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of 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 Bellavista Nanay costs S/. 3.00; to the airport S/. 8.00
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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