Touts & Beggars

oceanfloater · Jul 23rd, 2007, 02:27

I've experienced the persistance of touts in my previous journeys through Thailand and Bali. I've been approached while walking in front of their store, but never followed down the street. I've been on the beach in Bali and the touts plop themselves beside me and grab at my feet asking if I want pedicure or massage. Sometimes sitting with me for 5 minutes before moving on to hassle someone else. Will it be like that in India? Or is it worse?

How about beggars grabbing at you? How does one handle it and not break down. Any suggestions for reacting to this? It seems like a really heavy trip to have someone who is so in need and so poor clinging to you for help. I'm a compassionate person and I'm interested in other's experiences in India relating to this topic.

machadinha · Jul 23rd, 2007, 06:10

... Try also this thread: How to deal with the beggars.

DesiKid · Jul 24th, 2007, 00:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by oceanfloater

I've experienced the persistance of touts in my previous journeys through Thailand and Bali. I've been approached while walking in front of their store, but never followed down the street. I've been on the beach in Bali and the touts plop themselves beside me and grab at my feet asking if I want pedicure or massage. Sometimes sitting with me for 5 minutes before moving on to hassle someone else. Will it be like that in India? Or is it worse?

How about beggars grabbing at you? How does one handle it and not break down. Any suggestions for reacting to this? It seems like a really heavy trip to have someone who is so in need and so poor clinging to you for help. I'm a compassionate person and I'm interested in other's experiences in India relating to this topic.

Anything apart from "brown" skin(indians) attracts beggars..most of the times, even browns are not an exception...

While I'd love to donate, I'd rather not coz #1, it gets more number of touts around you #2, it spoils your mood..

My recommendation: Use the word "nahi"(spelt na-hi(like in hill))
which means NO..dont look at them, just keep walking and say "Nahi."

Nick-H · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:28

If you want to be left alone, the first defence is absolutely avoiding any eye contact.

But, read the threads, you'll find all sorts of opinions, and make up your own mind. Personally I don't think any dogmatic answer is good enough on this one.

shashank.aggarwal · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

If you want to be left alone, the first defence is absolutely avoiding any eye contact.

I second that...just simply avoid them...don't say anything and walk away briskly..

PeakXV · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by shashank.aggarwal

I second that...just simply avoid them...don't say anything and walk away briskly..

I'll third that .... but if you do, be prepared for the "what's the matter you don't like Indians" desperation pitch line ..... which might catch the newbee off guard.

Nick-H · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:47

Like I said, read the other threads.

You'll find some of us argue in favour of, at least sometimes, giving to beggars.

'at least sometimes' --- like I just said, I don't believe that either dogma, never, or always, is a good answer to this one.

shashank.aggarwal · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:53

Giving to beggars is a Punishable Offense...I am sure about the law in Delhi but not other states..

So if you give anything you are going against the law..

Nick-H · Jul 24th, 2007, 01:59

I never heard anyone bothered about that.

So is riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Chennai!

shashank.aggarwal · Jul 24th, 2007, 02:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick-H

So is riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Chennai!

try it in Delhi..it will straightaway set you back by Rs.600 atleast..and that too if cops do not find another chink in your armour..like missing pollution certificate...insurance..and other things...

Barryjames · Jul 24th, 2007, 02:43

I have been writing a series of 'chronicles' on my experiences in Goa. In the introduction I note an article written by a 'person' employed by the tourist office. I disagree with almost everything that the writer has written.

He is so glaringly opposed to 'non Goans' that it raised my hackles.
This is just one of the items regarding Beggars, I have put into italics the writers observation. Followed by my answer. Obviously this is the shortened version.

Article: The famous and the rich Russian Musician who is knocking back kingfishers is offset by the three year old boy begging in the streets by putting his hand to his mouth to signify his hunger.

Most kids, though not all are hungry, it is relatively easy to distinguish the genuine cases, i.e. if they have any kind of footwear, have clean feet, feet that are lighter in colour than the rest of the leg, if you cannot see the sinew and pot belly, they are generally not hungry.

Generally, beggars make much more money from the tourist than a person in full time work, Daily wage here is about ,1:50 at best. Beggars can quadruple this easily. When the caring person identifies the genuine beggar, it is very hard to ignore their plight.

The reason why the author of the tourist article demonises these beggars is because they are so called migrants, as such they are unclean, lower caste, gypsies etc and they get money which could be going to the resident Goans. Fortunately not all Goans are as bigoted as the writer of the article. Next part is written by myself to answer this post.

Me personably? I give freely to all, does it really matter as long as the recipient gets something? Does it matter if some of the money gets diverted? The important thing is; the child/disabled or whatever, gets something. Ignore them, they get nothing at all.

Try and live with that.

~If you are a Christian, live within the confines of the commandments, if you are not but have a heart, ignore beggars and try living with yourself~
.....Me.....

steven_ber · Jul 24th, 2007, 03:38

Perhaps it's just me, or perhaps it's just the experiences I've had, but I feel I've changed over the years regarding beggars (and to a lesser extent, touts), I think I used to be a lot more accommodating than I am these days.

oceanfloater, imagine a hungry child (about 8-10 years old) with sorrowful eyes tugging at your clothes, now put a very young baby with no clothes into that child’s arms and place the child in a busy road dodging traffic....this is what you can face in India, your heart will tell you to give the child money, but I can assure you, after 3 or 4 times of giving money, you will have to deal with saying no to the child and the emotional hurt you will feel.

It's only a matter of time till you realise that when you give money, other children will race across busy roads to try to get money from you, everything inside you wants to protect the other child who's running in front of 2 taxis and a rickshaw to try to get to you, it's difficult to explain how it makes you feel inside, that child is only running across the road because they saw you giving money to another child, and all you were doing was trying to help, but wait, there's a third child racing across the road.......

The above scenario is mainly just in high-tourist areas and near large railway stations, but it does happen and it's incredibly difficult to deal with, the only way is to say no to the first child, you know, the 9 year old with the hungry sorrowful eyes and the baby in arms.

I guess I'm saying all this because India will be a huge shock after Thailand (I've not been to Bali), I never felt emotionally pressured by the beggars in Thailand, I never thought they were a big problem (and I've been to most tourist places in Thailand), and the touts were pussycats compared with the touts in India.

But you will have to deal with the beggars/touts in India the way all tourists have to, and it can be difficult, starting a thread here if the first step, but even with all the great advice you will get on indiamike, the emotional step is always the most difficult to overcome.

issac_new · Jul 24th, 2007, 07:06

I am curious to know how people here deal with hijiras - guys, usually castrated who dress in womens clothes and 'beg' in trains, often involving a bit of... uhh... flirtation. most people here would probably consider it begging, however i know many of the locals treat it very differently and are often much more inclined to give money. is this becuase they find it entertaining (like a busker), 'superstision'(ie they give money to ward off homosexuality), sympathetic (like your average begger), or are just they so embarrassed they pay them to stop.

your average street begger im ok with. but hijiras; they see me, the white guy on the train and... swoop on me... Do people here just ignore them or play along with their 'act'? can anyone associate with this?

Mark

machadinha · Jul 24th, 2007, 07:44

I'd usually be friendly with them. They were with me.

Prits · Jul 24th, 2007, 09:34

For touts and beggars, I've found that sunglasses and head phones are very effective. They can't see your eyes, you can't hear them. Always works.

Jul 24th, 2007, 01:28	#4
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,528	If you want to be left alone, the first defence is absolutely avoiding any eye contact. But, read the threads, you'll find all sorts of opinions, and make up your own mind. Personally I don't think any dogmatic answer is good enough on this one. __________________ . Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

Jul 24th, 2007, 03:38	#12
steven_ber Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: London, England. Posts: 8,872	Perhaps it's just me, or perhaps it's just the experiences I've had, but I feel I've changed over the years regarding beggars (and to a lesser extent, touts), I think I used to be a lot more accommodating than I am these days. oceanfloater, imagine a hungry child (about 8-10 years old) with sorrowful eyes tugging at your clothes, now put a very young baby with no clothes into that child’s arms and place the child in a busy road dodging traffic....this is what you can face in India, your heart will tell you to give the child money, but I can assure you, after 3 or 4 times of giving money, you will have to deal with saying no to the child and the emotional hurt you will feel. It's only a matter of time till you realise that when you give money, other children will race across busy roads to try to get money from you, everything inside you wants to protect the other child who's running in front of 2 taxis and a rickshaw to try to get to you, it's difficult to explain how it makes you feel inside, that child is only running across the road because they saw you giving money to another child, and all you were doing was trying to help, but wait, there's a third child racing across the road....... The above scenario is mainly just in high-tourist areas and near large railway stations, but it does happen and it's incredibly difficult to deal with, the only way is to say no to the first child, you know, the 9 year old with the hungry sorrowful eyes and the baby in arms. I guess I'm saying all this because India will be a huge shock after Thailand (I've not been to Bali), I never felt emotionally pressured by the beggars in Thailand, I never thought they were a big problem (and I've been to most tourist places in Thailand), and the touts were pussycats compared with the touts in India. But you will have to deal with the beggars/touts in India the way all tourists have to, and it can be difficult, starting a thread here if the first step, but even with all the great advice you will get on indiamike, the emotional step is always the most difficult to overcome. __________________ . How to get helpful replies to your transport/Itinerary questions. Train information.

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Jul 23rd, 2007, 02:27	#1
oceanfloater Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: New York Posts: 12	Touts & Beggars I've experienced the persistance of touts in my previous journeys through Thailand and Bali. I've been approached while walking in front of their store, but never followed down the street. I've been on the beach in Bali and the touts plop themselves beside me and grab at my feet asking if I want pedicure or massage. Sometimes sitting with me for 5 minutes before moving on to hassle someone else. Will it be like that in India? Or is it worse? How about beggars grabbing at you? How does one handle it and not break down. Any suggestions for reacting to this? It seems like a really heavy trip to have someone who is so in need and so poor clinging to you for help. I'm a compassionate person and I'm interested in other's experiences in India relating to this topic.

Jul 23rd, 2007, 06:10	#2
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,009	... Try also this thread: How to deal with the beggars. __________________ Reading tips, all picked up at IndiaMike : INDAX's A Comprehensive Guide To India / Dinoj Surendran's Desi Humor / ITHVC on Culture Shock & Travel Health / JetLag Travel Guides For the Undiscerning Traveller / India Travel Links

Jul 24th, 2007, 01:47	#7
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,528	Like I said, read the other threads. You'll find some of us argue in favour of, at least sometimes, giving to beggars. 'at least sometimes' --- like I just said, I don't believe that either dogma, never, or always, is a good answer to this one.

Jul 24th, 2007, 01:53	#8
shashank.aggarwal Mr. Badboy :D Join Date: May 2007 Location: ~ Dilli ~ Posts: 5,085	Giving to beggars is a Punishable Offense...I am sure about the law in Delhi but not other states.. So if you give anything you are going against the law..

Jul 24th, 2007, 01:59	#9
Nick-H Loud-mouthed, Noisy Bird Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Chennai, India Posts: 25,528	I never heard anyone bothered about that. So is riding a motorcycle without a helmet in Chennai!

Jul 24th, 2007, 02:43	#11
Barryjames Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Goa Posts: 93	I have been writing a series of 'chronicles' on my experiences in Goa. In the introduction I note an article written by a 'person' employed by the tourist office. I disagree with almost everything that the writer has written. He is so glaringly opposed to 'non Goans' that it raised my hackles. This is just one of the items regarding Beggars, I have put into italics the writers observation. Followed by my answer. Obviously this is the shortened version. Article: The famous and the rich Russian Musician who is knocking back kingfishers is offset by the three year old boy begging in the streets by putting his hand to his mouth to signify his hunger. Most kids, though not all are hungry, it is relatively easy to distinguish the genuine cases, i.e. if they have any kind of footwear, have clean feet, feet that are lighter in colour than the rest of the leg, if you cannot see the sinew and pot belly, they are generally not hungry. Generally, beggars make much more money from the tourist than a person in full time work, Daily wage here is about ,1:50 at best. Beggars can quadruple this easily. When the caring person identifies the genuine beggar, it is very hard to ignore their plight. The reason why the author of the tourist article demonises these beggars is because they are so called migrants, as such they are unclean, lower caste, gypsies etc and they get money which could be going to the resident Goans. Fortunately not all Goans are as bigoted as the writer of the article. Next part is written by myself to answer this post. Me personably? I give freely to all, does it really matter as long as the recipient gets something? Does it matter if some of the money gets diverted? The important thing is; the child/disabled or whatever, gets something. Ignore them, they get nothing at all. Try and live with that. *~If you are a Christian, live within the confines of the commandments, if you are not but have a heart, ignore beggars and try living with yourself~* .....Me.....

Jul 24th, 2007, 07:06	#13
issac_new Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Dorset UK Posts: 28	I am curious to know how people here deal with hijiras - guys, usually castrated who dress in womens clothes and 'beg' in trains, often involving a bit of... uhh... flirtation. most people here would probably consider it begging, however i know many of the locals treat it very differently and are often much more inclined to give money. is this becuase they find it entertaining (like a busker), 'superstision'(ie they give money to ward off homosexuality), sympathetic (like your average begger), or are just they so embarrassed they pay them to stop. your average street begger im ok with. but hijiras; they see me, the white guy on the train and... swoop on me... Do people here just ignore them or play along with their 'act'? can anyone associate with this? Mark

Jul 24th, 2007, 07:44	#14
machadinha Not Your Guru Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: yörp Posts: 10,009	I'd usually be friendly with them. They were with me.

Jul 24th, 2007, 09:34	#15
Prits Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: India Posts: 6	For touts and beggars, I've found that sunglasses and head phones are very effective. They can't see your eyes, you can't hear them. Always works.

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