What would happen if I refused to pay the guy washing my car window?

[London2Baires]

Thanks for you explanation. I think we all at times try to make a point using humor and
that may not be understood as we intended.

I was going to say in this thread that I just give those guys 10 pesos and they are happy with that and go on to the next car. Part of my reasoning in doing that is that at least they are doing something; they are not just sitting on their duffs waiting for a handout ( well, for the most part no). And while we never know how much money another person gives away in other contexts and nobody likes being forced to give, it is so little money, especially for many Expats, as you say, that we probably do deserve criticism if we are not willing to give at least that.

The problem for me is that I have heard of beggar mafias and folks offered work who wanted to keep begging, and I want to make sure that my money goes to folks that really need it, because there are so many folks here and elsewhere that really do need it. Having said all that, giving 10 pesos to someone who may not need it as much as others is not a big deal.

The bottom line for me in all this discussion is that I probably need to be more generous than I am.

I agree with you 100%! Good points :=)

 

[Fiscal]

I have never seen someone start washing the window without a nod or some other go-ahead from the driver. I am not defending these people, as they would sooner rob you, but why not just make it clear you don't want the window washed if they start to do it?

And I agree with Perry, some cities are worse for this kind of stuff, such as Paris.

Outside the casino in Rosario with my my mother in law, who was driving (and Argentinian). She kept saying in Spanish she didn't have any small bills and waving him off. He kept pointing at me and then just decided to start wiping down th car window.

 

[London2Baires]

Outside the casino in Rosario with my my mother in law, who was driving (and Argentinian). She kept saying in Spanish she didn't have any small bills and waving him off. He kept pointing at me and then just decided to start wiping down th car window.

Yep, unfortunately as I suspected , things like this are pretty common.

 

[semigoodlookin]

Or if you don't feel like being generous (out of the people you could give money to in Argentina, I would put the window washers low down on the list), simply say no to them.

 

[Wryter47]

In New York they just spray your face with their spray bottles (and whatever's ine them)
through the crack in the window you opened to tell them to stop or that you refused to pay.
Sort of makes one look as if he'd been crying.

 

[Carmen]

in my opinion you need to have some art in refusing to pay a 0.50 dollar cents to this guys, otherwise the situation could go out of your control which could result super expensive in comparison

 

[zensailor]

why not just give him a few pesos and enjoy your good fortune and generous spirit?

 

[sts7049]

in my opinion you need to have some art in refusing to pay a 0.50 dollar cents to this guys, otherwise the situation could go out of your control which could result super expensive in comparison

or, people could have some respect and accept a no when someone says they don't want your service?