Nov 22, 2010
Luxor to Dahab, Egypt
Elevation: 99m
I understand that haggling is part of the expectation in many cultures. However, food is never something I had to haggle for. A glass of orange juice is usually a standard price as is a bottle of water. One place might charge for than another but bargaining for food is never something I had to do. Well…things change.
Here in Luxor, unless you know how much things cost, you get screwed. The minute you asked for how much something costs, you are be sure to be quoted a higher price. Back in Morocco, my Aussi travel mate, Crosby, figured out how much things should cost and simply hand over that much. Of course this technique requires you to have exact change but its not a bad one.
Of course there is the eternal debate of it is a matter of principal or do you just let it go because when you convert it to the euro, pound, dollar, which ever currency you prefer, it is still cheaper than at home. On the one hand, you are contributing to inflation and also screwing other future travelers. On the other, poverty rate is high in developing nations as well as unemployment. Life is not easy in these places.
Another thing I wonder is how in these deeply devout countries where usury is forbidden by the scripture, it is okay and charitable to over charge for everything?!
What is your take on haggling and being over charged?
Any thoughts on how one reconcile the teaching of the scripture vs actual practice?
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