What do you do when the cab driver lies?

[Dan G]

Plenty of people are taking a stance based on "values" and "integrity." I would not doubt that plenty of taxi drivers are saying the same thing about you. There are many countries around the world where the more money you have the more you pay. Even for locals. I have met plenty of people in foreign countries who would go to their local market on a bicycle rather than their scooter because they would get charged less that way.

Integrity might be very differently expressed by different people around the world. To think that your version is the only version or the only correct version is rather myopic. A taxi driver who drives a tourist who has enough money to travel and buy expensive dive equipment get into an argument over a few pennies or even a few dollars might just look at that person as lacking integrity, as well.

 

[waterone]

I make an effort to say something to taxi/rideshare drivers everywhere, and I'm anything but outgoing or chatty. I have always felt it was just sort of the thing to do, as opposed to sitting silently in back. Some are curious about me or where I'm going to or coming from and want to chat, and others not so much. I'm often just as curious about them. Occasionally, I'm not in the mood at all and just say hello and (if a taxi) how much is the fare, and that's it.

When in Mexico I greet the cabbie with hola, then ask if it's OK to consume drinks. Then ask if he'll rip me off by just enough that it seems reasonable. We then continue to converse about random things that dont matter until time has come to stumble out. Sometimes I forget where I'm going, but a good driver remembers to swerve and not hit the people on the scooters.

Plenty of people are taking a stance based on "values" and "integrity." I would not doubt that plenty of taxi drivers are saying the same thing about you. There are many countries around the world where the more money you have the more you pay. Even for locals. I have met plenty of people in foreign countries who would go to their local market on a bicycle rather than their scooter because they would get charged less that way.

Hmmn, to me thats sounds like a lack of integrity to charge more simply because someone has more money. Just because some have more is no justification to use it against them.

Integrity might be very differently expressed by different people around the world. To think that your version is the only version or the only correct version is rather myopic. A taxi driver who drives a tourist who has enough money to travel and buy expensive dive equipment get into an argument over a few pennies or even a few dollars might just look at that person as lacking integrity, as well.

IMO Someone who disputes an overcharge does not lack integrity however, the person requesting an overcharge does.

 

[DandyDon]

Then ask if he'll rip me off by just enough that it seems reasonable.

I like that one. I'm still going to haggle tho.

Just because some have more is no justification to use it against them.

Aside from worthy charity needs. I often wonder how many are pretending, but erring on the side of generosity is a good call, I think.

the person requesting an overcharge does.

Who would do that?

 

[Lorenzoid]

When in Mexico I greet the cabbie with hola, then ask if it's OK to consume drinks. Then ask if he'll rip me off by just enough that it seems reasonable. We then continue to converse about random things that dont matter until time has come to stumble out. Sometimes I forget where I'm going, but a good driver remembers to swerve and not hit the people on the scooters.

Well at least we agree on that much.

 

[waterone]

I like that one. I'm still going to haggle tho.

Haggling is always worth a whirl in Mexico.

Who would do that?

I see i could have worded that better. The person that requests more money than they should based on the travelers appearance or valuables.

Well at least we agree on that much.

If we agreed on too much it would make conversation boring! Really though I think we could have fun dives together

 

[ReefHound]

Hmmn, to me thats sounds like a lack of integrity to charge more simply because someone has more money. Just because some have more is no justification to use it against them.

I think you missed his point which is that your perspective is based on your (and mine) cultural background, that in some cultures it is normal and expected that those who have more will pay more. So when two cultures meet - as often the case with tourists and locals - whose culture prevails? Should the taxi driver modify his views to meet the tourists because they are bringing money to the island, or should the tourists modify their views to meet the locals because they are guests?

 

[waterone]

I think you missed his point which is that your perspective is based on your (and mine) cultural background, that in some cultures it is normal and expected that those who have more will pay more.

Not at all, I understood the point though it doesn't change my view.

People who have more generally pay more anyhow but not because sellers are overcharging.

To price gouge based on appearance or how much money someone has IMO will never be ok, no matter what culture(s) seem OK with it.

The overcharge getting pushed onto the locals apparently makes them feel the need to ride a bicycle rather than a scooter just to save money.

So when two cultures meet - as often the case with tourists and locals - whose culture prevails? Should the taxi driver modify his views to meet the tourists because they are bringing money to the island, or should the tourists modify their views to meet the locals because they are guests?

Many things are acceptable by some cultures that will never be with others. But surely there can be a respectful median.

I personally will never accept overcharging for any reason. However, I will tip well when given good service and charged the proper amount.

 

[Dan G]

Not at all, I understood the point though it doesn't change my view.

People who have more generally pay more anyhow but not because sellers are overcharging.

To price gouge based on appearance or how much money someone has IMO will never be ok, no matter what culture(s) seem OK with it.

The overcharge getting pushed onto the locals apparently makes them feel the need to ride a bicycle rather than a scooter just to save money.

Many things are acceptable by some cultures that will never be with others. But surely there can be a respectful median.

I personally will never accept overcharging for any reason. However, I will tip well when given good service and charged the proper amount.

Please take a look at your last 3 sentences. First, you state that there should be a "respectful median," but then offer no such thing in the next two sentences.

I lived in a Colorado resort town for about 10 years. Many stores offered "locals discounts." Were tourists overcharged in shops that offered this discount?

 

[tridacna]

What does ‘respectful median’ mean? Interesting usage.

 

[Centrals]

I lived in a Colorado resort town for about 10 years. Many stores offered "locals discounts." Were tourists overcharged in shops that offered this discount?

"Locals" meaning people living at that resort town or American only?

I have came across countries( Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Thailand etc) where foreigners being charged more but never "locals discount".