Most streets have no name, and if there is a name, there is usually no sign, and if there is a sign, it is always in Nepali script. A good sense of direction and a memory for landmarks is needed to navigate the maze of narrow streets. The streets would feel perfectly safe if it weren't for the maniac drivers. Beggars are rare, and are not seen away from the temples. However, street salesmen can be annoyingly persistent, and follow you for a long time.
Shop keepers vary.
Some aggressively try to get you into their shops, while others ignore you if you do go in. Bargaining is rare in Kathmandu, except for art and craft items, and taxi rides. I bought a tape of Nepalese folk music from one of the sarangi salesman, but was not interested in buying his sarangi, which he played for me. At dusk, I wandered around looking for an interesting place for dinner, and ended up on a street a couple of blocks east of Thamel. Away from tourist areas, Kathmandu becomes even more exotic.