We should be very careful when we use a word/term like "begging" that can cause offense to another culture. Different cultures react differently, even if term/word is not malicious in intent. Asians are generally cautious in making remarks that could be misconstrued.
Here in America we call them street artist or street performers. These guys moved around a lot in various hot spots around the city. They go where the crowds would be at (especially in Houston where the car is king) in ball games, music out door gatherings, and such.