Traveler’s Charity & Ethical Response to Need

Wherever you go, whether it’s domestic or international, you will encounter natives with financial needs. Most of these are genuine, but they can also be professional scammers. Many aid organizations recommend not complying with requests from individuals, but instead, make a donation to a local aid group providing social services. Here are some tips on dealing ethically with their requests:

* Make eye contact and acknowledge the person, regardless of a donation…perhaps counter with a greeting that shows respect

* Ask locals for guidelines on how to handle beggars and responsible giving

* If you give, always do so using local currency (US coins are worthless in many foreign destinations)

* Give food or bottled water rather than money…fruit instead of candy

* Always make it clear that any donation is to be shared with the group. Tips to groups of children in exchange for photo posing can often start arguments over eventual possession of the money

* If you give money in exchange for a service, or to buskers, give the same amount that locals are giving

* Do not allow yourself to be pestered relentlessly…be firm but polite

* Learn a local phrase that communicates a forceful “no” to use with the most demanding or persistent

* Contribute to local aid services, and buy souvenirs or handicrafts from vendors or coops that benefit the needy; always try to buy direct from the source rather than from a re-seller or middle man           

* If you promise to send help, provide assistance later, mail photo copies, etc. stick to that promise