Your Money Matters

If you live in the United States or Europe, you are probably rich. While you may not consider yourself rich, your income is likely far above that of many people around the world. We refer to ourselves as part of the first world while those in third world countries struggle. So what happens when a first world visitor visits a third world country? Does it matter how you spend your money?

First let it be said that your money definitely matters. The money from tourism is a significant part of the income stream of many countries. While hotels and restaurants may seem the main beneficiaries of this source of funds, others can benefit as well. However, it must be noted that your money can also do harm in third world countries so we need to make sure we are spending wisely.

Let’s look at the obvious first. I’ll make it short and simple: Don’t buy anything illegal or that causes harm to the people or the area in which they live. Things like ivory are well known to be illegal. However, there may be animals or plants that are illegal to remove or take out of the country or antiquities that have been stolen or uncovered illegally. Arm yourself with knowledge especially if you are looking to buy something not in the usual market place of the country.

Probably less obvious and more common is the issue of buying counterfeit items overseas. This is quite common in many areas, and we encountered it in Hong Kong this last year where the street markets hawk a wide variety of clothing and goods purported to be well known and expensive brands. However, everyone knows they are not real so what’s the harm?

First of all if you are American, you can get in trouble by bringing these items into the US. The law does allow you to bring in one of each type of item for yourself only. This means one t-shirt, one purse, one pair of shoes, etc. If you bring in more than one item, you can be fined. Others will comment that you are taking away legitimate business from the real company. You might counter that you could never afford the real thing so it’s no big deal. After all big companies can afford it.

While these are important considerations, I think there is another more significant aspect to consider, and that is where and how these goods are made. Many western brands that have manufacturing sites in third world countries have established work guidelines. These include such things as not allowing children to work or requiring a minimum pay and working conditions. These may not be as rigorous as some might like. Nevertheless it is often an improvement over normal work conditions in that country.

However, when it comes to counterfeit items, there is no one to make sure that any standards are being met. These standards include the type and quality of the materials as well as the working conditions of the workers. Those who made that fake Gucci purse could be children in extreme poverty or adults who are caught up in slave-like labor practices. There are some reports of this kind of manufacturing helping to finance terrorist activities. Items could be made with or have toxic chemicals in them. So the idea that it’s not a big deal to buy a counterfeit pair of shoes takes on a different perspective when we think about the harm it may be doing to others in the third world. It may harm people who we thought we were helping, and has potential to harm ourselves.

So what should you buy as a souvenir. One thing to consider is to try to buy things that are locally made and unique to the area. Many places are known for certain materials or types of art or craft. Getting something you can get nowhere else makes it a much more memorable purchase. If possible check to see where it is made. Even third world countries can import items from other countries. Recently in Africa I noted in the airport gift shops they had items from other areas of Africa other than the country we were in. It may have been authentically African, but it wasn’t something made in the area we had visited. In that sense it was not an authentic item for me.

When you make purchases, it is important to consider if you will actually have a reason to own it. That ceramic elephant may look cute, but where will it go? What will you do with it once it gets home? Is it something you want sitting on your shelf for the next ten years? Finding something more practical can be of greater benefit. Last year on a trip to Taiwan we were attracted to a small wooden lamp with a paper shade. Now it sits on our end table and reminds us of that trip and experience.

If you are thinking decor, instead of cluttering your shelves and tables with tchotchkes, consider buying paintings as a reminder of your trip. A while back we purchased a painting of a church in Mexico that we really liked. Subsequently we have purchase a number of small to medium sized pictures of churches in the locations where we have visited. Each picture reminds us of our time in that location. We look for items that are well done to show respect for those with artistic talent.

This leads me to the point that we need to show respect for the people we are making purchases from. Bargaining is a common practice in many parts of the world. While I don’t consider myself a good bargainer, I have done it when the need has arisen. However, I don’t see a need to push it too far. I would rather walk away and have the seller think they really stuck it to me than have the seller feel like they lost in the deal. (That will probably never happen to me as they are too good)

As an American who can afford to travel, my resources are far greater than those I am purchasing from. If they get a little too much from me, I’m not going to be upset. A Dominican friend of mine many years ago observed that Americans love to brag about the bargains they get. They don’t like paying full price. Perhaps when we travel to areas with less resources than our own, we should be willing to pay full price. We are probably still getting a bargain.

One final note on purchasing items, particularly in third world countries. It can be easy to purchase items from children or seemingly disabled adults to ease our sense of guilt as someone who has money. Unfortunately when someone gives money to a begging child the money will probably be taken from him and go to someone else. Even if the child does keep it, a few dollars here or there is not going to really do much good.

Rather than purchase something you don’t really want, and in the process encourage the seller to persist in his efforts, consider donating to a good charitable organization that works in that country. This might be sponsoring a child, buying a farm animal, donating to the drilling of a well, helping with reforestation, or any other number of worthwhile causes that can make a long lasting impact. Be sure to thoroughly check out the organization first, but this can make a real difference in someone’s life. It is this kind of purchase that is a memory not only for you but for someone else as well.

What are your thoughts on how your purchases can have an impact for good or ill in third world countries? Share your thoughts in the comment section below. I’d love to hear from you.

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