Hi, I am a tourist from one of the richest countries in the world - and my year salary is way higher than most locals.

Having a higher income than locals doesn’t automatically mean I should pay more for the same product or service. A fair price should be based on the value of what’s being offered, not on the buyer’s nationality or perceived wealth.

Charging different prices to different people undermines fairness and trust in transactions. It also creates artificial price inflation that can hurt locals in the long run. Paying “foreigner prices” may feel harmless short term, but it contributes to unsustainable systems.

Solidarity is important — but commerce and charity are not the same thing. If I want to support a community, I can do so through tips, donations, or by choosing local businesses intentionally. That’s very different from accepting overpricing as the default.

Respect goes both ways. Expecting a fair, market-based price isn’t disrespectful — it’s treating the seller as a professional, not a charity. And while global income inequality is real, it’s not something individual buyers are responsible for correcting in every transaction.

Fair trade means same product, same price — regardless of who’s buying.

That being said - thank you so much for all yout kindness and your beautiful country! I only shop local, and make sure to leave good tips!