Discriminatory pricing for tourists in Singapore
Apr 23, 2023, 2:16 am
#1
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Discriminatory pricing for tourists in Singapore
Many attractions in Singapore have two categories of pricing - one for local residents and one for foreigners. It appears to be government policy. This has left a very negative impression on me and I actually refused to visit some attractions applying this policy. Wonder if others share my view here…
Apr 23, 2023, 9:09 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2022
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Lots of countries have this style of pricing, either officially (at museums or other attractions), or unofficially (taxis, places you need to bargain).
If you want a modicum of consolation, Singaporean citizens have to pay a fee every time they go to a local casino; foreigners don't pay to enter.
If you want a modicum of consolation, Singaporean citizens have to pay a fee every time they go to a local casino; foreigners don't pay to enter.
Apr 23, 2023, 9:14 am
#3
Join Date: Mar 2014
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For places like museums and cultural sites, I don't have much of an issue with this. I know that in many of these countries, money from tourists helps keep the museums and cultural sites to be accessible to the people of the country. Even then, the prices are not outrageously expensive. If you feel that everyone should have the same price, that's completely fine. However, I don't know if I would travel to a certain city again, so I will pay the price I am asked to in order to enjoy the museums or other event that I want to see.
In regards to Singapore, I did get to visit many museums, but the only one where I felt was not worth the money was the Peranakan Museum.
In regards to Singapore, I did get to visit many museums, but the only one where I felt was not worth the money was the Peranakan Museum.
Apr 23, 2023, 9:46 am
#4
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Local discounts aren't too uncommon in tourist destinations. To me, if I have the ability to afford the experience and I find my cost to be reasonable, I don't care about what discount someone else is eligible for. Especially if the cost of living is very high. I'm appreciative that locals could possibly have a higher chance to experience the same venue.
Apr 23, 2023, 5:24 pm
#6
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And New Zealand
As above this policy is not unusual,
There is different pricing for international and New Zealand visitors on most Great Walks.
Apr 23, 2023, 5:25 pm
#7
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Ever been to Disney World?
https://magicguides.com/disney-world...esident-deals/
Or the Corning Museum of Glass?
https://visit.cmog.org/plan-your-visit
https://magicguides.com/disney-world...esident-deals/
Or the Corning Museum of Glass?
https://visit.cmog.org/plan-your-visit
Apr 24, 2023, 2:35 am
#8
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Many attractions in Singapore have two categories of pricing - one for local residents and one for foreigners. It appears to be government policy. This has left a very negative impression on me and I actually refused to visit some attractions applying this policy. Wonder if others share my view here…
Or Indonesia as I had to deal with foreigners pricing when I was there more than a decade ago.
Last edited by l etoile; Sep 25, 2023 at 7:08 am
Apr 24, 2023, 7:18 am
#9
Join Date: Jun 2012
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gardens by the bay is one. Singapore zoo technically counts too (local residents can get the free Wildpass program, which offers discounts.
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/e...ower-dome.html
https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-...our-visit.html.
doesn't bother me. Many countries have the inverse too (tourists have special rates, cheaper than locals: see Japan JR pass/Tokyo subway day pass, HK MTR tourist day pass - does OP complain about those and avoid them too?
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/e...ower-dome.html
https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-...our-visit.html.
doesn't bother me. Many countries have the inverse too (tourists have special rates, cheaper than locals: see Japan JR pass/Tokyo subway day pass, HK MTR tourist day pass - does OP complain about those and avoid them too?
Last edited by paperwastage; Apr 24, 2023 at 7:33 am
Apr 24, 2023, 7:41 am
#10
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gardens by the bay is one. Singapore zoo technically counts too (local residents can get the free Wildpass program, which offers discounts.
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/e...ower-dome.html
https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-...our-visit.html.
doesn't bother me. Many countries have the inverse too (tourists have special rates, cheaper than locals: see Japan JR pass/Tokyo subway day pass, HK MTR tourist day pass - does OP complain about those and avoid them too?
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/e...ower-dome.html
https://www.mandai.com/en/singapore-...our-visit.html.
doesn't bother me. Many countries have the inverse too (tourists have special rates, cheaper than locals: see Japan JR pass/Tokyo subway day pass, HK MTR tourist day pass - does OP complain about those and avoid them too?
Apr 24, 2023, 7:48 am
#11
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I know when we did a family vacation to SIN with my inlaws 9 years ago, their tourist office had a lot of deals on multiple attractions. Seemed pretty reasonable. Singapore flyer, hop on bus, duck boat, etc.
Apr 24, 2023, 7:58 am
#12
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Singapore is a very different and expensive country today!
Apr 24, 2023, 5:21 pm
#13
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 3,381
Inflation /cost of living is hitting locals too. Difficult to find $2 hawker centermeal, most starting at $2.5-$4 now
(Hawker center/supermarket pricing
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...to-cost-burden.
HDB bto/resale.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...-the-breakdown.
https://www.todayonline.com/singapor...lation-2001696
(Hawker center/supermarket pricing
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...to-cost-burden.
HDB bto/resale.
https://www.straitstimes.com/singapo...-the-breakdown.
https://www.todayonline.com/singapor...lation-2001696
Apr 24, 2023, 6:17 pm
#14
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It might be an unpopular opinion, but I agree wholeheartedly with the OP. I do understand how complex the issues are here, but I can't deny that this sort of pricing can leave a bad taste in my mouth. I appreciate doing local things at local prices and do not enjoy being gouged.
The last time I ran into this was in December at a swimming site near Wonosobo, Indonesia. I don't recall the exact pricing, but it was something like US$1 for locals and US$10 for foreigners. I would have paid the dollar just to check it out, but for $10 I had to stop and think about whether it's worth it. After reading reviews, I passed and went elsewhere. We did end up at another place with private baths for about $3 (for two) that was well worth it.
The last time I ran into this was in December at a swimming site near Wonosobo, Indonesia. I don't recall the exact pricing, but it was something like US$1 for locals and US$10 for foreigners. I would have paid the dollar just to check it out, but for $10 I had to stop and think about whether it's worth it. After reading reviews, I passed and went elsewhere. We did end up at another place with private baths for about $3 (for two) that was well worth it.
Apr 24, 2023, 8:45 pm
#15
formerly known as Tad's Broiled Steaks
Join Date: Jun 2004
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Some NYC museums have a pay-what-you-wish for regional residents. Same idea in Chicago.
Some cities have deals specifically for tourists (show your passport/entry stamp, get a bunch of discounts).
Non-Japanese citizens (generally speaking) are the only ones able to purchase a JR pass.
On the other hand, charging to enter religious sites, blech. Japan is way guilty of this one.
But then on the mysterious middle hand, would you travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and not enter since there are two different prices? (I suppose if you could hire a boat to get a photo from the less popular side ....)
Some cities have deals specifically for tourists (show your passport/entry stamp, get a bunch of discounts).
Non-Japanese citizens (generally speaking) are the only ones able to purchase a JR pass.
On the other hand, charging to enter religious sites, blech. Japan is way guilty of this one.
But then on the mysterious middle hand, would you travel to Agra to see the Taj Mahal and not enter since there are two different prices? (I suppose if you could hire a boat to get a photo from the less popular side ....)