Beach hawkers are common on most beaches of the island.
Often, they sell paréos (sarongs), souvenir products,
Ralph Lauren shirts, beach towels, oysters, shells, pineapples,
even tours and excursions, all claiming to be cheapest and
most popular around.
While some tourists do not mind the daily regular intrusion
of the friendly beach hawkers, many others have learnt to
avoid them, either because they have previously been 'cheated'
on prices or simply from hearsay.
You might find youself paying Rs. 2,000 (US$65) for 3 oysters!
And this is speaking from experience! Or better, Rs. 4,000
for an imitation pearl necklace (no pearl culture in Mauritius).
Yes, unfortunately beach hawkers do not have a very positive
image in that they may not be the most honest business people
- very often overpricing their products and excursions.
Do exercise caution even with those who operate on private
resort beaches and who claim to have a license to operate
in the area because the license does not prove business
ethics !!!
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