Looking for a safe overseas travel destination, page-34

Yep, it's a chore, constantly having to avoid the scammers.

In the PI, you get the 'stand by's', who hang around outside hotels, restaurants etc, expecting a tip for opening the door for you, or attempt to carry your bag to the taxi at the airport, for a fee. I just say thank you!!

In Thailand, you have the timeshare and condo scams, and the annoying Indian tailors, who block your path and attempt to shake your hand. I just tell them to 'go away'...

I don't travel all the way to Thailand to buy a damn suit!

In Burma, I wasn't bothered by any hawkers or scammers. I went into a supermarket to buy a packet of awful Korean smokes (no western brands), and was chased after by the cashier when I told her to keep the change. She said that no way can they accept tips!

In the Shangri La Hotel in Yangon, I gave a US$5 tip to the staff after enjoying the excellent 5 star buffet dinner, and they were gobsmacked. They couldn't believe that someone would give them money for nothing!!


dino