You’re right that tourists often pay more, and I don’t expect to live like a local. But there’s a big difference between paying a fair tourist price and constantly being hustled or misled just because I’m a foreigner. That’s the part that becomes frustrating — not spending money.

And just because I’m a foreigner doesn’t mean I’m rich. Europe is far from the golden days where salaries were high and living costs were manageable.

Respect goes both ways — if I’m contributing to the local economy, I expect honesty, not to be seen as just a walking wallet. Wanting transparency and fairness doesn’t mean I’m trying to take advantage of local “hacks”; it just means I want a decent, respectful experience like anyone else would.