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> Some of these "tourist trap" activities are locals trying to make an honest living doing what they can.

The local working in hospitality is earning minimum wage, the premium you pay goes to the landlord.

While this is often true for businesses with fixed premises, it's less true for the market stalls along the street, or the random tour guides.

Also, as a visitor with substantially more purchasing power, you can afford to tip the lad working for local minimum wage