In Reply to: Our hawkers a problem? posted by apm on Wednesday, 5. January 2005 at 01:18 Bali Time:
you are going to. Around the Kuta area can be unbearable if you're not used to hawkers. Outside of Kuta had very little, if any, issues with hawkers. If you're offered 'lottery tickets' by any one just say 'timeshare, no thank you' and move on. It worked for us, and we actually found that as long as we were friendly & just kept moving that the guys offering them were also friendly. You can also say 'jalan-jalan'('walking') to indicate that you're just out for a walk, even when being approached by stall holdrs this seems to get a respectful 'ah jalan-jalan', a smile & they tend to leave you alone then. You'll probably get loads of suggestions here including 'they're only trying to make a living', etc. Very true, try not to get annoyed or frustrated, be smily & friendly and most of all, if you're really not interested, don't even pause, just keep moving. As I said, outside of the Kuta area it's mainly just at markets that you'll get hassled (in my opinion). Take your other half shopping at Geneva, where there's air-con, fixed prices, shopping trolleys and everything is cheap - it's a gentle, easier shopping experience for an unseasoned traveller. Cheers, Sue.