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money, especially when you spend more than just a few days here. So,
what can you do about it? The best way to avoid gringo tax is going about
town accompanied by a local inhabitant and let them do the bargaining for
you. But even if you travel alone, you are able to avoid being overcharged.
First of all; always ask what the price is, before you go into business with anyone. When you catch a
mototaxi, name the destination and wait; the driver will interpret that as
the question “How much is it?” Obviously, one can also ask how
much something costs.
A taxi ride within 10 to 15 blocks from the Plaza de Armas –or
a similar distance elsewhere- shouldn’t cost more than S/. 1.50 or
S/. 2.00. A ride as far as Nanay Bellavista costs S/. 3.00; to the airport
about S/. 6.00 or S/. 7.00
Always pay attention to someone’s non-verbal language when the
price is discussed. Some vendors will look you up and down a bit, before
naming their price, as if to say; “It must be my lucky day! A gringo!”.
If you aren’t sure, just say in a slightly shocked voice; “That
seems terribly expensive!”, while making a face of disbelief, and see
what happens. If you have any doubts, feel free to decline the service or
product offered. That may still lead to an adjustment of the price and if
not; plenty of competition! Go find someone else.
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