How to Panhandle Safely

Panhandling can be an effective way to earn some cash, but you’ll need to choose a busy area and ask people appropriately to make it work. Choose a place where there’s a lot of foot traffic, like a subway stop or urban campus, since you’ll find it easier to talk to more people. It’s a good idea to move to a new spot every once in a while so you don’t wear out your welcome. When you ask for money, be polite and always say thank you whether or not they give you any. Being courteous will encourage more people to give to you, whereas being aggressive or rude will only lead to confrontation. You should also ask for something specific, since people are more likely to give you a few cents if your story sounds believable. For example, it would be better to say you need 40 cents for a bus ticket than tell someone you need money for a bus ticket. Avoid getting into disputes with other panhandlers, since this could put your safety at risk. Remember to stash your money somewhere safe from time to time so you're not carrying large amounts of cash around with you. For tips on how to find the best cities for panhandlers, read on!