Roadjunky Travel Forums

I just recently hitch hiked in Cambodia and experienced a moral dilema that i hadnt come across before while hitching in other countries in the west. I was trying to convince people that i had no money, when in reality i am 100times richer then them, and have a world of oportunities that they could only dream of.
I have no problem getting a ride off people; but when a tuk tuk driver takes you into his family home, feeds you, gives you a bed and organises a ride for you the next day, trying to shove money into your hands as you leave...what to do then??

Is it ethical to ask for a free ride off those who have less then us?

If you have no money I'd say it's ok.

If you do have cash and want a free ride for some imagined ideal of hitchhiking in a culture where people routinely contribute for the petrol then no.

A bit of cash can make a difference to some poor sod driving a truck and you've had amore meaningful cultural exchange. In the West, i feel we're a bit hung up about parting with money, reasoning that it transforms the encounter into something commerical.

But i would contribute to the petrol expenses of a friend if he gave me a lift to another town. You can always put some notes in an envelope so as not to hurt anyone's feelings or else go to the market and bring them back some fish...

yeh thats very true....i was pretty broke but still had enough money to survive.
i just didnt want to viewed as a dollar symbol cos im a westener.
i was left feeling very unsure and slightly guilty. But gratefully i have learnt alot from this experience, and will be better prepared in the future

very true what you said tom, cheers