Share your best tip for dealing with Negril hustlers and beggars ...

[gerryg123]

I go to Negril a lot, and it seems like there are more hustlers -- and especially beggars -- than ever before. I can deal with it, I still love the place, but it does get on my nerves, as I suspect about 99 percent of us can all relate.

If someone is a carver or makes necklaces, something like that, that's one thing. I buy a ton of stuff, have a draw full back home. But the ones who ask for money handout or a free beer or start pitching a real-estate propasal or whatever, those are the ones who drive me nuts.

"No thank you" works about fifty percent of the time, at best. Not effective enough, no matter how much eye contact or sincerity.

For me .... The best and quickest method to get through 'em, especially when they're coming at you from all angles? I know some of you will say it's cruel, but the "I'll be back in a minute" or "I'll be right back" really works well because it stops them from pushing any further. Sometimes, they will hit you up again, but most of the time they accept the fact you're a no-go without any more exchanges.

Another effective line, the one I use in the USA, too, is a quick simple phrase: "I'm down on my luck." For some reason, beggars can really relate to this ....

How about the rest of you? Is it a hassle part of your vacation, especailly on Beach? And how do you deal with hustlers and beggars?

[TiCtOc]

hi whats for FREE LOL?
buy me a beer?yeah sure will you buy me a rum punch no man ah well that does not seem like a great deal to me NEXT
or say I do not buy anything for more than 500ja at once I am really tight my name is scrooge.

[Mrs stuck]

Yes it can be a problem.The constant stream of people wanting money,beer,your clothes,your cigs....im learning to take a deep breath and give a firm no to these request.Just say no!

[jasperpso]

i am a softie - if someone truly looks like they need it - i will give a guy 100ja for food or a beer..
but
i DONT want a drawer full of souvenirs.. i buy some - for gifts, but i dont take allot of stuff home..

its the higglers , not the beggars that get on my nerves.. i dont want drugs while i am walking with my kids - also dont need them when we are sitting down to eat at alices either.. if i am walking by you, that isnt a invitation to start walking with me, i also dont need a guide.. a firm no from me usually works, but recently at mi yard, i was sitting drinking a beer with Ali-C, and there was a kid - maybe 20 yrs old being shooed out to the gate, he was trying to get us to pay him for singing a song..it was obvious that he was very hungry - he was speaking to the lady shooeing him explaining his stomach was hurting.. it was all a little crazy.. here i was sitting with Ali-C talking about his music and where he was playing that nightand i got a cd from him, and this guy is trying to sing to us for some food.. anyways, when i walked out he was still sitting by the gate, and i gave him a couple 100ja.. i know it wasnt allot -but you know what - i feel better about that - then any of the souvenirs i bought that trip..

now i know some tricks of getting around negril with little negative exposure to my kids. there are places to avoid, and finding a local taxi driver with a good fare to get around is a must - because walking the west end isnt for everyone..

[negrilaholic]

I guess I have been pretty lucky my four vacations in Negril because I have never been swamped with beggers and/or higglers. And when I am asked to just look, I will do so, and will chat up the sellers because part of what I enjoy about my vacation is being able to talk with folks and never noticed a "high pressure" tactic to buy anything once I am there to look and hold a conversation, be it brief or long.

When asked to buy something right off the bat, usually just tell them I don't have it like that and most folks are pretty understanding since they know all to well how things can be on a tight budget. Maybe my next trip later this year my "luck" will run out where that is concerned, but unless it gets really bad for me personally, can't see as it will stop me from coming and enjoying Negril, but that's just me.

[pwj155]

i love the confused look i get from the ganja guys when i say "i'm sorry,we don't smoke"

[irieworld]

I don't lie--regardless of higgler pressure. I don't say I will be back later--because then every time that vendor sees me he will either implore with me or worse start guilting me or even scolding me for not stopping. "No thank you mon" has always worked for me. I don't feel like I owe it to anyone to tell them that I am on a shoestring budget, don't have any money etc. No is no--but I say it with a thanks and usually a smile unless the person is just rude. Usually after one or two walks around they know me (some know me from other trips) and know I am not a buyer. But I do like to stop and chat with vendors, and check out their stuff--a lot really nice people with interesting stories to meet.

[rasta ronnie]

I had some fun this Apirl with that problem. When someone got on my nerves I simply asked them if they wanted to by an 8x10 photo of negril. I told them I was a photographer trying to make some money for my next trip. Two of the guys got really pissed at me and mumbled something as the quickly walked away from me.

[Rambo]

we were approached by the "ganja" man in Sunshine Plaza...not needing anything, I acted like I was hard of hearing....lol......

"Hey Mon need some weed?"............I looked at him and loudly said "WEED" GOD NO I fresh OUT!........come by tomorrow.............everybody was lookin...
he looked at us...mumbled"bumba-clot" and scurried off lol

[Mrs stuck]

Whoops cat sat on the keyboard,anyway after one or two no's most wont ask you again!

[Michele Beisser]

A simple "No Thanks,......Respect" usually works for me or "Mi Bruk, respect".
I always say, "Respect"...it goes a long way!
As I always say, make local friends on the beach!!! My friends always keep the "bad guys" away from me!

[Bella Bea]

I become completely Spanish! I speak Spanish and dont understand a word in English!
Another stand-by is the old Ipod ear buds when Im walking alone, I act like I dont hear them!

[Living_the_Dream]

My Friend Bill came up with the Idea when they ask our name we always tell them it is Bond, James Bond. you get some great reactions

timm

[captaind]

We must be lucky because it just doesn't happen to us. Perhaps it's due to where I go for the beach. Usually Cosmo's but sometimes Mama Flo's Perhaps it's my 35 years of Jamaican experience. Perhaps it's because I speak and understand Patios fluently and understand Jamaican body language.

Hey sometime I reach in my pocket for a hundred or two if I recognize that this isn't really as hustle but someone who is in real distress.

As to the organic higgles.... They can't sell me anything that I don't already have the best of. Carvings ad bracelets and such are made in my ditrict and I let them know that if I ever wanted any more of that stuff I'd custom order it up in the district.

[VVHT]

Higgler says " Its my Birthday today" I reply "what is todays date" That usually ends the conversation!

[dave]

turn your pants pockets
'inside out'
& walk around that way
works every time ;)

[MissBlue]

co-sign negrilaholic & Cap'nD - it doesn't happen to me much at all. i never get the beggy beggy, maybe i just walk too fast or pass by before they can catch me (?) or maybe it's me that's oblivious (?). or maybe from the way i look, they can see i'm a budget traveler & it's just not worth their effort to bother with my brokeazz self (?) LOL.

and as far as the beach vendors... i don't consider it a 'hustle', just a conversation. I never buy anything, but the rare time someone does approach me, i just say 'no thanks i'm good' or 'already taken care of, thanks, wink-wink', and ppl don't pester me any farther.

Although i have had some really hilarious conversations with the ones who're willing to stay and chat.... then after that they know me and don't ask again, although we do greet each other after than, when we pass. And for the really young ones who may try to 'chat me up', i wiggle my eyebrows, screw up my face in mock disapproval, and ask them if their grandmom knows they're out there talkin to women twice their age that way .... always gets a laugh.

[Lulu and Al]

When I know I can't get away I'll attack them with a big hug or kiss or funky hand shake and keep walking, anything that slows dowm their thoughts! and keep on walking!!

[RastaCrab]

Just smile and say "No thanks, I'm good" or "No mon, everyting irie".

[DubWise]

Clearly stated no and keep moving. Saying respect does seem to help.. it might let them know you've been around. After enough of those encounters eventually they stop approaching you. Isn't worth their time. Maybe that's what you need to convince them off for real.

[murph]

All good tips... there's one guy imparticular... no names- hes a good guy though. Down on his luck, Im sure the drinking has something to do with it... I started a little game I call "Higgling the higgler". Every trip I bring him down something cool. On day 1 I go say hello and give him the "Its all good" nod. He knows that on my last day he will get hooked up... so everyday after he is nice as pie. Last day- Ill hook him up.

Before I started doing this, everyday that passed he would turn up the heat- waving me down, yelling across the street, stopping me when Im drizzunk, asking for cash. So this has worked perfectly for us. Now he never asks for anything and also keeps an eye out for us. We got his back and he has ours... and it usually costs me a pair of Nikes I get at a Yard Sale... and (if there is any)the leftover rum when the trip is over certainly puts a smile on his face.

Its funny- the ol lady wondered in the beginning why I would "hook up" such an annoying guy.... well now she knows why. Instaed of asking for handouts, he now asks us "how we've been."

[shellyk]

For the most part this is one of the very few things my X Husband is good for to be used in excuses for the hustlers and beggars.

"Where you staying"
Here, I live here
"Where do you Live"
Sav La Mar in Landillo
"respect, have a nice day"

"Can you give me money for food"
I live here sorry but hopefully the tourists can help you.

"Do you want to look at me wears or buy something"
I will look but I am here many times a year so I have already bought nearly every souveneir possible. You have beautiful wears I will let other people know that I see in town to come look.

" I could give you some lovein/ Your so sexy/ Hey sweetie"
Thank You for the compliment but mi nah need nah bamboo mi got mi own (while holding up wedding finger with old ring on)
" You married to a black man/Oh baby you could always use more/ I could love you better"
Anything more I need I got batteries by my bed to take care of, have a nice day.

"You Smoke/ You need ganja/ I got some good weed"
I work for the government
"You the police?"
Nope I work with the kids
"respect"

( from adults) "Shelly what are you going to bring me back, or what did you bring me?"
I'll bring me and I brought me, if I spent money on other things I wouldn't be able to come because I'm not rich either.

"About 12am the "your so sexy or oh I want you" gets patios curse words in return if a simple no thanks don't bugger them off. I hate insincere compliments and as the day gets longer these get more annoying. I have more of a problem with that then hustlers or beggars. Unfortunately any woman traveling alone in Negril gets the reputation passed that they are there for meaningless sex because of so many others that do just that.

[VtDave]

NAPALM!

No, really, I usually just talk politely to them and let them know that I'm not buying. Don't let them put jewelry or anything on you.

And I really don't do the ganja. Gotta pee in the cup, mon.

[RockRobster]

I try to be polite, as I am a guest in their country, and say "No, thanks mon, I've got every likkle thing I need, but respect to YOU mon!" If that doesn't work I just keep repeating "Respect to YOU mon" in the middle of every sentence they speak. After a while, they get the hint. And, I always say it with a big smile! I like buying things on the beach....jerk, coco bread, patties and foodstuff...but not souvenirs, me got plenty of dat, including the carved giraffe that was carved in Africa, not JA...

For me, it seems my friends appreciate sauces and the like that they cannot get at home...

[Mrs stuck]

I even had someone try to get me to loan them cash to buy a vender stall...only 750.00 american-ya gotta be on yours toes when ya reach the beach cuzs theres request about every 5 feet.

[negrilaholic]

Shellyk, I do admit that is one thing that does get a little annoying after a while. I know I'm not the best looking woman in the world, and the flowery flattery is nice, but sometimes a line is crossed..but I try to keep my sense of humor about it and that helps..usually by the time evening rolls around and I get "offers" I sometimes just wink and say no thanks, a poor girl like me could never afford someone of their obvious high calibre. That either gets a laugh or sometimes even more flowery words, but it's all good, as long as the guy isn't too pushy, and so far havent' come across any guy that is.

[Creasemon]

I have found in the case of souvenir/craft people telling them " No mon..This is not gift shopping day - Thats end of the week" This year had a fine time messing with a couple of hustlers by the Hi/Lo who wanted to sell me Valium & Viagara..Stopped them in their tracks with "Hang on there - Doesn't one of those cancel out the other ?" They thought it over and I walked off. A sense of humour and a smile sure helps..

[southcoastgirl]

Higgler says " Its my Birthday today" I reply "what is todays date" That usually ends the conversation!

I tell em' "Hey - it's my birthday too!"

[Kahuna3]

Whenever I was asked "Where you stayin?" I used to avoid the the question or say, "Just up the beach" or something like that. But lately I've been saying I'm at 'The Hummingbird'.
There is no such place - but it sounds real enough. Occasionally I'll get a question as to where it is, etc - and then I embellish. I tell them exactly where it is, which depends where I am at the time, and I tell them how great the food is there, etc. I've gotten to the point that now I believe that I am actually staying at The Hummingbird, which makes it even more believable, I've been staying there for 2 years now and I've become an ambassador for the place.

[northcoast]

So, where do you tell them it is???...if it's actually a figment of your imagination?....do you make up a new location each time someone asks?...LOL!!

[Yard Dog]

It's a joke all together.........
speak german end of story.........I know 6 phrases
the real key is to know how to insulate yourself
and move about erratically on the fringe.....

[suzengrace]

Just remember ..Nuthin is free in Jamaica.... and if your a lady-having a a male Jam.friend with you will keep a lot of that nonsense away-esp. on the beach.
But yeah, speaking spanish has thrown them off too!!

[DubWise]

That's a trick too. If they ask where you're staying and you don't offer up that info right away they realize that you might not be "new" per se and lay off a bit.

[marley9808]

OMG! I love the Hummingbird!!!!!!!!! Great staff!

LOL

[irieworld]

I wouldn't over-think the thing too much. Common sense, open mindedness, and a strong sense of purpose and self go a long ways.

[RastaCrab]

1) Travel with a group.
2) Travel in front of a group and point to them.
3) Travel behind a group and say you must catch up.

[MissBlue]

i don't make up anything as far as the 'where you staying' question - i'm just direct about it - my response is "That's my business -- mind your manners!!"

and actually that goes for pretty much any personal question - i can't be bothered to work up some kinda 'story' or play some game , i just say what's true - which is -- "Not your business!"

no more questions after that....

[Kahuna3]

I like making up stuff. So, when I say I'm staying at The Hummingbird, I watch for the reaction. Some guys nod and say, "Oh yah mon", like they know it, others get a far-away look. I walk the beach every day and the security guards at the AIs always ask me if I'm staying at their place, I reply, "No, I'm up at The Hummingbird." It's kind of a fun thing to do, it makes these encounters something to look forward to. You know, like I'm having this private likkle joke. Yeah, I know, pretty pathetic existence if that's the kind of thing that I look forward to, but I'm easily amused.

[jon c.]

I think it's hilarious.

If everyone borrows the idea, the Hummingbird could become so well known that eventually someone would have to open one just to cash in on the name.

[marley9808]

I am with Kahuna3.....I have a vivid imagination might as well use it, and if it entertains me and gives me a laugh thats just a bonus. I am too stressed and serious at home, on vacation, I want to have fun....whatever or however that means!

But I am serious, the Hummingbird is a great place, I am going to see if they have any specials during our next reach....maybe even a webcast! LOL
good stuff!


Just have fun, whatever your method....don't sweat it...just smile, you're in Jamaica!

[negrilaholic]

It could catch on...hey, I hear that the hummingbird has a good band...it could go viral..
lol. :D

[gerryg123]

When the locals ask where I'm from, i love to tell them "Kingston." Usually gets a wide-eyed reaction.

[marley9808]

LOL, next time gerryg123, tell them TrenchTown!

[DubWise]

Do they have a/c rooms at hummingbird?

[Clarity]

LOL, next time gerryg123, tell them TrenchTown!

LOL! I've been cracking up while reading some of the posts in this thread!

Regarding Hustlers - I found that the first few days in Negril were the hardest. We were pale as ghosts and looking around nervously like blatant newbies. We were fresh bait. The vendors were literally forming a line and coming at us one by one.

After a few days, they knew who we were and waved. We weren't really hassled so much after that.

I found that not always carrying money on us helped make it easier to refuse the offers. I also had to keep my hands behind my back so they wouldn't try to put something in it and use the "Here. You can just pay me back later" line. The easiest to refuse was the drug offers. A simple "No, thanks. I'm not into that. No drugs, just drinking." works. no hassle after that.

It was also easier once we left the Grand Pineapple and took off those stupid AI bracelets. Those bracelets caught everyone's attention and made it impossible to say we were staying somewhere else..... like "The HummingBird" for example. :) LOL

[shellyk]

Just an FYI when I stay AI I do one of two things. I have them hook the bracelet loosely and I slide it off and in my bag when offsite OR I suddenly grew an obsession for thick banded shell bracelets while in Jamaica and I cover my band if too tight too slip off. Yes, AI bracelets make you seem like rich meat.
I should just wear a shirt that says I'm not rich I'm an alcoholic and it's cheaper this way. LOL ( no offense to anyone with addictions)

[gerryg123]

The thinking is, if the average tourist spends a full week in Negril, then for every seven you approach, one of them will be on their FIRST day ....

[Big_frank]

I have to say this; no one has bothered us for the last half dozen visits.
Well; maybe once or twice.
Guess we don't look like targets?

[Sweetness]

Just a few thoughts from my heart and only one person's view:
I don't like the word beggar but you guys know I am a prude (lol). Jamaicans nah worry about speaking straightforward so probably would not be offended but for some reason I am. The homeless man on my corner here at home (Eddie) has become a good friend and I would never call him a beggar. I prefer to think of them as business people just trying to make it. Each with their own "story".

A respectful "No thanks I'm good" is all that is required in my personal experience, if necessary repeat if someone is being agressive. Hopefully those new to traveling to JA will research and be prepared or we can help them out if we see someone being overwhelmed. I have seen locals and property security be very helpful too so I never worry. I try to walk a mile in someone's shoes but can't imagine how hard given the downfall in tourism and the economy.

Now hustlers....got mad skills - top salesman.....can be a challenge but I have gotten to know a few and although I cannot relate completely, I can admire their charm and perseverence. Bless all of us on our journeys and respect when our paths cross.

[gerryg123]

I think a lot of us can relate to this -- look at the number of views! Actually, I don't mind vendors one bit, it's the guys who ask for a free dollar or follow you into a bar and try to order a beer on your tab -- those are the ones who drive me crazy. I must have met 100 hustlers who've tried to guide me somewhere, then beg a tip!

[MissBlue]

LMFAO kahuna and jon c - ok i gotta admit, that IS hilarious.... between all of us, we'll have 'built' an entire new virtual resort, & pretty soon ALL the beach vendors will be up and down that beach, looking confused, and SWEARING they 'mussi jus pass de place' ... EEEE hee hee eheee

[Mrs stuck]

I guess if you want to vacation there this is something you must get used too,my last visit(my first non A/I) was a real eye opener.

[rastagal]

I love the 'Hummingbird" idea. But honestly I don't think I would be able to keep my composure when the person acts like they know the place...I would probably just start laughing. I don't know though, for some reason I don't get bothered that much. I get more annoyed being asked if I need a taxi every 3 seconds when walking on the road.

[Bert]

to the Higglers I just smaile and say "sorry you have nothing I want" and dont even slow down, keep walking. To a beggar again smile and say "sorry cant help you"

[gerryg123]

I guess if you keep moving, you're in good shape ... Inevitably, i get cornered when I have to stop somewhere like the bank or a chicken barrel guy .... That's when they swoop in ..... I think I am going to ride my line of "I'll be back" for as long it works!

[Lenny]

"No, am good - respect." Just keep walking.....

[rjonsun]

Recent conversations in Negril:
Come look at my wood carvings. No thanks, I have a carver up in Red Ground. And I do!

How about a snorkel trip to the reef? No thanks, we only go out with Famous Vincent. And we do!

How about some weed? No thanks, I'm a Christian. And I am!
Nest day, same guy. How about some weed?....Oh yea, your the Christian. I just smiled and walked away.

Lobsters for sale (beach vendor). Well, it's not lobster season so they are either frozen or POACHED! Quietly he responded....frozen.

Taxi? No mon, we only go with Red Plates.

Where are you staying? Down the beach.

Do you want to change any money? Yes, the cambio is just around the corner and has good rates.

Walking the beach first thing in the morning: Come look at my wares. Okay, but I don't have any money on me. And I don't

Regards,

Bob

[gerryg123]

i dont think the "i dont have any money on me" line works too well. If you're North American, you're credit is golden on the beach.

[chigirl]

Generally a no but thank you works for me. I remember one time a carver put something in my hand and I said Thank You and started walking again LOL he came and got it and noone has put anything in my hand since then.

[gailnegril]

I walk with earphones and pretend I don't hear. when someone gets aggressive I tell them " love you to and blow them a kiss - works like a charm

[Callie Rose]

it's always been a problem on the beach and usually a smile and "no thank you" works but one trip it seemed like it wasn't working so as we saw the ganga man approaching i told me my husband to start speaking chinese. worked like a charm ! ( we don't speak chinese, he just started making up some wierd stuff that kind of sounded like it)

[rastagirl777]

I become completely Spanish! I speak Spanish and dont understand a word in English!
Another stand-by is the old Ipod ear buds when Im walking alone, I act like I dont hear them!
Ha! Years ago there was this stalkie woman that hung around Lime Tree lane - I could not walk by when she wouldn't hit me up for something. I just started speaking Hebrew one day - and she never dealt with me again (as a matter of fact, she avoided me, probably thought I was speaking in tongues)


1)
2) Travel in front of a group and point to them.

And say "Mi nah tourist. Ask dem."

Truthfully, I do not get approached by vendors or beggars or hustlers very often at all. The worst of it usually comes in those first couple of days when I have to go downtown to do my shopping and I'm still "clear". But even then, I guess I carry myself in a way that doesn't scream "rich tourist". When I get begged on I just tell them I don't have any money and keep walking (or start walking as the case might be).

Vendors or hustlers...I don't spend much time on "the" beach and when I do I tend not to get bothered...I tend to go there only during high tourist season and they tend to occupy themselves with the more "fresh" faces on the block. On the West End we really do not have much of that activity at all. The worst of it seems to be at Ricks at Sunset and if I'm walking by at that time I simply say no thank you and they don't bother with me further than that.

What I love about being in Negril though is not having to rush anywhere...so if a vendor does call me over, whether or not I am interested in buying something I will stop by just for a talk - just so I don't blow them off and appear disrespectful. I'll admire their work and when they go in for the sell I'll make it clear that I'm not interested in buying. But sometimes I'll see something cute or interesting and then everyone wins.

As far as the men - the scene at places like Alfreds, Roots and Bourbon Beach can get intense. I'll always say I'm married and when they say something about their fabulous Jamaican Bamboo I'll point to my "husband" - usually one of my Jamaican men friends.

As far as the taxis, I don't mind them beeping and asking...I just tell them I'm OK. I've gotten used to it. On the West End the route drivers know me and know I'll flag them down if I need them.


As soon as I inform them that I am a U.S. Marshall, they avoid me like the plague.
As would I! (Joke.)

[Jaherring]

As soon as I inform them that I am a U.S. Marshall, they avoid me like the plague.

[Schuttzie]

Just a few thoughts from my heart and only one person's view:
I don't like the word beggar but you guys know I am a prude (lol). Jamaicans nah worry about speaking straightforward so probably would not be offended but for some reason I am. The homeless man on my corner here at home (Eddie) has become a good friend and I would never call him a beggar. I prefer to think of them as business people just trying to make it. Each with their own "story".

A respectful "No thanks I'm good" is all that is required in my personal experience, if necessary repeat if someone is being agressive. Hopefully those new to traveling to JA will research and be prepared or we can help them out if we see someone being overwhelmed. I have seen locals and property security be very helpful too so I never worry. I try to walk a mile in someone's shoes but can't imagine how hard given the downfall in tourism and the economy.

Now hustlers....got mad skills - top salesman.....can be a challenge but I have gotten to know a few and although I cannot relate completely, I can admire their charm and perseverence. Bless all of us on our journeys and respect when our paths cross.

Big UPs to you, Sweetness! Maybe I'm a prude too, hehe ;)

[Rambo]

why would a "US Marshall" Title mean anything to the average "higgler"?????

I have heard" I'm CIA"..."US War Hero"...FBI Agent..."Dea and so on.......
they just have a laugh later.........tourist have been saying that for years.......Who Knows? maybe you are, but why would you advertise??

[7milelover]

I just say no thanks and if need be , thank them for taking the time to show me their stuff/ make me this offer. That usually ends it right there. They feel respected enough to move on.

[Jaherring]

Because nothing else worked.

[Lido]

I just say no thanks, have a nice day and keep walking.

[Rambo]

must be the accent :)

[RockRobster]

Got back from Negril on Monday and the outright begging was terrible this trip. The higglers were the same as always, but there was a heck of a lot of outright begging, not higgling, on this trip. And, a simple "no" did not deter them. I finally took to looking the beggar in the eye and stating "I work hard for my money and I don't give it away to ANYONE." That actually did the trick, each and every time....YMMV.

[Mrs stuck]

We faced the same begging on our april trip,Mr Stuck had to yell at one guy just to get him to go away(plus gave him a shirt he wanted just to get him to leave)he then wanted shorts to go with shirt.The hubby had a few choice words which only then set him on his way.I guess our up comeing august slow season trip will be a fun time also.....Once you go you know-what to expect next time lol!