Since the bargaining (skin color tax) is a reality, here's one solution. Hire a local to handle errands for you. Whatever you buy, the money you save thanks to that person will be more than the cost of their help fee.
If you have a local person do things for you, they often end up paying more too. The term "skin color tax" is also a bit inaccurate. It's not about skin color, it's about whether you look wealthy. Filipinos who look rich, like those driving expensive cars, often pay more even when the seller has the same skin color.
I've been here for almost 12 years and have never paid a "Kano tax." Always ask your wife what the proper price is, and since I speak Cebuano, almost nobody tries to overcharge me. 👍🙏🇵🇭
LOL that way just passes the "skin color tax" on to someone else, so it's the same thing in the end. The simple solution is to only buy from places where prices are posted. In the Philippines it's illegal to charge a different price than the one displayed. I've bought from stalls with price tags and never had a problem.
If you feel you're being ripped off, just walk away. It's simple. I always haggle and usually pay the amount I think is fair. I don't try to pay less on purpose, but I don't pay more either. 😉 When I do big jobs at home, like concrete work, I always pay more than the quote because I know it's hard work. Nobody here gets paid what that work is worth.
Yeah, my wife always saves me money... she never misses a sale!
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