Instead of complaining about being gringo gouged all the time, we can do something about it. But before we can do something we have to understand “why” it happens and “why” they do it, so we can stop it in its tracks because over time it produces negatives in our lives. What we sow we reap principle.
Why Gringos Get Gringoed?
1. Gringos don’t bargain. Most of us accept the first price quoted for something. This is just US cultural thing, but it is not what it's like in your new place abroad. If you don’t speak Spanish or very little Spanish that’s ok; bring a Spanish speaking friend along with you when you purchase items, until you learn your numbers.
Solution: Learn Spanish numbers.
2. Gringos compare prices to back home. In most cases even the higher price we are quoted will be less than what we pay for the same item back home. As long as we keep comparing to back home we’ll keep paying the gringo price.
Solution: Stop comparing.
3. We accept it. We shrug our shoulders and call it some absurd label like “gringo tax” which clearly justifies skewed thinking, “It must be ok that I keep getting gringoed, because it’s a tax.” … No comment!
Solution: Don’t believe everything you read.
4. We don’t want to look cheap. Hahaha, that’s funny. Actually, it is when we accept gringo prices it shows that we have no principle. Now, that’s cheap! A cheap person feels the need to keep up appearances and will simply pay the quoted price but later justifies why it's okay for the gringo to overpay. The principled person speaks up about it, and walks away from the sale if he or she has to, which also helps the next gringo who bargains with that vendor.
Solution: Realize that in a country where EVERYONE negotiates it is acceptable that gringos negotiate too. Does it make you look cheap? That's something one feels that is within themselves...perhaps they have a low self esteem. No one can make anyone look or feel cheap for paying the REAL price (going rate) for something.
It is either negotiate or be gringoed just because you are fairer skinned than they are. It’s your call: principle or apathetic.
If you enjoyed this article, we think you will like these articles too!
- How Safe Is Your (Ecuador) Retirement from Gringo Gouging and Inflation?
- Not All Gringo's Are Rich, So What's Up with the Gringo Inflation?
- Why We Should Stop Comparing N. America with S. America
We're an Expat Family of Five, Living Frugal, Healthy and Happy Abroad. We live in Cuenca, Ecuador and travel to Quito and the Ecuador coast whenever we get a chance. We just adventured throughout the country of Panama for five weeks! Come along and enjoy some of our experiences with us!
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