ENTRY FEES - why foreigners are required to pay more

Lets have your views and opinions on this practise of charging
more from the foreigners for entry into ISI controlled monumen-
ts in India.This is not the only case there are also a many othe-
rs.

This is the practice through out the world...

If you go to Kenya or Australia or Switzerland... U have to pay more than the locals for variety of services like taxis / trains / museums and many others...

General Thumb Rule is that if X guy can fly all the way to a foreign destination he/she can also afford a little extra than the local people can... So loot him !!!

This issue has been discussed before on IM but let us clarify once again. All pay the same entry fee. However, the Indian Govt. subsidises the entry fee for Indian citizens but not for foreigners. Hence foreigners pay more.

sorry to disappoint, but in australia we have flat rates for these things for all, except for australian citizens who qualify for discounts through being elderly, having a disability or some other situation that financially disadvantages them.

and yes, this conversation has been had before. do a search, find the thread, see how quickly it turns into a fight.

In europe you cannot purchase the cheaper interrail pass if you are not a resident. You have to purchase the much more expensive eurail pass.

However this money with the Indian Govt. is all public money.It will be worthwhile to know if this subsidy amount is reimbursed
to ISI by the Indian Govt. on what account.The Finance minister
is in favour of doing away with the subsidies.He can start with
this one too on a graduated basis.
Also has anybody worked out how
much this subsidy will add up to for an approximation.

Oh, not this one again ...

But, since you ask...

It is a scam. An absolutely con without any good reason at all, on a par with American software publishers charging substantially more for their goods in UK than in US.

It is an absolute fiction that it is a worldwide practice. On the contrary, many institutions in UK such as the major museums are free for all, regardless of citizenship.

It is entirely unjustifiable, although many continue to attempt to do so with hollow and fictitious arguments.

Anyone who really thinks it is a good idea should be required required to take their payslip to their local shop and pay a premium on the goods they buy if it shows that they earn more than the national average.

Now... How about the extra fee for taking a camera? Or the substantial extra fee for taking a video camera?

All money-grabbing absurdities.

Words of Wisdom!!!
In Italy they used to act like this in the most touristic places (Rome, Venice, Florence), where tourists was charged like 10 euros for an ice cream. It's simply NOT FAIR, that's it.

Everything is done for money !!!

When Govt charges exorbitant money it is considered legal but when touts charge exorbitant money it is considered illegal.

That is absolutely untrue. The practice of dual-charging seems to exist only in developing nations; in Australia, Switzerland, the UK and every other developed country I have ever visited prices are fixed and are the same for everyone.

AS Nick says, here in London almost every museum and gallery is free to everyone, regardless of nationality.

Oh... and why do so many places in India also fleece you for taking in a camera? I've never seen that anywhere else in the world.

and here as well, except sometimes when a special exhibition is showing and all are charged the same.

i don't think even private galleries charge for entry.

Many stately homes, cathedrals and churches charge for taking in and using cameras/videos in the U.K. Winchester Cathedral is a good example where you have to purchase a permit to take photos, they also charge an entrance fee unless you are going specifically to pray. I don't have a problem with charges for such places as the majority of visitors are tourists who visit for cultural reasons and do cause considerable wear an tear to the fabric of the building.

Correcting u all the historical monuments are maintained by ASI...and not by ISI....

I guess First issue is solved that Indian government subsidies the visit to monuments for Indian Citizens..this is settled for once and for all...

By the way I have not heard anyone objecting to why they have separate foreign offices for bookings by foreign tourist..or a special quota for them in trains ?

Yeah I noticed that too..ISI would love to destroy them at first given oppurtunity..