'Betel nut beauties'

Hard times for 'betel nut beauties' as Taiwan tries to kick deadly addiction

The top she wears is tight, and the transparent miniskirt she's wearing reveals a tattoo on her hip. She's waiting for truck drivers or working men to stop and buy her goods.

In most other cities, it might be assumed those "goods" were sexual services.

But not here.

Ling Ling sells betel nuts, an addictive snack that is hugely popular in Taiwan, India, Myanmar and other parts of Asia.

"The more beautiful you are, the more money you can make," she says. "That's why I dress like this."

 

Deadly and addictive