How to travel in less amount of money in India

Today, if you simply walk down a street quietly, you can hear everyone speaking about nothing else but the effect of demonetization/currency ban on their lives. Everybody has a reaction on the sudden banning of Rs 500 and Rs 1000 currency notes, as both ceased to be legal tender after November 7, 2016. Some people are positive towards the ban while others are cursing the government and PM.

This post does not intend to portray our perspective on the issue of demonetization. The sole reason for us to come out and write about this is to communicate a few ways in which our travel buddies can avoid the common inconveniences because of the sudden announcement.

As is the case with everything in life, we can negate the effect of this contingency as well, through GOOD PLANNING! If you take care of few things well, you possibly might a

1. Adopt online transactions:

Once you start for your trip, you might find it difficult to get currency notes of new denominations, as they are still improving the circulation. As such, this requires you to be frugal with your cash spends. But thankfully, a slew of e-commerce sites offer online payment options, so travel commerce has largely turned online for bigger spends.

The demonetization move from the government tends to promote the adoption of online commerce among the larger sections of the population, and we think, it is in the National Interest as a whole. From the booking of hotels, cabs, paying food bills, most of the things can be easily done online. There are more & easier alternatives available and many people are not aware of them. This move will infuse awareness among these sections of the population.

2. Make sure your travel, accommodation, and basic bookings are done well in advance :

This is a good practice and is all the more valued, now that there is a shortage of cash currency.

> Book hotels in advance too and pay through cards online.

> Shop at supermarkets and large stores that accept credit/debit cards. Save maximum cash.

> Book your outstation taxi in advance using GetMeCab app or any other app for that matter.

3. Keep your basic medical supplies in place:

Before you leave for your dream trip to India, make sure you have a first-aid kit in place and also specific necessary prescribed medicines if any.

Worst case, if some emergency comes up you can easily use your 500 Rs old currency notes at Hospitals and pharmacies. So stay positive and there is absolutely no reason to panic.

4. You can try using PayTM to minimize the effect of demonetization on your life:

An online payments application called PayTM has truly turned out to be exceptionally helpful to people during this nation-wide hassle and has gained immense popularity and trust in the process. Also after the demonetization announcement starting the bank on 8th of November, they have very smartly boosted their on-field marketing efforts and spread their services among many Indian cities with a very high speed. You can find PayTM QR codes even at a roadside stall, and smaller vendors in small towns today.

5. Try to withdraw as much cash as you can from big cities:

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in India are not bigger cities. Unlike cities, the banks in smaller towns and countryside would not bother transferring cash to their ATMs more than once a day and such smaller lots are entirely consumed within a couple of hours these days. It is smarter to withdraw cash from bigger cities and not rely on off-track smaller towns or typical tourist destinations.

6. Ask for 100 Rupee notes when you exchange currency in banks:

Try to get as much amount as you can in the form of Rs 100 notes when you go to exchange old currency in banks. This is because a vendor might refuse to give you a lot of change against a Rs 2000 note while you buy something. And as of today, the Rs 500 note is still not in wider circulation.

7. Non-Indian tourists can also get access to new currency easily:

Foreign tourists can collect up to Rs 15,000 from Western Union or general post office. You just need to carry your passport and Visa. Make sure you do that in time as it might take a couple of hours considering the current rush.

We believe you can dodge the sudden currency ban/demonetization amendment if you do the above said, and till the time the circulation of currency improves, which is expected to take another few weeks.

What are other ways that travellers can adopt?

What do you suggest?

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