If you hire a private guide and go somewhere with an entry fee, is the traveler expected to pay for the guide's entry fee, or is the guide responsible for that expense? Same with shuttle or other transportation fees. I am curious about the etiquette. This will be in Alsace region of France.
Posted by
North Georgia, USA
1367 posts
Typically guides get in free. Regardless, I have never paid for a guide's entry to a site.
As to other expenses, it's not a matter of etiquette, but what the terms and conditions of the booking are. Sometimes fees are covered, sometimes they are not. Read the details in the booking description.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9542 posts
Either the website will tell you what fees you will need to pay for the guide, or when you make arrangements for the guide, they should tell you then.
When someone books a tour with me for the Rhein, they will need to pay for me on the ship, the gondola in Rüdesheim, my train ticket, entry to any castles we visit. This is all broken down for them in an email, so they do not have any surprises. It is nice when they buy my lunch, but this is not a must.
Do not assume that a guide has free entry to tourist sites or museums. Here in Frankfurt, the guides do not have free entry to every museum, which is sad. With my guide ID, I have gotten in free in museums all over Germany, but my own city is a bit stingy..
Posted by
Wimauma, FL
23 posts
In my opinion, great subject line. I have multiple private guides/car for up and coming vacation to Sicily with my youngest daughter. Overall, I had wondered if I am responsible for their food? Moreover, even if I am paying considerable amount for each private guide/car, I just wasn't sure I could have them either watch me eat or eat their profits in order to show me around the city or museum. It is one of those oxymoron that lead you to consider ethical over moral obligations, even if they are being paid for the job intended. If this makes sense? Should I feel guilty if I don't pay for their lunch or entrance fee, especially since it was not mentioned upon hiring them? We are on the RS Best of Sicily 11-Day Tour in November, but decidedly booked private guides/cars due to my daughter having anxiety and asthma issues before, during and after the RS tour. She is okay with being on the tour with others, after all RS is known for having small comfortable groups with no grumps rule. Also, I just thought it would give her a break and have alone time with me seeing the things on a more personal level, thereby deepening the experience in Sicily. Especially since this is our first mother daughter vacation together. My first mother daughter vacation with my mother happened one year before her death (2012). My mother spent a lifetime talking about going to Sicily, but never made the journey. More or less, no one has enough time in this world to do overs, but we can start by making changes right now by creating wonderful memories. Sounding familiar, I just didn't want to end up with regrets due to my advancing age and see Sicily with my daughter before I can't. Basically, I may be going over the top for this tour, but I also know the precious time spent together may have to last a lifetime until another one occurs at some future date.