In Reply to: Help me say "No thank-you" posted by jewels in perth on Monday, 25. April 2005 at 15:20 Bali Time:
to just say Tidak is considered rude.
I cringe when I hear stories of people telling hawkers to ---- off! Those hawkers are just trying to make a living, and if not by taking advantage of the tourists, then how?!
I have found using your hands to help you say no ( a low wave) helps or saying Jalan Jalan (walking). A sure to way to stop any further 'pestering' is to say you have no money (only works if you are not carrying any bags). For one truly sticky hawker, I stopped, turned to face him, put my hands on his shoulders, looked him in the eyes and said "I said no". I DID NOT touch him on the head. But if what I did was offensive, could someone please enlighten me.