Bangladesh Tourist Traps

Sweet peanut sellers

by Saagar

On Patenga Beach near Chittagong these children had specialized in selling peanuts in tiny paperbags (among other things). They obviously knew their market entry would be through charm and behaviour rather than their products (there was much competition). From locals they would charge the regular price, from the big tourists they upped the price considerably. As our little conversation progressed they conspiratorically offered to sell me peanuts for half the tourist price (still far above the local). Children get adult-like very fast in Bangladesh, but this brother-sister couple seemed to enjoy what they were doing and obviously had some schooling, too. Of course I bought too many peanuts from them... Simply, buy the peanuts! Turn down the offer of peanuts but do so with a smile and a wink.