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‘Gora Service Tax’? A foreign tourist got charged an astonishing ₹100 for a single banana; here’s what happened next

| TOI Trending Desk | etimes.in | Jan 17, 2025, 20:54 IST
A street vendor in Hyderabad recently made headlines after chargi... Read More
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A street vendor in Hyderabad recently made headlines after charging a foreign tourist an astonishing ₹100 for a single banana. The incident, which was captured on video, has quickly gone viral, sparking both amusement and some embarrassment among viewers.

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Exploring local food
Hugh is widely recognized for his Instagram videos, where he explores local street food vendors and tries a variety of dishes, rating them out of ten. Most of the vendors he encounters charge him fairly, and he often showcases unique local snacks in his posts. On his India trip alone, he’s tried mango kulfi falooda, sweet corn chaat, mirchi bhaaji, malai, and more. These experiences highlight the vibrant and diverse street food culture that Hugh aims to celebrate through his platform.
The unexpected price for one banana
During his India trip, Hugh encountered a banana seller in Hyderabad while exploring local foods. When he asked how much the banana would cost, the vendor demanded an astonishing ₹100 for a single banana. Despite his disbelief, Hugh asked the vendor multiple times to confirm the price. Each time, the response remained the same: ₹100 for one piece of fruit. Taken aback, Hugh decided to walk away without making the purchase.
A viral moment of humour
The video, which Hugh posted on Instagram, has since gained millions of views and sparked widespread reactions. While some viewers were entertained by the situation, others expressed disappointment at the inflated price being charged to a foreigner.
Watch the video here:


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In the comments section, many users shared humorous takes. One wrote, “Bro is trying to recover the Indian economy.” Another joked, “He added GST (Gora Service Tax).” Someone else quipped, “Chacha be like, now it’s our turn to loot the goras.”

However, some comments were more reflective, showing sympathy for Hugh. One user wrote, “Sad to see this,” while another praised him for walking away, saying, “Good job not buying.”
Overcharging tourists: A common issue
While most street vendors in India offer fair prices, overcharging tourists is not uncommon. Tourists unfamiliar with local prices often face the risk of being charged significantly more than locals for the same products. This issue isn’t unique to India but is a challenge for travelers worldwide when visiting popular destinations.

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