Beggars, Berlin

You can find them everywhere but in Berlin they are persistent and organized. I don't know what nationality they are but they can almost speak any language. The women carry around a baby. Don't be fooled, it is a doll. They throw it at you and in your surprise someone else is swiping your bags and pockets. When you see one walk around in a big circle.

Unique Suggestions: If you do want to start a conversation with these people it is advised that you remain friendly. Don't by any means insult them because they won't leave you alone the entire time you are there. As I said they are organized and will find a weak spot. If they found it the word spreads and you will be swarmed. But as I said just walk around them and you will be fine.

Fun Alternatives: An alternative... As stated before, the ignore tactic works quite well.

Especial if you take the walking tours around Berlin city you are mark as "tourist" and "visitor", some persons will take look at this and try to get money from you. It doesn't happen often, dont be scared! When I went on one of the tours there was a woman who holds a baby all covered up that doesnt seem to move of course, she says she needs money for the baby, please to give. Our guide who gives many tours every week and seemed to know everyone we passed says she always comes out at certain places or those like her to ask from tourists because everyone else who lives in Berlin knows this sort of game already. There was really no baby. This happened in front of the architecture museum in Lustgarten.

Unique Suggestions: The guide says you can give if you want but instead of to her give it to him because he was honest guy trying to make his living!

Fun Alternatives: You can ignore them if you wish they soon go away.