In "The Beach" by Alex Garland, the author expresses a discomfort with engaging in financial transactions in impoverished nations. This ambivalence stems from a moral dilemma between the ethical concern of haggling in the face of poverty and the fear of being taken advantage of. The character grapples with the complexities of value and fairness in such contexts.

Garland highlights the struggle many travelers face when interacting with local economies. While there's a desire to respect the local culture and its hardships, there is also a personal instinct to avoid being exploited. This conflict illustrates the broader challenges regarding economic interactions in various socio-economic environments.