A Dual Pricing System: A Reflection on Fairness and Gratitude
At Amara Beer Lab, we’re introducing a dual pricing system—one for locals and another for expatriates and tourists. It’s a decision grounded in reflection, gratitude, and a desire to give back to the community that has warmly welcomed us.
We understand that this concept might raise eyebrows, especially among Western visitors who are unaccustomed to such practices. It might feel unfair at first glance, and we acknowledge that sentiment—we’ve felt it too. As foreigners living in Cambodia, we often face higher prices ourselves. From fruit markets and motorcycle repairs to SIM card subscriptions, the cost is frequently higher simply because we’re not Cambodian. It can be frustrating, and adapting to this reality is a work in progress. Yet, it’s a condition we’ve learned to accept with a smile.
Cambodians, by contrast, have shown us incredible generosity. They’ve invited us to join their meals, celebrations, and family gatherings without hesitation. Their warmth has inspired us to take a closer look at how we can give back meaningfully.
When you consider that the average Western worker earns a minimum of $1,500 per month—a sum that many Cambodians can only hope to earn in 7-8 months—it’s clear why dual pricing makes sense. Western nations, despite their economic stability and prosperity, rarely, if ever, offer discounts to tourists from less affluent countries. A visitor from a developing nation saving for years to see the Eiffel Tower or the Tuscan hills doesn’t benefit from reduced prices based on their origin.
This disparity invites reflection. Perhaps it’s time for those of us from economically advanced countries to step down from our pedestal and learn something about generosity and hospitality. Cambodians have shown us the way, and we want to reciprocate.
This led us to an important business decision: all our products will be priced differently for locals. From taproom snacks to canned beers, draft pints, and even kegs, there will be a separate pricing structure for Cambodians. While we’re still finalizing the details for keg supply pricing, the principle is already in place.
This isn’t just about offering a discount. It’s a hand extended in gratitude to a nation that has extended both hands to welcome us. We hope this initiative sparks thought and appreciation for the value of fairness, empathy, and giving back.