The majority of these made their way abroad as shuike who carried goods and money between their native places and overseas communities on behalf of overseas Chinese. Many also led new emigres abroad after lending them their travel expenses. Still others, when asked to do so by their elders or hired by fellow villagers, would deliver young brides-to-be to their future spouses in other lands.
水客原是經常往來於原鄉與僑居地、替海外華人帶錢帶物的「個體從業者」，不僅扮演「僑批員」角色，也常代為先行墊付盤纏，帶引同鄉「新客」出洋；有的或因長輩之命，或因同鄉委託，亦把「唐山妹」帶出成親。