change? neh

julesa

having run the gauntlet of delhi and agra, the most common and frustrating scam we come across is the most simple - vendors simply denying possession of any change, and therefore you must leave your whole note with them.

is there some cultural thing here? i don't generally mind leaving the extra, as it's mostly not that much, but the problem is, i _need_ the change or i just end up with 100s and 500s.

i'd be interested if anyone has come across this.

New-South-Welshman

It's always best to leave the product or service behind, and either tell them you'll get it from somewhere else, or you're going to go look for change. Always worked for me.

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capt_mahajan

Nothing cultural. they are just trying to shortchange you.

goagirlwannabee

Ya this has happened quite a lot to me - esp in taxis - take the advice from our learned friend new south welshman

dhans

NSW advice is the best! On the other hand, I've also met a lot of vendors that do make an effort.

btw:

How to get rid of a slightly torn banknote (which Indians normally don't accept): Order the Coke, drink it and then when they refuse the note, deny that qou have any other change .

Hans

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Nick-H

Another vote for NSW's advice. But you should expect them to go somewhere and get the change! This is especially true of drivers.

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Just one member of the IndiaMike Mod Team

SANJAY_DEL

Taxi and autorickshaw drivers do it all the time! Be sure to carry the exact fare you have agreed on, or be prepared to pay up the 'forced' tips!

sirensongs

That's because change comes from within. ;-)

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Nick-H

...And you have to really want it!

PeakXV

It's almost worth the loss of a few rupees "not" to have the proper change with rickshaw driver. As you pass him the 100 rps note - he immediately claims that he has "no change sir".

You then demand the obvious request "find some bud!"

Then everybody within earshot goes into this great animated pocket searching routine which you swear must have been rehearsed for years on unsuspecting fares - and then miraculously and in unison all display empty pocket linens for your eyes witness.

They all deserves Oscars I think .....

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Don't go to India ~ Pre-trip Warnings & Misconceptions?

goangoangone

I always get a bundle of 10s or 20s. Keep them at home and stuff a few in your sky rocket each morning.

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marctiga

well im goin to goa for the first time and im not gona get riped off by this "no change sir" scam from taxi drivers

ive had that before in malaysia

before i get in the taxi im gona ask them "do you have change" if they say "no" im sayin "byeeeeee" and walk to the next one!!!

New-South-Welshman

You do have to give the benefit of doubt sometimes. I mean they can genuinely not have any change, even how unlikely it maybe.

But just like others have said, it's best so carry around small change, for rickshaws, samosas on the roadside, or for a beggar.

georgt

that's the way it goes, if you carry large note bills you are nobody, but if you are full of ten note bill rupies you really have the situation under control

Norway

I very soon understood I needed 10 or 20 rupies both for canges and for tipping.

C.