Tourists in India forced to busk for cash after ‘demonetisation’

Tourists in India forced to busk for cash after ‘demonetisation’

AUSTRALIAN and European tourists have been forced to busk and beg for money on the streets of India after “demonetisation” of high-value currency left them “virtually penniless”.

Around 10 to 12 travellers were seen dancing and playing instruments in front of a crowd in Pushkar, Rajasthan, after their banknotes became worthless and ATMs ran out of cash.

The group, which included holiday-makers from France and Germany, are trying to fund tickets to Delhi, where they can get help from their countries’ embassies, displaying placards reading, “You can help us” and “Money problem”.

Jayden, from Australia, told the Hindustan Times they were struggling to even afford food and water.

“We came here on November 8 to see the famous Pushkar fair,” he said.

“The same night, the government of India announced demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupee [$10 and $20] banknotes. Whatever change we had in Rs100 and lower denominations are exhausted.”

Their problem arose after Indian authorities announced on November 8 that all 500 and 1000 rupee banknotes were to be removed from circulation and were no longer legal tender.

Commercial banks are no longer exchanging the old notes for new currency. The Reserve Bank of India will still exchange old currency at customer service counters up to a limit of 2000 rupees (around $40), but long queues are expected.

Thousands of ATMs are not working and huge queues have formed at other machines, where withdrawals are typically limited because of cash shortages.

Indian citizens spotting the story about the tourists’ predicament have left commentsoffering to help on the India Times website, encouraging the travellers to get in touch on Facebook.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned Australians they may have to queue at several different machines and advised travellers to use electronic payments such as bank and credit cards wherever possible.

Their problem arose after Indian authorities announced on November 8 that all 500 and 1000 rupee banknotes were to be removed from circulation and were no longer legal tender.

Commercial banks are no longer exchanging the old notes for new currency. The Reserve Bank of India will still exchange old currency at customer service counters up to a limit of 2000 rupees (around $40), but long queues are expected.

Thousands of ATMs are not working and huge queues have formed at other machines, where withdrawals are typically limited because of cash shortages.

Indian citizens spotting the story about the tourists’ predicament have left commentsoffering to help on the India Times website, encouraging the travellers to get in touch on Facebook.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade warned Australians they may have to queue at several different machines and advised travellers to use electronic payments such as bank and credit cards wherever possible.