Do guides get a commission when they take you shopping?

It happens all over the world – your tour guide shepherds your group into a shop, the lights go on, the air conditioner hums a song of sweet relief – "Tea, Coca-Cola?" asks the salesman.

"Just look, no pressure, we are a government-accredited store," as carpets are unfurled, bottles of perfumed oils uncorked, lustrous leather products are thrust your way – and your guide sits back as payday comes their way.

Why this shop in particular, you might wonder?

Simple – because this one has agreed to pay your guide a higher commission than its competitors.

It might be 10 per cent, it might be 25, but it means that whatever you buy your guide gets a cut, and it comes out of your pocket.

This is not just a Third-World phenomenon. Luxury brands stores in London and Paris pay guides a commission to deliver high-value Chinese tourists into their shops. Australia is no exception.

If you plan to buy an expensive item during your travels, allow time to compare prices in places without your guide along and chances are you'll score a bargain.