Money Matters: Beggars and Hagglers

While traveling in certain countries in Africa you may encounter beggars of all types--men, women, children, the elderly, etc. It is very easy to feel sympathetic and want to donate some money, but in many cases you are doing more harm than good.

Although it is impossible to generalize for a whole group, beggars typically end up in their position because of issues such as alcohol and drugs, and giving them money makes these things more accessible to them. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and dependence that is difficult to break out of.

Luckily, there are many other alternatives:

-Buy them food
-Buy them food vouchers
-Buy them entry passes to homeless shelters (check out the Haven Night Shelter for adults, The Pride Shelter for LGBTQ, Ons Plek for girls and Beth Uriel for boys)
-Buy the Big Issue magazine, a magazine sold by underprivileged people as part of a training program

-Donate to charity organizations instead
-Dine at restaurants that participate in StreetSmart South Africa, a program that allows you to pay 5 extra rands that will be donated to welfare organizations
-Send a text to 38088 to donate 10 rands to various charities in Cape Town
-Some organizations worth donating to include Beautiful Gate, City Mission, Straatwerk, and Salesian Institute Youth Projects.

(source)

A similar issue that is a bit trickier is haggling, and how to approach it in Africa. Sometimes, a seller may see that you are a tourist and try to exploit you by overcharging, while other times haggling can be harmful to someone who is already very poor. It's important to do research depending on the country and the type of place you are shopping at. For example, in Gambia, there are many people who are poor but extremely generous and willing to give up a lot for others, and should not be taken advantage of. In places like North Africa, haggling is commonplace and can be a form of social interaction. However, in places that get many tourists, like Egypt, most sellers are definitely trying to exploit you for your money.

You should also make sure that what you're trying to haggle is open to negotiations, as things like food items, transportation, and imported goods are at a fixed price.

It is worth mentioning, though, that considering the difference in currency values, you can often afford to pay more than locals for something. That doesn't mean it's acceptable for someone to charge you ten times the local price, but that you shouldn't be upset if you have to pay more for an item, especially if it comes out to be relatively cheap in US dollars. A good way to get a bargain without exploiting a vendor would be to barter. Things like brand-name sneakers are very valuable to locals in parts of Africa, but don't push it if the other person is not interested.

Above all, make sure you keep things friendly when you haggle. Learn some phrases in the local language. Shake hands with the vendor. And remember, you're looking for a fair price--not the lowest possible price.

(source 1, source 2)