Being sold things in the street

[ninikins]

Anyone here who has been to Egypt, were you bothered a lot by being sold things on the street?

[Jewel]

Is this a very bad problem throughout Africa? I have been to Mexico, and it was a big problem for me there. They have a lot of children in the street trying to sell handmade jewelry and things. I didn't know it was a big thing in Africa.

[tater03]

I have not been to Africa yet but I have always enjoyed the things you can buy from the local street vendor's. I wouldn't want them constantly asking me if I want to buy something but I am sure that does happen.

[riskey58]

I have not been there but I have a friend who has a couple of times. And she says that is one thing that is really bad over there, And a lot of them are kids.

[katharina]

I have not been to Africa yet but I have always enjoyed the things you can buy from the local street vendor's. I wouldn't want them constantly asking me if I want to buy something but I am sure that does happen.

I like it, too... BUT I do like to choose whether or not to go up to a vendor and I'm not at all
comfortable with being approached by someone who wants to sell something. They'll be much
more likely to make a sale if I chose to go to *them* and not the other way around.   

[tater03]

I understand what you are saying. I remember when I was in Mexico they were swarming me and that is not something that I was comfortable with at all.

[Jewel]

Even restaurants, stores, and pharmacies advertised in the street, with people calling you out, trying to get you to come inside. I prefer to make the choice on my own to go inside, not feel embarrassed by it.

[katharina]

I understand what you are saying. I remember when I was in Mexico they were swarming me and that is not something that I was comfortable with at all.

If they'd have stands on the street like other street festivals, it would be great.  If someone's in my
face trying to sell something to me, chances are there's no way they're going to make the sale.   

[3plus3]

I think that I would like to go to the street vendors if it was in a bazaar or fair type of environment. But not to have the vendors walk up and try to get you to their table. That would overwhelm me too quickly.

[katharina]

I think that I would like to go to the street vendors if it was in a bazaar or fair type of environment. But not to have the vendors walk up and try to get you to their table. That would overwhelm me too quickly.

I think my biggest problem would be not trusting *myself*... I like to think I'm not a pushover    but
I'm not sure how I'd react with someone being so aggressive and trying to sell me something right in
my face.

[3plus3]

I would worry about that as well. I have a tendency to impulse buy sometimes and the pressure may be too much for me.

[riskey58]

Personally J really hate when people approach me in the streets. I would rather just go in somewhere and look around, and take my time.

[3plus3]

So anyone that has been there, are there more vendors on the street or more actual stores to buy from? Or is it a pretty even mix?

[ninikins]

I always find it a bit stressful to get harassed in the street - especially when you don't speak the language and can't make them go. I'm naturally polite which seems to attract them more!

[traveller1]

Sometimes you just have to ignore them and they will get the message that you are not interested. Just consider yourself as one of the many travelers who visit and don't allow yourself to get emotional.