Street people
If you stop to watch a busker or performer, you are expected to pay. If you are just walking past, don’t be pressurised into giving money.
Don’t give money to beggars and vagrants. If you wish to help, find a registered charity who can control what the money is used for (ie not drugs). We use the Margins Project but there are many others and they will appreciate your support.
Sadly, some people asking for money have contactless card readers or demand notes only (£5 upwards). It’s a business. Beware.
We can’t say anything about street food. We avoid it as we have heard so many horror stories.
Similar thoughts are for the people who do bicycle rickshaws. We’ve heard tales of prices being quoted then changed, extras demanded with aggression, people being taken to dodgy areas then more money demanded to take them back, and so on. We avoid them.
Human statues. You’re coming to London and you want this? If you take their picture, you give them money. We passed someone the other day being told £20 was required.
Especially outside tube stations are gangs of people, often in blue jackets, asking for money for some charity. We are told by Tfl that they are just con people. They take your money and pocket it.
We have the usual Big Issue sellers. They expect you to pay but not take the item.