changing left over currency
Mar 29th, 2017, 08:39 PM
#1
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changing left over currency
Will be traveling to India in few weeks and a question comes to mind about money exchange.
Suppose I have some left over Indian currency that I did not get chance to spend. Is it a good idea to exchange it at the airport before flying to US.
Or should I make extra effort to use up all Indian money before boarding because I do not want to hold onto currency I will not use for a long time.
Any advice, tips to share.
Have a great evening.
Suppose I have some left over Indian currency that I did not get chance to spend. Is it a good idea to exchange it at the airport before flying to US.
Or should I make extra effort to use up all Indian money before boarding because I do not want to hold onto currency I will not use for a long time.
Any advice, tips to share.
Have a great evening.
Mar 29th, 2017, 10:26 PM
#2
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I typically make a concerted effort to use up all my money. Since I have a no fee ATM card, as the trip draws to a close, I take out small increments of money. For your last hotel, ask them if you can use a combination of credit card and cash, and then keep a little extra for the taxi to the airport.
The exchange rate at the airport is pretty lousy, but you can also exchange at home, typically for slightly better rate. Remember that US banks will take your bills, but not coins.
I have sometimes given my extra coins to the ladies that clean the tables in the departure lounge. I tell the lady the truth--I had some extra change, and I'd like them to keep it. No one would be offended with that.
The exchange rate at the airport is pretty lousy, but you can also exchange at home, typically for slightly better rate. Remember that US banks will take your bills, but not coins.
I have sometimes given my extra coins to the ladies that clean the tables in the departure lounge. I tell the lady the truth--I had some extra change, and I'd like them to keep it. No one would be offended with that.
Mar 29th, 2017, 11:24 PM
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As of early February, NO USA banks were exchanging US Dollars for Indian Rupees or vice versa. That may have changed since the demonetization problems have resolved, but i wouldnt bring back Indian case with the hope that y0u can change it back to US Dollars.
It all depends on how much is left over, I'd say. On my recent trip, used quite a bit of "leftover" cash toward tips for the driver (s) and guide. I returned home with one 2,000 rupee note, worth about $30. I'll just keep it until next time,. And if by chance i don't return, the worst that happens is I'll be out $30.
Theo there thing you can do , IF you return home with Indian cash, is to see if anyone you know is going to India (either tourist, or NRI returning home briefly) and see if they will buy it from you at the xe or other exchange rates.
It all depends on how much is left over, I'd say. On my recent trip, used quite a bit of "leftover" cash toward tips for the driver (s) and guide. I returned home with one 2,000 rupee note, worth about $30. I'll just keep it until next time,. And if by chance i don't return, the worst that happens is I'll be out $30.
Theo there thing you can do , IF you return home with Indian cash, is to see if anyone you know is going to India (either tourist, or NRI returning home briefly) and see if they will buy it from you at the xe or other exchange rates.
Mar 30th, 2017, 06:31 AM
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Both of you California ladies are amazing. Great tips and replies.
Glad I asked this question and got some good ideas.
Now looking forward to my trip and hope all goes well.
Thanks for your help. Happy travels to enjoy another adventure.
Glad I asked this question and got some good ideas.
Now looking forward to my trip and hope all goes well.
Thanks for your help. Happy travels to enjoy another adventure.
Mar 30th, 2017, 09:10 AM
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BigRuss--thanks. I did that exact thing at Beijing airport. Used up all left over money to buy some airport snacks and candy and even a bookmark.
Took a while to figure out the best way to use up everything in my coin purse.
Actually it was fun and a nice math workout too!
Have a fabulous day.
Took a while to figure out the best way to use up everything in my coin purse.
Actually it was fun and a nice math workout too!
Have a fabulous day.
Sep 8th, 2017, 09:47 PM
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Ha Ha. We always have lots of Indian cash to change on our way out. On our 2009 trip we were able to change quite a bit at the airport on the way out by going to each of the three change booths. In 2016 this had changed and only a limited amount of money could be changed back into foreign currency.
You may be able to give the change to the airport staff but they will be wary about taking it as it is now forbidden for them to get tips. Perhaps the toilet attendants if you are intending to give to both if there are two or to the one who is there. Wait staff may be hesitant to take it in case they are seen and may lose their jobs. In 2009 the wheelchair attendant was not happy with the tip given and wanted more. In 2015 they were happy to take what was given to them, although this was outside the station with few other eyes to see. In 2016 they wore vests which clearly stated "no tip" and when we tried to give them a tip, they refused it.
You may be able to give the change to the airport staff but they will be wary about taking it as it is now forbidden for them to get tips. Perhaps the toilet attendants if you are intending to give to both if there are two or to the one who is there. Wait staff may be hesitant to take it in case they are seen and may lose their jobs. In 2009 the wheelchair attendant was not happy with the tip given and wanted more. In 2015 they were happy to take what was given to them, although this was outside the station with few other eyes to see. In 2016 they wore vests which clearly stated "no tip" and when we tried to give them a tip, they refused it.
Sep 11th, 2017, 11:01 AM
#9
On departure day keep what cash you need, if any, to pay for transport to the airport. Use the rest of the cash to pay part of your lodging bill if it was not prepaid.
If you are making multiple stops then you can start doing it, spending down the cash on lodging, at the next to last or earlier stay. Do that so that on departure day you won't have cash left over after paying your final lodging bill in full with cash.
If they already charged your cc for the bill then they can back it out, take your cash, and charge what it left. Get receipts for both.
If you are making multiple stops then you can start doing it, spending down the cash on lodging, at the next to last or earlier stay. Do that so that on departure day you won't have cash left over after paying your final lodging bill in full with cash.
If they already charged your cc for the bill then they can back it out, take your cash, and charge what it left. Get receipts for both.
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