place b/c they could afford it. I agree, the discrepancy seems very high…but then so is the discrepancy between my life and theirs. I am more bothered when the price is different for foreigners based on what it looks like they’ll pay…probably b/c I’m a crappy bargainer! Need to practice that one.

By: Craig

Craig — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:55:28 +0000

I take you’re point, and in a absolute sense, you are right.

But I think you should withhold judgment on this issue until after you have been home for a few months.

You may find yourself longing for the days you got to overpay in Asia.