Demonetisation Hasn't Only Put Indian In Queues, Foreign Tourists Are Also Facing Trouble
Demonetisation has taken a toll on Foreign tourists as well.
Don't think that you and your friends are the only (according to government temporary) sufferers of the demonetisation, the international tourists, who landed here with their plans to spend some time during the pleasant November - minus pollution - are also finding it tough.
PTI
The tourists visiting India are in a crisis as neither they have Indian currency in smaller denominations nor they are getting it exchanged for the new notes.
"I reached just before the new exchange policy and got 500 notes for the ATM. I understand that priority should be given to Indian citizens. However, tourists have to face guest house bills. Not everybody can afford going to fancy hotels. Besides, foreign tourists usually buy their return ticket on the internet; if they wish to go back earlier they need to buy a new ticket. I am not travelling anymore with foreign currencies as it is unsafe. But I understand that banks wouldn't be able to change big foreign notes," Christine Ardin, a French tourist told IndiaTimes.
Reuters
"Every time we use our international credit/debit card, banks take Rs 300. So, it can be expensive to use it everyday. Another issue foreign tourists have to face is to understand how the replacement system works. Are we in the end suppose to stand in long queue everybody to get money to get by?," she further added.
Another tourist, who arrived after the announcement of the scheme had his share of misfortune.
"Arriving on the morning of the November 10, and being in Delhi, we found that we were not able to get any money. The hotel had all its cash taken away and as a result they couldn't give us small denominations, which is difficult when you are a tourist walking around and you need public convenience and you want to give tips; we couldn't do any of that," a tourist was quoted by ANI.
Reuters
"The situation without any Indian money at all was very difficult. People were understanding, and even in some places, they took British pounds from us in order to be able to get over this problem. But, it really is quiet a difficulty. We are entirely reliable on credit cards. Because it's another day, and now we are in Shimla, we find that there are ATMs open. I am hoping that things will get easier," added the tourist.
Even at tourist places like Taj Mahal, the ticket counters aren't accepting money in bigger denomination and it has made lives of the tourists quite difficult. On Monday, foreign tourists visiting Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, were caught off guard as ticket counters refused to accept their Rs 500 and 1,000 notes, and groups of foreigners were seen chipping in with change to buy tickets.
"I cannot buy a ticket because the ticket counter told me that Rs 500 rupee and 1,000 notes do not work here. I don't know how, but I cannot find a way in India," said a Chinese tourist.
Reuters
Local money ex-changers who initially cashed on the crisis as they price of US dollar rose to Rs 120 from the usual Rs 65 too are facing huge problem, as they themselves don't have enough cash to feed the demand from tourists.
"it's a crisis. Initially, we were able to meet the large demand of Indian currency in smaller denominators. But now our suppliers have given up and we aren't able to meet the demand of foreign nationals who seek Indian currency," said a local agent who provides foreign currency exchange.
