Namaste India - Shopping/Money
 

Hello helpful people. I'm a mature aged female going on a group tour in two weeks - the Golden Triangle .. I need money only for incidentals and of course shopping at markets etc.
Is it easy to find an ATM (Delhi, Jaipur, Agra) ? How much cash should I have on me do you think?
I assume I'll need small denominations - I hope the ATM will give that?

I do realise shopping is very individual ... but I have no idea ! I'll be buying everyone, scarves, bangles, elephants and I do enjoy art/craft and spiritual items myself.

Any other tips regarding money (I'm in Australia) would be appreciated.

We had no problem whatsoever finding ATMS in any of these three cities. They are very clearly marked and on every street corner, often in a little booth, with instructions in English. Once we had got used to the sequence of use [which is slightly different to UK in that in India once you had registered your PIN your card came out immediately and before you had used the key board to order your money] we had no problems at all.

Whilst the notes came out in varied amounts we did sometimes need to ask our hotel to change some of the larger notes into smaller denominations which they all did without any problem.

Because the items in markets etc are so cheap and because the ATMs are so readily found everywhere we did not carry a lot of money around just topped up as and when needed. However worth checking current situation as there has been an exchange of currency notes since we visited which caused problems when implemented in that ATMs and banks ran out of the new notes.

Loncall can't thank you enough for the information. Just what I needed. with gratitude, Sarah

often ATM's are out of $$, don't be surprised, just move on to the next one. they also sometimes limit the amount you can withdraw. try multiple withdrawals.

your hotels will breakdown your larger bills for you.

rhkkmk thank you - I won't panic if one is empty as you say I'll move on to the next ATM and the multiple withdrawals is a good idea too. with gratitude, Sarah

I'm not a big shopper, but FabIndia has beautiful table linens.

Yes now you can easily find ATM where money is available..and of course the amount of money you want..the ATM will provide you..hope you will enjoy..India is really adorable place to visit..

Some of this info looks a bit out of date.

See: http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...t-visitors.cfm

Since you are going to THE tourist area, you may be luckier than people visiting less touristed areas. If you do not want to bargain - HARD - find one of the government shops. If you are on a group tour do NOT shop where the guide takes you, his kickback/commission will be added to your cost.

Thanks so much Kathie and billirandall ...
also thursdayd it seems the money won't be a problem.

I'm not sure how I'll go bargaining hard .... people have said offer half and then work up ...

Hi Sarah... Yes offer half or even less than half. Often. When you start walking away from the deal is when they call you back to accept your deal.

That besides, if you are in Jaipur and Delhi, look for the following : Suvasa (for excellent cotton block printed linen and stuff), Anokhi (same as Suvasa but very very different designs), FabIndia, Good Earth, Central Cottage Industries Emporium. These shops have non-bargain able fixed prices and guarantee good stuff.

In Jaipur, go to Jauhari Bazaar (Jewellers Market) for bargain deals.

To continue, if you are interested in hand block printed cottons in Jaipur. Do visit the little village of Bagru just on the outskirts of Jaipur. That's block printing heaven.

Jauhari Bazaar will have tonnes of options in silver and semi precious stones hand made jewellery. And colourful shoes...

Currently , there should be no problem with cash at ATMs. A few days ago, there was a limit of 10,000 rupees (a bit less than 200 Aus dollars) in one transaction, but you could get up to 25,000 rupees/day total , but via different transactions. Strange. It could be different by now ( you are there i think?)

ATM denominations varied. Some gave only 2,000 rupee notes; others gave large amounts of 100 rupee notes!

SHOPPING: in Jaipur, do not miss SOMA . Their main branch is in Jaipur and they carry block print scarves, clothes, tablecloths end-able covers, cushion covers--you name it--all for fantastic fixed prices. More variety than Fabindia, which at least IME, has gone downhill in terms of selection.