A group of travellers were filmed dancing, singing and performing on streets of India after high value currency notes of 500 and 1000 were demonetised in sudden move by the Indian government.
A small group of 10 to 12 travellers from France, Germany, Sweden and Australia 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.
These tourists from France and Germany, are trying to fund plane trips 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.”
"As a last resort, we took recourse to performing on the streets to get some help from locals so that we can at least reach Delhi to seek help from our embassies," said Jayden.
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.
INDIANS OFFER HELP ON FACEBOOK
When their plight was shared on social media, several Indian citizens offered help to these stranded tourists.
TRAVEL ADVISORY BY AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT
Source: Facebook
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians about the recent demonetisation move in India. They have advised travellers to use electronic payments such as bank and credit cards wherever possible.
“Due to the uncertainty of obtaining cash, ensure your trip is planned in such a way so as not to depend on the availability of cash,” reads DFAT’s advice to tourists on its Smart Traveller website.
