A BRIEF GUIDE ON LUXURY TAXES

(Part I)

 

Intro:

 

Everyone knows that foreigner travellers are rich! And that's being modest, we're all filthy stinking millionaires, and we really don't share the wealth nearly enough. That's why there's the luxury tax.

 

What follows is a ridiculously subjective, completely biased worldwide guide to how the luxury tax is levied.

 

 

Asia:

 

China has the highest tax in the region! Charging a hundred times the regular price is typical. If you negotiate at all, they will stand two inches in front of your face, and scream You PAY, you PAY NOW! 

 

Have some idea of the 'real' price and don't be frightened.

 

In India a bunch of bananas costs 4 cents. The bidding starts at 25 cents. You can get the price down to 12 cents.

 

This process starts completely new every single day. But at least you get to really know the Banana lady. And, besides, what’s time anyway?

 

 

For Thailand, generally, the tax is collected painlessly. Tourists are corralled in 'fun' ways: special parts of Bangkok, tours of native people in the north, island time—none of which have a 'normal' price. Apparently, this is just fine with the vast majority of travellers.

 

The real tax is for falangs (long nosed devils) who live in Thailand all the time. Falangs own 49% of their business, their Thai partner own the other 99%.

 

Singapore has the lowest luxury tax in the region. The anti-corruption is breathtaking; it's one of the things dictatorships do best. But I'm in no mood to quibble, it's so much cleaner than at home.

 

Malaysia is impressively low also.

 

In Laos they're sweetie pies. Everyone should go there.

 

 

Europe:

 

Greece's taxes are astronomically high. The harder they slam the change on the counter, the more they are stealing. But, you want to get off the island, don't you?  Well, DON'T YOU?

 

It helps if you speak Greek―all the time—as a first language.

 

It is very bad if you're Turkish, look Turkish, own a Turkish carpet, or think you might like to go to Turkey.

 

Italy is the most improved, I have no idea why. On my first trip in 1991 absolutely everyone chiselled, last summer no one did. It's a mystery

 

Germany has the lowest luxury tax, they do everything correctly.

 

Netherlands also.

 

In Croatia the luxury tax is horrendous, but the scenery is incredible. Get your photos and get out.  

 

Bosnia has the lowest tax  and the sweetest people, please see for yourself.

 

Turkey, ditto

 

(to be continued)

Observations, After

©2008 Sorrowland Press and all respective artists within.